Friday, December 29, 2017

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

FOR THE WEEKEND share this classic title with your child. 

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a classic rhyming alphabet story from Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault with bright and bold illustrations by Lois Ehlert. You'll be singing along with this lively alphabet rhyme which finds all of the letters racing up the coconut tree. The question is, will they all fit? Readers of all ages will delight in the rhythmic words, silly circumstance and colorful pictures which adorn this classic book.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Sequencing:
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a wonderful book to practice sequencing. Since this story features all the letters in alphabetical order, your reader will be able to help you put the story together. As you read, have your reader recite the letters with you as they climb up (and later away from) the coconut tree. Not only will they get to practice their ABC's they'll also find themselves interacting with the story and having an overall more engaging experience.


Do this with your child:
After you read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom check out the unlimited options of activities to accompany the book on Pinterest! Whether you want to cut, draw or paint your own letter coconut tree, make a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom inspired snack or play interactive games, Pinterest has what you need! You can also check out an animated YouTube video here.



If you're interested in sharing Chicka Chicka Boom Boom with your child you can find it published by Simon & Schuster here


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Friday, December 22, 2017

The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear

FOR THE WEEKEND share this classic title with your child. 

The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear is a classic piece from Don and Audrey Wood. When the little mouse finds a red, juicy strawberry he is quick to learn from the narrator that a hungry bear is on the prowl. In humorous and sweet interactions with the narrator, the little mouse makes attempt after attempt to hide this strawberry that is bigger than him. Read the story to find out if he is successful!

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Predictions:
The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear is a wonderful book to practice making predictions. As you read, ask your child what the little mouse might try next to hide the strawberry. You can also ask if they think that trick will be successful or not and why. Also ask if they think there is a hungry bear at all, or could it possibly be just a very hungry narrator!?


Do this with your child:
After you read The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear ask your reader which was their favorite way to hide the strawberry. Then ask if they have any other ideas about what the little mouse could have tried. Once they pick a favorite hiding place, have them draw their own picture to add to the story!



If you're interested in sharing The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear with your child you can find it published by Child's Play International here


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Friday, December 15, 2017

Corduroy

FOR THE WEEKEND share this classic title with your child. 

Corduroy is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Corduroy is a classic piece from author illustrator Don Freeman. Join the adventure as Corduroy the bear explores the department store where he lives after hours, looking for his lost button. He hopes that finding a button will make someone want to choose him. Follow along to see if this adventurous, sweet bear finds a button and ultimately a friend.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
Corduroy is a wonderful book to practice retelling. As you read, point out major details and events, characters and settings. Then once you've finished, let your reader take a turn to retell the story to you. Allow them to flip the pages and tell the story however they see fit.


Do this with your child:
After you read Corduroy take the opportunity to play with, sort, pattern and size buttons of your own! Buttons can be great learning tools as they can easily be sorted by color or size, they can be arranged in patterns, they can be graphed and they can be stacked. All of these skills enhance both early math skills and fine motor skills!



If you're interested in sharing Corduroy with your child you can find it published by Puffin Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, here


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Friday, December 8, 2017

The Giving Tree

FOR THE WEEKEND share this classic title with your child. 

The Giving Tree is appropriate for children of all ages.
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Summary:
The Giving Tree is a classic piece from author illustrator Shel Silverstein.   "Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy." So begins this touching story which has been shared by hundreds of thousands of families in dozens of languages across the globe. Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Take a Picture Walk:
The Giving Tree is a wonderful book to practice taking a picture walk. Before you read the story, flip through the pages asking your reader what they see on each page. Can they see the characters, the setting, the actions? Ask what they think might be happening in each picture. Then as you read, make note with your reader as to whether their thoughts about the pages were correct.


Do this with your child:
After you read The Giving Tree talk with your reader about all the ways the tree helped the boy. Ask your reader what are some things that they could do to help others. You and your reader can pick one of those topics and act on it, whether it be donating toys or clothes, visiting a senior center with flowers or desserts, or taking homemade dog treats to your local shelter.  



If you're interested in sharing The Giving Tree with your child you can find it published by Harper Collins Publishing here


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Friday, December 1, 2017

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

FOR THE WEEKEND share this classic title with your child. 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is appropriate for children of all ages.

