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.

The Book That Jake Borrowed

Author: Susan Holt Kralovansky

Illustrator: Susan Holt Kralovansky

Summary: Susie Kralovansky has done it again! With a fabulous combination of drawings and fabric collages, a “sticky” story emerges about a boy named Jake and the humorous events that follow after he borrows a library book! This is a must-have for any elementary library, and the perfect story to discuss "book care" with kids!

Recommended Ages: 4 to 7 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This is a great book to read to talk about how to be responsible and take care of library books.

Extension Activities: Check out the free activity guide to go with the book! Click here!

Ah-Choo!

Author: Lana Wayne Koehler & Gloria G. Adams

Illustrator: Ken Min

Summary: A young boy is determined to get a pet, despite his sister’s allergies that make her sneeze with every trial pet he brings home. Will he ever find a good pet? Or will he run out of letters in the alphabet first? You and your kids will be sure to laugh with each turn of the page.

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This would be a really fun book to read before getting a pet for your home, especially if anyone is allergic to furry animals! It’s also a great book to use to do research on different animals, and review your ABC’s!

Extension Activities: Lots of fun pet activities and articles to read at National Geographic Kids! Click here!

How to Code a Sandcastle

Author: Josh Funk

Illustrator: Sara Palacios

Summary: Pearl has been trying to build the perfect sandcastle all summer, only to have it ruined each time. Can her robot, and basic computer programming concepts, help her successfully build a sandcastle? You and your child will be sure to enjoy this story, and learn some computer programming vocabulary along the way!

Recommended Ages: 4 to 8 years

Themes, Skills, & Concepts: This book is a great book to read to begin talking about coding with your kids.

Extension Activities: Have your kids learn how to code! Click here!