July 12 – Simplicity Day

Happy Simplicity Day!

In honor of Henry David Thoreau’s birthday, today has been named Simplicity Day. Among other things, Henry David Thoreau was a naturalist. This day is set aside to remind people to live a balanced life. Here are some children’s picture books that do just that.

In the Small, Smal Pond written and illustrated by Denise Fleming (1993)

This beautiful book is the 1994 Caldecott Award Winner. It tells the story of all four seasons in the pond. It is a simple rhyming picture book, where the pictures do most of the talking. Each page spread focuses on one animal (or animal family) moving through the pond. Onomatopoeia combined with fabulous pictures make this a Caldecott Honor Award book!

In the Tall, Tall Grass written and illustrated by Denise Fleming (1991)

Another beautiful book by Denise Fleming (written before the Caldecott winner, In the Small Small Pond, this story takes the reader on an nature trip through the grass to see who lives there. Through rhyme and alliteration, readers hear and see the sounds and movements of the animals living in the grass.

I Took a Walk written and illustrated by Henry Cole (1998)

Flaps and fold-outs make this a fun and interactive nature walk through the woods, the meadow, a meandering stream, and a pond. Readers can see behind branches, under rocks, and in the water to see animals living there.