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Summary:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar eats his way through the pages of this classic book from Eric Carle. Follow along as this hungry caterpillar chomps his way through the days of the week and grows from egg to caterpillar to beautiful butterfly. 

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Sequencing:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is an excellent book to practice sequencing. This story is set in a week's time frame. Each day the caterpillar eats something more. As you read, put emphasis on what he's eating on which day so that afterward your reader can take a turn to try to put the days and foods in order. 


Do this with your child:
After you read The Very Hungry Caterpillar talk with your reader about the foods they like to eat. Talk with them about why making healthy choices is important. You can also find troves of activities to go along with this classic title ranging from art to math and science on Pinterest. Also check out the resources available through The World of Eric Carle.



If you're interested in sharing The Very Hungry Caterpillar with your child you can find it published by Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, here


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Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING and share this fun title with your child! 

Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message is appropriate for children of all ages.
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Summary:
Greet the morning in Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message written by Chief Jake Swamp and illustrated by Erwin Printup, Jr. Every morning you can find yourself thankful for so many things surrounding you. This story takes you into the Thanksgiving Address, an ancient message of peace and appreciation of Mother Earth and all her inhabitants. The simple words combined with the bright and bold illustrations are an excellent reminder that we always have something to be thankful for.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Picture Walk:
Use the pictures on the pages of Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message to ask your child what they think each page holds. Every page offers something new to be thankful for. Before reading the words on the page, ask your child what they see. Then open the discussion further to why we might be thankful for these things. 

Do this with your child:
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message opens the door for a discussion about being grateful. This story shows many of the things that we have to be thankful for. Talk with your child about what you are grateful for and then ask them what they are thankful for. Have them draw a picture of some of those things, be sure to help them write what their picture is of. Use lots of colors just like in the story.

If you're interested in sharing Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message with your child you can find it from Lee and Low Books. Follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook!

To hear Chief Jake Swamp deliver the Thanksgiving Address click here.

Friday, November 17, 2017

Ruby's Baby Brother

FOR THE WEEKEND share this family-themed title with your child. 

Ruby's Baby Brother is appropriate for preschool age children.


Summary:
Ruby's Baby Brother is a wonderful and relatable book about the struggles a child can experience when their family is growing. Ruby is not excited when she learns that she will be getting a baby brother, babies are loud and smelly and she isn't too sure that she wants one around the house. But when baby Leon arrives Ruby learns how to be a big sister through imagination and play. And when baby Leon needs her most, Ruby is there. Kathryn White and Miriam Latimer have done an incredible job making this charming story one that any new older sibling can relate to.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
Ruby's Baby Brother is an excellent book to practice retelling. As you read through, emphasize major elements of the story - characters, events, places, etc.. Then after you've finished, let your reader take a turn to tell the story to you. You may find that you hear a completely different story, and that is okay! What is most important is that your reader is engaging with the book and the text and having an overall more involved book sharing experience.


Do this with your child:
After you read Ruby's Baby Brother talk with your reader about your own family. Do they have siblings or cousins or pets that they love to help and play with? Then pick an activity to do together as a family whether it be game night, catching a movie, enjoying a walk through the neighborhood, or a trip to the park. Enjoy your family and have fun!



If you're interested in sharing Ruby's Baby Brother with your child you can find it published by Barefoot Books and available through Amazon here


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Friday, November 10, 2017

Heather Has Two Mommies

FOR THE WEEKEND share this family-themed title with your child. 

Heather Has Two Mommies is appropriate for children of all ages.


Summary:
Heather Has Two Mommies is a beautiful look into a nontraditional family model that will benefit all families. Heather's favorite number is two, she has two arms, two eyes, two pets and two mommies! Her mommies love her very much. When Heather shares at school that she doesn't have a daddy, her teacher instructs the class to draw pictures of their families. While all of the pictures are different, her teacher describes what they all have in common: they are filled with love. This wonderful book from Leslea Newman and Laura Cornell does a fantastic job reminding readers the most important part of every family is that all the people in it love each other.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Summarize:
Heather Has Two Mommies is a great book to practice summarizing. As you read, have discussions about what you're reading. This will deepen your reader's engagement in the story and their interest in the experience overall. After you've finished reading, ask your child to tell you what the story was about. Can your reader tell you the characters, where the story took place, and what events were happening? 


