Friday, December 30, 2016

Dozens of Cousins

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title Family themed title with your child! 

Dozens of Cousins is appropriate for children of all ages.


Summary:
Dozens of Cousins from author Shutta Crum and illustrator David Catrow is a true celebration of family. It is time for the annual family reunion. Join along as aunt, uncles, sisters, brothers, grandparents and of course dozens of cousins gather. These cousins spend the day playing, exploring, eating, and laughing surrounded with the people they love most. This lyrical story is filled with lively illustrations that readers will enjoy exploring again and again.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Take A Picture Walk:
Before you read Dozens of Cousins flip through the pages with your child and talk about what you see in the pictures. When you take a picture walk before reading, your child will be furthering their involvement in the story, and this story has pictures filled with happy details. Ask questions about who is on the page, where they are, what it looks like they're doing. Then as you read, see if any of your child's answers match what is happening in the story.

Do this with your child:
After reading Dozens of Cousins talk with your child about your own family. Does your child have any cousins? Have you ever had a family reunion? Help your child write a letter about the fun things you'd like to do together and send to a family member you might not get to see too often. 

If you're interested in sharing Dozens of Cousins with your child you can find it from Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton and Mifflin Harcourt, here. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more inspiration.



Friday, December 23, 2016

Bear's Busy Family

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title Family themed title with your child! 

Bear's Busy Family is appropriate for children of all ages.


Summary:
Bear's Busy Family from author Stella Blackstone and illustrator Debbie Horter introduces readers to roles of extended family and household activities. Each family member has a special role that they bring to the family. A young bear narrator introduces her grandma, grandpa, uncle, auntie, mommy, daddy, sister, brother, and cousins, and describes all the special things they do.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
Bear's Busy Family highlights the roles that extended family can play. Talk with your child about all the different things that people in your own extended family do when you get together. Are any of the things the same? Are any different? When your child is able to make connections to the text, they will be furthering their engagement with the book and deepening their involvement with the story.

Do this with your child:
After reading Bear's Busy Family talk with your child about all the types of families there are. Talk with your child about your own family and ask questions about which parts of the book relate to your own family and which are different. Make a list using the pages in the book to see what type of family you have!

If you're interested in sharing Bear's Busy Family with your child you can find it from Barefoot Books here. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more inspiration.



Friday, December 16, 2016

Flores Family Cafe/La lonchería

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title Family themed title with your child! 

Flores Family Café/ La lonchería is appropriate for school age children.

Image result for flores family cafe/La lonchería

Summary:
Flores Family Café/ La lonchería from author Ann Stalcup is a beautiful bilingual book that highlights the strength of family bonds in the face of an obstacle. In this story an unexpected letter changes the lives of a family in Baja, California. Read along to find out how they worked together in this story of family loyalty and ingenuity. In Flores Family Café/ La lonchería, we all learn that when you mix flowers, determination and inspiration you get a beautiful slice of life.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Take a Picture Walk:
Flores Family Café/ La lonchería is a wonderful book for taking a picture walk. Before you read the story with your child, flip through the pages and look at the pictures. Ask your child what they see in the pictures. Do they see people, where are they, what is around them. After gathering that information you can take it one step further and ask what they think is happening in the pictures, how do the people look like they are feeling, where might they be going, what are they doing. Then as you read, you can learn if their predictions came true.

Do this with your child:
After reading Flores Family Café/ La lonchería talk with your child about the things you do together as a family. The Flores family worked together to overcome their circumstances and improve their situation. Is there anything you work on as a family, no matter how big or small? Take some extra time to do something special together, do a puzzle, make a special dinner together, etc. 

If you're interested in sharing Flores Family Café/ La lonchería with your child you can find it from Lectura Books here. Please like on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more.



Friday, December 9, 2016

The Family Book

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title Family themed title with your child! 

The Family Book is appropriate for children of all ages.


