JULY, 2025 MINI-BLOG Play-Based Learning – Play Learn Grow Together

Learning Together Joyfully: Play-Based Learning

Play-based learning is important for children because it: serves as a foundation for holistic growth, nurturing cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development; It builds positive attitudes towards learning, such towards learning, such as persistence, curiosity, and imagination. Encourages meaningful experiences and lifelong skill development; Helps practice executive function and self-regulation skills. Helps Practice executive function and self-regulation skills. Patterning is important to teach to children because: A child who has good sorting and patterning skills can: understand patterns, relations, and functions; make matches; identify sets; sort and classify by various and multiple attributes; compare sets for similarities and differences; and recognize and create patterns. As children enjoy their summer, you can play, learn, and grow together.

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Read and Sing Together
Create Together: Puzzles, Crafts, Signing, Drawing and Constructing
Explore, Engage & Interact Together
Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition
Reflect: Thoughts of the Day About Learning

1. Read and Sing Together 📚

Reading is important for children for children because: It helps kids calm down and relax, opening doors of new knowledge to enlighten their minds; Kids who read grow up to have better cognitive skills; Reading can support a solid parent-child relationship; Kids feel secure when they’re read to; and caregivers who have a positive attitude toward books and reading in turn help their children view literacy in a positive way.

June and Summer- June is the official first month of summer, and the end of school traditionally means vacations to the beach, camping trips, and visits to the zoo. Whether you are preparing your story time crowd for real summer vacations or just taking a virtual trip, I’ve included over 30 children’s picture books full of summer fun. June is also the month we honour our dads for Father’s Day, and zoo and aquarium month. Ocean Animals Theme – Fall in love with the animals of the ocean by exploring this short list of books about ocean animals. You’ll find creatures that live in tide pools, coral reefs, and down in the depths of the deep blue sea. This is a small subset of the many books on this subject, but since it is a list which you won’t have to wonder if they’re worth the read or the purchase.

Inky’s Amazing Escape: How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home by Sy Montgomery. Montgomery’s expertise and the gorgeous illustrations make this a fine purchase for libraries serving early elementary students. The mixed-media illustrations make good use of dynamic spreads, color, and texture—perfect for a book on a master of camouflage. Montgomery seamlessly incorporates interesting facts about octopuses into the narrative.Learn all about Inky the Octopus, an international sensation known for escaping from the New Zealand aquarium in April 2016, in this fascinating picture book from National Book Award nominee and octopus expert Sy Montgomery.Inky had been at the New Zealand aquarium since 2014 after being taken in by a fisherman who found him at sea. Inky had been getting used to his new environment, but the staff quickly figured out that he had to be kept amused or he would get bored. Then one night in 2016 Inky, about the size of a basketball, decided he’d had enough. He slithered eight feet across the floor and down a drainpipe more than 160 feet long to his home in the sea.Acclaimed author Sy Montgomery reminds readers that Inky didn’t escape—but instead, like the curious animal he is, wanted to explore the rest of the vast ocean he called his home.
All about Inky the Octopus

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating. One of New York Times’ Twelve Books for Feminist Boys and Girls!This is the story of a woman who dared to dive, defy, discover, and inspire. This is the story of Shark Lady. One of the best science picture books for children, Shark Lady is a must for both teachers and parents alike!Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn’t imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary―and they didn’t think women should be scientists. Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname “Shark Lady.” Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to. An inspiring story by critically acclaimed zoologist Jess Keating about finding the strength to discover truths that others aren’t daring enough to see. Includes a timeline of Eugenie’s life and many fin-tastic shark facts!

Inky the Octopus: The Official Story of One Brave Octopus’ Daring Escape by Erin Guendelberger. Perfect for back to school, journey along with Inky the octopus as he makes a daring escape from his aquarium to the open sea―based on a real-life aquatic adventure! Published in partnership with the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Follow Inky the octopus as he escapes from his tank at the National Aquarium of New Zealand to the open ocean! Based on a true story, this ocean picture book for children ages 4-7 chronicles the adventure that the real-life Inky might have taken on his escape to freedom. The best octopus book for kids looking to learn more about aquatic animals, marine biology, and aquariums, this delightful tale about a daring octopus’s big dreams makes a wonderful gift for children for back-to-school, holidays, and summer reading!

Ocean Meets Sky by Terry & Eric Fan. From the creators of the gorgeous bestseller The Night Gardener comes a stunning new picture book about a young boy who sets sail to find a place his grandfather told him about…the spot where the ocean meets the sky.It’s a good day for sailing.Finn lives by the sea and the sea lives by him. Every time he looks out his window it’s a constant reminder of the stories his grandfather told him about the place where the ocean meets the sky. Where whales and jellyfish soar and birds and castles float.Finn’s grandfather is gone now but Finn knows the perfect way to honor him. He’ll build his own ship and sail out to find this magical place himself! And when he arrives, maybe, just maybe, he’ll find something he didn’t know he was looking for.

Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle. This book edition of Eric Carle’s iconic Mister Seahorse dazzles with its brilliant colors and charming cast of characters. When Mrs. Seahorse lays her eggs, she does it on Mr. Seahorse’s belly! She knows he will take good care of them. While he swims waiting for the eggs to hatch, he meets other underwater fathers caring for their babies. Now Eric Carle’s heart-warming New York Times bestseller is finally available in a board book edition, complete with the clear “peek-a-boo” pages that made the original such a hit. Brimming with bright, colorful sea life, this new board book will be irresistible to young children everywhere.

Over in the Ocean: A beach baby animal habitat book by Marianne Berkes. Learning is fun while discovering one of the most beautiful ecosystems in the world! Begin to appreciate the adorable baby animals in and around the coral reef like pufferfish that puff, grunt fish that grunt, and seahorses that flutter. Explore the world around you, and inspire a bond with nature through curiosity and wonder! This book is filled with baby animals from the coral reef. Educational backmatter about this habitat and the animals that live there.a nature book to explore new and beautiful habitats! The creative art will inspire many projects at home and at school! Kids will explore the coral reef habitat and learn about baby animals like octopus, clownfish, and more creatures around the ocean habitat in this bestselling book for young explorers!

Somewhere in the Ocean by Jennifer Ward & T. J. Marsch. A counting book in rhyme presents various marine animals and their children, from a mother manatee and her little calf one to a mother octopus and her little babies ten. Complete with a glossary, musical score, and numbers hidden in the illustrations.

One Tiny Turtle by Nicola Davies. Simple, lyrical words and bright, acrylic double page pictures convey the astonishing facts about the loggerhead sea turtle. . . . A powerful nature story for a young audience. Far, far out at sea lives one of the world’s most mysterious creatures, the loggerhead turtle. For thirty years she swims the oceans, wandering thousands of miles as she searches for food. Then, one summer night, she lands on a beach to lay her eggs — the very same beach where she herself was born. Nicola Davies’s lyrical text offers fascinating information about the journey of the tiny, endangered loggerhead, while charming paintings by Jane Chapman vividly illustrate one turtle’s odyssey.
One tiny turtle… one epic journey

Into the Sea by Brenda Z. Guiberson. A beautiful, compelling book about the fragile life cycle of the endangered sea turtle.

