Bedtime Story Pick - Wildspeak

Wildspeak written by Sangma Francis, illustrated by Lexi Vangsnes: I picked up this book, and it was love at first read <3

If you have plans to spend some time in nature with your kiddo, you HAVE to read this story the night before. It follows two kids wandering around in nature, over streams, through forests and fields (kind of the way we used to in the 90s!), all the while making up their own magical words for the things they see, hear and feel.

My kids and I chose our favorite word on each page.

As if the magical words aren't delightful enough, the illustrations are GORGEOUS. Getting lost in the illustrations made us all want to get outside... which is exactly what we did the next day (in beautiful Cape Henlopen in Delaware), and you better believe we made up our OWN magical words for the things we saw, heard, and felt in nature. Whisper-web.... shimmer-slip... sandslurp... morning-caw...

So, read the book, love the book, and get outside (even the backyard counts!).

Here are a few more recent bedtime story favorites from our household:

Hedgehogs Don't Wear Underwear by Marissa Valdez - a delightful picture book about being yourself

Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron - a disgustingly sweet goodnight story for kids who love monsters

Beach Toys vs. School Supplies by Mike Ciccotello - a funny, punny story about the power of cooperation (perfect for the transition from beachside to back-to-school)