Among the many things that I’ve come to better understand as a new parent is that children’s books are a literary genre of their own. Who knew there’d be board books, peek-a-flaps, and battery-powered books that make sounds? Some books have clever storylines and rhymes. Some have exquisite artwork. They literally come in all shapes and sizes. Child development experts stress the importance of daily reading to infants and toddlers. Good children’s books—ones that both child and parent enjoy—can make reading time all the more fun. With that in mind, here are a few of my favorites from the past year (though they were not necessarily published in 2021). And I’ve learned something else along the way: Our local library is indispensable—because children’s books ain’t cheap!
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So there you have it—one dad’s favorites of the year. Of course, there are many other lists of excellent choices in children’s literature. No matter what you pick up, keep on reading!