A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle.Poor Hermit Crab! He’s outgrown his snug little shell, so he finds himself a larger one — and many new friends to decorate and protect his new house. But what will happen when he outgrows this shell, and has to say good-bye to all the sea creatures who have made Hermit Crab’s house a home? Children facing change in their own lives will relate to Hermit Crab’s story — and learn a lot about the fascinating world of marine life along the way.

Star of the Sea: A DayStar of the Sea: A Day in the Life of a Starfish by Janet Halfmann.With the ocean her home, an ochre sea star hunts for her morning meal. She folds over her rays and grips the rocky shore with sticky feet as she feasts on shellfish. When she takes too long, the tide flows back without her and Sea Star becomes easy prey. But she is built to survive and eventually makes her way back to the sea, although with one less ray than before. This inspiring story informs young children about the important role of a small but fascinating sea creature.

Play The Crabby Crab Game.

Verdi by Janell Cannon. Deep in the jungle where all the pythons are green, Verdi is born a little bit different. This gorgeously illustrated picture book from the creator of Stellaluna sends a timely message to young readers about the importance of loving the skin you’re in. Young Verdi doesn’t want to grow up big and green. He likes his bright yellow skin and sporty stripes. Besides, all the green snakes he meets are lazy, boring, and rude. When Verdi finds a pale green stripe stretching along his whole body, he tries every trick he can think of to get rid of it—and ends up in a heap of trouble. Despite his efforts, Verdi turns green, but to his delight, he discovers that being green doesn’t mean he has to stop being himself.

The Little House: A Caldecott Award Winner By Virginia Lee Burton. Caldecott MedalWinner, 1943.This picture book about the changes that come to a little house is beautiful and timeless.The little house first stood in the country, but gradually the city moved closer and closer…In 1942, Virginia Lee Burton created The Little House, and since then generations of readers have been enchanted by the story of this happy home and her journey from the pleasures of nature to the bustling city, and back again.

On Meadowview Street by Henry Cole.The perfect book for everyone who loves nature! This book celebrates the environment, ecosystems—and individual empowerment. Caroline moves to a new suburban house. The yard, like all the surrounding yards, is plain, boring grass. But then she discovers a wildflower. Soon she’s got her own little wildflower preserve, carefully protected from Dad’s lawn mower. She adds a tree . . . a pond . . . birdhouses . . .she’s brought a meadow to Meadowview Street! Time brings more little meadows, as the neighbors see how beautiful and alive a yard can be. An ideal choice for classroom reading and sharing and for inspiring the creation of green corridors—safe havens for migrating birds and butterflies—at home. For fans of Peter Brown’s The Curious Garden, Joanna Gaines’s We Are the Gardeners, and Christie Matheson’s Tap the Magic Tree.This lovely picture book offers children a quiet approach to embracing the natural world.Gentle persuasion for the naturalist in everyone.

Out of the Ocean by Debra Frasier. Open this book and you’ll be walking along the ocean shore, looking for all kinds of special things. Some will be small enough to fit in your hand–like shells and sea glass. Others–like the sun and the sky and the waves–will be too big to carry home. But no matter what your journey holds, you’ll soon learn that looking for the ocean’s treasures can be as important as finding them. Debra Frasier, author-illustrator of the bestselling On the Day You Were Born, invites you along on this beach journey of discovery.

Beach Day by Karen Roosa. In this charming picture book, a cheerful family tumbles out of the car and onto the beach, ready for a perfect day. Buoyant verse just right for reading aloud and bright, playful illustrations capture the singular feeling of a hazy, lazy day by the ocean, complete with a ball game with new friends, water-skiers and sailboats, and a picnic lunch of fried chicken and deviled eggs. This book is a captivating introduction to the beach for young children and an irresistible gift for beach lovers of any age.

Beach Play by Marsha Hayles. There’s nothing like a hot summer day at the beach-building sand castles, swimming in the ocean, playing on the swings, and eating sticky, drippy ice cream. From early morning sunshine to the dusty haze of evening sunset, children can sing along with the bouncy, rhythmic text as they explore all the exciting things they can do by the sea. This bright and playful picture book is ideal for very young children–they’ll be grabbing for their pails and shovels before they can say “Surf ‘s up!”

Seashells By the Seashore by Marianne Berkes. Little sea creatures build their shell homes in a wonderful variety of shapes and colors. In this engaging rhyme, children comb the beach, counting, collecting, and naming the Moon Shell and other beautiful shells, appreciating the creatures that lived in them. The paperback edition contains a tear-out shell identification card to enhance the hands-on lesson in nature’s simple wonders.

Bubbles…UP! By Jacqueline Davies. An everyday visit to the pool transforms into an unforgettable celebration of the water in this remarkable picture book from Jacqueline Davies, the award-winning author of children’s classic The Lemonade War, and Sonia Sánchez, the illustrator of Meg Medina’s Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away. A day at the community pool is full of unwater magic—ducking and diving with friends; somersaulting, walking on your hands, and bursting up through the surface like a tortoise. But when a thunderstorm comes and a little brother ventures too close to the pool’s edge, will our main character be quick enough and brave enough to save the day? In this energetic read-aloud, the words swim off the pages as the underwater world comes to life through lush, dynamic illustrations and visual poetry. Journey to an imaginative world where, always and forever, bubbles . . . rise . . . UP!

Zoos are important for children because: they enable children to learn about animals effectively, foster cognitive development and promote empathy and compassion; Observing and discussing animals creates an interest in conservation and the realization that animals too have feelings and emotions; and they teach visitors the ecological and behavioural details of particular animals, both native and exotic; They are concerned with the general issues of conservation, preservation, and habitat protection and with preventing species from becoming threatened, endangered, or extinct and they let children see animals up close, which is better than learning about them from books and videos.These visits enable children to learn about animals effectively, foster cognitive development and promote empathy and compassion. Observing and discussing animals creates an interest in conservation and the realisation that animals too have feelings and emotions. It wipes out misconceptions like all wild animals are cruel or all parrots are green!

Going to the Zoo by Tom Paxton. Daddy’s taking us to the zoo tomorrow,zoo tomorrow, zoo tomorrow. Daddy’s taking us to the zoo tomorrow.We can stay all day. Now you can go along too, as Tom Paxton’s classic song comes to life in this boisterous picture book. Rhythmic verse leads you through a wild kingdom where animals burst from every page. Monkeys are scritch, scritch, scratchin’, and kangaroos are hop, hop, hopping, making every moment an adventure. Karen Lee Schmidt’s lively, irresistible illustrations show the animals up to all sorts of mischief. And with the easily played melodies included, this musical menagerie is every bit as fun as a trip to the zoo. Youngsters will want to “stay all day” — and come back again and again!

