A Child's best friend
Preschool
School-Age
School-Age
Meet Biscuit, the most adorable golden puppy ever. Mention the name Biscuit to anyone who has read these precious books, and they will immediately smile. Pre-readers will love hearing the stories and beginning readers can easily master them. With more than 70 books in the series, choosing one to read will be the hardest part. Caldecott Honor book * Also check out the activities on the Lessons page!
School-Age
School-Age
School-Age
One summer day, 10-year-old India Opal Buloni goes to the
local supermarket (yes, Winn-Dixie) for some groceries and
comes home with a dog. Winn-Dixie helps Opal make friends
and finds the courage to ask important questions. Author Kate DiCamillo said about her book, “This book is (I hope) a hymn of
praise to dogs, friendship, and the South.” Newberry Honor book
* Also check out the lesson activities on the Lessons page!
September Spotlight
A Child's Best Friend
Who doesn't love a cute or a "so ugly it's cute" pet? This month, we are celebrating the joy that animals bring to our lives. If your child has a live pet or a favorite stuffed animal, this month's books will make everyone smile. Two dogs, Biscuit for the young ones and Winn-Dixie for the older children, will entertain and delight! BTW- The boy in this photo is one of my grandsons with his new puppy, Oaklee!
Life on the Farm
Preschool
School-Age
School-Age
Otis is a special tractor. He loves his farm, his farmer, and he especially loves the little calf in the next stall. They become
great friends, but when the little calf gets stuck in Mud Pond,
Otis must find a way to save him. Loren Long has written
other Otis books, so you will want to read them all.
Available in Spanish and as a board book or picture book.
School-Age
School-Age
School-Age
Born the runt of the litter, Wilbur the pig is saved by Fern Zuckerman. Wilbur enjoys life on the Zuckerman’s farm. His only worry is that
one day he will be slaughtered as other pigs are. His friend Charlotte, the spider, promises to help him. Written in 1952, when farms were more common than today, E.B. White's second children's book won the Newberry Award for 1953. Don't miss this beautiful story of
friendship, loyalty, and the circle of life! Also available in Spanish.
October spotlight
Life on the Farm
Farming has been an important part of American life since its beginning. The simple, slow life on the farm is a sharp contrast to the hectic pace most of us experience daily. We all need to be reminded of the values of hard work, family, friendship, and loyalty. This month's Spotlight books teach children (and remind adults) that there is joy in simplicity and love. Pour a mug of apple cider and enjoy these stories with your family!
Native American Heritage Month
Preschool
School-Age
School-Age
Fry bread is a Native American food. But it is so much more. Told in lively and powerful verse and vibrant illustrations, Fry Bread depicts life in a modern Native American family and shares how this
traditional food symbolizes their rich heritage. The recipe for fry bread is included, along with author notes on Native American culture.
School-Age
School-Age
School-Age
When Matt's father leaves him to bring the rest of the family to their new home in Maine, he must guard his home and land against potential threats. Matt struggles on his own until he meets Attean, a teen boy who is part of the Beaver clan. Attean teaches Matt
survival skills and introduces him to his family. Set is the late 1700's, this book presents Native Americans as wise, helpful, and kind.
November Spotlight
Native American Heritage Month
This month, we spotlight two books that focus on Native Americans, past and present. Young children will discover fry bread, a traditional Native American food. School-age children will meet Attean, a member of the Beaver clan, who comes to the aid of a while boy who is living alone in the wilderness of Maine in the late 1700's. Both books present Native Americans as kind, helpful, and intelligent. I know that you and your children will enjoy reading them together.
"tis the season"
Preschool
Corduroy , written in 1968, is a tender story of small teddy bear waiting on a department store shelf for a child’s friendship.
When a young girl, Lisa, returns to the store with the money
she has saved and purchases Corduroy, he finds love, friendship,
and a new home. A classic reminder to see the best in everyone!
School-Age
The annual Christmas play will never be the same when the
director breaks her leg and the Herdman children are cast as
leads. Described as the "worst kids in the history of the world",
will they ruin the show or make it the best Christmas pageant
ever? Their unique perspective of the events surrounding Jesus’
birth reminds us of all of what Christmas is really about. Funny
and fast-paced, this is a great read aloud for the entire family
December Spotlight
"Tis The Season"
December is truly “the most wonderful time of the year!” Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, this season is about family, faith, and giving. It is a season of love, light, and laughter. Family traditions play an important role as they connect the past to the present. I hope that your family has many special traditions that you celebrate year after year. But don’t let that prevent you from beginning new ones that bring meaning to the season. In addition to decorating the tree and attending Christmas programs, I have added watching the movie “Elf” to our family’s “must do” list in December.
This month, I have selected two books that present this season’s themes. For young children, Corduroy by Don Freeman illustrates how love and giving can change everything. School-age children will enjoy meeting the Herdsman children in Barbara Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as they lead everyone to re-examine their beliefs about the Christmas story and their neighbors.
Take time to savor this season with a mug of hot chocolate as you share these wonderful books with those you love. Wishing you a magical and memorable holiday season!