Did you know that the word astronaut means star sailor? In this book, young Astrid yearns to sail the stars. Astrid and her father talk about all of the skills she must have to become an astronaut one day, such as eating from a tube and adjusting to zero gravity. Through bold, colorful illustrations and easy to read text, readers travel with Astrid and her father as they head to the space center to greet her mother, who is an astronaut just returning from space! Information pages at the back of the book provide short bios of notable female astronauts and additional facts about space travel that will inspire readers to continue to reach for the stars.
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A Baker's Dozen: The Best Children's Books for Family Literacy
Astro Girl
Candlewick Press
,
2019
Tips for Using with Children
After reading the story, children will enjoy pretending to be an astronaut in space. Incorporate some of the activities, such as sampling astronaut food, moon walking with wide and bouncy steps, or conducting science experiments. Add some other books about space travel to your library shelf; and gather props to encourage pretend astronaut play. Invite children to help create the props, and engage them in conversation about why those props are important to the work of an astronaut. Encourage children to use vocabulary from the book, such as asteroid, zero gravity, and experiment.
Tips for Using with Families
This story presents many opportunities to talk with young children about what it would be like to be an astronaut. Just as Astrid’s father asks her questions throughout the book, adults can ask their children similar questions. For example, when Astrid’s father asks her if she could eat food out of a tube or a package every day, adults can pause and ask their child the same question. When readers reach the end of the story, adults can point out that there is additional information on the last pages. Point to the pictures and read some of them, or ask children to point to a picture they would like you to read about. Adults can also ask children what else they wonder about space travel. Visit a library or website to research the answers together.
Chomp: A Shark Romp
Crown Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House
,
2019
Readers will love having a front seat to this colorful parade of sharks. From the gentle whale shark, to the solitary cookiecutter shark, to the glowing lantern shark, this nonfiction book includes a favorite for every reader. The descriptions and illustrations of each shark create the feeling of being at an aquarium, close enough for a careful look but safe enough to avoid being chomped! The book’s endpapers show each shark’s image with its name for preview, review, and continued conversation. Whether a shark enthusiast or an information seeker, readers will not go wrong diving into this book.
Note: Chomp: A Shark Romp is a companion nonfiction title to Roar: A Dinosaur Tour by Michael Paul which can be found in the 2018 Baker’s Dozen List.
Tips for Using with Children
Before reading, show children the endpapers of the book with pictures of sharks and their names. Point to each shark, say its name, and invite children to repeat it with you. Children will enjoy talking about how some of the sharks may have gotten those names, e.g., megamouth shark, great hammerhead shark. As you read the book and look at the pictures, continue comparing and contrasting the characteristics of the sharks (for example, some have spikes, long tails, big teeth, or are gentle, fierce, or live in groups, alone, and so on). This simple, nonfiction text will fascinate children, giving the youngest shark lovers inside knowledge that they will enjoy sharing with others. Place a copy of the book, open to the endpapers, in the art center or during art sessions so that children can work on drawing shark pictures to take home and share their newly discovered information with their families.
Tips for Using with Families
Tell adults that children are often fascinated by animals such as sharks. Remind adults that a sustained, intense interest in a topic such as sharks helps children develop their knowledge, improve their attention span, and deepen their cognitive growth. Discuss the ways families can support a child’s curiosity about sharks and other animals. Some suggestions may be: finding the shark section at the local library, watching specials about sharks on television nature channels, and encouraging children to write about and draw their own sharks.
Field Trip to the Moon
Margaret Ferguson Books/Holiday House
,
2019
Readers will be over the moon about this wordless picture book! When a young student dozes off during a field trip and is left behind, a group of friendly residents draw near, mesmerized by the effect of a colorful box of crayons on their mostly gray environment. Although we cannot see the students’ or teacher’s faces due to space helmets, the author/illustrator uses brilliant body language within his art to depict their emotions throughout the adventure. Imaginations will soar and allow this story to evolve and change each time it is read, so grab this book when ready for an out-of-this-world adventure.