Mapping Sam by Joyce Hesselberth. An adventurous cat named Sam explores her neighbourhood at night in this gorgeously illustrated book. Informational, beautiful, and deeply moving, Mapping Sam is both a book about how maps work and an engaging, character-driven story. In a starred review, Kirkus Reviews says that Mapping Sam is “a winning choice.” An ideal read-aloud for classrooms and homeschooling, the book features a page of background information as well as various maps and map terms throughout. For fans of Brandon Wenzel’s They All Saw a Cat and Sara Fanelli’s My Map Book, and for anyone who wants to know what is where and how to get from here to there! Maps can show us streets and subways and cities and countries. But they can also show us what we can’t see, what we can only imagine, or how to build something. In Joyce Hesselberth’s Mapping Sam, Sam the cat puts her family to bed, and then—when all is quiet—heads out to explore her neighborhood. As Sam follows her customary path, wandering farther and farther away from home, readers encounter different kinds of maps illuminating different points of view and the various spots Sam visits. Finally, when Sam reaches her favorite place and confirms that all is well, she heads back home, climbs onto a cozy bed, and falls asleep.An ideal read-aloud for classrooms and libraries, this book features a page of background information, as well as various maps and map terms throughout. Perfect for fans of Lynne Rae Perkins’s Frank and Lucky Get Schooled and Peter H. Reynolds’s The Dot.
The Raft by Jim LaMarche. This picture book celebrates the wonders of summer adventures, imagination, and the natural world. Nicky is convinced that his summer with his grandmother in the Wisconsin woods is going to be the worst summer ever. She cooks food that he doesn’t like, there’s an art studio where her living room should be, and he’s expected to do chores—including fishing, the most boring chore ever. But one afternoon, while Nicky is trying to catch their dinner, a raft drifts down the river towards him. The raft has a calming magic about it, affecting both Nicky and the wildlife of the river and woods. Through the raft and the adventures it brings him on, Nicky finds new common ground with his grandmother, a fellow river rat, who encourages him to explore his newfound talent for art. This is an imagination-sparking story about appreciating the simple, natural joys of the world and the people in it, and about discovering and exploring one’s own talents. School Library Journal proclaimed, “This dazzling picture book is an artistic triumph.” The author’s note describes the similarities between Jim LaMarche’s own life and the life of his protagonist.
A Bedtime for Bear (Bear and Mouse) By Bonny Becker. Denton’s ink and watercolor illustrations ably express the dry humor of Becker’s dialogue and personifications, which make this a bedtime standout.Bear must have absolute quiet when he goes to bed. But the effervescent Mouse, small and gray and bright-eyed, finds it terribly hard to be as quiet as a . . . well, you know. With masterfully paced slapstick humor, droll repartee, and comic visual details, the curmudgeonly Bear and his irrepressible friend Mouse return in another wry adventure.
Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor. In a book that is as cheerful and charming as Snail himself, Corey Tabor tells a winning tale of slow but steady Snail, whose determination and kindness bring him the best reward of all: friendship. When Snail spies a plump, crisp cabbage across the road, nothing will stop him—not a speeding car or even a hungry crow. But then kindhearted Snail stops to help a crew of antsy ants in a rainstorm, and he loses his way. It looks like he will never get his treat—until Snail’s new friends come up with an ingenious idea.
Inky the Octopus: The Official Story of One Brave Octopus’ Daring Escape by Erin Guendelberger. Perfect for back to school, journey along with Inky the octopus as he makes a daring escape from his aquarium to the open sea―based on a real-life aquatic adventure! Published in partnership with the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Follow Inky the octopus as he escapes from his tank at the National Aquarium of New Zealand to the open ocean! Based on a true story, this ocean picture book for children ages 4-7 chronicles the adventure that the real-life Inky might have taken on his escape to freedom. The best octopus book for kids looking to learn more about aquatic animals, marine biology, and aquariums, this delightful tale about a daring octopus’s big dreams makes a wonderful gift for children for back-to-school, holidays, and summer reading!
- Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor. In a book that is as cheerful and charming as Snail himself, Corey Tabor tells a winning tale of slow but steady Snail, whose determination and kindness bring him the best reward of all: friendship. When Snail spies a plump, crisp cabbage across the road, nothing will stop him—not a speeding car or even a hungry crow. But then kindhearted Snail stops to help a crew of antsy ants in a rainstorm, and he loses his way. It looks like he will never get his treat—until Snail’s new friends come up with an ingenious idea.
  
  Camping for kids is important because: Camping provides numerous benefits for children’s development; Outdoor activities help children stay active and embrace a healthier lifestyle; Camping teaches resilience, independence, problem-solving skills, and social skills; and camping experiences create long-lasting memories and strengthen family bonds.
  
  A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen. The second book in the much-loved series about Mr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee! Chris Van Dusen books are always a delight, combining playful rhyming text with bright, comical artwork that’s alive with color and detail.In their new adventure, Mr. Magee and his dog, Dee, are enjoying a peaceful camping trip when along comes a lumbering, marshmallow-loving bear and the excitement begins. The next thing the two campers know, they are plunging down a mountain, racing down a river, and teetering on the edge of a waterfall! How will Mr. Magee and Dee find their way out of this slippery situation? ADVENTURES IN CAMPING: A funny children’s book that shares a lesson on overcoming obstacles with an easy-to-follow storyline, fun illustrations, and likable characters. Perfect as a bedtime story at home or on a camping trip! TEACHERS’ PICK BOOK: For storytime or individual reading time, teachers and students love the Mr. Magee books. This title is one of teachers’ favorite fall books that may even inspire camping theme classroom décor!
Summertime in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. With this illustrated adaptation from the beloved Little House series, the youngest readers can share in the joy of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classics. The winter is finally over, and now it is summertime. Laura and Mary are busy all day helping Ma in the garden and playing outside.Renee Graef’s illustrations are based on Garth Williams’ classic artwork.

One-Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova. I set off one morning in my little red canoe.My dog wagged his tail.”Can I come, too?””You bet,” I said.”A trip for two―just me and you.” When a girl and her dog set out on a canoe trip together, they’re expecting a quiet afternoon for two. Then a beaver decides to join them, even when the girl protests that “It’s a one-dog canoe.” And when a loon, and a wolf, and a bear, and a moose all ask for a ride, it’s almost too much. But they all manage to fit in this one-dog canoe―until a frog comes along.
Harry by the Sea (Harry the Dog) by Gene Zion. A fun classic picture book featuring the beloved Harry the Dirty Dog!When Harry goes on a visit to the beach, he is mistaken for a sea creature when a big wave covers him with seaweed. Harry also has to hunt for his family beneath all the similar beach umbrellas. Children will relate to Harry’s funny misadventures. This is an irresistible story featuring a classic picture book character, especially perfect for young dog lovers and fans of Harry the Dirty Dog. Harry the Dirty Dog has been recognized by the National Education Association as an all-time top-100 children’s book. It has also been welcomed by a new generation at home, as Betty White’s 2020 reading of the story on StorylineOnline has been viewed more than 8 million times.

Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey. Caldecott MedalWinner, 1958The spell of rain, gulls, a foggy morning, the excitement of sailing, the quiet of the night, the sudden terror of a hurricane, and the peace of a Maine island as a family packs up to leave are shown in poetic language and vibrant, evocative pictures.
Papa’s Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming. Candace Fleming and illustrator Boris Kulikov pair up to tell a fun story about a real submarine inventor in Papa’s Mechanical Fish Clink! Clankety-bang! Thump-whirr! That’s the sound of Papa at work. Although he is an inventor, he has never made anything that works perfectly, and that’s because he hasn’t yet found a truly fantastic idea. But when he takes his family fishing on Lake Michigan, his daughter Virena asks, “Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a fish?”―and Papa is off to his workshop. With a lot of persistence and a little bit of help, Papa―who is based on the real-life inventor Lodner Phillips―creates a submarine that can take his family for a trip to the bottom of Lake Michigan.
Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran. From two-time Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator Barbara Cooney and celebrated children’s book author Alice McLerran comes Roxaboxen, a treasured story about the magic of a child’s imagination. Marian called it Roxaboxen. There across the road, it looked like any rocky hill—nothing but sand and rocks, and some old wooden boxes. But it was a special place. And all children needed to go there was a long stick and a soaring imagination.A celebration of the transforming magic of the imagination.
In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck. Alice is wide, wide awake. Mama brings flowers, tea, a quilt, even lullaby bells to help her sleep. But none of these things are blue, and Alice can sleep only in a blue room. Yet when the light goes out, a bit of magic is stirred up. Pale blue moonlight swirls into her bedroom window. Then the night swirls out, around the moon and into the universe, leaving Alice fast asleep in a most celestial blue room.
Watercress by Andrea Wang. Caldecott Medal Winner, 2022 Newbery MedalWinner, 2022. A story about the power of sharing memories—including the painful ones—and the way our heritage stays with and shapes us, even when we don’t see it. While driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl’s Chinese immigrant parents spot watercress growing wild in a ditch by the side of the road. They stop the car, grabbing rusty scissors and an old paper bag, and the whole family wades into the mud to gather as much as they can. At first, she’s embarrassed. Why can’t her family just get food from the grocery store, like everyone else? But when her mother shares a bittersweet story of her family history in China, the girl learns to appreciate the fresh food they foraged—and the memories left behind in pursuit of a new life. Together, they make a new memory of watercress. Author Andrea Wang calls this moving, autobiographical story “both an apology and a love letter to my parents.” It’s a bittersweet, delicate look at how sharing the difficult parts of our histories can create powerful new moments of family history, and help connect us to our roots. Jason Chin’s illustrations move between China and the American Midwest and were created with a mixture of traditional Chinese brushes and western media. The dreamy, nostalgic color palette brings this beautiful story to life. An endnote from the author describes her personal connection to the story, and an illustrator’s note touches on both the process of the painting, and the emotional meaning brought to the work.
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson. Julia Donaldson’s trademark rhyming text and Axel Scheffler’s brilliant, characterful illustrations come together in this perfect read aloud—a perfect gift for any special occasion!A mouse is taking a stroll through the deep, dark wood when along comes a hungry fox, then an owl, and then a snake. The mouse is good enough to eat but smart enough to know this, so he invents . . . the gruffalo! As Mouse explains, the gruffalo is a creature with terrible claws, and terrible tusks in its terrible jaws, knobbly knees and turned-out toes, and a poisonous wart at the end of its nose. But Mouse has no worry to show. After all, there’s no such thing as a gruffalo.
Pete’s a Pizza by William Steig. Pete’s father starts kneading the dough. Next, some oil is generously applied. (Its really water.) And then some tomatoes. (They’re really checkers.) When the dough gets tickled, it laughs like crazy.
Pond by Jim LaMarche. A loving portrayal of a never-forgotten connection with the natural world.It’s a powerful vision of making one’s own wild place, with no special equipment or expenditure required.The joy of the seasons, the wonder of discovery, and the appreciation and respect for the natural world is at the heart of this book, drawn from the childhood of award-winning illustrator Jim LaMarche.When Matt is out for a late winter hike he sees a trickle of water in the old deserted and junk filled dirt pit at the edge of his neighborhood. With quiet appreciation, Matt can imagine the pond that must once have been there, shining in the early spring light, freezing in the winter for skating and the perfect place for swimming in the summer.Can Matt’s discovery transform a forgotten pond to its natural wonder? With his idea of making the pond whole again, Matt rallies his friends, Katie and Pablo, and together they work through the spring, clearing debris, moving rocks to hold the water, and looking for leaks. But would there be enough water to fill the pond? Can they bring the pond back?
A Piglet Named Mercy by Kate DiCamillo. Every porcine wonder was once a piglet! Celebrate the joy of a new arrival with this endearing picture-book prequel to the New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson series. Mr. Watson and Mrs. Watson live ordinary lives. Sometimes their lives feel a bit too ordinary. Sometimes they wish something different would happen. And one day it does, when someone unpredictable finds her way to their front door. In a delightful origin story for the star of the Mercy Watson series, a tiny piglet brings love (and chaos) to Deckawoo Drive — and the Watsons’ lives will never be the same.
Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats. Since it was first published in 1964, Whistle for Willie has delighted millions of young readers with its simple writing and its striking collage artwork depicting the story of Peter, who longs to whistle for his dog. Mr. Keats’s illustrations boldly, colorfully capture the child, his city world, and the shimmering heat of a summer’s day.
Catch That Chicken! By Atinuke. Fast, brave Lami has to learn to do quick thinking, not quick running, if she wants to be the best chicken catcher in the village! Lami loves chickens. She’s the best chicken catcher in the village. She’s fast, she’s brave and she always catches that chicken. Until the day she chases one up the baobab tree, slips … and falls. How can she catch chickens with a sore ankle? Could there be another way to catch that chicken? Told with great humour by Nigerian storyteller, Atinuke, this story of the headstrong, impetuous Lami will strike a chord with all children. The gentle message – to use quick thinking not just quick running – gives an incredibly satisfying ending, while Angela Brooks bank’s beautiful artwork captures the energy and the beauty of the West African setting perfectly.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury & Michael Rosen. Beloved for more than 30 years, this award-winning classic from Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury celebrates the joys of an afternoon outdoors with family.We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one.Will you come too? Join a father and his four young children as they cross a field of tall, wavy grass, wade through a deep, cold river, struggle through swampy mud, find their way through a big, dark forest, fight through a whirling snowstorm, and enter finally enter a narrow, gloomy cave. What will they find there? You’ll have to read on to find out!For more than thirty years readers have been swishy swashing and splash sploshing through this award-winning favorite. Now fans of this timeless story from Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury can treasure and share this Classic edition that has an updated, colorized cover.
Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina. This book is a timeless classic beloved by millions…one of the most popular picture books ever published! This picture book is an excellent choice to share at home or in the classroom, as children love chanting along with the naughty monkeys.Children will delight in following the peddler’s efforts to outwit the monkeys and will ask to read it again and again. Caps for Sale is an excellent easy-to-read book that includes repetition, patterns, and colors, perfect for early readers.This tale of a peddler and a band of mischievous monkeys is filled with warmth, humor, and simplicity and also teaches children about problem and resolution.This classic picture book will be appreciated as a birthday, baby shower, or graduation gift! It never fails to get preschoolers chanting along and giggling.
Frog and Toad Together: A Newbery Honor Award Winner by Arnold Lobel. The beloved classic about friendship—a Newbery Honor Book! Frog and Toad are best friends—they do everything together. When Toad admires the flowers in Frog’s garden, Frog gives him seeds to grow a garden of his own. When Toad bakes cookies, Frog helps him eat them. And when both Frog and Toad are scared, they are brave together. School Library Journal called this story collection from Arnold Lobel “a masterpiece of child-styled humor and sensitivity. “Winner of the Newbery Honor award, Frog and Toad Together is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success. The classic Frog and Toad stories by Arnold Lobel have The beloved classic about friendship—a Newbery Honor Book!