Summary:
Readers young and old will delight in the bright and bold The Family Book from Todd Parr. This books touches on the many diverse types of families that fill our world. Some families are big, some are small; some families like in a house by themselves, some live in a house with other families. But the text also describes what makes all families the same. All families like to celebrate special days and all families are sad when they lose someone. Todd Parr does an amazing job reminding us all that despite our differences, we are more alike than we sometimes think!

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Predictions:
The Family Book is a great book to use to make predictions about what's to come. Each page depicts a different type of family, large or small, messy or clean. As you read the first type, ask your child what they think the next family might be. By giving them a role to play in sharing the story, they will be further engaged in the text. 

Do this with your child:
After reading The Family Book talk with your child about all the types of families there are. Talk with your child about your own family and ask questions about which parts of the book relate to your own family and which are different. Make a list using the pages in the book to see what type of family you have!

If you're interested in sharing The Family Book with your child you can find it from Little Brown Books for Young Readers here. You can like Todd Parr on Facebook and follow him on Twitter for more inspiration.



Friday, December 2, 2016

Who's in a Family

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title with your child! 

Who's in a Family? is appropriate for children of all ages.


Summary:
Who's in a Family? from author Robert Skutch and illustrator Laura Nienhaus is a beautiful book illustrating the many packages a family can come in. Parents, grandparent, aunts, uncles, siblings, pets, cousins - no matter what color, shape or size - every family is different. What this book ultimately details is that a family is made up of the people who love you most! 

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
Who's in a Family? is a perfect book for you and your child to make connections with. Are there any families in the story like your own? How are the families in the book the same as your own family? How are they different? Does your child have any classmates or friends with a different kind of family portrayed in the book? By furthering their involvement with the book, your child will become more engaged with the text and make deeper connections with the story.

Do this with your child:
After reading Who's in a Family? talk with your child about all the types of families there are. Talk with your child about your own family and who makes your family up. Draw a picture with your child of all the wonderful people in your family.

If you're interested in sharing Who's in a Family with your child you can find it from Random House here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more inspiring tales.



Friday, November 25, 2016

Feast for 10

FOR THE THANKSGIVING WEEKEND, share this title with your child! 

Feast for 10 is appropriate for children of all ages.

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Summary:
Feast for 10 from author Cathryn Falwell is a simple and beautiful story listing out all the things this family is using for their feast. You'll count from 1-10 twice as the family makes their way through the grocery store and through the meal prepping process. Readers young and old will delight in the familiarity of the traditional family meal time and lively collage images.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Sequencing:
Feast for 10 is a perfect story to practice sequencing with your young reader. Each page takes you through a new number. After reading, look through the story again and have your child put the events in order. Did the family pick 5 types of beans or 2 pumpkins first? Ask questions using the words first, then and next. By analyzing the sequence of events in the story, your child will further their engagement with the book and deepen their interest in the story.

Do this with your child:
After reading Feast for 10 talk with your child about traditions. Does your family have a specific meal they like to prepare? Did you celebrate Thanksgiving with a turkey and mashed potatoes or do you prepare a different menu? This is also an excellent book to use for counting. You and your child can count items on your own trip to the grocery store or even in your own kitchen!

If you're interested in sharing Feast for 10 with your child you can find it from Houghton Mifflin & Harcourt here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more inspiring tales.



Friday, November 18, 2016

Thank You, Mr. Falker

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title with your child! 

Thank You, Mr. Falker is appropriate for school age children.

Image result for thank you mr falker

Summary:
Thank You, Mr. Falker tells the story of a little girl who's life is changed due to a wonderful teacher. Trisha can't wait to learn how to read! She loves listening to her mother and brother read stories to her and is so excited for when she will be able to share the stories as well. But as she grows older and enters each new grade, the words and numbers never seem to make any sense to her. It isn't until the 5th grade, when young Trisha meets Mr. Falker, that she is given the extra help and understanding she so desperately needs. This story is founded in the author's own life and experiences with dyslexia; Patricia Polacco is Trisha and her life was changed forever by the caring and understanding of Mr. Falker who is proof that a good teacher can change a child's life forever.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Summarizing:
Thank You, Mr. Falker is a great story to practice summarizing. After you read the story, ask your child to tell you what happened. Have them tell you who the characters were and where the story takes place. Then ask them to fill in the story with the events that happen, doing their best to keep the events in the correct order.

