The Crayon’s Christmas

Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Summary: Duncan and his crayons are back, but this time they are hoping to spread some holiday cheer and show how giving someone a gift is the BEST gift of all! You and your kids will have so much fun exploring each of the letters, games, and activities that are in the book. Hours of fun for sure!

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to teach the parts of a letter.

Extension Activities: Check out all the activities that are inside the book! Even more activities can be found as well! Click here!

The Panda Problem

Author: Deborah Underwood

Illustrator: Hannah Marks

Summary: Panda has a big problem….but he didn’t realize he did until the narrator of the story informed him of this very fact. That’s when things take a turn for the worse...or better, depending upon your view. Will the narrator ever get the Panda to help him with the story? You and your kids will be sure to laugh throughout this crazy story!

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This would be a fun book to read to talk about the parts of a story.

If I Built A School

Author: Chris Van Dusen

Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen

Summary: While on the playground with his teacher, Jack shares his ideas on how his school would be a much better design than the one in front of him. Let’s start with a welcoming zoo at the front entrance, and a cool system of transportation pods that kids could use to go from class to class. With each turn of the page, you and your kids will be amazed with the detail of Jack’s imagination. Watch out, you might be inspired to come up with your own ideas for the perfect school!

Recommended Ages: 5 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This would be a fun book to read at the beginning of school to get excitement of all the new things that may happen.

Extension Activities: Check out the interview with the author. Click here!

I Am Not A Fish!

Author: Peter Raymundo

Illustrator:

Summary: Edgar, the jellyfish, is just plain confused about his name, so he goes to an underwater support group for some help. There he meets a group of starfish who listen to his concerns. He’s jealous that some animals got fancy names (narwhal, nautilus) and understands why other animals got their names (hammerhead shark, swordfish) but he just can’t understand why he was named Jelly Fish when HE”S NOT A FISH! The author cleverly weaves in facts about fish and jelly fish, all while Edgar goes on a journey to discover that no matter WHAT he is called, he is still HIMSELF! You and your kids will be sure to smile when Charlie the seahorse makes an appearance at the end of the story.

Recommended Ages: 3 to 6 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to use to introduce underwater animals that your kids can then research. It’s also a great book to open a discussion about being okay with who you are, no matter what names you are called.

Extension Activities: Check out the cute book trailer here. Click here!

Earth: My First 4.54 Billion Years

Author: Stacy McAnulty

Illustrator: David Litchfield

Summary: Welcome to Planet Awesome…otherwise known as planet Earth! This is a great book full of kid-friendly facts. You and your kids will enjoy learning about the history of Earth through the fabulous illustrations. This book is packed with diagrams, timelines, and even a few jokes along the way. Even better, it ends with a gentle reminder to clean up as you go to take care of planet Earth.

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book for anyone who loves to learn facts about Earth and outer space.

Extension Activities: Check out these fun extension activities here! Click here!