Shopping with Dad by Matt Harvey. The cartoon mixed-media illustrations depict a lively hubbub amid plenty of color in the spilled ketchup, jars of pickles, etc., and various styles of dress on the diverse mix of people. Funny and warmhearted, this story will be enjoyed one-on-one and handy in classrooms where fingers are pointed. Join a father-daughter duo as a simple shopping trip becomes a calamity! As their cart swings down the aisles, the pair create minor mishaps left and right. The rhyming, bouncy text teaches an important lesson about accidents and responsibility, all with a healthy dose of humor.

Download the following Father’s Day books on June 15, 2025 – There are so many great dads and grandpas in children’s literature—sensitive, funny, encouraging, and strong, just like the real-life ones we love. These are some of our favourite Father’s Day books for kids, but they’re also great any time of the year. Father’s Day Books are important because Father’s Day is indeed an opportunity to recognize that dads truly matter by bestowing their children with the psychological gifts of confidence, self-esteem, sense of adventure, and sensible risk-taking.
Borrow these books from your school or public library or consider purchasing them.
Things to Do with Dad by Sam Zuppardi. Can a young boy figure out how to turn an obstacle into an opportunity in this nearly wordless picture book? A morning of fun with Dad takes a turn for the boring when a long to-do list interferes. At first content to let Dad cross things off his list, the boy in the story soon realizes that the whole day will be spent on chores — unless he can come up with a solution. In his singularly expressive, kid-friendly style, author-illustrator Sam Zuppardi crafts a colorful celebration of the fun that can be had with just a little imagination — and a trusty green crayon.
Hiromi’s Hands by Lynne Barasch. Overview The true story of Hiromi Suzuki, a Japanese American girl who defied tradition to train at her family’s restaurant, and who became one of the first female sushi chefs in New York.
Hero Dad by Melinda Hardkin. Some superheroes wear rocket-propelled boots, drive super-powered cars, and have X-ray vision. But other superheroes wear army boots, drive tanks, and go away for long trips to make the world a safer place. It’s a tough job, but superheroes can do it.With Melinda Hardin’s simple text and with Bryan Langdo’s endearing watercolour-and-pencil illustrations, this book makes a difficult and tender subject more accessible to children with parents serving far from home.
Froggy’s Day with Dad by Jonathan London. It’s Father’s Day at last, and Froggy is so-o-o excited. “We’re going to play golf!” he tells his dad. Oh no. Dad says Froggy’s too little for golf. “But you’re just the right size to play miniature golf!” he explains. At the fun park, Froggy discovers mini golf is fun—especially once he figures out how to face the right way. With his beginner’s luck, Froggy makes a hole in one! But his next shot hits his dad on the head—bonk!—and that’s only the beginning. All ends well, though, when Froggy presents his dad with a special coffee mug he decorated in school: To the Best Dad I Ever Had!
My Dad Has a Beard by Kellen Roggenbuck. Overview of book. Children love this book! We definitely recommend it! This is the BEST book for a new father … beard or no beard, you will love this! (Although, we think beards are pretty cool). The story tells of a boy who describes all the amazing things he experiences with having a bearded dad.Features: Bright, colourful illustrations 22 pages, soft cover matte finish book. Perfect for young readers and families.
Shopping with Dad by Matt Harvey, The cartoon mixed-media illustrations depict a lively hubbub amid plenty of color in the spilled ketchup, jars of pickles, etc., and various styles of dress on the diverse mix of people. Funny and warmhearted, this story will be enjoyed one-on-one and handy in classrooms where fingers are pointed. Join a father-daughter duo as a simple shopping trip becomes a calamity! As their cart swings down the aisles, the pair create minor mishaps left and right. The rhyming, bouncy text teaches an important lesson about accidents and responsibility, all with a healthy dose of humor.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall. Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash.Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for.
Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko. A heartwarming father-son story about bravery and facing fears. Nicholas was afraid of the dark outside his door, the bushes where the giant bugs live, and the underside of manhole covers. His dad was not afraid of anything. Nicholas wants to be as brave as his dad, but he needs help. That’s why he needs a dinosaur. After all, dinosaurs like the dark, bugs are nothing to them, and they eat manhole covers for lunch (and everything under them for dinner).With his toy dinosaur, Nicholas can scale tall walls, swim in deep water, even score a goal against the huge goalie everyone calls Gorilla. But when the dinosaur goes missing, everything is scary again. Luckily, his dad knows that even the bravest people can get scared, and it’s okay to ask for help facing your fears. It’s just guy stuff. A family classic in the making from the dream team of Newbery Honor-winner Gennifer Choldenko and Caldecott Medal-winner Dan Santat. The author’s knowing, understated storytelling and Santat’s warm, expressive spreads give full credence to the fears that weigh on kids, as well as the presences—both real and imagined—that can help alleviate them.

