Dasher

Author: Matt Tavares

Illustrator: Matt Tavares

Summary: Dasher was the youngest reindeer in his family, and loved to hear her mom tell stories about the magical snowy place under the North Star. When the gate door to their pen swings open one night, Dasher runs as fast as she could despite the warnings her mother gave about their owner Mr. Finnegan. Lost in the woods, she comes across Santa and offers her help to deliver the presents. It was an amazing night, filled with adventure and excitement, but will Dasher ever see her family again? You’ll have to read to find out.

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a sweet story about dreams and the power of family. It will make a great tradition in your holiday read-alouds.

Extension Activities: Check out this amazing book activity kit. Click here!

Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away

Author: Meg Medina

Illustrator: Sonia Sánchez

Summary: Daniela and Evelyn are best friends...they live across from each other, in apartments that are mirror images of the other. Today is a big day because it’s moving day for Evelyn. Daniela and Evelyn spend the day playing make believe, hiding in their best spots, and promising to always be friends even when Evelyn moves away.

Recommended Ages: 5 to 7 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a sweet story about friendship, and would be a great book to read to talk about coping when friends move away.

Extension Activities: Check out the cool book sketches by the illustrator. Click here!

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

Author: Andrea Beaty

Illustrator: David Roberts

Summary: Sofia looks forward to her Abuelo walking her to school everyday. Unfortunately, he gets hurt at the dangerous land fill one day, and Sofia has to walk alone. Feeling frustrated, Sofia gets an idea and creates a plan to fix the awful landfill and build a park instead. But to change something that big would take a lot of courage, and Sofia wasn’t feeling very brave. Will Sofia find the courage she needs to make her plan work? You and your kids will be cheering her on, all the way to the end of the story!

Recommended Ages: 5 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to begin a discussion of civic duty, and what it takes to bring the community together to do something good.

Extension Activities: Take a walk in your neighborhood see what ideas you can come up with to help your community.

Inky’s Amazing Escape

Author: Sy Montgomery

Illustrator: Amy Schimler-Safford

Summary: Inky is an octopus that was found by a fisherman and brought to the New Zealand Aquarium in 2014. He was an inquisitive octopus, and loved to be entertained. One night in 2016, Inky decided he was bored and decided to go on an adventure…the goal…to get back out to sea. Will he succeed? You and your kids will be amazed at this exciting true story!

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This would be a great book to use to research octopuses.

Extension Activities: Check out fun octopus facts! Click here!

I Will Be Fierce!

Author: Bea Birdsong

Illustrator: Nicholas Chanani

Summary: This is a sweet story about a girl who wakes up ready to “be fierce” and have a great adventure. From escaping the dragons, to climbing the “Mountain of Knowledge”, she bravely faces the challenges of the day. The illustrations will lead to great conversations to have with your kids.

Recommended Ages: 3 to 7 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to read to talk about how to face the day with courage and kindness and a sense of purpose.