There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow

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

There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
There was a Cold Lady who Swallowed Some Snow is a wintry edition to the twists on the familiar There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. Lucille Colandro provides rhyming, goofy text with Jared Lee's silly illustrations to bring this wacky book to life. After swallowing snow, a pipe, a hat, and more you are in for a surprise ending!

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Sequencing:
After you read There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow you and your reader will have the perfect opportunity to practice sequencing, putting events in the order which they happened. The repetition and rhythm in the story should help prompt your child's memory when putting the events in order. If they need a reminder, let them look back into the book and see if they can find the step based on the pictures.

Do this with your child:
After you read There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow you will see that all of the things that the cold lady have swallowed have helped her create a snowman. Use the things she has swallowed in the book to make a snowman of your own. Don't live in the snow? Try using play dough or shaving cream to make your snowman! By having to recall and use items the cold lady used, your child will be deepening heir involvement with the story.

If you're interested in sharing There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow with your child you can find it from Scholastic Books here. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more inspiration.

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Thank You, Mr. Falker

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title with your child! 

Thank You, Mr. Falker is appropriate for school age children.

Summary:
Thank You, Mr. Falker tells the story of a little girl who's life is changed due to a wonderful teacher. Trisha can't wait to learn how to read! She loves listening to her mother and brother read stories to her and is so excited for when she will be able to share the stories as well. But as she grows older and enters each new grade, the words and numbers never seem to make any sense to her. It isn't until the 5th grade, when young Trisha meets Mr. Falker, that she is given the extra help and understanding she so desperately needs. This story is founded in the author's own life and experiences with dyslexia; Patricia Polacco is Trisha and her life was changed forever by the caring and understanding of Mr. Falker who is proof that a good teacher can change a child's life forever.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Summarizing:
Thank You, Mr. Falker is a great story to practice summarizing. After you read the story, ask your child to tell you what happened. Have them tell you who the characters were and where the story takes place. Then ask them to fill in the story with the events that happen, doing their best to keep the events in the correct order.

Do this with your child:
After reading Thank You, Mr. Falker ask your child why they think that Trisha is thankful for her teacher. Make a list of reasons why the author may have wanted to thank this special teacher. Then talk to your child about a person in their own life that they are thankful for. Once they decide on that person, help them write a thank you note and send it to them!

If you're interested in sharing Thank You, Mr. Falker with your child you can find it from Philomel, an imprent of Penguin Random House here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more inspiring tales.

Have you heard about The Great Book Challenge?

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Grace for President

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title with your child! 

Grace for President is appropriate for school age children.

Summary:
Grace for President from author Kelly DiPucchio and illustrator LeUyen Pham is a timely story that not only gives readers a fun introduction to the American electoral system, but also teaches them the value of hard work, courage, and independent thought — and offers an inspiring example of how to choose our leaders. When Grace Campbell's teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace decides to be the first. And she immediately starts off her political career as a candidate in the school's mock election. But soon, she realizes that she has entered a tough race. Her popular opponent claims to be the "best man for the job" — and seems to have captured all the male votes — while Grace concentrates on being the best person.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
Grace for President couldn't be recommended at a better time! Not only will your child be able to make connections to their own lives in their own schools, but they will have the opportunity to connect Grace to our current National Election and the world around them.  

Do this with your child:
There is no doubt your child may ask some questions after reading Grace for President. They have likely seen the many local and national outlets sharing their political messages for the past few weeks. Take this opportunity to talk with them about the election and voting. You can find resources from PBS and Kids Health.

If you're interested in sharing Grace for President with your child you can find it from publisher Disney-Hyperion here. 

Have you heard about The Great Book Challenge?

Click here to donate!

This School Year Will Be the Best!

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

This School Year Will Be the Best! is appropriate for school age children.