My Daddy Rules the World: Poems about Dads by Hope Anita Smith. A picture book of poems that celebrate fathers from a two-time Coretta Scott King Honor–winning poet.Who is your hero? Who’s your best friend? Who says he loves you again and again? Daddy! Told through the voice of a child, Anita Hope Smith’s My Daddy Rules the World collection of poems celebrates everyday displays of fatherly love, from guitar lessons and wrestling matches to bedtime stories, haircuts in the kitchen, and cuddling in bed. These heartwarming poems, together with bold folk-art-inspired images, capture the strength and beauty of the relationship between father and child.
Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko. A heartwarming father-son story about bravery and facing fears. Nicholas was afraid of the dark outside his door, the bushes where the giant bugs live, and the underside of manhole covers. His dad was not afraid of anything. Nicholas wants to be as brave as his dad, but he needs help. That’s why he needs a dinosaur. After all, dinosaurs like the dark, bugs are nothing to them, and they eat manhole covers for lunch (and everything under them for dinner).With his toy dinosaur, Nicholas can scale tall walls, swim in deep water, even score a goal against the huge goalie everyone calls Gorilla. But when the dinosaur goes missing, everything is scary again. Luckily, his dad knows that even the bravest people can get scared, and it’s okay to ask for help facing your fears. It’s just guy stuff.A family classic in the making from the dream team of Newbery Honor-winner Gennifer Choldenko and Caldecott Medal-winner Dan Santat. The author’s knowing, understated storytelling and Santat’s warm, expressive spreads give full credence to the fears that weigh on kids, as well as the presences—both real and imagined—that can help alleviate them.
The Berenstain Bears: We Love Our Dad! By Jan & Mike Berenstain. In this book, the cubs decide to spoil Papa Bear for Father’s Day. Papa Bear is, after all, the best dad there is! Your cub will enjoy reading this celebration of goofy, lovable, caring papa bears. He’s always there for his cubs, but will he let them treat him for a change, on his special day? This full-color storybook brings another delightful adventure with the Berenstain Bears.
You Made Me a Dad by Laurenne Sala. A picture book for expectant fathers and already-fathers everywhere—a perfect gift for Father’s Day and baby showers. In this touching celebration of fatherhood, the close bond between parent and child comes to life with heartwarming resonance. Laurenne Sala’s tranquil text, accompanied by Mike Malbrough’s tender water color illustrations, creates a warm look at the joys, fears, and responsibilities of being a dad over the years.I loved you before I saw you. When you were just a heartbeat. Then a picture. Then a teeny-tiny kick.
Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer. Little Critter is exploring the great outdoors with his dad in this heartwarming and funny classic. The perfect gift to celebrate dad this Father’s Day–this sweet story makes a great read aloud storytime with toddlers.Whether he and his dad are canoeing, fishing, or building a campfire, parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A perfect gift for Father’s Day . . . or any day!
Dad By My Side by Soosh. A heartwarming celebration of the special relationship between a father and daughter from Instagram sensation Soosh.Whether they’re playing make-believe, making you smile, or warding off monsters under the bed, dads are always there when you need them. Debut picture book artist Soosh celebrates fathers with a gorgeously illustrated and moving story about the parent-child bond.When Soosh first posted her initial series of images of a larger-than-life father and his adorable daughter on Instagram, fans from across the world immediately took notice with over 2 million views on a popular viral content website in a single week.These illustrations now come together in a universally relatable story of familial love for parents and children to share.
My Dad Is Amazing! By Lucky & Sabrina Moyle. A joyful tribute to the things that make dads amazing from the bestselling creators of Hello!Lucky and authors of My Mom is Magical and You Are Fantastic! Who wouldn’t giggle at being named cooler than a million popsicles…funnier than a bunch of underpants and cuddlier than a ton of bunnies? Filled with bright, adorable illustrations in Hello! Lucky’s inimitable style, young children will love the delightful ode to fathers in this sturdy board book. Featuring 11 things that make dads amazing, this book also ends with a confidence boost to dad’s youngest fan. A must-have gift for new dads, or for Father’s Day, and sure to bring a smile to the whole family!
Our Subway Baby by Peter Mercurio. This gentle and incredibly poignant picture book tells the true story of how one baby found his home.”Some babies are born into their families. Some are adopted. This is the story of how one baby found his family in the New York City subway.”So begins the true story of Kevin and how he found his Daddy Danny and Papa Pete. Written in a direct address to his son, Pete’s moving and emotional text tells how his partner, Danny, found a baby tucked away in the corner of a subway station on his way home from work one day. Pete and Danny ended up adopting the baby together. Although neither of them had prepared for the prospect of parenthood, they are reminded, “Where there is love, anything is possible.”
Our Shed: A Father-Daughter Building Story by Robert Broder. A sweet, nostalgic father-daughter story, this book celebrates DIY families as well as the unique creativity and spontaneity of each individual child.This lovely story is about a father teaching his daughter how to build a backyard shed for storing the necessities of family life–a lawn mower, sprinkler, sleds, kid toys. For each practical element the dad brings to the project, his daughter adds her own imaginative creative spin. In the end, they are both happy with their collaboration. And, just as dad passes building skills on to his daughter, so does his daughter eventually pass those skills on to her own son when they fix up the peeling shed at the end of the story.Kids love tools, building things, and spending time with parents. This story hits all those points with love and humor.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero. A celebration of the love between a father and daughter, and of a vibrant immigrant neighborhood, by an award-winning author and illustrator duo.When Daisy Ramona zooms around her neighborhood with her papi on his motorcycle, she sees the people and places she’s always known. She also sees a community that is rapidly changing around her.But as the sun sets purple-blue-gold behind Daisy Ramona and her papi, she knows that the love she feels will always be there.With vivid illustrations and text bursting with heart, My Papi Has a Motorcycle is a young girl’s love letter to her hardworking dad and to memories of home that we hold close in the midst of change.
No Pants! By Jacob Grant. Laugh-out-loud father-son drama in which the dad learns an important and timely lesson–pants are NOT for everyone!Pablo and his dad are ready for a great day. It’s party day! A cookout with the whole family. All they need to do is get ready. Eat breakfast. Brush teeth. Put on pants. And they’ll be ready to go! Only Pablo has another idea: No Pants! Suddenly it’s looking as if party time is a ways off after all. Here’s a hilarious and warm-hearted look at a father-son relationship that shows there is more than one way of wearing–and thinking about–pants!
I Love You, Daddy by Jillian Harker. Little Bear is ready for some grown-up adventures – at least, Daddy Bear thinks so. But they soon discover that Little Bear needs a helping hand. And who can help out better than Daddy Bear? I Love You, Daddy is a tale of encouragement and unconditional parental love that your little boy or girl will love to read with their father. Read along in this fun and playful story, written by Jillian Harker and beautifully illustrated by Kristina Stephenson.This book celebrates the bond between children and their father with this wonderful story and beautifully illustrated book perfect for special reading time together. This charming story is perfect for your story time rotation! Vibrant illustrations and easy-to-read text make this a perfect story for young readers to practice reading aloud as they get older. Great gift for births, showers, Father’s Day, birthdays, or any special day to celebrate father’s all year long! The “I Love You” series from Parragon is a wonderful collection of books. Look for all titles available including Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, and Grandpa to share in the experience.

