The Library

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

The Library is appropriate for all ages.

Summary:
Follow the story of Elizabeth Brown in The Library from author Sarah Stewart and illustrator David Small.Elizabeth Brown was different than the other children, she didn't want to to play with dolls, she didn't want potato chips, she wanted to read. As she grew older, her book collection grew and grew until there was not even room to get to her front door. The way she solves the problem will warm the hearts of book lovers, young and old.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Sequencing:
After you read The Library pull out some of the major details. You might want to choose Elizabeth Brown falls from the sky, she goes to school, buys a house, she vacuums or buys groceries, and finally she opens a library. Ask your child about the order in which these events occur in the story, Use words like "first," "then," and "next."  This will further their engagement in the story and therefore their comprehension of the text.

Do this with your child:
After reading The Library take a trip to your local library and pick out a handful of books to take home. Sign your child up for a library card if they don't already have one!

If you're interested in sharing The Library with your child you can find it from Square Fish, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

Chicken Big

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

Chicken Big is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
On a teeny little farm, in an itty-bitty coop, a very small hen laid a big, giant egg. You and your child will delight in Keith Grave's Chicken Big, a big twist on the classic story of Chicken Little. The rest of the chickens in the coop aren't quite sure what to make of this larger than life creature who just hatched in their coop but they are certain he is not a chicken.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Take a Picture Walk:
Before you read Chicken Big, flip through the pages with your child, looking at only the pictures. Ask them what they see on the pages and if they have any predictions about what might be happening in the pictures. Then when you read the story, make note if they had any correct predictions.

Do this with your child:
Chicken Big is a twist on the classic Chicken Little. Click here for a video of the original story. After watching, compare the two stories with your child. What about them is the same, what is different? 

If you're interested in sharing Chicken Big with your child you can find it from Chronicle Books here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

For more from author Keith Graves visit his website.

Kite Flying

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

Kite Flying is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
It is a windy day, perfect for flying a kite. Join this family as they cut, paint, glue and create their own kite in Kite Flying by Grace Lin.The bright pictures and simple text will delight readers of all ages.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
After you read Kite Flying, talk with your child about how they can relate to the story. Have you ever flown a kite as a family? Have you watched kites being flown? If so, do you remember where or when or even what the kites looked like? Have you read any other stories that have kites in them? Your child will be using their own experiences to further engage with the story, creating a stronger understanding of the text.

Do this with your child:
The family in Kite Flying works together to create and fly their own kite. Each member of the family has a different job to do in order to make the kite as perfect as possible. You can do something similar with your own family, be it making your own kite, or a different fun project like baking cookies, or making a box car or building a fort. Let each person have a part in the process and then enjoy the end result together!

If you're interested in sharing Kite Flying with your child you can find it from Dragonfly Books here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

For more from author Grace Lin visit her blog.

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.

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.

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves

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

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves is appropriate for a pre-K audience and is a perfect book to curl up on the couch under a blanket with this fall.

Summary:
Fletcher the fox has a favorite tree; a beautiful, leafy friend. He becomes worried when the tree's leaves start turning dull and brown, frantic when the wind starts blowing the tree's leaves, and protective when he thinks his tree is sick. You and your child will enjoy the sweet story by Julia Rawlinson and darling illustrations of Tiphanie Beeke in Fletcher and the Falling Leaves. 

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Using Context Clues:
As you and your child read Fletcher and the Falling Leaves use context clues to figure out what is really happening to Fletcher's tree. Does your child think the tree is sick? What are the other possibilities that could be happening based on the tree's symptoms?

Do this with your child:
With the weather changing, the wind blowing and the leaves falling, Fletcher and the Falling Leaves is a great way to open the door to a conversation with your child about changing seasons. There is so much excitement that comes with Fall: pumpkin patches, hot chocolate, and crunchy leaves. Go outside with your child to see the changes together; feel the brisk air, talk about the changing colors, and of course step on fallen leaves!

If you're interested in sharing Fletcher and the Falling Leaves with your child you can find it from Harper Collins Publishers here.

Like author Julia Rawlinson on Facebook and follow illustrator Tiphanie Beeke on Twitter.

