Reading with Milla has become an unexpected lovely routine. Until last year I was convinced this activity would be done between her and her daddy – the man who devours books in days. So naturally I thought this would be their bond. But to my surprise, and her luck, I have become her reading companion.

Aside from the classics “Little Red Riding hood”,”Three little pigs”, we have discovered hidden gems – books about trucks, tools, and also books with puppets in them (you know, those that have a hole in every page and a sock in form of an animal waiting to be played with).

But I guess as she gets older, her learning experience requires a little more challenge; so lately we have found ourselves interested in reading topics a little bit more formative and educational.

One of her favourite books since she was 2yo was “Toddler Treasury”. Every page has something different to learn; ABC’s, Numbers, Spelling, Shapes, Colors. For about six months we had to read it before going to bed, every night.

Then we moved on to “My Big Book of Rescue Heroes”. This one is reading material for the car. Every page presents a different situation and there’s little story on it. I like how Milla is able to recognize the vehicles on the street. Great book to help them learn who to trust in a time of emergency.

Since emergency preparedness is a topic of interest in our family I accepted to review a copy of “Jake and Miller’s Big Adventure”, I figured it’s never too early to start learning about prepping. “Jake & Miller’s Big Adventure,” a full-color, illustrated children’s book teaches kids they shouldn’t be scared when they’re prepared for a disaster!

Since Milla is almost 4 in November, an illustrated book is still a must. She (and I) need the full-color pages to guide us through the story. I love how she can relate to the use of a backpack – which she started using one to carry her day to day necessities. I tell her being prepared for anything (snacks, water, extra clothes) during the day would make Milla happy, and therefore her mommy will be happy as well. This book really empowers young readers to feel and think they can be prepared. Plus, as an adult I got to learn something too. Does anybody know what Mylar blankets are?

The story is around a young, intrepid explorer Jake and his dog Miller  as they fill up their backpacks with all the necessities (a first aid kit, crank radio, Mylar blankets, water filters and other things) they could need for any possible emergency situation. As they travel through dark caves, dry deserts and snowy mountains, Jake and Miller show the importance of these life-saving preparedness skills. With “Jake & Miller’s Big Adventure,” young readers will discover how to stay safe, healthy and happy even in the scariest of adventures—whether deep in the jungle or hunkering down at home.

Either for an emergency situation or for a day to day event, being prepared is never going to be a waste of time. I’m glad we are starting young on learning important and challenging topics in a fun and easy way. Next, finances! Yay.

Do you know of any illustrated book I should have in my wishlist?