Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

Author: Andrea Beaty

Illustrator: David Roberts

Summary: Sofia looks forward to her Abuelo walking her to school everyday. Unfortunately, he gets hurt at the dangerous land fill one day, and Sofia has to walk alone. Feeling frustrated, Sofia gets an idea and creates a plan to fix the awful landfill and build a park instead. But to change something that big would take a lot of courage, and Sofia wasn’t feeling very brave. Will Sofia find the courage she needs to make her plan work? You and your kids will be cheering her on, all the way to the end of the story!

Recommended Ages: 5 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to begin a discussion of civic duty, and what it takes to bring the community together to do something good.

Extension Activities: Take a walk in your neighborhood see what ideas you can come up with to help your community.

Inky’s Amazing Escape

Author: Sy Montgomery

Illustrator: Amy Schimler-Safford

Summary: Inky is an octopus that was found by a fisherman and brought to the New Zealand Aquarium in 2014. He was an inquisitive octopus, and loved to be entertained. One night in 2016, Inky decided he was bored and decided to go on an adventure…the goal…to get back out to sea. Will he succeed? You and your kids will be amazed at this exciting true story!

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This would be a great book to use to research octopuses.

Extension Activities: Check out fun octopus facts! Click here!

I Will Be Fierce!

Author: Bea Birdsong

Illustrator: Nicholas Chanani

Summary: This is a sweet story about a girl who wakes up ready to “be fierce” and have a great adventure. From escaping the dragons, to climbing the “Mountain of Knowledge”, she bravely faces the challenges of the day. The illustrations will lead to great conversations to have with your kids.

Recommended Ages: 3 to 7 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to read to talk about how to face the day with courage and kindness and a sense of purpose.

The Crayon’s Christmas

Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Summary: Duncan and his crayons are back, but this time they are hoping to spread some holiday cheer and show how giving someone a gift is the BEST gift of all! You and your kids will have so much fun exploring each of the letters, games, and activities that are in the book. Hours of fun for sure!

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to teach the parts of a letter.

Extension Activities: Check out all the activities that are inside the book! Even more activities can be found as well! Click here!

The Panda Problem

Author: Deborah Underwood

Illustrator: Hannah Marks

Summary: Panda has a big problem….but he didn’t realize he did until the narrator of the story informed him of this very fact. That’s when things take a turn for the worse...or better, depending upon your view. Will the narrator ever get the Panda to help him with the story? You and your kids will be sure to laugh throughout this crazy story!

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This would be a fun book to read to talk about the parts of a story.