Parents might observe their children’s joy in getting to experience a day off school for Labor Day, but it’s important to also share with them the meaning behind the national holiday and why we celebrate it.
This is where picture books come in handy! In addition to breaking down complex or abstract ideas into accessible, easy-to-read text and colorful illustrations, their engaging dialogue is fitting for all ages—but especially little ones—to learn or be reminded of important topics.
Each Labor Day, the first Monday in September, we celebrate the American worker and workers’ contributions to our well-being since the late 19th century. Here are five picture book to help initiate conversations about Labor Day with your kids:
“Thanks to Frances Perkins: Fighter for Workers’ Rights”
by Deborah Hopkinson and Kristy Caldwell
If you ask a 7-year-old how long it is till they turn 62, they’re bound to look at you first with confusion, but then as they work out the answer, their curiosity may lead them to ask why you asked them that question. Drawing upon this inherent curiosity, “Thanks to Frances Perkins: uses this relatively simple question of turning 62 to introduce children to the New Deal and major labor reforms. With dialogue and illustrations that make this story an interactive experience, this books is bound to have your child saying an enthusiastic “thank you” to Frances Perkins by the end of it!
“Night Job”
by Karen Hesse and G. Brian Karas
When we go to school or work in the morning, we’re often met with clean floors, well-dusted shelves and a hygienic environment for learning or productivity. However, instead of appreciating the hard work behind the result, we often brush it under the rug—assuming that things always look that way. By telling the story of a young boy who accompanies his father on his school custodian job, “Night Job” helps us appreciate the contribution of workers such as these, who work in the evenings or overnight to get things ready for others during the day.
“Viva’s Voice”
by Raquel Donoso and Carlos Veles
Offering more than just clever alliteration, “Viva’s Voice” embodies the undisputed power of youth without getting overly philosophical. Built on the framework of generational contrast, the story describes Viva— a little girl with a powerful voice—and her father, who has a comparatively “quiet” persona. As Viva accompanies her dad on a picket-line protest, she notices that he is getting nervous about a major speech that he is scheduled to deliver. Despite her promise to be silent, Viva jumps right in—empowered by the crowd and the pulsating need for change.
“They’re Heroes Too: A Celebration of Community
by Pat Brisson and Anait Semirdzyhya
When we think of heroes, we’re almost always reminded of the “brave” professions within our society—such as police officers, firefighters and soldiers. With a gentle nudge, “They’re Heroes Too” enables us to recognize the hero that dwells within other professions, including teachers, grocery clerks, bus drivers and mail carriers. Helping little ones understand that true heroism is defined as the practice of doing one’s job with responsibility and commitment, this book shows the hand-in-hand nature of diverse professions, illustrating how it is “heroic” teamwork that makes our world a better place!
“A Children’s Guide to Labor Day
by Tex Stanly
A book that explains all about this late summer holiday for kids, “A Children’s Guide to Labor Day” takes your child by the hand and encourages them to learn the history of this national holiday. It shares with kids the triumphs of workers, while also shedding light on their struggles, failures and protests— helping children understand, in considerable detail, the dedication and hard work it took to obtain the liberties they enjoy today.
