The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal
Author: Nick Seljuk
Illustrator: Nick Seljuk
Summary: : If you’re interested in going a little deeper with your understanding of the sun, this is the book for you! Paired with fabulous illustrations, the author details facts about how important the sun is and all the jobs it does that makes it a “big deal”. From holding the solar system together to the water cycle, your and your kids will be sure to find facts you didn’t know on each page! Don’t forget to check out the glossary at the end of the book for even more review!
Recommended Ages: 5 to 9 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to introduce or review many Science terms and concepts such as evaporation, condensation, photosynthesis, and so much more!
Extension Activities: Watch the video to learn some facts about our amazing sun! Click here!
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: Inky the octopus had a big dream—to find his way back to the ocean! His story teaches us that when we really want something, we shouldn't give up, even when it seems hard. Inky was brave, curious, and never stopped trying. It's a wonderful reminder that dreams are worth chasing and that being patient and determined can help us reach our goals!
Extension Activities: Check out these fun octopus facts Click here!
Holy Squawkamole!
Author: Susan Wood
Illustrator: Laura González
Summary: Little Red Hen wanted some guacamole, but unfortunately she didn’t have any avocados. As she searches for the ingredient for her guacamole, she comes across her friends. Each time she asks them to help her, they all say that they are busy. When it comes time to eat the guacamole, all the friends are right there! But will Little Red Hen share her guacamole with them, even though they didn’t help? You and your friends will be sure to smile at the surprise ending.
Recommended Ages: 3 to 9 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a fun retelling of the fable “The Little Red Hen”, and could be used to talk about morals of a story.
Extension Activities: Be sure to check out all the amazing facts and recipes at the end of the book.
I Am Not A Fish!
Author: Peter Raymundo
Illustrator: Peter Raymundo
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: Use this fun book 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. Try this fun activity! This Paper Plate Jellyfish craft is a fun, hands-on activity where kids transform a half-circle paper plate into a colorful sea creature. Children paint the plate body, punch holes along the straight edge, and thread vibrant yarn or ribbon through to create dangling tentacles. It is an excellent, low-mess project that builds fine motor skills and uses simple household recyclables. Click here!
Giraffe Problems
Author: Jory John
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Summary: Giraffe is very insecure about his long neck, and feels that every one is staring at it. He tries decorating it with ties and bows, hiding in ditches and rivers, but nothing seems to work. But then he meets Cyrus, the turtle, and realizes that others have neck issues as well. This is a sweet story about how friends can help each other and feel good about themselves.
Recommended Ages: 3 to 7 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a sweet story that can be used to talk about how to be a friend that encourages others, as well as how to be happy with yourself.
Extension Activities: Draw along with our friend Rob to create a fun giraffe. Write some words of encouragement for your giraffe! Click here!
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