January 2017

The Secret Life of Squirrels: A Love Story

Author: Nancy Rose

Illustrator: Nancy Rose

Summary: Another great sequel in "The Secret Life of Squirrels" saga by Nancy Rose! I absolutely love the creativity of the pictures, using real-life squirrels in hand-made sets. You and your kids will fall in love with Mr. Peanuts again, this time as he wishes for and finds someone special to have in his life.

Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to use to discuss the difference between Fiction and Non-Fiction books.

Extension Activities: Use the bookmark to create your own new scene for Mr. Peanuts. Click here!

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings

Author: Jo Witek

Illustrator: Christine Roussey

Summary: Big, small, loud, quiet…feelings come in all shapes and sizes and this book is a perfect way to explore those with your kids.

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to use as a springboard to help you and your kids talk about different feelings.

Extension Activities: Create a heart map with your kids. Click here!

Love Monster and the Last Chocolate

Author: Rachel Bright

Illustrator: Rachel Bright

Summary: Love Monster returns from vacation and finds a box of chocolates left unattended! Should he share with his friends or keep the box to himself? The reader follows Love Monster as he explains all the reasons why he should keep the box to himself even though he knows it’s not the right thing to do. Will Love Monster make the right decision?

Recommended Ages: 3 to 7 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to use to discuss friendship, sharing, and doing the right thing even when it's hard.

Extension Activities: Have fun with this Love Monster Activity Kit! Click here!

A Crankenstein Valentine

Author: Samantha Berger

Illustrator: Dan Santat

Summary: Crankenstein is back and he’s NOT happy about all the Valentine’s Day craziness that is around him. From the heart undies to the heart-shaped napkins, he grows more and more cranky with every page! Will he survive the chocolate from his secret admirer? Will he escape the perils of the Valentine’s Day School Pageant? Read to find out!

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to use to talk about how characters change throughout the telling of a story.

Extension Activities: Check out this free Crankenstein Valentine reading response activity. Click here!

Hedgehugs

Author: Steve Wilson

Illustrator: Lucy Tapper

Summary: Horace and Hattie are best friends…they do everything together from splashing in rain puddles to having tea parties by the river. But there is one thing that they haven’t been able to do…hug! Even though they are spikey, Horace and Hattie are determined to find a way to be successful. You and your kids will giggle at their hug inventions, and be surprised to learn how their solution is tied to the mystery of missing socks!

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a fun book to read to talk about problem solving and creative "out of the box" thinking.

Extension Activities: Check out the fun hedgehog games and activities. Click here!

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