Tips for Using with Children
Revisit the story with children and look closely at the drawings created by the student and the space creatures. Adults can ask children to think about why the creatures chose colorful crayons for their drawings. Which color crayon is left in the student’s box to use at the end of the story? Consider with children why the student erased the drawings before heading back home. Why was it important to clean up before leaving? Where are some places we visit where it is important to clean up after ourselves?
Tips for Using with Families
Wordless books provide a wonderful opportunity for readers to create a story in their own words. This builds vocabulary as well as creativity and imagination. Encourage adults to use the cover and title of the book as a guide to make their own predictions about the story and to practice this same strategy before reading with children. Assure adults that there is no right or wrong way to read a wordless book; in fact, the beauty of a wordless book is that the story is different upon each re-read. Children can take turns being the reader, too, and adults can support their reading by expanding on their ideas and helping them notice specifics in the pictures. This interaction will allow adults to see the book through the eyes of their children, as their children build stories around the detailed and meaningful illustrations.
The Fisherman & the Whale
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers/Simon & Schuster
,
2019
As a father and son end their day at sea, the young boy spots a whale caught in fishing lines. Although resistant at first, the boy’s father gives in to his son’s urgent plea and swims to the creature in need, carefully cutting the whale free from captivity. This book is wordless; however, the watercolor illustrations speak volumes about empathy and the connection among all living creatures. An author’s note at the end of the book requests this book be read as a fable rather than a guide to whale rescue, but also provides information about the realistic consequences of whale entanglement that sets the stage for the story. Quiet and powerful, this book will capture readers’ hearts as they read and revisit the story.
Tips for Using with Children
Engage children in activities that can protect the environment and prevent harm to living creatures by talking about ways they can help. For example, children can use paper on both sides to reduce waste, turn off things like lights and the water faucet when not in use, reuse items such as plastic bags, and recycle their trash. Adults can model these practices, too, and help children connect how these activities have an impact beyond their classroom or home. Children may also want to learn more about different types of whales, how they breathe, what they eat, and other fun facts.
Tips for Using with Families
Wordless books invite children to co-author the story, as they make predictions, think critically, and recognize story structure. Encourage adults to start with the cover of the book when reading with children, asking them to think about what they see and predict what might happen in the story. When reading the story together, adults can ask questions that prompt narration such as, “What do you see in this picture?” or “How do you think the character is feeling?” Children may need more time to look at each page when reading, so adults can let them take the lead in turning pages when they feel ready. After reading, respond to children’s concern for the whale by reminding them of things we all can do to make the world safer for our pets and other animals. One simple practice that can be introduced is to cut plastic six-pack beverage rings before recycling or discarding them, so that fish and other animals don’t get stuck inside the circles.
Hey, Water!
Neal Porter Books/Holiday House
,
2019
Young readers may be most familiar with water as a liquid, observing it in puddles, sinks, and glasses. However, the little girl in the story shows us that when it comes to water, there is much more than meets the eye. Through accessible text and clear illustrations, readers can explore the science of water in puddles, tears, fog, icebergs and even living beings. Readers will expand both knowledge and vocabulary as they embark on a tour of water in its many unique forms. Details related to water forms, the water cycle, and conservation are included at the back of the book…which is fortunate, because this book will certainly “whet” a reader’s appetite to learn more.
Tips for Using with Children
This book will lead children to think about how water is an important part of their lives. Ask children to participate as each page is read by raising hands or standing up (yes) or sitting down (no) as the adult poses water questions. “Have you ever run through a sprinkler?” “Have you ever used a garden hose?” “Have you ever seen a river? ocean? lake?” And so on through each page. After sharing the book with children, invite children to participate in a water activity or experiment. One of the easiest experiments is to give each child an ice cube in a paper cup or plastic bowl. Ask them to describe how it feels and how it looks. Possible answers include cold, slippery. They may describe its color, size, shape, and so on. Talk about what happens to the ice cube the longer it is at room temperature. If possible, collect the melted water from each container, pouring it into a sauce pan. Heat the water and watch what happens. With this simple experiment, children experience the three forms of water—solid, liquid, gas.