Brick by Brick by Heidi Woodward Sheffield. A striking debut celebrating the warm bond between a little boy and his dad as they work hard to achieve their dreamsPapi is a bricklayer, and he works hard every day to help build the city, brick by brick. His son, Luis, works hard too–in school, book by book. Papi climbs scaffolds, makes mortar, and shovels sand. Luis climbs on the playground and molds clay into tiny bricks to make buildings, just like Papi. Together, they dream big about their future as they work to make those dreams come true. And then one Saturday, Papi surprises Luis with something special he’s built for their family, brick by brick.
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell.This book is the bestselling, heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family. At the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo, two penguins named Roy and Silo were a little bit different from the others. But their desire for a family was the same. And with the help of a kindly zookeeper, Roy and Silo get the chance to welcome a baby penguin of their very own. This joyful story about the meaning of family is a must for any library.
Be Glad Your Dad…(Is Not an Octopus!) by Matthew Loglin & Sara Jensen. This hilarious and subversive tribute to dads by a New York Times bestselling author is perfect for Father’s Day!Be glad your dad is not a dog, because he would lick your face to say hello! Most of the time, you’re glad your dad is your dad, until he gets grouchy, bossy, or just totally gross. Then you wish you could swap him for something else. But be careful what you wish for, because it could be way worse….In this silly what-if story, kids will roar with laughter at the misadventures of a monkey dad, an alligator dad, a whale dad, and even a unicorn dad! But nothing can replace the dads who love them more than anything in the whole wide world. Be sure to check out the fun facts about the animals in the story in the back of the book!
Llama Llama Daddy’s Day by Anna Dewdney. Celebrate Father’s Day with Llama Llama and Nelly Gnu in this paperback picture book based on an episode of the animated Llama Llama Netflix series. Look out, world–Llama Llama is a TV star! The beloved character, made famous by Anna Dewdney’s best-selling picture books, is the star of his own original series, now airing on Netflix. In this episode-based paperback picture book, Llama Llama helps Nelly Gnu make the perfect Father’s Day gift for Daddy Gnu! Your little llamas will love relating to their favorite picture book character as he faces new and challenging situations.
The Night Before Father’s Day by Natasha Wing. It’s Father’s Day! Celebrate dads everywhere with bike rides, car washes, and more in this installment of Natasha Wing’s best-selling series.It’s the night before Father’s Day, and Mom and the kids have a plan to surprise Dad with a special gift. When Dad goes for a bike ride, everyone gets to work. Dad wakes up the next day to find his garage newly organized and his car sparkly clean. So, of course, he celebrates by taking everyone for a spin!
Why a Son Needs a Dad by Gregory E. Lang & Susanna Leonard Hill. This book is the perfect gift of love or sweet keepsake to show why Dad is amazing!A boy’s first hero is his dad. A touching picture book for children showcasing all the ways a father will help his child grow, this is the gift for every dad and little boy to celebrate their special bond. Featuring charming animal illustrations and heartwarming rhymes about the loving moments fathers and sons share, Why a Son Needs a Dad is the perfect story to connect father and son together.From the moment that I saw your beautiful face,Held you close to my heart in a father’s embrace,I promised to help you grow with strength and grace.My dear one, my sweet son, my boy. For new dads, fathers-to-be, or for that perfect father-son moment at birthdays and other special occasions all year, this sweet storybook celebrates how a father guides his little boy to grow with strength and love.

