These Are My Rocks

Author: Bethan Woollvin

Illustrator: Bethan Woollvin

Summary: Have fun exploring different collections of all kinds in this fun story about gathering all types of things from the ordinary to the humorous to the invisible!

Recommended Ages: 2-7 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: "These Are My Rocks" encourages so many early learning skills: counting, sorting, listening and matching to name a few! Kids are encouraged to interact with each collection and determine how each are related.

Extension Activities: Take a nature walk with kids, encouraging them to collect found items (rocks, sticks, leaves, snail shells..any kind of fun item they may find). Have kids sort their items into categories grouped by type and then name their collections. See how many different ways that their collections can be grouped. For a deeper dive into types of rocks, click on the link below for some lesson ideas. Click here!

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!

Otter Loves Easter

Author: Sam Garton

Illustrator: Sam Garton

Summary: Otter is super excited when he wakes up and finds all the treats the Easter Bunny left for him. But when Otter sees that his friends haven't any treats, how will he feel about sharing?

Recommended Ages: 4-8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Sharing is so hard! While reading the book, have children point out the ways Otter does not share, and ask why they think he is having such a hard time. Question about times they find it hard to share and times they did share and how it made them feel.

Extension Activities: Watch the adorable video of otters at the Perth Zoo having their very own Easter egg hunt! Click here!

Nothing’s Wrong!

Author: Jory John

Illustrator: Erin Kraan

Summary: Anders and Jeff have a spectacular day for their picnic. But Jeff knows that something is off with Anders, even though he insists that nothing is wrong. What is the best way Jeff can help his friend when Anders won't tell him why he is feeling blue?

Recommended Ages: 4-8 yeears

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: What happens when the perfect day you had planned goes all wrong? How do you deal with the disappointment? And how does it feel when you try to hide your emotions from your friends? What can friends do to help each other out when they can sense you are feeling down or dejected? These are some of the questions that can spring a great discussion about helping each other out through moods we may be having.

February 2025 Book Talk

Author: Anne Marie Pace

Illustrator: Christopher Denise

Summary: Moose is having a party and wants all his animal friends to come. There is just one problem: The party is on February 2 and if he sees his shadow, Groundhog will go back to his home. How can they fix that problem so Groundhog will come to the party?

Recommended Ages: 2-8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: The animals all have different ideas about the ways they can help Groundhog be able to come to the party, but their bickering gets in the way of helping. How can we help our friends when we can't agree on the type of help?

Extension Activities: Pair this book with "GroundHog Day" by Gail Gibbons. Have the kids show learning by comparing fact with fiction. Have fun drawing a groundhog with our friend Rob and let the kids decide if their groundhog will show real attributes of a groundhog and its environment, or the fictional groundhog in "Groundhug Day". Click here!