This post is sponsored by Disney Hyperion books.

One of my favorite things to do with my girls is read books.  I'm not always one to jump on the floor and build with legos or play pretend with dolls, but if they ask me to sit down and read, I will never turn them down.

(pictured above: Leonardo the Terrible Monster; Leonardo puppet; Sam, the Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the Whole World; more details on this room here)

It's pretty much my policy to stop whatever I'm doing and read with them if they ask for it.  I especially love finding books that are helpful for talking through life with them and that are great conversation starters.  Mo Willems is a pro at this, and his books about Leonardo the Terrible Monster are no exception.  Leonardo, the Terrible Monster released in 2005, and a new companion book just came out this past September to continue his adventures: Sam, the Most Scaredy-cat Kid in the Whole World.

Filled with familiar experiences, it's easy for my girls to imagine themselves as one of the characters while we are reading one of Mo's books.  My girls each have different personalities, so they don't always identify with the same one.  Vivi is a bit more confident, with endless empathy, while Brigie tends to be more cautious and is a bit uncertain in new situations with new people.

(pictured above: Sam, the Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the Whole World; Leonardo the Terrible Monster)Vivi sees herself more as a Leonardo, who is an encourager and swoops in to be a friend when needed, while Brigie is more of a Sam, who has to be brave to talk to someone new, but ends up with an amazing new friend because of it.

It's so fun to talk about these situations with them: what do you think Leonardo should do when he hears about what Sam has been going through?  What do you think Sam should do when he is afraid?  Do you feel like that sometimes?

Mo Willems' books are such great tools for sparking conversation that gives me insight into my girls' little hearts!

These books about Leonardo are really fun for Vivi to read, too, which I love.  Seeing her eat up books is just the best.

I can't recommend these sweet books enough for talking through fears with your little ones, or for talking through how to be a good friend to others!  Leonardo the Terrible Monster and Sam, the Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the Whole World are available now, and would be great bookshelf additions for Christmas!

Thank you so much to Disney- Hyperion for sponsoring this post!  Also, be sure to check out my post on another Mo Willems favorite here!