Fourth of July is such a fun holiday to celebrate with young kids. Their joy and excitement of new things is rejuvenating. I've grown to love holidays even more after having kids. Being present with them and experiencing things through their eyes will do that!
But with new things comes questions, worries, and even unforeseen outcomes. I'm a believer in the power of prepping toddlers for any change to their normal day. Prepping for holidays is especially important. While fun and exciting, holidays can be a big change to the day to day. They provide lots of new stimuli - places, sounds, people, disrupted sleep, and even new foods. These things can easily lead to challenges and meltdowns. While some may be inevitable, we find prepping as much as possible helps them understand what's to come and makes them feel confident. Books play a vital part in our preparation for holidays. They introduce the concepts in a clear, fun, and informative way.
Check out our 4th of July favorites!
Pie is for Sharing
By Stephanie Parsley Ledyard. Illustrated by Jason Chin
About the book: A picnic, a beach, a pie cut into pieces and shared with good friends. Pie is for sharing. It starts off round, and you can slice it into as many pieces as you want. What else can be shared? A ball, of course. A tree? What about time? Through the course of one memorable Fourth of July picnic, Stephanie Ledyard and Jason Chin take young readers through the ups and downs of sharing in this lovely picture book.
The Night Before the Fourth of July
By Natasha Wing. Illustrated by Amy Wummer
About the book: It’s the night before the Fourth of July and all across the United States people are getting ready for hot dogs and fireworks. Decked in red, white, and blue, a family heads to a parade, hosts a backyard BBQ with friends and family, dodges an afternoon thundershower, and of course, watches a fireworks show. The Night Before the Fourth of July captures all the fun, excitement, and pride of the best summer holiday!
My Fourth of July
By Abdul Zachariah. Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
About the book: This delicious and spirited book celebrates small town America and is full of nostalgia for times gone by, yet absolutely of the moment. A responsible little boy who’s eager to do his part wakes up joyful and ready to celebrate his favorite day of all. But there’s a lot of work to do–pies to be baked, deviled eggs to be filled–and the boy has lots of jobs to complete before he can enjoy the fun . . . the world’s best picnic! Face painting! A band concert!
We Came to America
By Faith Ringgold
About the book: America is a land of diversity. Whether driven by dreams and hope, or escaping poverty or persecution, our ancestors–and the faces of America today–represent people from every reach of the globe. And each person brought with them a unique gift–of art and music; of determination and grit; of ideas and strength–that forever shaped the country we all call home.
Blue Sky White Stars
By Sarvinder Naberhaus. Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
About the book: Wonderfully spare, deceptively simple verses pair with richly evocative paintings to celebrate the iconic imagery of our nation, beginning with the American flag. These paintings are truly beautiful!
Red, White & Boom!
By Lee Wardlaw. Illustrated by Huy Voun Lee
About the book: It's the Fourth of July! Travel across the country for a city parade, a beach picnic, and fireworks in the park in this poetic celebration of the many cultures and traditions that make America's birthday BOOM!
Will this be your toddlers first year viewing fireworks? Prepping for new things can be so helpful. Be sure to check out our Prepping Your Toddler for Fireworks article for tips on helping your child feel prepared and excited.
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