Tips for Using with Families
It is important to share a variety of both fiction and nonfiction titles with young children. Share with families that nonfiction books provide opportunities to learn new concepts and vocabulary. Nonfiction books encourage children’s curiosity about the world around them, and broaden their knowledge. Positive experiences with nonfiction books also prepare children for reading textbooks as they progress in school. Brainstorm opportunities for families to connect children’s everyday experiences with content from Hey, Water! For example, look for dew drops on morning grass; and in the afternoon, talk about where those dewdrops may have gone.
Let’s Have a Dog Party!
Viking/Penguin Young Readers Group
,
2019
Frank is an older dog who prefers peace and quiet and a good nap in his favorite sunny spot. On Frank’s birthday, his owner Kate wants to be sure his day is special and plans some boisterous activities that are the perfect match for her human friends, but result in Frank seeking solace in a closet. Kate finally recognizes that her good intentions are overwhelming to her furry companion, and decides to turn the day around in a way that celebrates who Frank is in the best way possible.
Tips for Using with Children
As you read this story, ask children their thoughts about how the party is going. For example, ask what Kate and her friends are whispering about, and why. After the reading, engage children in a discussion about their own activity preferences. One way to do this is to provide a list of activities (such as riding a roller coaster, swimming, dancing, playing board games, reading, etc.) and a second list of words or faces that depict feelings (happy, sad, bored, etc.); and ask children to match a feeling to those activities. Help children see that what is fun or relaxing for some, might be stressful for others. Demonstrate some calming strategies that children can try when things feel too noisy, busy, or overstimulating. Adults can invite children to participate in “Frank’s Favorites,” which might include listening to soft music, sitting in a favorite “spot,” practicing deep breathing, or even trying out some basic yoga poses.
Tips for Using with Families
Adults can help children understand the feelings of the characters in this story by describing their facial expressions and body language and making connections to personal experiences. Assure adults that it is okay to pause when reading and call attention to the different expressions. Ask questions such as, “How do you think the children are feeling in this picture? How do you think Frank is feeling?” Together, adults and children can talk about a time when they felt similar to the children or Frank. Strategies like this support comprehension skills, or the ability to understand the story, and provide a great opportunity to emphasize the importance of caring about the feelings and perspectives of others.
Lubna and Pebble
Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Young Readers Group
,
2019
When Lubna and her father arrive at a refugee settlement, Lubna finds comfort and friendship in a pebble she finds on the beach. She appreciates Pebble’s company as it listens to her with its hand-drawn, yet warm, smile. When Lubna meets Amir, a younger boy who has arrived at the settlement, she enjoys his company, while still maintaining her strong connection with Pebble. The day Lubna and her father prepare to leave for a new home is bittersweet. As Lubna says farewell to Amir, she makes a decision to leave Pebble in his care, in hopes that it brings him the same comfort during his journey as it did for her. This quiet story with simple text and beautiful illustrations sends a powerful message about resilience, compassion, and friendship.
Tips for Using with Children
Daniel Egnéus’ illustrations portray the physical and emotional hardships many refugees face as they leave their homelands to search for a better life. Children will empathize with Lubna’s fears but will be encouraged to learn that her pet rock brings Lubna feelings of comfort and safety. Creating a pet rock or pebble is a fun activity for children, and discussion about this story can enhance children’s experience. Adults can talk with children about ways to care for their pebble, as well as ways they can care for others. Children will enjoy using writing materials to create a pebble of their own, and adults can extend this activity by encouraging children in making positive message rocks for others. Children can decorate the rocks with a smile like Pebble, a picture, or a positive phrase. Children can decide to give their rock to a loved one or a person in need or, with the help of an adult, place them in the community for someone to discover. Adults can talk with children about how someone might feel when they receive or find the rock and about how Amir may have felt when Lubna shared Pebble with him.