Summary:
In the silly and fun This School Year Will Be the Best!  it is the first day of the school year and the teacher asks the children "what do you hope will happen this year?" Author Kay Winters and illustrator Renee Andriani combine their talents to bring these students wishes to the next level! You and your child will giggle through this wonderful story that is perfect for the first month of school.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Summarizing:
This School Year Will Be the Best! is a wonderful book to use to make predictions. As you go through the book, look at the picture on the page before you read the text. Ask your child what they think each child's hope for the school year is based on the picture. Since the illustrations are exaggerated, it will be fun for you and your child to find out if their predictions are correct!

Do this with your child:
Every child shares their wish for the school year in This School Year Will Be the Best! Ask your child what they hope will happen them during their school year. Then work together to illustrate their wish in a fun way!

If you're interested in sharing This School Year Will Be the Best! with your child you can find it from Penguin Books USA here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Kindness Is Cooler Mrs. Ruler

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

Kindness Is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler is the perfect story to brighten any classroom. Author Margery Cuyler and illustrator Sachiko Yoshikawa beautifully depict what happens when you spread kindness instead of chaos. Mrs. Ruler asks five of her students to miss recess due to their behavior but she has a special plan up her sleeve! She assigns them a special project to complete acts of kindness. What the whole class learns is that kindness in contagious and soon their bulletin board is overflowing with acts of kindness!

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Summarizing:
Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler is a perfect story to practice summarization. After you read the story with your child, ask them what the story was about. Have them recall details such as character names, where the story takes place, and the events in the story. Let them look through the book to use the illustrations as context clues and reminders if they need 

Do this with your child:
Mrs. Ruler assigns students to complete acts of kindness in Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler. Talk with your child about why it is important Ask your child if they would like to participate and complete their own acts of kindness. Create a space to display acts of kindness that your family completes just like in Mrs. Ruler's classroom. 

If you're interested in sharing Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Ruler with your child you can find it from Simon and Schuster here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

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.

The Little School Bus

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

The Little School Bus is appropriate for children age of all ages.

Summary:
The Little School Bus by author Carol Roth and illustrator Pamela Paparone is a bouncy, rhythmic journey along the school bus route. Bright, cheerful pictures accompany song like text that will have your child giggling and rhyming along.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Sequencing/Rhyming:
The Little School Bus is a great story to practice sequencing, putting events in the order which they happened. Have your child read along with you as you repeat the characters and their rhymes. If they can't remember, prompt them with the rhyming word and have them finish the line. Rhyming helps children strengthen listening skills, recognize sound patterns, and develop memorization skills. 

Do this with your child:
After reading The Little School Bus talk with your child about their favorite characters on the bus. did they like the sleepy sheep or the hairy bear, the ox with socks or the pig in the wig? Can you come up with another rhyming character to add to the story? Think of a fun animal rhyme and draw the new character. Read through the story again, this time adding your new character into the text!

If you're interested in sharing The Little School Bus with your child you can find it from North South Books here. Please like them on Facebook.

Happy Like Soccer

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

Happy Like Soccer is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Sienna loves soccer. Nothing makes her as happy as when she's playing. But nothing also makes her as sad. While she loves the game and has fun playing, she wants her aunt to be able to come to the game and cheer her on too. But her aunt works on game days and isn't able to make it. The one day she is able to switch her schedule, the game is rained out. See if Sienna is able to get her coach to change the game day and time in order to have her family there cheering her on in Happy Like Soccer.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Inferring:
As you read Happy Like Soccer ask your child questions about what they think will happen next based on what you've read so far. They'll be more engaged as you read forward, more invested in knowing whether or not the predictions they have made based on context clues are coming true. 

Do this with your child:
In Happy Like Soccer Sienna loves to play soccer. Has your child ever played soccer? Take the opportunity to go outside and play! You can try baseball or any sport that you've seen during the Olympics; it is always fun to try something new and play outside. Playing a sport or a game will help your child learn teamwork, let them practice following directions, and build self esteem. You can also make signs to cheer on friends or family members who are playing a sport as well.

