What is Cinco de Mayo?
Author: Raphael Jimener
Illustrator: Raphael Jimener
Summary: "What is Cinco de Mayo?" is a fun and educational children's book that introduces young readers to the history, culture, and celebrations of this special Mexican holiday!
Recommended Ages: 5-9 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Kids will learn about the Battle of Puebla, traditional Mexican music, delicious food, festive parades, and exciting activities like piñatas and folk dancing!
Extension Activities: This colorful book will spark interest in learning about this fun celebration. Check out the link below to find some fun and informative hands-on activities that kids will be sure to enjoy! Click here!
Earl & Worm #1: The Bad Idea and Other Stories
Author: Greg Pizzoli
Illustrator: Greg Pizzoli
Summary: Earl is Worm's new neighbor and is so friendly. Worm is a grump and does not like music, sharing or talking. Earl loves all those things. Can Worm and Earl come to some kind of agreement and have peace in the neighborhood?
Recommended Ages: 4-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Two different and unlikely neighbors have to learn to appreciate and support each other. A great kick off to discussions about how to respond to a new person and how to navigate differences in personalities.
Extension Activities: Brainstorm or role play difficult situations that children may be familiar with to help them begin to learn the important process of resolving conflict in a positive and agreeable way.
Flitter Flutter at the Butterfly House
Author: Fran Manushkin
Illustrator: Tammie Lyon
Summary: Katie Woo and her friend JoJo are so excited to learn that there is an indoor butterfly house near their home. And, even better, the butterflies are free to fly around the indoor garden! What can they learn about the beautiful creatures?
Recommended Ages: 5-7 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This easy reader chapter book will be a great introduction to learning about the life cycle of butterflies, as well as a confidence booster for beginning readers! Be sure to chedk out all the other Katie Woo books!
Extension Activities: Take a tour of the North Carolina Zoo's Butterfly Garden and learn how you can create your own garden to attract butterflies to your yard! Click here!
Axolotls! Thinks-A- Lotl Says Cheese
Author: C. W. Estes
Illustrator: Irene Saluzzi
Summary: Thinks-A-Lotl lives in the underwater town of Sandy Shorts where everyone is smiling and happy! But Thinks always has deep thoughts and has lost his smile. Can his friends help him find again before Picture Day at school?
Recommended Ages: 5-7 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Another fun, simple chapter book to captivate and inform kids about an unusual water creature.
Extension Activities: While reading the story, have the kids identify the sea animals that are friends with Thinks and try to help him. Have kids choose an animal and do some research. Then draw and axolotl along with our friend Rob and add details to show what they have learned! Click here!
Dreaming of a Quinceanera
Author: Yamile Saied Mendez
Illustrator: Christine Almeda
Summary: Isabella and Ellie are sisters and have been planning Isabella's quinceanera for months. The big day is finally here and all Ellie wants to do is help and find a special gift for her big sister.
Recommended Ages: 4-8 years
Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This lovely book chronicles sisterly love, family and traditions.
Extension Activities: Identify and define any Spanish vocabulary you will find while reading to the kids. Have kids interview their family to find out what kind of traditions that may be special in their families and share with the class. Follow the link below to learn about the traditions and customs of a Quinceanera! Click here!
Leave a Comment
Resources for librarians, teachers, parents, & grandparents