Tips for Using with Families
Encourage adults to preview the story prior to reading with children by taking a picture walk. When focusing on text alone, a reader might miss aspects of the story revealed through the detailed illustrations. Adults can take time to observe each illustration and practice telling the story in their own words. What might they want to point out to children when reading? Lubna and Amir find comfort and security in Pebble. Ask adults if their child has a treasured belonging that he or she carries for comfort. Did reading Lubna’s story provide insight into their own child’s connection to this belonging?
One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller
Peachtree Publishing Company
,
2019
This book calls itself a thriller, and it is indeed. Through use of engaging text and alliteration, enticing illustrations, and a suspenseful storyline, this is much more than a counting book. Anticipation increases (along with the numbers) as readers watch a sly, famished fox creep its way toward three unsuspecting hens. Once he arrives, both the excitement (and counting) hit an all-time high. The author assures readers at the end of this thrilling tale that “no hens or foxes were harmed in the making of this book.” That is one big relief.
Tips for Using with Children
Invite children to read and count along during the sharing of this thrilling tale. Point to the numeral, the words, and each picture as you read them. For example, the reader will say and point to “2” and the children will repeat “two” while looking at the number 2; then the reader will say, “Two sly eyes,” tracking each word as you say it and again as the children repeat it. Ask one of the children near you to point to the two eyes of the fox on the page. Continue this method of reading the story and the numbers to the end. Finger pointing helps an emergent reader and viewer learn to look carefully at print while supporting two important early reading behaviors—directional movement and voice-print match. Eventually, children will begin to track with their eyes as they become stronger in their literacy skills.
Tips for Using with Families
One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller is a terrific title to explain some of the components of picture books and how they enhance a child’s beginning literacy. First talk to adults about the front and back endpapers of a book. In this case, many-colored fox paw prints illustrate the front endpapers, while the back endpapers show multi-colored chickens. It’s an opportunity to discuss the idea of predicting what the story might be about. Predicting helps children prepare for reading and begin to make meaning. You might ask children to start thinking about what might happen between the fox prints in the beginning and chickens at the end. Another component of this picture book is that all of the pages are double-page spreads. A double-page spread means that the text or the image crosses over the binding in the middle to create one page. Some picture books will have a combination of double-page spreads and single pages of text and images. These page distinctions influence how a reader’s eyes move when reading and looking at the illustrations. Remind adults that when they point and count objects from left to right or top to bottom they are teaching their children an important tracking skill in learning to read.
Saturday
Little, Brown and Company/Hachette Book Group
,
2019
It is a special, splendid Saturday, the day of the week Ava and her mother cherish after a busy week of work. The schedule for the day is set, but things do not go as smoothly as they had hoped. When they encounter disappointment throughout the story, including a cancelled storytime and forgotten tickets for a puppet show, Ava and her mother both take time to acknowledge their feelings, take some deep breaths together, and continue with their day. Beautiful paper collage illustrations perfectly capture the body language and facial expressions shared by Ava and her mother as they experience anticipation, joy, disappointment, and most of all love, as they realize the best moments are the ones spent together.
*Watch a replay of author Oge Mora talk and answer questions as part of a PA One Book event that features Saturday as the PA One Book selection for 2022!*
Tips for Using with Children
Before reading, show children the endpapers of the book. They feature a calendar noting days of the week as well as activities that occur on particular days. Explain that many families keep a calendar of all of the activities that each person in the family is involved in during a month. Point out that on this calendar, all of the Saturdays are filled in with exciting events, a visit to an art museum, a gallery visit, a tea party, the movies, and a puppet show. Ask the children if there are special things that they like to do on Saturdays or weekends. Tell them that you are going to read a story about a girl named Ava and her mother who love Saturdays for special reasons. After reading the book, engage children in a conversation about how Ava and her mother dealt with their disappointments. Encourage children to use their technique of pausing and taking a deep breath when something frustrating happens.
