September 2019

If I Built A School

Author: Chris Van Dusen

Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen

Summary: While on the playground with his teacher, Jack shares his ideas on how his school would be a much better design than the one in front of him. Let’s start with a welcoming zoo at the front entrance, and a cool system of transportation pods that kids could use to go from class to class. With each turn of the page, you and your kids will be amazed with the detail of Jack’s imagination. Watch out, you might be inspired to come up with your own ideas for the perfect school!

Recommended Ages: 5 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This would be a fun book to read at the beginning of school to get excitement of all the new things that may happen.

Extension Activities: Check out the interview with the author. Click here!

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July 2019
I Am Not A Fish

I Am Not A Fish!

Author: Peter Raymundo

Illustrator:

Summary: Edgar, the jellyfish, is just plain confused about his name, so he goes to an underwater support group for some help. There he meets a group of starfish who listen to his concerns. He’s jealous that some animals got fancy names (narwhal, nautilus) and understands why other animals got their names (hammerhead shark, swordfish) but he just can’t understand why he was named Jelly Fish when HE”S NOT A FISH! The author cleverly weaves in facts about fish and jelly fish, all while Edgar goes on a journey to discover that no matter WHAT he is called, he is still HIMSELF! You and your kids will be sure to smile when Charlie the seahorse makes an appearance at the end of the story.

Recommended Ages: 3 to 6 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to use to introduce underwater animals that your kids can then research. It’s also a great book to open a discussion about being okay with who you are, no matter what names you are called.

Extension Activities: Check out the cute book trailer here. Click here!

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June 2019

Earth: My First 4.54 Billion Years

Author: Stacy McAnulty

Illustrator: David Litchfield

Summary: Welcome to Planet Awesome…otherwise known as planet Earth! This is a great book full of kid-friendly facts. You and your kids will enjoy learning about the history of Earth through the fabulous illustrations. This book is packed with diagrams, timelines, and even a few jokes along the way. Even better, it ends with a gentle reminder to clean up as you go to take care of planet Earth.

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book for anyone who loves to learn facts about Earth and outer space.

Extension Activities: Check out these fun extension activities here! Click here!

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February 2019

Misunderstood Shark: Friends Don’t Eat Friends

Author: Ame Dyckman

Illustrator: Scott Magoon

Summary: Bob is upset with his friend, Shark, for eating him on the last episode of his show “Underwater World With Bob”. Unfortunately, Shark won’t admit to it, which infuriates Bob. Will their friendship survive this epic ocean fight? You and your kids will be sure to giggle (and learn cool facts) throughout the story!

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This would be a great book to read to talk about what it means to be a good friend.

Extension Activities: Check out these fun activities to go with the book. Click here!

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January 2019

Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes

Author: Eva Chen

Illustrator: Derek Desierto

Summary: Juno Valentine was late for school because she couldn’t find her favorite shoes. As she goes looking for them in the deep, dark depths of her closet, she find the most amazing thing: A fantastic world of shoes from famous women. Juno has a blast trying on all kinds of different shoes, but how will she feel once she puts on her own boring shoes again? Read to find out more about the amazing women behind the shoes!

Recommended Ages: 4 to 7 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This would be a great book to use to begin to talk about Biographies with kids.

Extension Activities: Use the information at the end of the book to look up information about the famous women mentioned in the book.

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