How Far Do You Love Me

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fun title with your child and their grandparent or special friend! 

(2013, Lee & Low Books)

How Far Do You Love Me is appropriate for ages 2-8. 

Summary:
How Far Do You Love Me takes you on a journey across the globe to see how far your love can stretch. Explore the globe from Mexico to Antarctica and Switzerland to Vietnam and get a glimpse into the beauty of the bonds of love in different cultures.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy--Compare and Contrast:
How Far Do You Love Me brings the reader on a journey across the globe and gives you a peek into the lives of the people who live their. Have your child find the similarities and differences in terms of how they relate to the families they see in the pages. How do the families in the story differ from each other? Use the pictures to talk about the clothes, the landscapes and the environments on each page.

Do this with your child:
Author Lulu Delacre was inspired to write How Far Do You Love Me based on a game she would play with her daughters. Have your child play How Far Do You Love Me with a grandparent or special friend and explore how far their love can go. 

You can find How Far Do You Love Me from the publisher Lee & Low Books here.

Grandpa's Garden 

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fun title with your child and their grandparent or special friend! 

(2012, Barefoot Books)

Grandpa's Garden is appropriate for ages 4-8.   

Summary:

In Grandpa's Garden, Billy and his Grandpa are working together through the seasons to plant, harvest and enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of their labor. But Billy has a hard time being patient, every step seems to take forever. With the help of his Grandpa, Billy learns why each action they take is important and becomes even more rooted in the special project they share. Included at the end of the story is a guide for planting your own garden. It takes you through the steps that are important during each season.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy--Inference:
Billy and his Grandpa are planting a garden. Using the pictures in Grandpa's Garden, help your child infer (using evidence from the story to explain or come to a conclusion) what will happen next in the garden. This is also a great opportunity to discuss the plant life cycle with your child and talk about how things grow. What are the things that Billy and his Grandpa needed for their plants to be healthy? How did Billy and his Grandpa prepare their garden and how did the plants grow throughout the seasons?

Do this with your child:
Billy and his Grandpa like to work in the garden together. Ask your child about some things that they enjoy doing with their grandparents. Is there anything that they have learned from their grandma or grandpa?

You can find Grandpa's Garden from the publisher Barefoot Books here. Check out their blog that includes Grandpa's Garden.  

We've teamed up with Hanna Andersson to bring you our Instagram Contest going on from August 31, 2015-September 13, 2015. 

There's only a few more days left of the contest! Post your pictures now in honor of Grandparent's Day for your chance to win! See full contest rules at http://www.thehannablog.com/

4 Winners will Receive:

• RAR tote bag with 5 Grandparent Themed books (including Grandpa's Garden with a special thanks to Barefoot Books)
• $100 Hanna Andersson gift Card
• 1 pair of Hanna Jammies

Grandma's Chocolate / El Chocolate de Abuelita

FOR THIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND, share this fun title with your child and their grandparent or special friend!

(2010, Pinata Books/Arte Publico Press) 

Grandma's Chocolate/El Chocolate de Abuelita is appropriate for ages 5-8. 

Summary:
In Grandma's Chocolate/El Chocolate de Abuelita, Grandma comes to visit Sabrina all the way from Mexico. She and Sabrina open her suitcase full of surprises and explore the culture found within. They play dress up as a Mayan princess, make music with traditional instruments and most exciting for Sabrina, she learns all about the special chocolate from the Mayan and Aztec cultures. 

Practice this Comprehension Strategy--Compare and Contrast:
Grandma's Chocolate/El Chocolate de Abuelita explores the Mayan and Aztec cultures. Sabrina's Grandma shares stories and traditions of their culture. Compare the similarities and contrast the differences between their culture and your own. Are there princesses, special traditions, foods, instruments or songs that are unique to your culture? How are they similar to Sabrina's? How are they different? 

Do this with your child:
When Sabrina's Grandma visits in Grandma's Chocolate/El Chocolate de Abuelita, she brings a suitcase full of goodies. Ask your child about what their grandparent's have brought for them when they visit. Or, like Sabrina's drawing for Grandma, does your child bring anything to give to their grandparents? For an extra project, have your child draw a picture for their grandparent or special friend and send it in the mail to them as a special surprise of their own.

