It’s hard to find picture books that mirror (exactly) what Liliana’s comprehension and interest levels demand.  You might find the same thing.  So, you do what all parents do, and that is, as you’re reading, you adjust things (that is, until they notice what you’re doing…and balk).

These are two we’re enjoying now.  I have to admit.  The first one is one of the simpler ones I’ve seen, but the girl’s fantasy world is so delightful, that both Liliana and I end up in giggles.  [It doesn’t take much these days…]

Higher!  Higher! is about a girl whose father pushes her on a swing.

She sees a giraffe!

She sees kids playing on top of a tall building!

And so it goes.  She sees an explorer on a mountaintop, people on a plane, a monkey in a rocket ship…an alien!

And of course, when she finally makes the final arc back to earth and lands in her father’s arms, she exclaims…

…which is exactly what Liliana’s saying on the final page.

The second book is A Small Brown Dog with a Wet Pink Nose, written by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen and illustrated by Linzie Hunter.

Amelia wants a dog, and she goes to great lengths to explain this to her parents.  “‘Oh no,’ said Amelia’s mother.  Amelia’s father added, ‘We’re just not ready for a dog.’  That didn’t stop Amelia from asking, every day, just in case they changed their minds.”

Amelia comes up with a plan.  Why not just pretend she has one and make everyone respond appropriately to the “imaginary” dog?  “Shut the door so Bones won’t get out!” she says to her mother.

When Bones suddenly disappears, Amelia is distraught and begs her parents to go out looking for him.  They do–and whaddya know?–the last stop is the animal shelter.  Do you see the small brown dog with the wet pink nose?

“We found you,” says Amelia.  “And if anybody asks,” she whispers in his ear, “your name is Bones.”

As important as it is to face the reality of every day life, it sure is fun to immerse yourself in the imaginary every once in a while.  In fact, I think the imagination informs reality.

How about you?  What brings you joy?