Do this with your child:
After reading Thank You, Mr. Falker ask your child why they think that Trisha is thankful for her teacher. Make a list of reasons why the author may have wanted to thank this special teacher. Then talk to your child about a person in their own life that they are thankful for. Once they decide on that person, help them write a thank you note and send it to them!

If you're interested in sharing Thank You, Mr. Falker with your child you can find it from Philomel, an imprent of Penguin Random House here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more inspiring tales.



Friday, November 11, 2016

Gracias Thanks

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title with your child! 

Gracias Thanks is appropriate for children of all ages.


Summary:
Gracias Thanks from author Pat Mora and illustrator John Parra is a wonderful reminder that we always have something to be thankful for. This bilingual book lists out the simple things in life straight from the heart of a child. From red ladybugs to a winking abuelita, you can always find something to be thankful for!

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
Gracias Thanks comes at a great time, with Thanksgiving and the holiday season fast approaching, it is always important to remember the things that we are thankful for. As you read with your child, ask them if they are thankful for any of the same things this little boy is thankful for. Do they have a grandparent who gives them extra love, or do they have a sibling that makes them laugh? By connecting to the characters in the story, your child will further their engagement with the book and deepen their interest in reading on.

Do this with your child:
After reading Gracias Thanks make a list of things that your child is thankful for. It could be good practice to do this as a family, as we sometimes all need a little reminder that there is always something good. Have your child pick one of the items from the list to draw a picture of.

If you're interested in sharing Gracias Thanks with your child you can find it from Lee and Low Books here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more inspiring tales.



Friday, November 4, 2016

Grace for President

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title with your child! 

Grace for President is appropriate for school age children.

Image result for grace for president

Summary:
Grace for President from author Kelly DiPucchio and illustrator LeUyen Pham istimely story that not only gives readers a fun introduction to the American electoral system, but also teaches them the value of hard work, courage, and independent thought — and offers an inspiring example of how to choose our leaders. When Grace Campbell's teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides to be the first. And she immediately starts off her political career as a candidate in the school's mock election. But soon, she realizes that she has entered a tough race. Her popular opponent claims to be the "best man for the job" — and seems to have captured all the male votes — while Grace concentrates on being the best person.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
Grace for President couldn't be recommended at a better time! Not only will your child be able to make connections to their own lives in their own schools, but they will have the opportunity to connect Grace to our current National Election and the world around them.  

Do this with your child:
There is no doubt your child may ask some questions after reading Grace for President. They have likely seen the many local and national outlets sharing their political messages for the past few weeks. Take this opportunity to talk with them about the election and voting. You can find resources from PBS and Kids Health.

If you're interested in sharing Grace for President with your child you can find it from publisher Disney-Hyperion here




Friday, October 28, 2016

Frankie Stein

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this Halloween title with your child! 

Frankie Stein is appropriate for children of all ages.



Summary:
Frankie Stein from author Lola M Schaefer and illustrator Kevin Atteberry is a charming tale of one perfectly adorable, rosy cheeked boy born to Mr. and Mrs Frank N. Stein. Concerned that their son isn't scary enough, the monster parents try all sorts of tricks to turn up the terror on little Frankie. As it turns out, Frankie has his own terrifying trick up his sleeve.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Take A Picture Walk:
Frankie Stein is a great story for taking a picture walk. Before you read with your child, flip through the pages and discuss what they see in the pictures. You can ask questions about who they see and where the characters are. Take it one step further and ask your child what they think is happening; then after you read the story see if their predictions were correct. 

