January 2026

The Emperor’s Egg

Author: Martin Jenkins

Illustrator: Jane Chapman

Summary: The Emperor's Egg tells the amazing true story of male emperor penguins' dedication, focusing on how the father incubates the single egg on his feet for two months in the brutal Antarctic winter without eating, while the mother goes to sea to feed.

Recommended Ages: 4-8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This beautiful non-fiction book dives into the male Emperor Penguin's two month devotion to the incubation and hatching of his egg, while mom is feeding.

Extension Activities: Copy and paste the link for free, engaging activities for your kiddos to use after reading The Emperor's Egg. https://mrswillskindergarten.com/penguin-activities/ . The link below will take you to a Kid's National Geographic webpage full of Emperor Penguin facts! Click here!

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December 2025

Hey, You’re Not Santa!

Author: Ethan T. Berlin

Illustrator: Ethan T. Berlin

Summary: Santa recruits a very helpful cow to take his place while he has to make a quick trip back to the North Pole for some forgotten gifts. Will Cow be able to fool a very savvy young man waiting for Santa?

Recommended Ages: 4-8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Santa forgets a gift and recruits Cow to fill in for him. This story plays on the theme of helpfulness, how Cow, totally unqualified, goes to great lengths to be as helpful as he can to preserve the magic of Christmas for this kid!

Extension Activities: Let students write a persuasive letter or short story arguing what an unlikely character (e.g., a cow, a dog, a principal) should dress up as if they had to fill in for Santa. Have them illustrate their character and create a class book! If kids need help with drawing Santa, choose the link below! Click here!

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November 2025

Fangsgiving

Author: Ethan Long

Illustrator: Ethan Long

Summary: Vlad and his Fright Club friends work together to prepare a Thanksgiving feast, but what happens when unexpected ghastly twists are added to the traditional meal? Who is going to eat all this stuff?

Recommended Ages: 3-7 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: After an argument, the family and friends realize that what matters is being together. They work together to fix the ruined dinner by creating new meals from strange leftovers, like "turkey bone biscuits" and "flea bean dip". This fun story could be a jumping off point for discussions of how to compromise, problem solve and naming what is truly important.

Extension Activities: There are several writing and illustrating prompts for our funny Thanksgiving story: "What I'm grateful for" journal entry: Write about what you are thankful for, connecting to the book's message. "Fix the disaster" challenge: Brainstorm solutions to save the monster's ruined Thanksgiving. Draw a monstrous meal: Illustrate and describe a strange and spooky dish. Follow the link below for some fun, virtual activity sheets by the author! Click here!

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October 2025

Skulls!

Author: Blair Thornburgh

Illustrator: Scott Campbell

Summary: This smart, skull-positive story cheerfully dispels any fears kids might have about their skeletons, changing our view of skulls from spooky to a fascinating, cool, and crucial part of our bodies.

Recommended Ages: 4-8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Use this engaging book to introduce the skeleton system. Students will learn how our eyes, ears, nose and mouth are all supported by our skull.

Extension Activities: After reading the book, have students create their own "I Love My Skull" craft. The craft can include a paper skull that children decorate with cutouts or drawings showing what they love about their skull, such as being a safe place for their brain. You can use the free printable coloring pages provided by the publisher for the craft. Click here!

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September 2025

The Day the Crayons Made Friends

Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Summary: Duncan's crayons have disappeared! They have gone exploring in his room, had exciting adventures and made new friends. Will Duncan be able to get them back in the box?

Recommended Ages: 4-8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Especially at the beginning of a new school year, kids can have anxiety about making friends in a new classroom. This funny new addition to the Crayon books can be a springboard to serious discussions on how to be a friend in new situations.

Extension Activities: Choose the link below to find some engaging activities! Click here!

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