Do this with your child:
After you read Heather Has Two Mommies we encourage you and your reader to draw a picture of your own family, just like all of the students in Heather's class. Go back to look and discuss how your own family differs from those shared in the story. Then find a special spot to display your new family portrait!



If you're interested in sharing Heather Has Two Mommies with your child you can find it published by Penguin Random House here


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Friday, November 3, 2017

You and Me Together: Moms, Dads and Kids Around the World

FOR THE WEEKEND share this family-themed title with your child. 

You and Me Together: Moms, Dads and Kids Around the World is appropriate for children of all ages.

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Summary:
You and Me Together: Moms, Dads and Kids Around the World is a fantastic glimpse into the diverse world from National Geographic and author Barbara Kerley. Simple rhyming text paired with striking photographs detail parent-child relationships across the globe. While we may look different from other families this book is a wonderful reminder that some things are universal. 

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
You and Me Together: Moms, Dads and Kids Around the World is a great book for your reader to practice making connections. Each page details a different aspect of family life. As you read through, ask your child if your own family does what these families are doing. Does your family have a pet, do you have nap time, etc.? Use this book to spark conversations about the world beyond your reader's own community, a window into the world around them. You can also use this book as a mirror, where your child can see their own family reflected back at them.


Do this with your child:
November is National Family Literacy Month! Family literacy is described as two generations or more being actively engaged in learning together. Taking the time to share a story can strengthen the bonds between parent and child, siblings, and grandparents. So after you read You and Me Together: Moms, Dads and Kids Around the World we encourage you to take a trip to your bookshelf or local library and pick out more titles to share together!



If you're interested in sharing You and Me Together: Moms, Dads and Kids Around the World with your child you can find it published by National Geographic available through Amazon here


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Friday, October 27, 2017

Monster Trouble

FOR THE HALLOWEEN WEEKEND share this spooky title with your child. 

Monster Trouble is appropriate for children of all ages.

monster trouble

Summary:
Monster Trouble is a charming story from Lane Fredrickson with spunky pictures by Michael Roberston. Nothing frightens Winifred Schnitzel, but she does need her sleep! The neighborhood monsters sneak into her room every night and create quite a scene, they growl and belch and won't let Winifred be. She tries everything she can think of to get rid of these pesky beasts but her traps just can't contain them. Luckily Winifred learns the ultimate trick and finds out what monsters hate - KISSES! Readers young and old will delight in the endearing verse and colorful images which pair together perfectly to tell this super sweet monster tale. 

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Predictions:
Monster Trouble is a great book for your reader to practice making predictions. As you read, ask your reader questions about what they think might happen next? Do they think Winifred will be able to keep the monsters at bay? What do they think she might try to do next? By engaging with the story in a more interactive role, your reader will have an overall more impactful book sharing experience.


Do this with your child:

After you read Monster Trouble check out More Halloween titles via this article from The Washington Post 

Make memories with “Goodnight Goon,” “Six Creepy Sheep” and other scary classics for kids.

If you're interested in sharing Monster Trouble with your child you can find it from Sterling Publishing sold through Amazon here


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Friday, October 20, 2017

Pumpkin Soup

FOR THE WEEKEND share this Fall themed title with your child. 

Pumpkin Soup is appropriate for children of all ages.


Summary:
Pumpkin Soup from Helen Cooper is a warm and vibrant book which touches on some of the trials of friendship. Everyday Cat, Squirrel and Duck work together to make delicious pumpkin soup. Cat slices, Squirrel stirs, and Duck adds the salt. But when Duck decides he'd like to try stirring instead their routine is challenged and the trouble begins. Duck leaves in a huff but it isn't long before Cat and Squirrel start to worry. Cooper's rich illustrations and warm text perfectly capture the fall season.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
Pumpkin Soup is a great book for your reader to practice retelling. As you read, ask questions so that your reader will be more engaged in the story. Then after you finish, ask your reader to take a turn and read the book to you. As they retell the story, they should recall the main story elements - character, setting, and main ideas. If their story turns out a bit differently that is alright too!


Do this with your child:

At the end of Pumpkin Soup you'll find a recipe for pumpkin soup! Pick an extra pumpkin from the pumpkin patch (or for a cheaper option, from your local grocery store.) Test out the recipe with your reader and enjoy the warmth and aroma of the season. 

If you're interested in sharing Pumpkin Soup with your child you can find it from Square Fish, an imprint of US MacMillan, here






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