If you're interested in sharing Happy Like Soccer with your child you can find it from Candlewick Press here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Curious George at the Baseball Game

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

Curious George at the Baseball Game is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
George is at it again! In the classic Curious George at the Baseball Game follow the adventures of this curious little monkey as he sits in the dugout, watches from the stands, and of course, finds a way to get into and out of trouble! 

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Sequencing:
After reading Curious George at the Baseball Game talk to your child about which order the events happen in the story. Use words like 'before,' 'after,' and 'next' to help your child put the events in order. Did George sit in the stands or the dugout first? When did he find the little boy? Ask questions to help prompt your child if they need it!

Do this with your child:
In Curious George at the Baseball Game George and the man with the yellow hat watch baseball. Has your child ever played baseball or t-ball? Take the opportunity to go outside and play! You can try baseball or any sport that you've seen during the Olympics; it is always fun to try something new and play outside. Playing a sport or a game will help your child learn teamwork, let them practice following directions, and build self esteem. 

If you're interested in sharing Curious George at the Baseball Game with your child you can find it from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt here. Please like them on Facebook and Instagram. 

Allie's Basketball Dream

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

Allie's Basketball Dream is appropriate for children age 4 and up.

Summary:
In Allie's Basketball Dream we meet Allie, a girl who really wants a basketball after watching a game with her dad at Madison Square Garden. But when Allie finally receives that gift, the neighborhood boys tease her and her girlfriends won't play with her either. With practice, determination and perseverance, Allie gets better and better at the sport that she loves, and inspires all of the children around her.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Summarize:
After reading Allie's Basketball Dream ask your child to tell you what the story was about. Ask questions about who is in the story, where the story takes place and what is happening with the characters. To further the engagement even more, ask your child about how Allie is feeling. Creating an emotional connection with a character can deepen your child's interest in the story and how it ends. 

Do this with your child:
In Allie's Basketball Dream Allie loves basketball. Has your child ever played basketball? Take the opportunity to go outside and play! You can try basketball or any sport that you've seen during the Olympics; it is always fun to try something new and play outside. Playing a sport or a game will help your child learn teamwork, let them practice following directions, and build self esteem. If you are watching the Olympics with your child, use this book as an opportunity to talk with them about the power of female athletes!

If you're interested in sharing Allie's Basketball Dream with your child you can find it from Lee & Low Books here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. 

Hush Little Beachcomber

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

Hush, Little Beachcomber is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Hush, Little Beachcomber tells of all the fun to be had in the sun and at the beach. Following the rhythm of "Hush Little Baby" you'll be taken on a day of adventures on the sand, in the surf, and with the seagulls. The beautiful story written by Dianne Moritz is perfectly accompanied by the warm and summer illustrations of Holly McGee.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Predictions:
Before reading Hush, Little Beachcomber comb through the pages with your child. Ask them questions about what they are seeing in the pictures. Have them use the pictures to make predictions about the text. Where do they think the story takes place? What types of activities are they seeing? Then as you read see if their predictions were correct. By furthering their engagement with the book, you'll be deepening their connections to the story. 

Do this with your child:
Hush, Little Beachcomber is written to mirror the rhythm of "Hush Little Baby." As you read, try to follow that rhythm and if you would like to, sing the story to your child. You can watch and listen to the original "Hush Little Baby" by clicking here.

If you're interested in sharing Hush, Little Beachcomber with your child you can find it from EDC Publishing/Usborne Books here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. 

Hello Ocean

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

Hello Ocean is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Come explore the ocean with your five senses in the beautiful Hello Ocean from author Pam Munoz Ryan and illustrator Mark Astrella. This story captures the essence of the ocean with it's stunning illustrations and poetic words. See, smell, feel, taste and hear the ocean and all of the wonder it has to offer.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
After you read Hello Ocean ask your child to take a turn to tell you the story. Let them lead the way. They can make up an entirely new story or try to recall the information from the original. If they ask questions, prompt them to use the pictures on the pages to see if they can remember. Retelling a story, either in a new way or recalling the original, will deepen your child's engagement with the story.

