As a mom and pediatric occupational therapist, I’m always drawn to books that encourage kindness, spark meaningful conversations, and help kids embrace who they are. Today, I’m thrilled to spotlight two heart-filled children’s books that do just that: Every Day Is a Holiday by Greg Kincaid and Fiona and the Peculiar Praise by Rennie Dyball. These stories shine in their own unique ways—but both remind us of the power of love, empathy, and being true to ourselves.

And the best part? I’m giving away 3 copies of Fiona and the Peculiar Praise over on Instagram! Keep reading for details.

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Every Day Is a Holiday by Greg Kincaid

This heartwarming tale introduces us to Allie McCray, a sweet six-year-old who discovers an abandoned puppy on the doorstep of her local animal shelter. As she searches for the perfect name for the playful pup, young readers are taken on a thoughtful journey full of love, joy, and meaningful moments.

Every Day Is a Holiday celebrates the beautiful bonds we form with the animals we adopt into our families. It’s also a gentle reminder of the importance of compassion, kindness, and taking time to celebrate life’s everyday moments. With rich illustrations and accessible language, this book is ideal for early readers and perfect for bedtime snuggles or classroom discussions about empathy and animal care.

Emilia has such a strong bond with our rescue dog, Gino. Reading Every Day Is a Holiday opened up a meaningful conversation about his adoption story—how we found him, how we came up with his name, and what it means to adopt rather than shop.

It was one of those moments where a book sparked something deeper. We talked about the importance of giving animals a second chance, the joy they bring into our lives, and the responsibility that comes with being a pet owner.

Not long after, Emilia was chosen to be a “book reviewer” at school. Without hesitation, she selected Every Day Is a Holiday and gave it an enthusiastic 10 out of 5 stars. I think that says it all.

This book didn’t just entertain—it connected to her heart, and ours.

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Fiona and the Peculiar Praise by Rennie Dyball

Meet Fiona, affectionately known as Queen Fiona of Apartment 4C. She’s not just a pretty face; Fiona is clever, brave, and incredibly helpful. Yet, despite her many accomplishments, like catching a rogue mouse, and entertaining the family, she finds that everyone only comments on her appearance. Frustrated by the lack of recognition for her noble deeds, Fiona longs for appreciation of her true, intrinsic qualities.

Through Fiona’s humorous and relatable experiences, this charming picture book delivers an important message: it’s what’s on the inside that truly counts. Illustrated by Maine Diaz, children aged 5 to 8 will enjoy Fiona’s playful adventure with a very important lesson.

Emilia loves Fiona and the Peculiar Praise because she sees a little bit of herself in Fiona—someone who works hard, helps others, and wants to be noticed for more than just how she looks with her beautiful blonde hair and blue eyes. She found Fiona’s adventures funny and exciting, especially the part about catching the mouse, but what really stood out to her was how Fiona wanted people to recognize her kindness and cleverness. After we finished reading, Emilia said, “Fiona is more than cute—she’s smart and helpful.” This book helped her understand that true praise comes from who you are on the inside, not just what people see on the outside.

It opened up great discussions on the kind of compliments we give and receive—how it’s easy to focus on appearance, but much more meaningful to recognize qualities like kindness, bravery, and helpfulness. Emilia and I talked about times when she felt proud of something she did, and how good it feels when someone notices those efforts. We also talked about how she can complement her friends in ways that make them feel seen and valued for who they are, not just how they look.

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🎉 Instagram Giveaway!
Want to add Fiona and the Peculiar Praise by Rennie Dyball to your home or classroom library? I’m giving away 3 copies over on Instagram!

🗓 Enter by: June 5
📲 Head to @realmofvibes and check out the giveaway post for all the details!

These books are a reminder that kindness counts, intrinsic qualities are worth celebrating, and every day is a chance to love big.

Be sure to check out the publisher, 4U2B Books & Media, on Instagram @4u2bbooks. They offer a wonderful collection of meaningful, heartwarming stories, perfect for sparking important conversations with young readers. Their books are thoughtful, beautifully illustrated, and full of messages that truly resonate with kids and parents alike.

Happy reading,
Danielle
@realmofvibes