Make More S’mores

Author: Cathy Ballou Mealey

Illustrator: Ariel Landy

Summary: Roscoe has his campfire blazing and all his ingredients for a yummy s'more ready to go! He is excited to share when Bear shows up, but what happens when more and more friends arrive to the delicious smell of the gooey treat?

Recommended Ages: 4-8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: Make More S'mores explores the themes of sharing (so hard for little people), friendship, and community. Its' rhyming text helps to explore how we are all part of a community.

Extension Activities: Did you know that National S'more's Day is celebrated on August 10? Find some fun and sticky activities on the link below! Help your kids harness the power of the sun with a solar oven, make a sensory activity using graham cracker crumbs, mini marshmallows and chocolate syrup, or practice creating patterns using chocolate squares, marshmallows and whole graham crackers! And of course, eat one!! Click here!

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.