Touch the Brightest Star

Author: Christie Matheson

Illustrator: Christie Matheson

Summary: Do you need a new bedtime story to read to your kids? If so, then this book is a definite MUST HAVE! Each page is filled with wonderful, interactive directions admist soft watercolor collages. The author magically takes the reader on a quiet and calming journey to get ready to go to sleep.

Recommended Ages: 3 to 7 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to practice following directions,

Extension Activities: Check out this great activity guide to use with the book! Click here!

Frankencrayon

Author: Michael Hall

Illustrator: Michael Hall

Summary: I literally laughed out loud in the bookstore reading this book! It is a fantastic "behind the scenes" story of a group of crayons who are getting ready for their debut in the picture book telling of "Frankencrayon". But suddenly, the unthinkable happens! An anonymous scribble has been left on the opening page. Despite attemps by all cast members to erase the scribble, the story is cancelled. Or is it? Read this hilarious story to find out who saves the day!

Recommended Ages: 3 to 8 years old

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to teach prediction skills (who did the scribble), but can also be used to talk about point of view and the concept of a "narrator" for a story.

Extension Activities: Make your own Frankencrayon and Scribble! Click here!

Bug Zoo

Author: Lisa Wheeler

Illustrator: Andy Harkness

Summary: Ben is a bug collector, and loves nothing better than to collect bugs and put them on display in jars for his very own Bug Zoo. To his dismay, no one comes to visit even after he advertises and buys even bigger bugs! In the end, Ben learns an important lesson on the best way to have a bug zoo.

Recommended Ages: 3 to 7 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to teach kids about observing nature and the importance of keeping things in their natural habitat.

Extension Activities: Here's a great site to find activities for kids on bugs and insects. Click here!

If You Ever Want to Bring a Piano to the Beach, Don’t!

Author: Elise Parsley

Illustrator:

Summary: Getting ready for a fun day down at the beach should be an easy thing to do, but not for Magnolia. Instead of bringing the expected things like buckets, shovels, and towels, she decides she HAS to bring her piano! Follow along as Magnolia problem-solves how to get the piano to the beach and most importantly, how to keep it clean! This book is sure to have kids laughing out loud!

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 year olds

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Predictions and problem-solving

Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies

Author: Carmen Oliver

Illustrator: Jean Claude

Summary: Adelaide explains to her language arts teacher, Mrs. Fitz-Pea, and the reader, that bears really do make the best reading buddies.

Recommended Ages: 4 to 6 years old

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This would be a great book to use to teach students about book care and how to read with a buddy.

Extension Activities: A Traits-based TEKS & Common Core State Standards Aligned Project Guide Download here!