Sticks

Author: Diane Alber

Illustrator: Diane Alber

Summary: One hot, summer day Popsicle tragically melted away and was embarrassed to be only a sad stained stick. His friend twig tries to cheer him up by introducing him to other friends who have changed too like Pencil and Paintbrush. Will they be able to convince Stick that he CAN be something much more than a sticky stained stick? You and your kids will be cheering Stick on by the end of this sweet story!

Recommended Ages: 4-8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a fabulous story to read to talk about how to deal with unexpected bad news, and how to turn it around to create something great. Don’t forget to read the author’s notes at the back of the book for additional talking points and activities!

Extension Activities: Follow the book's direct ending by building mini birdhouses. Students can glue real twigs or painted popsicle sticks onto small cardboard milk cartons.

Where Oliver Fits

Author: Cale Atkinson

Illustrator: Cale Atkinson

Summary: Oliver is a puzzle piece excited to learn where he fits! What he learns is sometimes it takes time to find your perfect place.

Recommended Ages: 3-7 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to read as school is starting. Oliver tries so hard to find where he fits and tries to change himself to fit in instead of being himself. There are really good discussion points for any age child to relate to and learn from.

Extension Activities: Check out the lessons on the link! Click here!

What Would You Do in a Book about YOU?

Author: Jean Reidy

Illustrator: Joey Chou

Summary: An encouraging book about the possibilities of life ahead and where your dreams can take you.

Recommended Ages: 4-8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This sweet book lays out future possibilities of their life without limits. The text encourages children to think forward, dream and brainstorm.

Extension Activities: This book is a great read to start a "passion" project..researching and learning about something your child is interested knowing about. Use your public libraries databases to help with their research. Another fun activity is to have the kids create an All About Me book. In their book, they can imagine what their future can hold. You can use the template in the link or have them create their own book. Click here!

How to Get Your Teacher Ready

Author: Jean Reagan

Illustrator: Lee Wildish

Summary: The latest in the funny "How To..."series, the students in this new class give tips and tricks to "helping" their teacher learn all of the important things she needs to do for a new, busy school year!

Recommended Ages: 4-8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This funny, instructional style book takes a group of students through the year and all the preparations necessary for a great school year. This is a great book for learning sequencing in writing a "how to" narrative.

Extension Activities: Make a collaborative How To book for your classroom library! Have each student write and draw one specific tip for the teacher, compiling them into a collaborative class book.

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