How to Get your Octopus to School
Author: Becky Scharnhorst
Illustrator: Jaclyn Sinquett
Summary: It's Octopus's first day ever of school and she is not excited. In fact she is so nervous about everything! From her excellent hiding skills to choosing the perfect outfit for her first day, follow her journey to actually making it to school!
Recommended Ages: 4-7 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: The first day of school in hard for everyone (teachers, librarians and parents, too!). Read this book to have some giggles and maybe calm some nerves before the big day!
Extension Activities: Draw an octopus along with our friend Rob! Get your octopus ready for school. Make sure your little octopus has all the things that he or she will need to have a great first day of school! Click here!
Little Wonder
Author: Claire Keane
Illustrator: Claire Keane
Summary: Follow the path of a young boy, Little Wonder as he starts his morning full of dreams, fears and wonders of where his day will take him.
Recommended Ages: 3-6 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Everyone has wonders. This book is the perfect kick off for "Wonder Projects",a chance to learn about something that your child may have always been curious about.
Extension Activities: Use the blog below to begin to help identify and name the wonders that children have and help to develop their own wonder project. Click here!
The Smart Cookie
Author: Jory John
Illustrator: Pete Oswald
Summary: Cookie has never really felt smart. She compares herself to all the clever cupcakes and fabulous rolls in the bakery. How will she realize just how smart she really can be?
Recommended Ages: 4-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: At the beginning of a school year, new and different class groupings will bring about natural uneasy feelings when learning about new friends. Helping kids discover and name the things that they are good at doing can help to boost feelings of self worth and inclusion.
Extension Activities: After reading The Smart Cookie, have the students design and decorate a cookie that represents themself. Have them write about something that they are good at doing, something that they have learned that may have been hard, or something about themself that they are proud of. Click here!
Our Incredible Library Book
Author: Caroline Crowe
Illustrator: John Joseph
Summary: A library book is a very special thing! Every time the book goes to a new reader, it will become a little more worn, torn, stained or ripped. Watch as the book travels from reader to reader!
Recommended Ages: 4-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Librarians are, by nature, protective of their books. But also very protective of their readers, too! This is a great book to help kiddos remember to take good care with their library books, but also to know that a worn book is a loved book!
Extension Activities: Brainstorm ways kids can take care of their library books. Watch the video and see what they can add to the list! Click here!
We Are Going to Be Pals!
Author: Mark Teague
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Summary: Egret and Rhino are an unlikely pair of friends...total opposites. They have to learn how to navigate a new friendship that works for both of the friends!
Recommended Ages: 4-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: We Are Going to be Pals! helps young friends navigate the path to new friendships. Egret tells Rhino that communication, respecting personal boundaries, respect, compromise and kindness are all important to remember with our friends.
Extension Activities: Learn about more symbiotic relationships in nature. What forms can your kids find when they are outside in nature? Click here!
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