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This is a really special book. Maybe even a really important book if you're a man or helping to raise a young man. I fall into both categories. Masculinity always seemed  Big Boys Cry is a tender, empowering picture book that gently challenges outdated notions of masculinity. Written and illustrated by Jonty Howley, the story follows a young boy on his first day of school. The boy is scared. His father is scared too and doesn't know what to do. He tells his son, “big boys don’t cry.” It's advice most of us men have received for a myriad of different reasons, but even if well-intended, it can have chilling effects as we grow into men. On his way to school, the boy sees a big tough fisherman with tears in his eyes as he says goodbye to his family. On his journey to school, the boy sees men of all sorts crying for a wide range of reasons. Spoiler alert: the boy has a good day at school and when he gets home, he finds his father with tears in his eyes. It was your fist day at a new school and I was scared for you his father tells him. The magic of this book lies in its simplicity and heart. Howley’s lyrical prose is spare yet deeply resonant, creating space for children (and adults) to reflect on their own feelings. The illustrations are bold and expressive, full of whimsical details and vivid color that capture both Levi’s internal emotional world and the supportive, tear-friendly community he finds.  Without preaching, it opens a window into the emotional lives of boys and encourages self-expression with compassion and grace. It’s an ideal read-aloud for families, teachers, or counselors looking to start conversations about feelings, empathy, and the power of vulnerability. This book is a wonderful tool for helping all children understand that there's a width and breadth to any emotion and that when men (or anyone for that matter) are more open to examining and understanding those emotions, they become stronger and the world becomes a better place. Gentle, affirming, and beautifully illustrated, Big Boys Cry deserves a place on every child’s bookshelf.  

Loneliness can be tough for kids, especially when they’re away from their loved ones. Whether it’s a parent on a work trip, a grandparent who lives far away, or even just a child spending their first night in their own room, the comfort of a familiar voice can make all the difference.  

In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere. From tablets and TVs to smartphones and gaming consoles, children are exposed to technology from an early age. While screen time can be educational and entertaining, too much of it can lead to issues such as sleep disruption, decreased attention spans, and reduced physical activity.

Dream Animals is the perfect book to pair with the Read To Me Recordable Book Buddy because its gentle, rhythmic storytelling and dreamy illustrations create an ideal atmosphere for a recorded bedtime story. With the Recordable Book Buddy, loved ones can record themselves reading this magical tale, allowing children to hear a familiar, soothing voice whenever they need comfort—whether it’s at bedtime, naptime, or during moments of quiet reflection.

I was first drawn to this book by the cover. It was sitting up by the cash wrap and little Victor's eyes drew me in; so expressive and cute. Also, the watercolor style is unique and beautiful. I snapped it up without even reading it. I can usually tell if a picture book is going to be for me just by the cover. When I got it home and opened it up this morning I was not disappointed.

This book will always have a special place in my heart. Five, maybe six, years ago my Mom moved from the midwest across the country to New Jersey to help my Sister take care of my niece and nephew. To help her get her bearings, Mom and I would go exploring. One of those explorations took us to Mass MoCA in the Berkshires. Mass MoCA is the largest modern art museum in the country. It's housed in an old textile mill and is pretty astounding. What does all that have to do with a kid's book?