So Tortoise Dug by Emmy Kastner is the perfect elementary classroom read aloud to explore misunderstandings, gratitude, learn how many backyard critters take advantage of tortoise burrows, and to get kids giggling. Tortoise keeps digging burrows while waiting for his best friend and burrowmate, Mouse, to reappear, and soon almost every animal in the forest…
Let’s make soup with orange, white, and red, then chop, drop, bubble, yum! Every Color Soup by Jorey Hurley is the perfect picture book for introducing colors and cooking with infants and toddlers. Little ones love identifying the familiar vegetables and kitchen items vibrantly displayed across full-page spreads throughout the book. Pair it with one…
Split! Splat! by Amy Gibson, illustrated by Steve Bjorkman, is the perfect storytime book for exploring rain, weather, bathtime, or dogs with toddlers, preschoolers, and children of all abilities. Children love the “mucka mucka chucka wucka” muddy scenes, sing-song rhymes, and vibrant illustrations. Below, you’ll find ways to make the reading experience more adaptive and extend…
In celebration of Children’s Book Week, here are my favorite library-themed picture books to share during storytime. From toddlers to 4th graders, these are my go-to titles for capturing the attention of new library users and introducing them to the wonders of the library. A quick note: As Donalyn Miller said in The Joy of…
Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat is the perfect read-aloud for April, a month that celebrates fools on the first day. Don’t be a fool; don’t trust fish. The book is silly and goofy and has awesomely large illustrations for sharing with a group. Read this book during your next school…
Ready bunny, steady bunny, every bunny dance! The picture book Everybunny Dance! by Ellie Sandall is perfect for exploring bunnies, spring, and movement with babies and caregivers. It’s also one of those rare books that can be used with babies, toddlers, AND preschoolers—it’s that good. Babies will enjoy pretending to dance, play instruments, sing, run,…
The perfect storytime book for exploring shapes, colors, or Valentine’s Day with toddlers, preschoolers, and children of all abilities.
Whether you’re celebrating Peter Rabbit and Beatrix Potter (her birthday is July 28!) or throwing a springtime garden party, these activities and snacks are perfect for ages 3 to 8. This event outline features a reading of The Tale of Peter Rabbit, two movement songs, crafts, games, and snack stations for families to enjoy at…
It’s always a great time to celebrate this classic character! Use these crafts and activities at your next elementary book club, book party, for Amelia Bedelia’s birthday (January 29, 1963), or any time. In addition to the original stories, the Young Amelia picture books and the Amelia Bedelia & Friends chapter books are perfect for…
Warm up those little fingers, it’s time for Baby Storytime! The board book Ten Little Fingers, illustrated by Annie Kubler and Sarah Dellow, is the perfect baby storytime pick for exploring counting, hands, and movement. The updated International Edition, published in 2021, is my favorite. Babies and caregivers will find comfort in the familiar rhyme, and the fun…