Tips for Using with Families
Share with families the benefits of keeping a family calendar like Ava and her mother. It’s a way for everyone in the family to work as a team when it comes to appointments, events, chores, meals, and so on. A family calendar helps the entire family organize personal and shared activities, and teaches children to see the importance of writing and making lists in everyday life. A family calendar can help families to prioritize family time and it gives everyone in the family something to look forward to—spending quality time together.
Snack Attack!
Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House
,
2019
Cheese Doodle, Pretzel, and Cookie are delighted to have the afternoon to roam the house, until they find a note from Mom that directs her “Monster Kid” to the available snacks in the house. They brainstorm solutions to their problem, desperate to find a way to escape their fate of being cracked in half, dunked in milk, and swallowed in a monstrous gulp. Anticipation mounts as the trio attempts to hide, considers implementing the “five second rule,” and finally agrees to edit the note in a way that favors their survival. The author’s clever use of photography, wit, and suspense will keep readers engaged from the very beginning of this story right up to its delicious ending.
Tips for Using with Children
In the story, Mom, Cheese Doodle, Pretzel, and Cookie wrote notes to share information with the “Monster Kid.” Writing notes is a way to let someone know you are thinking about them when you cannot be there. Adults can provide children with writing materials and encourage them to write a note to someone in their life. If the setting is classroom-based, consider leaving a friendly class note for a custodian or evening staff person. Another fun activity to try after reading this story is talking about favorite snacks. Adults can ask children which snack they would choose if they were the “Monster Kid” (Cheese Doodle, Pretzel, Cookie, glass of water, or an alternative).
Tips for Using with Families
This story allows adults to practice reading with humor and expression, changing their tone to build suspense and excitement at the pending arrival of the “Monster Kid.” Both adult and child can enjoy sharing a secret as readers, knowing more about the routines and eating habits of humans than the three companions in the book. Encourage adults to point out picture clues when reading to young children to help them make connections. For example, some young readers may not be familiar with the function of a cheese grater or the result when a cheese doodle gets wet. Pointing to pictures like these and asking open-ended questions allow children to build cognitive thinking skills. The lone pair of glasses and pink crumbs on the last page lead us to assume the worst; but it might be interesting for adults to ask their children what they think happened to Cookie.
Truman
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing
,
2019
Truman is a peaceful and pensive turtle, who lives in the city with his Sarah. Each day, Truman watches the bustling streets below from his window high above the city. When Sarah unexpectedly boards the number 11 bus one morning, awaiting her return becomes unbearable. Truman makes the decision that he must find Sarah, but that means Truman must step out of his comfort zone…and his tank! Truman’s dedication to his Sarah and his courage throughout his adventure are bound to pull reluctant readers out of their shells and into a world filled with new sights, sounds, and thoughts.
*Enjoy a virtual reading of Truman by our Assistant Director, Ellysa Stern Cahoy.*
Tips for Using with Children
Adults can use materials from home or school to create an indoor or outdoor obstacle course for children. Obstacle courses do not have to be elaborate – they can include simple materials that instruct children to crawl, jump, zigzag, slide, or balance. If materials are limited, use masking tape or chalk to mark a path that children must follow to get from beginning to end. Children will enjoy taking turns pretending to be Truman on an adventure from his tank to the front door.
Tips for Using with Families
It might be helpful for adults to talk with children about the characteristics of Truman prior to reading this story. Is he big or small? Slow or fast? The author describes Truman as “peaceful and pensive,” which means calm, conflict-free, reflective, and deep in thought. Adults can share this new vocabulary with children and apply it to how Truman must have felt during his journey climbing out of the tank, scaling the rocks, pillows, and boots, and moving across the “endless” rug. Adults will recognize that while the story focuses on Truman’s courage, there is another character called to bravery as she navigates her first day of school.
