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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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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Ruby the Copycat

FOR THE WEEKEND share this title with your child. 

Ruby the Copycat is appropriate for school age children.

Summary:
Ruby the Copycat from Peggy Rathmann tells the story of Ruby in her new school. On Ruby's first day she sits behind Angela who is wearing a pretty red bow in her hair and when Ruby comes back from lunch she is wearing one too. When Angela wears a purple sweater with daisies on it, so does Ruby. Fortunately Ruby's teacher knows what to do. In a time when kids want to fit in, this story stands as an important reminder to be true to yourself!

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
Ruby the Copycat is a great book to practice retelling. After you read the story, let your reader take a turn to tell it to you. Can they remember what is happening on the pages? Do they recognize any words or letters? It's okay if they tell you a completely different story! The desire is to further engage them with the entire book sharing process.

Do this with your child:
After you read Ruby the Copycat talk with your reader about why Ruby may have been copying Angela. Has your reader ever done anything to try to fit in too? Then talk about what makes your reader special and unique. Do they have any fun hobbies, favorite books, special outfits? 

If you're interested in sharing  Ruby the Copycat with your child you can find it from Scholastic 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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Going Around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this eclipse inspired title with your child. 

Going Around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Going Around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun is a wonderfully accurate description of our solar system set to the tune of 'Over in the Meadow.' Explore the planets as they orbit mother Sun, tilting, rolling and sparkling in space. Author Marianne Berkes provides the perfect introduction to our planetary neighbors and illustrator Janeen Mason's work will captivate audiences of all ages.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
After you read Going Around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun ask your reader to flip through and take a turn telling the story to you. Can they remember which planet sparkled or which tilted? By taking a more interactive role in the story telling process your reader will have a deeper connection to the entire experience.

Do this with your child:
After you read Going Around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun talk with your child about the upcoming total solar eclipse, when the moon will completely block out the sun on Monday 8/21/2017. Check out Space Racers kid friendly website for resources, information, and activities and get ready for the exciting event!

If you're interested in sharing Going Around the Sun: Some Planetary Fun with your child you can find it from Dawn Publications 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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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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One Hot Summer Day

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

One Hot Summer Day is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
One Hot Summer Day brings the heat and the cool when a little girl plays outside on a hot, summer day. Follow along as the little girl explores the neighborhood with dogs panting and ladies holding umbrellas for shade as she teases her shadow and eats popsicles. Relief from the heat comes in big, dark thunderous clouds as a summer storm fills the sky. Nina Crews' simple text and photo-collage images radiate summer the whole way through.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
After you read One Hot Summer Day ask your reader to take a turn and tell the story to you. Let them lead the way, flipping the pages and narrating the text and pictures. By engaging with the book in a more interactive role your reader will be more invested in the entire book sharing experience.

Do this with your child:
Before you read One Hot Summer Day set up a space to read together outside. This could be on a blanket in your back yard, at a local playground or park, or even at the beach. You will be able to ask your reader questions about how they're relating to the little girl in the story, are they too hot to swing, can they escape their shadow in the sunshine, etc. By engaging with a book in a new setting your reader will be experiencing it in a different way than when you share books on your couch or in bed. Take advantage of the summer weather 

If you're interested in sharing One Hot Summer Day with your child you can find it from Greenwillow Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, 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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Diary of a Wombat

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title with your child. 

Diary of a Wombat is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French with pictures by Bruce Whatley is a hilarious and adorable peek into the weekly routine of a wombat. Wombats are cuddly-looking, slow-moving Australian animals who spend their time eating, digging and sleeping. This particular wombat encounters a slight change in his routine when his new neighbors, a family of humans, move in next door. He quickly learns about carrots and all the ways to acquire them. Read along and enjoy the charming illustrations as this wombat learns to train his new human neighbors.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
Diary of a Wombat is a wonderful story for your reader to practice retelling. After you read the story, allow your child to take a turn and tell the story for you. If they become stuck or need help, encourage them to use the illustrations to spark their memory. Even if the story isn't the same just by taking a role as the leader, your child will become more invested in the overall experience.  

