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.

Cookiesaurus Christmas

Author: Amy Fellner Dominy & Nate Evans

Illustrator: AG Ford

Summary: Cookiesaurus really wants to be the special cookie on Santa’s plate for Christmas, He tries everything to make it happen, but Mr. Spatula chooses star first, then bell, then gingerbread boy. Thanks to some “well planned mistakes”, Cookiesaurus is finally put on Santa’s plate. But then he starts to have second thoughts...will he be put on Santa’s naughty list for hurting his friends to get on the plate? Will Cookiesaurus find a way to make it right? Read (and eat a cookie) to find out!

Recommended Ages: 3 to 6 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a cute story to read to talk about the right and wrong way to make your dreams happen.

Extension Activities: Check out the free activities to do with Cookiesaurus Rex! Click here!

Fangsgiving

Author: Ethan Long

Illustrator:

Summary: The author of Fright Club, Ethan Long, has come up with another fun holiday story! This time centering around the monsters’ annual Thanksgiving feast. The food was coming along very nicely as everyone worked together to create sweet potato casserole, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and of course the perfect turkey. But then Vladimir’s family arrives for an unexpected visit, and the feast begins to slowly change. Will Vladimir’s family ruin Thanksgiving? Or will they all find a way to be thankful for what they have? Read to find out!

Recommended Ages: 3 to 6 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a fun story to read right before the Thanksgiving holidays, and to help kids understand the value of being thankful and enjoying being together with family.

Extension Activities: Have kids come up with a special menu dish for your next feast.

The Epic Adventures of Huggie and Stick

Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: David Spencer

Summary: Huggie and Stick belong to a little boy named Reese. Normally they travel around with Reese, safe in his backpack. Unfortunately, today is the day of the BIG ACCIDENT! You and your kids will laugh out loud as you read the different perspectives of their epic journey. Told through diary entries, one from the ever-optimistic Stick, and one from the over-pessimistic Huggie! Will they ever find their way home again?

Recommended Ages: 5 to 9 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a hilarious book to use to talk about writing journal entries and even better to talk about different perspectives or voices in a story.

There’s a Dragon in Your Book

Author: Tom Fletcher

Illustrator: Greg Abbott

Summary: Tom Fletcher has written yet another really sweet interactive story that takes the reader on an adventure with their imagination! It all starts with an unexpected egg on the first page of the book, and a warning to NOT turn the page. But who could resist seeing what hatches out of that egg?! With each turn of the page, and new directions, you and your child will be entertained with the antics of the dragon. The surprise ending will be sure to leave you giggling for more!

Recommended Ages: 3 to 7 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great story to use to teach following directions.