Maple

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title with your child. We are celebrating changes!

Maple is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Maple is a charming story from Lori Nichols about a spunky little girl and her very own tree. Maple's parents planted a tree when she was just a baby. Maple and her tree grow and experience the seasons together. Maple's tree isn't always the best playmate, but it doesn't mind when she is in the mood to be loud. One day, Maple becomes a big sister and she does her best to be the greatest big sister she can be. When she discovers that her baby sister also likes to be loud, she knows just what to do.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
After you read Maple ask your child to tell you the story. As they turn the pages for you, have them tell you the names of the characters and the events that they recall happening on each page. If they need help, prompt them with a question about the information. If they tell you a complete different story, that is also fine! By engaging their memory and imagination they are furthering their involvement with the entire experience of reading. 

Do this with your child:
Maple spends much of her time outside, playing with and around her favorite tree. Is there a tree in your backyard or your favorite park? Have you ever sat underneath and watched the leaves dance like Maple does sometimes? Next time you're by a tree, lie below it and just watch and listen. Talk with your child about the sights and the sounds of the tree. You can also bring along a fun activity sheet provided by the author here.

If you're interested in sharing Maple with your child you can find it from Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group here. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter & Instagram for more inspiration.

Click here to learn more about Raising A Reader and the work we do to promote early literacy and family engagement. 

Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

The Tiny Seed

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title with your child. We are celebrating changes!

The Tiny Seed is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
The Tiny Seed from Eric Carle is the perfect book to explore the changes that can come with the new seasons. Enjoy the journey of a tiny seed as it travels from autumn to summer. The trip is not always easy and safe, and not all of the seeds will make it. But through it all the tiny seed takes root and becomes a giant flower. From tiny seed to giant flower, from blowing wind to snow to sun, read along and discover the changes of the seasons.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Take a Picture Walk:
Before you read The Tiny Seed flip through the pages with your child. Ask them to tell you the story based on the pictures on the pages. What do they see, what setting are the pictures taking place, do they notice and changes between the pages? Once you read through, see if their story based on their picture walk coincides with the story Eric Carle wrote.

Do this with your child:
The Tiny Seed is illustrated with Eric Carle's classic collage style. Collage takes different print materials and transforms them into something else. Make a collage with your child. You can use pages from magazines, wrapping paper, newspaper, old paintings and drawings that your child made previously. Use pieces of these to create a new picture.

If you're interested in sharing The Tiny Seed with your child you can find it from Aladdin Paperbacks, an imprint of Simon & Schuster here. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more inspiration.

Click here to learn more about Raising A Reader and the work we do to promote early literacy and family engagement. 

Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.