Do this with your child:
The Stein family of the charming Frankie Stein work to make little Frankie as scary as they can. They attempt several spooky transformations, like blue hair and green spots. Have our child draw a scary picture of a spooky monster to use as a Halloween decoration. 

If you're interested in sharing Frankie Stein with your child you can find it from Two Lions Books, an imprint of Amazon Publishing here

Friday, October 21, 2016

Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fall themed title with your child! 

Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is appropriate for children of all ages.



Summary:
Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival from author and illustrator Grace Lin tells the story of a family's celebration of the thanksgiving holiday for Chinese and many Asian peoples, the Moon Festival. Each member of the family lends a hand as they prepare a moonlit picnic with mooncakes, pomelos, cups of tea, and colorful lanterns. And everyone sends thanks and a secret wish up to the moon.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Sequencing:
Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is an excellent story to practice sequencing. Ask your child questions as you read to help solidify their interest in the story. Once you've finished reading, ask your child to tell you the order that events unfolded throughout the book. Did they set out the mooncakes before driving to their picnic? Did they make a wish to the moon after setting up the honoring table? By recalling the order that the events happened, your child will be furthering their connection to the text and deepening their engagement with the story.

Do this with your child:
The family in Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival prepares a wonderful midnight picnic to celebrate the Moon Festival. They make treats and decorations such as mooncakes and lanterns. You can make these too! Click here for a mooncake recipe and here for a link to a lantern craft.

If you're interested in sharing Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with your child you can find it from Knopf Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House, here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Friday, October 14, 2016

Leaf Jumpers

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fall themed title with your child! 

Leaf Jumpers is appropriate for children of all ages.



Summary:
Leaf Jumpers from author Carole Gerber and illustrator Leslie Evans gracefully tells the story of fall leaves. The reader will follow along with the poetic tone and delightful pictures as you join the child raking leaves in autumn. There's even a snippet at the end of the story about why leaves change color.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
Leaf Jumpers is a wonderful book for retelling. Ask your child to take a turn to tell you the story after you have read it. Let them lead the way. If they ask for help, prompt them with a reminder, otherwise they're in charge this time! By taking an active role in the story, your child will further their connection with the text and deepen their engagement with the story.

Do this with your child:
There are a variety of leaves illustrated in Leaf Jumpers. Take a walk outside to look for some leaves that might have fallen in your neighborhood. Do any of the leaves that you found match the leaves from the book? Pick your favorite leaf from the story or from your walk and draw it!

If you're interested in sharing Leaf Jumpers with your child you can find it from Charlesbridge Publishing here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Friday, October 7, 2016

Busy Animals: Learning About Animals in Autumn

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fall themed title with your child! 

Busy Animals: Learning About Animals in Autumn is appropriate for school age children.



Summary:
Busy Animals: Learning About Animals in Autumn from author Lisa Bullard and illustrator Nadine Takvorian takes you on a journey through a nature preserve during autumn. Readers will learn all about animals hustle and bustle in autumn and the variety of the changes that animals experience during the season. From migration to hibernation, join the adventures of animals in autumn.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
Busy Animals: Learning About Animals in Autumn is a wonderful book to use to make connections. So many animals experience changes during the fall. Does your child recognize any of the animals, have they seen butterflies in the backyard of read any other stories about bears hibernating? Have they seen other changes in the fall, leaves changing color, the sun setting earlier? By making connections between the text and their world around them, your child will be able to further their engagement with the story.

Do this with your child:
Changes abound in Busy Animals: Learning About Animals in Autumn. Take a walk outside to look for changes in your own neighborhood. Are there leaves changing color or on the ground? Does the air feel colder than in the summer? Are there more clouds in the sky? As you walk, talk with your child about all of the changes you both see.

If you're interested in sharing Busy Animals: Learning About Animals in Autumn with your child you can find it from Capstone Publishing here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.