Tilly's Staycation

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this summer title with your child. 

Tilly's Staycation is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Tilly's friends are all getting ready for their trips to Paris, to India and to go camping but Tilly is jealous that she won't have a trip on her own vacation in Tilly's Staycation. Tilly's mom assures her that they will have their own adventures and that they will be just as, if not more, exciting. A reluctant Tilly isn't convinced, until her day begins with breakfast in bed! From there, Tilly and her mom spend the day filled with adventures and excitement having a grand staycation. Author Gillian Hibbs' adorable illustrations and fun story are a reminder that you can have an amazing vacation, even if you aren't going on an exotic trip!

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
After you read Tilly's Staycation ask your reader to take a turn retelling the story to you. Let them hold the book, flip the pages and narrate the story. Having already read through, they'll recall major events and characters and be able to fill in with their picture clues and their own imaginations. By interacting with the book in a more involved role, they'll have a deeper engagement in the entire book sharing process.

Do this with your child:
After you read Tilly's Staycation plan a staycation of your own! Make a list with your child of things you'd like to do together. Check out cheap/free local attractions like museums, parks, beaches, etc. and have your own grand adventure without having to travel too far.  

If you're interested in sharing Tilly's Staycation with your child you can find it from Child's Play International here. 

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

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The Cloud

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

The Cloud is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
The Cloud from author and illustrator Hannah Cumming is a wonderful and simple story about the power of friendship. A little girl never draws anything in art class, she sits by herself, looking at her paper, with a black cloud over her head. But one of her classmates is determined to befriend this little girl and make her smile. Follow along with the charming illustrations and simple text to see how one child's attempt at inclusion turns into a class-wide epidemic. 

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
The Cloud is a perfect story to open up a conversation about friendship and emotions as we enter the new school year. You can ask your child if they have ever felt like they have a black cloud over their head, and what happened to turn that cloud into a smile. Have they ever noticed a classmate or friend who is gloomy or upset? Talk about ways they can help make that child feel better, and ways to reach out and make new friends. By making these emotional connections to the text, your child will be able to further engage with the story and hopefully see themselves in the book.

Do this with your child:
Drawing is used to bring friends together in The Cloud. Work with your child to make a drawing together just like in the story. If you have multiple children, have them make a drawing or two together as well. Display these new creations proudly!

If you're interested in sharing The Cloud with your child you can find it from Child's-Play here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.