Group Hug
Author: Jean Reidy
Illustrator: Joey Chou
Summary: Slug needs a hug and goes searching through the forest for a friend to share a hug with. Along the way, Slug learns that his hugs are big enough to share with friends who also could use some cheer.
Recommended Ages: 4-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This fun book will lead to good discussions about how we can uplift others and when we do, good feelings can spread. And if your child is not a hugger, different ways of spreading cheer can be explored!
Extension Activities: Follow the link to learn how to make a "Hug Jar"! This fun book also is full of rhyming words! Have your child identify them and even add to the word family! Click here!
I Am Me
Author: Susan Verde
Illustrator: Peter Reynolds
Summary: What do you feel when you don't fit in? When you have your own path to follow that might not be what the group does? How do you follow your own path? How can you embrace your special uniqueness?
Recommended Ages: 4-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This lovely book explores feelings and emotions about accepting that we are all unique and that differences are what make our world beautiful. Part of the I Am series, this book is a powerful reminder that we can follow our own paths with confidence and that we all have something of value to offer others.
Extension Activities: Here are some activities to help your child explore ways they are unique. Click here!
Our World is a Family
Author: Miry Whitehill and Jennifer Jackson
Illustrator: Nomar Perez
Summary: People all over the world want the same things in their life: food, a home, a safe place to raise their family. But sometimes circumstances cause people to have to leave their home and move to a new place that is different and unfamiliar. How can we make new friends feel at home?
Recommended Ages: 3-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a soft introduction to children on the causes of migration of a people to another country:climate change, war, lack of food, and has some very easy ways for children to welcome new friends to their neighborhoods or schools.
Extension Activities: There are excellent opportunities in this book for children to learn simple words, phrases and even alphabets. For older kids, they can explore different climates, customs and cultures in the world and learn why migration happens. Click here!
The Kindest Red
Author: Ibtihaj Muhammad and Hatem Aly
Illustrator: Hatem Aly
Summary: Faizah is so excited for Picture Day at school! She is going to wear a beautiful red dress that her mother wore and get to have her picture taken with her big sister! Random acts of kindness during the day lead her classmates to return a kindness to Faizah!
Recommended Ages: 4-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: "What kind of world do you want?" is the question asked by Faizah's teacher. This book explores simple, random acts of kindness between students and how these simple acts can change someone's day.
Extension Activities: Ask the question "What kind of world do you want?" to your student. Follow the link for a hands on activity that can be tailored to any age level. Click here!
The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story
Author: Aya Khalil
Illustrator: Rashin Kheiriyeh
Summary: It's the night before Eid and Zain is so excited to welcome his grandmother and help her bake her famous, traditional ka'ak treats. He wants to take a box of the yummy cookies to share with his class at school! Will they like them?
Recommended Ages: 4-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: The perfect title to share with your student about a religious holiday that may be unfamiliar. Full of rich vocabulary and history, it will spark interest in learning more! History and recipe included!
Extension Activities: Learn more about Eid and the traditions surrounding the celebration. Click here!
Moon's Ramadan
Author: Natasha Khan Kazi
Illustrator: Natasha Khan Kazi
Summary: It's Ramadan, the month of peace, and Moon watches over Ramadan traditions with excitement, lighting the way during the night.
Recommended Ages: 4-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Another lovely book to help learn about the traditions and meaning behind the Muslim holiday, Ramadan.
Extension Activities: The following activities will introduce two big ideas! You can learn more about the history and traditions behind Ramadan and learn about the phases of the moon while eating cookies! Click here!
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