Sand Sister

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

Sand Sister is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Paloma and her parents spend a magical day at the beach in Sand Sister written by Amanda White. When Paloma sees all of the other children playing with their siblings on the beach she draws herself a sister in the sand and makes a wish to have her very own sibling to play with. See how her wish is granted in this charming story of imagination and friendship.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Take a Picture Walk:
Before you read Sand Sister take a picture walk through the story and ask your child what they see on each page. Start by just asking about what is on the page, a family, rocks, the ocean, etc. You can then take that information further and ask what they think is happening and what will happen next. After you read the story see if any of their predictions were correct.

Do this with your child:
Sand Sister is a story fueled by a little girl's imagination and play. Ask your child to draw a picture of something or someone that they would come to life and help them to write a short story of their own about this person or creature.  

If you're interested in sharing Sand Sister with your child you can find it from Barefoot Books here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. For more from illustrator Yuyi Morales check out her 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.