If You Ever Want To Bring an Alligator to School, Don’t

Author: Elise Parsley

Illustrator: Elise Parsley

Summary: This is a perfect follow up book to Elise Parsley’s “If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, Don’t!” In this new book, Magnolia is a spunky little girl who has decided to bring her alligator to school for show and tell, despite being told that it’s probably not a good idea. Magnolia tries to get her alligator to wait patiently and quietly until it’s time for Show and Tell. Does it work? Read to find out the hilarious answer!

Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a fun book to use with kids to help them understand what would be good to bring to school for Show and Tell. You can also use it to research Alligators and crocodiles, and see if the facts given in the book are true.

Extension Activities: Show the book trailer before reading the book for a fun introduction! Click here!

Hotel Bruce

Author: Ryan T. Higgins

Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins

Summary: We first met Bruce the grumpy bear in “Mother Bruce”, where he learned how to be a “mother” to four baby goslings. In his new book, Bruce and his goslings return home after a long trip only to find that a group of mice have turned his den into an animal hotel! Will Bruce find a way to get everyone to leave his den so he can find some peace and quiet? Read to find out!

Recommended Ages: 5 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Great for vocabulary development (migration, hibernate, rodents, bellhops, accent, and translator).

Clark the Shark Afraid of the Dark

Author: Bruce Hale

Illustrator: Guy Francis

Summary: Summary Clark is getting ready for his first sleepover, and he couldn’t be happier. He has snacks ready to eat, balloon decorations up, and games planned. The only problem is…he’s not sure if he’s going to be able to sleep outside in the dark. Follow Clark as he learns to overcome his fear, and finds friendship along the way.

Recommended Ages: 3 to 6 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This would be a great book to read to kids who may be afraid of the dark or trying to overcome fears. It's also a good book to have a discussion about true friendship.

Extension Activities: Make your own "Clark the Shark" mask! Click here!

Louise and Andie: The Art of Friendship

Author: Kelly Light

Illustrator: Kelly Light

Summary: We first met Louise and her brother, Art, in their first book “Louise Loves Art”. In the next book, Louise meets her new neighbor, Andie, who also happens to love drawing. Will this be a new masterpiece of friendship? Or a disaster? Don’t forget to go back and look at the “hidden” storyline between the cat and the dog!

Recommended Ages: 4 to 7 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This would be a great book to talk about how friends can get along even with a difference of opinion.