Corduroy

FOR THE WEEKEND share this classic title with your child. 

Corduroy is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Corduroy is a classic piece from author illustrator Don Freeman. Join the adventure as Corduroy the bear explores the department store where he lives after hours, looking for his lost button. He hopes that finding a button will make someone want to choose him. Follow along to see if this adventurous, sweet bear finds a button and ultimately a friend.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
Corduroy is a wonderful book to practice retelling. As you read, point out major details and events, characters and settings. Then once you've finished, let your reader take a turn to retell the story to you. Allow them to flip the pages and tell the story however they see fit.

Do this with your child:
After you read Corduroy take the opportunity to play with, sort, pattern and size buttons of your own! Buttons can be great learning tools as they can easily be sorted by color or size, they can be arranged in patterns, they can be graphed and they can be stacked. All of these skills enhance both early math skills and fine motor skills!

If you're interested in sharing Corduroy with your child you can find it published by Puffin Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, here. 

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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.

Heather Has Two Mommies

FOR THE WEEKEND share this family-themed title with your child. 

Heather Has Two Mommies is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Heather Has Two Mommies is a beautiful look into a nontraditional family model that will benefit all families. Heather's favorite number is two, she has two arms, two eyes, two pets and two mommies! Her mommies love her very much. When Heather shares at school that she doesn't have a daddy, her teacher instructs the class to draw pictures of their families. While all of the pictures are different, her teacher describes what they all have in common: they are filled with love. This wonderful book from Leslea Newman and Laura Cornell does a fantastic job reminding readers the most important part of every family is that all the people in it love each other.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Summarize:
Heather Has Two Mommies is a great book to practice summarizing. As you read, have discussions about what you're reading. This will deepen your reader's engagement in the story and their interest in the experience overall. After you've finished reading, ask your child to tell you what the story was about. Can your reader tell you the characters, where the story took place, and what events were happening? 

Do this with your child:
After you read Heather Has Two Mommies we encourage you and your reader to draw a picture of your own family, just like all of the students in Heather's class. Go back to look and discuss how your own family differs from those shared in the story. Then find a special spot to display your new family portrait!

If you're interested in sharing Heather Has Two Mommies with your child you can find it published by Penguin Random House here. 

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Monster Trouble

FOR THE HALLOWEEN WEEKEND share this spooky title with your child. 

Monster Trouble is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Monster Trouble is a charming story from Lane Fredrickson with spunky pictures by Michael Roberston. Nothing frightens Winifred Schnitzel, but she does need her sleep! The neighborhood monsters sneak into her room every night and create quite a scene, they growl and belch and won't let Winifred be. She tries everything she can think of to get rid of these pesky beasts but her traps just can't contain them. Luckily Winifred learns the ultimate trick and finds out what monsters hate - KISSES! Readers young and old will delight in the endearing verse and colorful images which pair together perfectly to tell this super sweet monster tale. 

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Predictions:
Monster Trouble is a great book for your reader to practice making predictions. As you read, ask your reader questions about what they think might happen next? Do they think Winifred will be able to keep the monsters at bay? What do they think she might try to do next? By engaging with the story in a more interactive role, your reader will have an overall more impactful book sharing experience.

Do this with your child:
After you read Monster Trouble check out More Halloween titles via this article from The Washington Post 

Reading to your kids on Halloween is sweeter than candy corn www.washingtonpost.com Make memories with “Goodnight Goon,” “Six Creepy Sheep” and other scary classics for kids.

If you're interested in sharing Monster Trouble with your child you can find it from Sterling Publishing sold through Amazon here. 

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Pumpkin Soup

FOR THE WEEKEND share this Fall themed title with your child. 

Pumpkin Soup is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Pumpkin Soup from Helen Cooper is a warm and vibrant book which touches on some of the trials of friendship. Everyday Cat, Squirrel and Duck work together to make delicious pumpkin soup. Cat slices, Squirrel stirs, and Duck adds the salt. But when Duck decides he'd like to try stirring instead their routine is challenged and the trouble begins. Duck leaves in a huff but it isn't long before Cat and Squirrel start to worry. Cooper's rich illustrations and warm text perfectly capture the fall season.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
Pumpkin Soup is a great book for your reader to practice retelling. As you read, ask questions so that your reader will be more engaged in the story. Then after you finish, ask your reader to take a turn and read the book to you. As they retell the story, they should recall the main story elements - character, setting, and main ideas. If their story turns out a bit differently that is alright too!

Do this with your child:
At the end of Pumpkin Soup you'll find a recipe for pumpkin soup! Pick an extra pumpkin from the pumpkin patch (or for a cheaper option, from your local grocery store.) Test out the recipe with your reader and enjoy the warmth and aroma of the season. 

If you're interested in sharing Pumpkin Soup with your child you can find it from Square Fish, an imprint of US MacMillan, here. 

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Amazing Autumn

FOR THE WEEKEND share this Fall themed title with your child. 

Amazing Autumn is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Amazing Autumn from Jennifer Marino Walters and John Nez is the perfect book to cozy up with as the weather turns colder and the days turn shorter. Explore the season as the leaves change color, the weather cools down and pumpkins abound. You and your reader will enjoy the interactive nature of this fun fall book!

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Take A Picture Walk:
Amazing Autumn is a perfect book for taking a picture walk. Before you read, flip through the pages with your reader and ask them ehat they see on each page. By engaging with the book before you even begin to share the words your reader will have a more impactful experience overall.

Do this with your child:
After you read Amazing Autumn take a walk outside with your reader and bring the book along with you. See if you can spot any of the signs of fall around you. Do you see leaves changing color? Do you feel the air getting cooler? Are there children in jacksets, or pumpkins on porches? Enjoy your fall spotting walk with a cup of hot cocoa!

If you're interested in sharing Amazing Autumn with your child you can find it from Lerner Publishing Group here. 

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Whiffy Wilson the Wolf Who Wouldn't Go to School

FOR THE WEEKEND share this title with your child. 

Whiffy Wilson The Wolf Who Wouldn't Go to School is appropriate for preschool age children.

Summary:
Whiffy Wilson The Wolf Who Wouldn't Go to School from Caryl Hart and Leonie Lord is a relatable tale about a young wolf who is convinced that school will be entirely too boring. His friend Dotty persuades him to tag along with her to class and see what it's all about. Whiffy thought he would miss spending his day watching TV, playing games and staying up late - but he finds that school is more fun than he could have imagined! Filled with adorable and humorous illustrations and flowing rhythmic text, Whiffy Wilson is a wonderful book to read as school begins.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Make Connections:
Whiffy Wilson The Wolf Who Wouldn't Go to School is a perfect book for making connections. Whiffy is reluctant to go to school, can your reader relate to that? Were they nervous, scared, or unsure before their own first day of school? When Whiffy gets to school he is delighted to find out that he is still able to play and have fun all day long, does your reader play games at school? Do they have fun with their friends? Books can be a mirror to reflect the reader's personal world, and they can be a window into new and different experiences. 

Do this with your child:
After you read Whiffy Wilson The Wolf Who Wouldn't Go to School talk with your reader about their favorite parts of their school day. Ask them to recreate this with you while they take the lead. Whether it be story time, outside play, snack time or workshop/activity time allow them to play the role of teacher and explain how their favorite school activity works!

If you're interested in sharing Whiffy Wilson The Wolf Who Wouldn't Go to School with your child you can find it from Hachette Children's Group here. 

Calling All Reading Champions

 Join us for the 2017 RAR National Institute: The Road to Reading

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