A Visit to Grandad: An African ABC
Cassava Republic Press
,
2019
School is on break, and readers are invited to travel with a young girl named Adanah as she visits her Grandad in Modakeke, Nigeria. Each step in her journey, visit, and return features a letter of the alphabet, accompanied by descriptive illustrations and gentle rhyme. The author and illustrator, who are from Nigeria, share Adanah’s travels with the warmth of family and community that draws readers in and prompts personal connections. Additional alphabetical treasures are cleverly embedded within the pages, which will no doubt entice readers to select this story again and again. For example, after looking for packed “bags” on the second page, readers can take a closer look for letter B sounds such as bananas, binoculars, braids, broom, and more. A guide for what to look for also appears in the back of the book.
Tips for Using with Children
Read the story to children pointing out the person, place, or object that represents the alphabet letter being depicted on the page. While reading, talk about the actions shown in the pictures during Adanah’s visit to her Grandad’s home. Children may share that they like to do similar activities at their relative’s home. After reading, go to the beginning of the story and ask children to find other objects that start with the alphabet letter on the page. Use the guide at the back of the book for assistance. An opportunity with this book is to play “I Spy” with the alphabet letter depicted on the page or with another letter that represents the beginning letter in other words. For example, on the “Q” page, you may say, “I also spy two objects that start with the letter “C” on this page (crown, camera). Children may surprise you by finding other objects that you didn’t notice.
Tips for Using with Families
Share with families that there are alphabet books that present a letter and then show an object whose name and initial sound begin with that letter. These types of alphabet books are helpful for young children in their early reading development as they begin to understand the symbols and sounds of language while building vocabulary. Show a few examples of this type of book. Then point out that A Visit to Grandad: An African ABC is a special alphabet book because it not only follows the pattern of a basic alphabet book but has the added feature of telling a story. Literacy development is enhanced as children enjoy the story and make connections to their own knowledge, building on their understanding of the world. Elicit suggestions of things adults and children could talk about as they read and peruse this book.
Welcome Home: Where Nature’s Most Creative Creatures Dwell
Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group
,
2019
The world is full of unique homes where people and animals live. This book puts a fun twist on this topic using wordplay. Detailed illustrations feature realistic animal dwellings followed by imaginative, two-page spreads that bring homonyms (two words that have the same spelling and sound but different meanings) to life. For example, eager readers can observe beavers living in a “lodge” made with branches and mud. Then they turn the page, and enjoy a different type of “lodge,” where beavers are skiing the slopes, playing card games, and cozying up by the fire. Read on to see other fun examples including otters on their couches and lions in their dens. There is so much to see within each colorful illustration that readers will want to linger, or dare we say, dwell, on each page.
*Enjoy a virtual reading of Welcome Home by our Assistant Director, Ellysa Stern Cahoy.*
Tips for Using with Children
When reading the story, talk about the meaning of some of the words, e.g. a den’s coziness, a sty’s messiness. After reading the story, picture walk through the book again asking children to give the names of the animals featured. As children say the animal names, write them on a large piece of paper or on a whiteboard. Ask the children what that animal’s home is called. This activity helps children recall story facts and review information learned. As another follow-up activity, children could draw pictures of their own homes. Adults could assemble them onto a mural or bulletin board, depicting “Our Neighborhood.” Include pictures of your school or center and any other recognizable landmarks close by. Refer to the picture of the prairie dogs’ neighborhood as you work together on the project.
Tips for Using with Families
Visual literacy gives children the opportunity to think critically about the images that they encounter, and in this story, the idea that words can have more than one meaning. This is a complex concept that very young children may struggle to understand but develop as they grow older. This story can start to lead to an understanding of the difference between real and pretend. Each animal in the story is first depicted in a picture that shows the real home or dwelling. The second depiction shows a pretend picture of the animal living in a human home using a different meaning for the word. For example, an otter’s resting place is called a couch and the picture shows otters in their real habitat resting on couches. The next double-page spread shows otters acting like humans and sitting on a couch that would be found in a human house—the pretend picture. Explain to adults that as they read this story, they may ask the children questions about what is real and what is pretend in the images. Adults may share with the children that the pretend pictures are silly and add humor to a story sharing time.