March 20 is World Storytelling Day, a celebration held annually on the March equinox and the week after. It is a worldwide celebration of the art of oral storytelling and many people all over the world tell and listen to stories on the same day to honor the holiday. It began in Sweden in the early 1990’s and by the mid 1990’s, countries such as Australia, Mexico, and other Latin American nations also joined in celebrating the occasion. It wasn’t until 2003 when Canada and other countries honored World Storytelling Day. Every year, there is a storytelling theme of some sort. This 2019, the theme is “Myths, Legends, and Epics.” As we celebrate oral storytelling, we’ve curated 10 of the best books for kids on Amazon right now. Share a story with your family today and celebrate the art of oral storytelling.
1. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
Ever felt so smitten with your children as they slowly drift to sleep? Take them to bed with this creative and clever story from Emily Winfield, who captures all the loving things that parents think of when they look at their children. This book features beautiful, humorous illustrations in a neat story that both children and parents will absolutely love. Shop at Amazon.
2. River Rose and the Magical Lullaby by Kelly Clarkson
Singer, songwriter, Grammy Award-winning artist, and now children’s book author Kelly Clarkson offers her picture book debut with “River Rose and the Magical Lullaby,” inspired by her real life daughter, River Rose. This magical book follows River Rose as she heads to the zoo the following day. But like other kids who are excited for a trip, she can’t sleep! Good thing, mommy Kelly has a special lullaby for River Rose (which you can listen to in the link included in the book). Join in on the fun as River Rose discovers animals and adventures in this fun bedtime story. Get yours at Amazon.
3. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
Imagine the horror of a young boy named Duncan when he opens his box of crayons to find out that the crayons are no longer interested in fulfilling their purpose. Black is boycotting because he wants to be used for more than just outlining, while blue is tired of coloring the sea. Orange and Yellow have waged war over who’s the true color of the sun, while Beige is resentful for playing second fiddle to Brown. What is Duncan to do? This book from Drew Daywalt is perfect for World Storytelling Day as it is the winner of the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award, Goodreads’ 2013 Best Picture Book of the Year, Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2013, and Amazon’s 2013 Best Picture Book of the Year. Pick up a copy at Amazon.
4. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
Giraffes can’t dance…or can they? You’ll have to pick up this charming book to find out. The story follows Gerald the giraffe, who only wants to dance. But with his lengthy, lanky limbs, how could he? Gerald finally gets the courage to dance when he receives some encouragement from an unlikely friend. This book is yet another of award-winning author Giles Andreae’s amazing creations, among which we also love “K Is For Kissing a Cool Kangaroo” and “The Chimpanzees of Happytown.” Shop at Amazon.
5. Tommy Tinker And The Lost Candy Factory by Teelie Turner and Aisha Bilal
Tommy Tinker, the last of the Tinker fairies in the Royal Fairy Kingdom, is swamped. He has no idea why his “for repair” pile has grown into an enormous hill on his home. Before he could continue with his work, however, he gets an unexpected visitor. A restless man has come to ask for help and Tommy Tinker is about to go on a mission. Find out what mission it will be when you grab a copy at Amazon.
6. Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
When one thinks of pets, one would think of dogs or cats, even birds and fish. But for one little boy, his heart is settled on having a tiny pet elephant. So when the local Pet Club won’t let his pet elephant be part of Pet Club Day, he will go through great lengths to prove that all pets come in different shapes and sizes. Shop at Amazon.
7. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Tacos definitely have a worldwide appeal. That’s what you’ll learn in this fun little book from Adam Rubin. You’ll find that dragons do love tacos, and it’s all fun and games until the dragon gets his hands on some spicy salsa. Find out what happens then when you pick up a copy at Amazon.
8. Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
There’s an important lesson to be learned in this fun book from Suzanne Lang. Follow Jim the chimpanzee as he tries to deal with bad mood. His friends can’t understand why he’s feeling that way, despite it being a beautiful day. His friends try to help, but it only ends in a meltdown. This book is great for teaching kids how to deal with their feelings. Shop at Amazon.
9. The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
This little storybook from Deborah Diesen follows a little pout-pout fish who discovers that his gloominess and “dreary wearies” isn’t all there is to life. Discover the magic when he explores the wonderful colors of the ocean in this book. Get yours at Amazon.
10. Bobby and the Monsters by Marie Blair
Rich rhymes and fantastical illustrations await you and your kids in this fun book about Bobby, who like many other children, is afraid to go to sleep! Discover some fun “monsters” who are charming and loveable in this book that you’ll love to read to your kids over and over again. Get yours at Amazon.
Prop open a book on this World Storytelling Day and share the magic with your kids. For more amazing ideas for your family and home, check out the links below.
15 Best Gifts for Your Bookworm Best Friends
Feed Your Soul: Top Inspirational Books You Should Read Right Now
12 Books to Read for World Book Day
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