Working Mommy Journal

There is no better way to show your love for your children and the special person in your life then with a book. Books take your children on an adventure, teach them a moral lesson and give them a chance to learn and explore. You can literally find a book for every occasion, whether it be birthdays, holidays or special occasions. As you prepare your gifts for your loved ones, think about adding a book in with the chocolates, flowers, gift card or toy – they make lasting memories for your child.

This Valentine’s Day, Raincoast books has rounded up their top four picks of special books that showcase love, strength, believing in yourself and grace.

The Fox Wish

This story follows two children who go looking for their jump rope and discover that a group of foxes have claimed it as an answer to their wish. With classic illustrations and lyrical text, here is a subtle, sensitive piece of magic that proves to sisters, brothers, and foxes alike that the trusted familiar often lives right next to the truly extraordinary-if only you have the eyes to see it.

Kimiko Aman is one of Japan’s leading children’s book authors and her fantasy tales are loved by all generations. Her books have won awards such as the Noma Children’s Literature Award, the Shogakukan Literature Award, and-for this book-the Japan Picture Book Award. She lives in Kyoto, Japan.

Komako Sakai has illustrated numerous award-winning books for children, many of which have been published in the United States, including Emily’s Balloon . Her illustrations have garnered such awards as the Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava Golden Apple and the Nati per Leggere. She lives in Tokyo, Japan.

Love Is

Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any tender moment, this story of a girl and a duckling who share a touching year together will melt the hearts of old and young a like. In this tenderly funny book, a girl and a duckling grow in their understanding of what it is to care for each other, discovering that love is as much about letting go as it is about holding on tight. Children and parents together will adore this fond exploration of growing up while learning about the joys of love offered and love returned.

Diane Adams is the author of Two Hands to Love You, among other picture books. She lives in California.

Claire Keane is the author and illustrator of Once Upon A Cloud and is also known for her development art for the movies Tangled and Frozen . She lives in Venice Beach, California, with her husband and kids.

Leave Me Alone!

A 2017 Caldecott Honor Book that The New York Times calls both classic and ultra contemporary,” Leave Me Alone! is an epic tale about one grandmother, a giant sack of yarn, and her ultimate quest to finish her knitting.

One day, a grandmother shouts, “LEAVE ME ALONE!” and leaves her tiny home and her very big family to journey to the moon and beyond to find peace and quiet to finish her knitting. Along the way, she encounters ravenous bears, obnoxious goats, and even hordes of aliens! But nothing stops grandma from accomplishing her goal – knitting sweaters for her many grandchildren to keep them warm and toasty for the coming winter.

Vera Brosgol’s slyly clever and unexpectedly funny modern folktale is certain to warm even the coldest of hearts.

Vera Brosgol was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1984 and moved to the United States when she was five. Her first graphic novel, Anya’s Ghost, was published in 2011 by First Second. Her picture book Leave Me Alone! was a 2017 Caldecott Honor book. She drew storyboards for the animated films Coraline, ParaNorman, and The Boxtrolls . She lives in Portland, Oregon, and at last count has knit twenty-two sweaters. Vera Brosgol was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1984 and moved to the United States when she was five. Her first graphic novel, Anya’s Ghost, was published in 2011 by First Second. Her picture book Leave Me Alone! was a 2017 Caldecott Honor book. She drew storyboards for the animated films Coraline, ParaNorman, and The Boxtrolls . She lives in Portland, Oregon, and at last count has knit twenty-two sweaters.

Gracious

From New York Times bestselling author of Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps Kelly Williams Brown comes a funny, charming guide to modern civility.

Graciousness is practicing the arts of kindness, thoughtfulness, good manners, humanity, and basic decency. As a bonus, it makes your life and even the world much lovelier.

It’s not about memorizing every rule of traditional etiquette to a T (though there is so much there to explore!) or spending all your time maintaining a spotless house. It’s about approaching the world with compassion, conviction, self-confidence, and whole-heartedness, whether you’re at the Met Gala or saying good morning to a convenience store clerk.

Throughout the book, she provides tips on how to deal with the people and circumstances that challenge even the most socially graceful among us, advice on how to practice graciousness in everyday life, and thoughtful discussions on being kind to those around you without ever losing your sense of self. With the wisdom of gracious folk ranging from celebrities to the author’s mother-in-law, this book explains the perspective, actions – and, sometimes, inaction – that help us move smoothly and effectively through whatever life tosses at us.

So as you finish up your Valentine’s day shopping, it’s not too late to pick up a great story of love, inspiration and strength to add to your gift and to show your love for the special person in your life. Make the gift even more personalized with a special note written on the inside cover that they can cherish for years to come.

Wishing you all the best this Valentine’s Day!