Do this with your child:
After you read Hello Ocean you and your child can use your five senses to explore your own vacation (or staycation) travel destination. Whether you're spending the day at the pool or lake, or you're home in your own backyard, there is always an opportunity to explore your surroundings!

If you're interested in sharing Hello Ocean with your child you can find it from Charlesbridge here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. For more from author Pam Munoz Ryan check out her website. 

How My Parents Learned to Eat

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

How My Parents Learned to Eat is appropriate for children age 4 and up.

Summary:
How My Parents Learned to Eat tells the story of John and Aiko, an American sailor and a Japanese school girl. They meet while John is stationed in Japan and they spend every evening together walking and talking. John would like to ask Aiko to dinner but he is nervous because he does not know how to use chopsticks. Aiko thinks maybe John is not asking her to dinner because she does not know how to use a knife and fork. They each secretly learn how to use the other's utensils and finally have dinner together.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Sequencing:
How My Parents Learned to Eat is a great story to practice sequencing, putting events in the order which they happened. Have your child tell you what happens first, what comes next, and what happens last. Use words like before, then, after and next to transition between events in the story. By recalling events and characters your child is deepening their engagement with the story.

Do this with your child:
After reading How My Parents Learned to Eat enjoy a meal using a utensil you don't typically use. Try eating different foods with chopsticks versus a fork and knife. Talk about which foods are easier to use with which utensils and decide if you have a favorite to  use.

If you're interested in sharing How My Parents Learned to Eat with your child you can find it from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. 

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.

Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday

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

Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday is appropriate for children age 5-9.

Summary:
Alexander's grandparents came to visit and Alexander knows that when they come, they bring a dollar for him and his brothers. He loves when his grandparents visit because he loves money. But in Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday he quickly learns how fast that dollar can disappear. Follow along with the story written by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Ray Cruz to discover where all of Alexander's money disappears.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
As you read Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday you will be able to help your child find connections to their own life. This book can be a window into their own spending habits or a mirror to reflect a possibly less desirable outcome for their money. You can ask have a conversation about whether your child has ever wanted to spend their money right away, if they find it hard to save their money, or if there has ever been something that they really wanted that they would save their money to buy. 

Do this with your child:
Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday provides an excellent opportunity to practice your child's financial literacy skills. Alexander has one dollar bill but as he spends his money, his total is less and less. For older children, keep track of the amounts that he's spending to see how much he has left. You can use real money to help keep track of the amount. For younger children, talk about the different types of money, bills and coins, and help your child recognize them by size and color. For the youngest children, coin sorting and stacking can be a fun activity to go along with the story.

If you're interested in sharing Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday with your child you can find it from Aladdin Paperbacks, a division of Simon & Schuster here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?

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

How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? from Iza Trapani takes a financial spin on the classic nursery rhyme. In this version, a little boy doesn't have quite enough money to buy that doggie in the window, the one with the waggely tail. He tries to earn and save his money, but he keeps using what he has to help his family. When he goes back to say hi to the doggie, he is devastated to discover that the doggie has been purchased. Follow him home to see who bought the doggie in the window!

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Take A Picture Walk:
Before you read How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? with your child take a picture walk and look at the illustrations on all of the pages. As you look through ask your child what they see in the pictures. Use that information to make predictions about what might happen in the story. After you read, see if their predictions were correct!

Do this with your child:
After reading How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? take another trip through the pages and try singing along with the rhythm. You can find a version of the original here to share with your child.

If you're interested in sharing How Much Is That Doggie In The Window? with your child you can find it from Charlesbridge Publishing here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

For more from Iza Trapani please like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.