Do this with your child:
After you read Diary of a Wombat encourage your child to start a diary of their own to track their own week. Or if you have a pet in the family, start a diary for them! Maybe you have a grumpy cat or an overactive pup, a slow turtle or a chirpy bird. Have your child observe the animal and if they're able, write their observations; if they aren't writing yet, have them draw a picture of the animal's activities. Have fun!

If you're interested in sharing Diary of a Wombat with your child you can find it from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter & Instagram for more inspiration.

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

Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

I Wish You More

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title with your child. 

I Wish You More is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
I Wish You More is a beautiful book brimming with love and hope from authour Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrator Tom Lichtenheld. Each page has a heartfelt statement that starts "I wish you more..." and whether it be ups than downs, umbrella than rain, or treasures than pockets, you can feel the love seeping through the pages. 

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
After you read I Wish You More let your child take a turn retelling the story to you. Have them flip the pages and use the images as a guide to prompt their memory. If they ask questions, help them out, otherwise they are the leader this time!

Do this with your child:
Sadly Amy Krouse Rosenthal passed away this week. We would like to pay tribute to an amazing author, wonderful mother, and incredible human being. I Wish You More is filled with kind wishes and sweet sentiments to share with someone you love. Publisher Chronicle Books has called on their followers to keep sharing that love, saying of Amy 

She inspired us to want more for ourselves. More for our children, our families, our friends. More for the strangers at the bus stop and for the person who took our parking spot this morning.

So please be inspired by Amy; tell those around you what you wish for them. 

You can find Chronicle Book's tribute and pdf of the umbrella sheet here. Take a moment to fill one out with your child and share with #loveforamykrouserosenthal.

If you're interested in sharing I Wish You More with your child, along with a handful of other wonderful Amy Krouse Rosenthal titles, you can find it from Chronicle Books here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter & Instagram for more inspiration.

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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Maple

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title with your child. We are celebrating changes!

Maple is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Maple is a charming story from Lori Nichols about a spunky little girl and her very own tree. Maple's parents planted a tree when she was just a baby. Maple and her tree grow and experience the seasons together. Maple's tree isn't always the best playmate, but it doesn't mind when she is in the mood to be loud. One day, Maple becomes a big sister and she does her best to be the greatest big sister she can be. When she discovers that her baby sister also likes to be loud, she knows just what to do.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
After you read Maple ask your child to tell you the story. As they turn the pages for you, have them tell you the names of the characters and the events that they recall happening on each page. If they need help, prompt them with a question about the information. If they tell you a complete different story, that is also fine! By engaging their memory and imagination they are furthering their involvement with the entire experience of reading. 

Do this with your child:
Maple spends much of her time outside, playing with and around her favorite tree. Is there a tree in your backyard or your favorite park? Have you ever sat underneath and watched the leaves dance like Maple does sometimes? Next time you're by a tree, lie below it and just watch and listen. Talk with your child about the sights and the sounds of the tree. You can also bring along a fun activity sheet provided by the author here.

If you're interested in sharing Maple with your child you can find it from Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group here. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter & Instagram for more inspiration.

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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Changes, Changes

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title with your child. We are celebrating changes!

Changes, Changes is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Changes, Changes from Pat Hutchins is a wordless adventure that two block people share. Using their blocks, this pair builds a house. But when their house catches on fire, changes are necessary. Journey through the story to discover all of the amazing things they build and accomplish together as their circumstances and surrounding change with them. Changes are a necessary part of life.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
Changes, Changes has no words but that does not limit the story telling. As you flip through the pages, you will be able to tell the story based on the pictures. Once you read through it, let your child take a turn to tell their own version. Will they name the charachters? Can they tell you why their house caught on fire? Can they fill in details that might not have been shared the first time around? By giving your child the power to lead the story, their engagement with the book witll be strenghtened.

Do this with your child:
Changes, Changes is told using pictures of blocks. Do you have blocks at home? You and your child can recreate the story using your own blocks. Recreate the images or create your own versions of the things that are built. Leave the fire and the water to your imaginations!

If you're interested in sharing Changes, Changes with your child you can find it from Simon & Schuster here. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more inspiration.

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

Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.