Kids Books With Fresh Messages

June 8, 2009 · Comments

Kidwick Books Last night, I read two books to my 7-year-old daughter (It’s her birthday today, actually), and my 3-year-old son. The books were given to me by Eric Drachman from Kidwick books as Birthday gifts for Violette. I met Eric a week ago at the Book Expo America event in New York City, and he had a really great personality and a hell of a product. But it wasn’t until I jumped in bed to read these to my kids that I caught Eric’s true selling point.

You see, Eric probably would say that it’s so cool that he’s got this really well-produced Audio CDs that come with the books. These things are closer to Hollywood productions versus your typical audiobook. There’s a lot of heart and emotion put into the readings, and I get that.

To me, the messages were the selling point.

Eric isn’t just a kids’ book author. He points out on his site that he “…has a B.A. in Psychology and an M.F.A. in Acting, with a minor in making kids laugh.” He’s right. All these things come together really well in the Kidswick products I received, BAD RATS and A FROG THING.

The first book, BAD RATS, has a great message about non-conformity and the importance of creativity. Eric would probably say it differently, but that’s what my kids and I came away with. The second book is a great primer for personal goal-setting and success as told by frogs in A FROG thing.

Sure, the audio CDs really make it an added treat, but wow if the amazing art by James Muscarello and the well-delivered messages by Drachman don’t make that just seem like a bonus.

There, I’m done raving. But man, it was really REALLY refreshing to read books with a very different message than what I’m getting out there in the mainstream press.

I’m not sure how well-distributed they are, but swing by Kidwick Books to check out the stuff for yourself. And thanks for the birthday present for Violette, Eric. She thought it was cool to get an autographed book.

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  • Thanks for the review...looking into these for my kids!
  • Hi Chris! Glad to hear that you and your kids make it a priority to read together and discuss the themes of the books you've read. If you haven't already, join our challenge: http://readwithkidschallenge.com.
  • Jimmy Buffett has some children's books he put together with his daughter. Jolly Mon Sing definitely follows that creativity path. Trouble Dolls is another one of theirs, but I haven't gotten to read that one yet.

    Admittedly, as a ParrotHead, I'm kinda biased. I can't wait to be a dad! Then I can finally buy all those toys my girlfriend won't let me have because I'm "too old"!
  • I appreciate your connectivity to children books that are not only written by passionate, creative authors, but are also written with a take-away message on a kid-friendly level. A local coffee shop here in Windsor, CO is owned/operated by an artist/author of kids' books: www.Loodles.com A personal first impression is often followed by a sit-down reading. Like Kidwick books, the message alone is worth the value. But when you bring in amazing artwork, and transparency in the author's personality, you truly feel good about your purchase! I look forward to reading Kidwick books to my sons.
  • Your words ... their ... their .... like magic. I want to cuddle up with my fuzzy blanket and weep.
  • Thanks for the info. If I have to read "I loved you before you were born" in the character of an old grandmother again, I'll go batty.
  • Thanks for broadcasting these - I'm always looking for new, good books to read to my daughters. If I can take a moment to pimp another absolutely righteous book, I suggest you check out Debra Frasier's, On the day you were born ( http://tinyurl.com/ng2yuk ). Beautiful writing and gorgeous art; it's always a pleasure to read.
  • derekshowerman
    This is a great blog post. The book industry is changing, much the way business is changing. It would stand to reason that something as standard as childrens books would evolve. We should do a TweetUp at the Andover Bookstore some time and talk about this. ;)
  • Courtney
    How cool. Books are of course a staple in our house (like most I would hope!); It's often hard to find things for the kids to read that contain a positive message & that they actually enjoy reading! I will definitely check out the site! :)
  • You should also check out Dedham author Peter Reynolds books and store, The Blue Bunny in Dedham Square http://www.dedhambluebunny.com/ and follow @fablevision
  • Eric's done so many things right with his storytelling and with Kidwick, and I've been lucky enough to get to pick his brain at various kidbook related functions here in LA. One thing Eric does that's very different than how most picture books are made is that he works incredibly closely with his illustrator. In traditional publishing, the editor is the glue between the two, and it's quite common for the author and illustrator of a picture book never to talk or meet. I think Eric's books are that much better for the work the two put in together - something I hope we see more broadly.

    As an children's author myself, I echo the comment from RiF - it's great to see folks reading/talking books with their kids. You did a lot for literacy with your post, I suspect. And I have to say that there really are many, many wonderful books out there (a quick shout out to Sebastien Meschenmoser's Learning to Fly which is a perfect tie-in to a recent post of yours), and a vibrant community online (the Kidlitosphere) where recommendations fly fast and furious. I encourage you all to check it out when you're searching for books... and see a lot of great reviews for Kidwick books in the process.
  • Stacey
    Great post Chris. Another fav of ours is Zen Shorts. The messages in the story are so great! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/140181.Zen_S...
  • Hi Chris, thanks for the suggestion. I am also an author of the award winning Bur Bur and Friends children's book series. They are a cast of multicultural characters who educate kids about self esteem, sports and outdoor exploration. They have received raving reviews from parenting magazine and the school library journal. My son is one of the characters :)
    Contact me via email ? :)
  • You're a great example of showing that no matter how busy your work gets, reading to your children is very important and really strengthens the family bonds.
  • Maria Tamis
    A Frog Thing book is an amazing! The pictures are unique in that they make you feel sorry for the charaters, but also laugh at the same time. It also delivers a powerful message about how you can do anything you put your mind to, no matter who or in this case "what" you are. This book is a must have for any childs library no matter the age.

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