Library Lion

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

Library Lion is appropriate for ages 4 and up.

Summary:
In Library Lion from author Michelle Knudsen and illustrator Kevin Hawkes, a lion wanders into the library one fateful day and decides to stick around. Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about the rules. But there are no rules about lions in the library. It seems a lion is well suited for a library, he quietly walks through the building, he helps children reach the books they need, and he doesn't roar (anymore.) But what happens when there's an accident and the only way he knows how to help is to break the rules?

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Take a Picture Walk:
Before you read Library Lion walk through the pages with your child. Use the charming and expressive illustrations to ask them what they see on each page. After talking about what the pictures are, ask them to make predictions about what they think is happening. Then as you read, talk with your child about whether their predictions came true. 

Do this with your child:
After reading Library Lion ask your child what their favorite part of the story was and why. Then have them draw a picture of their favorite part. You can also take a trip to your local library to see if there are any lions helping the librarians!

If you're interested in sharing Library Lion with your child you can find it from Candlewick Press here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
For more from author Michelle Knudsen check out her website. For more from illustrator Kevin Hawkes check out his website.

Read Me A Story, Stella

CELEBRATE FAMILY LITERACY MONTH! FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fun title with your child! 

Read Me A Story, Stella is appropriate for children age 2-8.

Summary:
Share a day filled with the adventures of Stella and her brother Sam in the joyful Read Me A Story, Stella written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay. Stella uses books and stories to help guide and enlighten Sam as his creativity and imagination lead them through the day. Together they spend the day building dog a dog house, finding a caterpillar and discovering shapes in the clouds. Marie-Louise Gay takes the reader on a whimsical journey as this adorable family shares in the joys of reading.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Picture Walk & Inferring:
Before you read Read Me A Story, Stella take a picture walk through the story. Look at the whimsical illustrations with your child and ask them what they are seeing on the pages. Can they practice inference and make any guesses as to what will be in the story? What characters do they see? What does it look like they're doing?

Do this with your child:
Stella and Sam have a day full of outdoor adventures. Take a little time out of your day to go outside with your child. Look around to see if your child can relate any of their surroundings to those in Read Me A Story, Stella. Can they find a caterpillar or a frog? Do they see any shapes in the clouds above them? 

If you're interested in sharing Read Me A Story, Stella with your child you can find it from Groundwood Books through House Of Ansani Press here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Find more from Marie-Louise Gay on her website and check out her suggested list of activities for Read Me A Story, Stella here.