You can find Grandma's Chocolate/El Chocolate de Abuelita from the publisher Arte Publico/Pinata Books here.

We've teamed up with Hanna Andersson to bring you our Instagram Contest going on from August 31, 2015-September 13, 2015. Enter your post in honor of Grandparent's Day for your chance to win! See full contest rules at http://www.thehannablog.com/

4 Winners will Receive:

• RAR tote bag with 5 Grandparent Themed books (including Grandma's Chocolate/El Chocolate de Abuelita with a special thanks to Arte Publico/Pinata Books) 
• $100 Hanna Andersson gift Card
• 1 pair of Hanna Jammies

A Place Called Kindergarten

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

A Place Called Kindergarten is especially appropriate for a child who will be starting (or has started) Kindergarten! 

2008, Puffin Books

Summary:
The animals in the barn become worried when Tommy doesn't come to see them in the morning. When they find out that Tommy is in Kindergarten that doesn't help them much. What is kindergarten? Where is kindergarten? Will Tommy ever come back? Their anxieties are gone once Tommy returns home to tell them all about his first day of school.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Compare and Contrast:
Tommy lives on a farm. Help your child develop their comparing and contrasting skills by talking with your child about how Tommy's home compares to your own. Tommy is very excited to share his stories after his first day of Kindergarten. You can also help your child make text-to-self connections by asking your child if they are excited about going to school and what they think they will learn about.

Do this with your child:
Every page in A Place Called Kindergarten is adorned with charming illustrations of farm animals. Engage your child and make the book sharing experience interactive by making the sounds of the animals with your child as you read through the story.

If you're interested in sharing A Place Called Kindergarten with your child you can find it here.

The Night Before First Grade

FOR THE WEEKEND, consider sharing this book with your child!

If you have an upcoming first grader that will be starting his or her first day of school on Monday, The Night Before First Grade would be a perfect book to read with them on Sunday night! 

2005, Grosset & Dunlap

Summary:
Prepare for the first day of the new school year with Penny and her family. She's laid out her clothes, made her own lunch, and gotten off the bus; but find out what happens when she gets to school and is put in a different class than her best friend.

Practice this Phonemic Awareness Strategy-Rhythm and Rhyme:
"The Night Before First Grade" follows the rhythm of "The Night Before Christmas." Your child will enjoy rhyming along through the story while Penny gets ready for school just like they will be doing. As you read, slow down at the end of each rhyming sentence and encourage your child to guess the rhyming word based on the picture clues in the story.

Discuss this with your child:
This story mirrors your child's routine as they get ready to enter the new school year. Talk with your child about how they want to get ready for school. Do they want to pick their own clothes? What will they have for lunch? Are they excited to see their friends just like Penny? Talk about what they are seeing in the pictures throughout the story, does their classroom look the same or different. You can also use this story to ask your child how they are feeling about going back to school. Are they excited, nervous, happy?

If you're interested in sharing The Night Before First Grade with your child you can find it here.

Summer Book Sharing List is Available!

Summertime is here and Raising A Reader has created a recommended reading list. 

It contains 40 titles (20 In English and 20 in Spanish/bilingual).  Check them out at your local library or your local independent Bookstore. 

Summer Reading List

10 Reading Tips for Families with Busy Schedules

1. Carry books (or other reading material with you) wherever you go!

2. For kids that don’t get motion sickness, read while traveling in the car.

3. Instead of listening to music, listen to an audio book.

4. Create a reading challenge or competition with friends (you’ll be more motivated to read!).

5. Read during bath time.

6. Make reading something you do before you get out of bed and before you go to sleep (even if it’s for 5 minutes!). 

7. Have you children read you a story while you prepare breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

8. Download books onto your iPad, tablet, or other portable device. Encourage your child to read instead of playing games!

9. Just as you schedule your other activities, schedule in “reading time” as a part of your daily routine. 

10. Going out to eat? Read a book while waiting for your food to come!