My Dad Used To Be So Cool by Keith Negley. Keith Negley’s playful and emotional art tells this story of a new father who is no longer the cool guy he once was. He looks back wistfully on his crazy times playing in a band, riding a motorcycle, and getting tattoos. Those days may be behind him, but his young son still thinks he’s the coolest guy in the world.
Boundless Grace by Mary Hoffman. Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch bring their heroine to brilliant life in this charming sequel to the award-winning Amazing Grace.When Grace gets the opportunity to go to Africa and visit with her father and his new family, she feels a little strange. But Nana says families are what you make them, and Grace is going to make the most of hers!
Why a Daughter Needs a Dad by Gregory E. Lang & Susanna Lenard Hill. A New York Times and USA Today bestseller! The perfect gift of love or sweet keepsake for a daughter of any age to show why Dad is so amazing! This new picture book for kids ages 3-7 and beyond is a touching story showing all the ways a father will help his daughter grow. This is the gift for every girl dad and little girl to celebrate their special bond! Featuring charming animal illustrations and heartwarming rhymes about the moments fathers and daughters share, Why a Daughter Needs a Dad is the perfect story to connect father and child together. From the first time I held you, so perfect and new, I promised to do everything that I could do. To help you become your most wonderful YOU,My darling, my daughter, my girl. For new dads, fathers-to-be, or for that perfect father-daughter moment at birthdays and other special occasions, this sweet storybook celebrates how a father is always there for his little girl. reminding her to be artistic, thoughtful, honest, and smart, but most of all, true to herself.
Home at Last by Vera B. Williams. A poignant, timely, and universal picture book about fear, adoption, family, and the joy of fatherhood, written by beloved and award-winning author Vera B. Williams and illustrated by the author in collaboration with two-time Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka. After Lester is adopted by Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich, he develops a big problem—he can’t fall asleep. Night after night he creeps into his parents’ room and attempts to crawl in between his two daddies, confident that if he’s with them and their dog, Wincka, nothing bad will happen to him ever again. But every night, Lester’s new dads walk him back to his own room, hoping that eventually Lester will get used to the new house and his new family and feel as though he belongs. They buy him a bike and take him for ice cream. They make cocoa and introduce him to his cousins. But no matter how happy Lester seems during the day, he still gets scared and worried at night! It’s the sweet dog Wincka who finally solves the problem when she climbs into Lester’s bed and promptly falls asleep, serving as both his pillow and his protector. Lester feels home at last.
Visiting Day by Jacqueline Woodson. In this moving picture book from multi-award winning author Jacqueline Woodson, a young girl and her grandmother prepare for a very special day–the one day a month they get to visit the girl’s father in prison. “Only on visiting day is there chicken frying in the kitchen at 6 a.m, and Grandma in her Sunday dress, humming soft and low.” As the little girl and her grandmother get ready, her father, who adores her, is getting ready, too, and readers get to join the community of families who make the trip together, as well as the triumphant reunion between father and child, all told in Woodson’s trademark lyrical style, and beautifully illustrated by James Ransome.
Sky Dancers by Connie Ann Kirk. Overview John Cloud’s father is a steelworker building skyscrapers in New York City, far away from their home upstate on the Mohawk Reservation. John Cloud’s father is a steelworker building skyscrapers in New York City, far away from their home upstate on the Mohawk Reservation. When Papa is home on weekends, John Cloud stays close by his father’s side, helping him with his work. Between weekends John Cloud misses Papa and longs to visit him in the city. One day Mama agrees to take him there. New York City turns out to be busy and noisy, but what really astonishes John Cloud is seeing Papa on a high cross beam of the Empire State Building, the tallest skyscraper in the world. John Cloud feels as if his heart will burst with pride and amazement as he watches his father dance across the sky. Set in the early 1930s and based on the history of Mohawk steelworkers, Sky Dancers is a warm celebration of family, courage, and the forces of nature. Sensitively told and stunningly illustrated, this is a story for all ages.
Night Driving by John Coy. A warm-hearted portrait of a simple event that encapsulates the bond between a father and a son. This warm and thoughtful story about a father and son on an all-night drive to the mountains is just right for Father’s Day.
Hiromi’s Hands by Lynne Barasch. Overview The true story of Hiromi Suzuki, a Japanese American girl who defied tradition to train at her family’s restaurant, and who became one of the first female sushi chefs in New York.
Weekends with Max and His Dad by Linda Urban. From acclaimed author Linda Urban comes a younger middle-grade novel about the weekend adventures of a boy and his dad, who each see “home” in new ways as they adjust to divorce. Max and his dad love their weekends together. Weekends mean: pancakes; pizza; spy games; dog walking; school projects; and surprising neighbours. Every weekend presents an adventure as Max gets to know his dad’s new neighbourhood—and learns some new ways of thinking about home. Acclaimed author Linda Urban deftly portrays a third-grader’s inner world during a time of transition in this sweet and funny illustrated story that bridges the early reader and middle grade novel.
Chapter 1;
Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl. Danny has a life any boy would love—his home is a gypsy caravan, he’s the youngest master car mechanic around, and his best friend is his dad, who never runs out of wonderful stories to tell. But one night Danny discovers a shocking secret that his father has kept hidden for years. Soon Danny finds himself the mastermind behind the most incredible plot ever attempted against nasty Victor Hazell, a wealthy landowner with a bad attitude. Can they pull it off? If so, Danny will truly be the champion of the world. Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6.
Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar. Book Review Eagar seamlessly blends a twelve-year-old girl’s summer of change with a hefty dose of magical realism in this accomplished debut.While her friends are spending their summers having pool parties and sleepovers, twelve-year-old Carolina — Carol — is spending hers in the New Mexico desert, helping her parents move her grandfather into a home for people with dementia. At first, Carol avoids prickly Grandpa Serge. But as the summer wears on, Carol finds herself drawn to him, fascinated by the crazy stories he tells her about a healing tree, a green-glass lake, and the bees that will bring back the rain and end a hundred years of drought. As the line between magic and reality starts to blur, Carol must decide for herself what is possible — and what it means to be true to her roots.
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry. This book is highlighting the relationship between a Black father and daughter. Matthew leads the ranks of new creatives who are telling unique stories of the Black experience. We need this. It’s up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, Zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it’s beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he’ll do anything to make her — and her hair — happy. Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair — and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere. A perfect gift for special occasions including Father’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, and more!
Made for Me by Zack Bush. Of all the children that ever could be,You are the one made just for me. From a child’s first uttered “Dada” to his or her first unsteady steps, nothing can adequately convey the joy and awe of watching the birth and growth of a new child. Available in hardcover, board book, and Spanish language formats, this book is perfect for new dads, baby shower gift-giving, and Father’s Day gift-giving. Written by a dad for dads, it’s guaranteed to touch the hearts of all dads. (just read the reviews). Filled with adorable illustrations and the refrain, “You are the one made just for me,” Made for Me is a winning presentation of tender moments that tie a father and his new child together—forever.
Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary. ( See read aloud chapters below.) Beverly Cleary’s Newbery Honor Book depicts an average middle-class family dealing with the realities of life. With the perfect mix of humor and warmth, Ramona Quimby shines as a spirited girl with her heart set on helping.Seven-year-old Ramona’s world is turned upside-down when her father unexpectedly loses his job. Things grow tense in the Quimby house, but Ramona resolves to help in any way she can—even downsizing her Christmas list. But with bills piling up and her parents constantly stressed, Ramona wonders if life will ever go back to normal.This beloved Ramona book is as relatable and resonant today as it was when it was written. Boys and girls ages 6-12 will relate to Ramona’s funny but real struggles.
Chapter One; Chapter Two; Chapter Three; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Chapter 7; Chapter 8; Chapter 9;
Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary. ( See read aloud chapters below.) Beverly Cleary’s Newbery Honor Book depicts an average middle-class family dealing with the realities of life. With the perfect mix of humor and warmth, Ramona Quimby shines as a spirited girl with her heart set on helping.Seven-year-old Ramona’s world is turned upside-down when her father unexpectedly loses his job. Things grow tense in the Quimby house, but Ramona resolves to help in any way she can—even downsizing her Christmas list. But with bills piling up and her parents constantly stressed, Ramona wonders if life will ever go back to normal.This beloved Ramona book is as relatable and resonant today as it was when it was written. Boys and girls ages 6-12 will relate to Ramona’s funny but real struggles.
Chapter One; Chapter Two; Chapter Three; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Chapter 7; Chapter 8; Chapter 9;
Because I’m Your Dad by Ahmet Zappa. Perfect for Father’s Day and all year round, here is the breakout book celebrating all the silliness and sweetness that a dad can share with a child, illustrated by bestselling and award-winning artist Dan Santat!Because I’m your dad, you can have spaghetti for breakfast, French toast for dinner, and rocky road ice cream in the bathtub! In a text that’s both playful and loving, a father expresses his hopes and dreams for a one-of-a-kind relationship with his child. The book’s ending, a moving tribute to the author’s father—legendary rock star Frank Zappa—guarantees intergenerational appeal, and award-winning artist Dan Santat (The Adventures of Beekle) brings the fun and endearing scenes to life with whimsical monster characters. Because I’m your dad, I will do all of these things for you and more . . .because that’s what my dad did for me.
The Berenstain Bears: We Love Our Dad! By Jan & Mike Berenstain. In this book, the cubs decide to spoil Papa Bear for Father’s Day. Papa Bear is, after all, the best dad there is! Your cub will enjoy reading this celebration of goofy, lovable, caring papa bears. He’s always there for his cubs, but will he let them treat him for a change, on his special day? This full-color storybook brings another delightful adventure with the Berenstain Bears.
You Made Me a Dad by Laurenne Sala. A picture book for expectant fathers and already-fathers everywhere—a perfect gift for Father’s Day and baby showers. In this touching celebration of fatherhood, the close bond between parent and child comes to life with heartwarming resonance. Laurenne Sala’s tranquil text, accompanied by Mike Malbrough’s tender water color illustrations, creates a warm look at the joys, fears, and responsibilities of being a dad over the years.I loved you before I saw you. When you were just a heartbeat. Then a picture. Then a teeny-tiny kick.
Weekends with Max and His Dad by Linda Urban. From acclaimed author Linda Urban comes a younger middle-grade novel about the weekend adventures of a boy and his dad, who each see “home” in new ways as they adjust to divorce. Max and his dad love their weekends together. Weekends mean: pancakes; pizza; spy games; dog walking; school projects; and surprising neighbours. Every weekend presents an adventure as Max gets to know his dad’s new neighbourhood—and learns some new ways of thinking about home. Acclaimed author Linda Urban deftly portrays a third-grader’s inner world during a time of transition in this sweet and funny illustrated story that bridges the early reader and middle grade novel.
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Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl. Danny has a life any boy would love—his home is a gypsy caravan, he’s the youngest master car mechanic around, and his best friend is his dad, who never runs out of wonderful stories to tell. But one night Danny discovers a shocking secret that his father has kept hidden for years. Soon Danny finds himself the mastermind behind the most incredible plot ever attempted against nasty Victor Hazell, a wealthy landowner with a bad attitude. Can they pull it off? If so, Danny will truly be the champion of the world. Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6.
Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar. Book Review Eagar seamlessly blends a twelve-year-old girl’s summer of change with a hefty dose of magical realism in this accomplished debut.While her friends are spending their summers having pool parties and sleepovers, twelve-year-old Carolina — Carol — is spending hers in the New Mexico desert, helping her parents move her grandfather into a home for people with dementia. At first, Carol avoids prickly Grandpa Serge. But as the summer wears on, Carol finds herself drawn to him, fascinated by the crazy stories he tells her about a healing tree, a green-glass lake, and the bees that will bring back the rain and end a hundred years of drought. As the line between magic and reality starts to blur, Carol must decide for herself what is possible — and what it means to be true to her roots.
GRANDFATHER & GRANDMOTHER BOOKS: Looking for some children’s books about grandparents? If you need something for Grandparents Day or just to add some diverse characters to your read “alouds”, here’s something for you. Both fiction and nonfiction stories are perfect for kids for all ages.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read By Rita Lorraine Hubbard. Imagine learning to read at the age of 116! Discover the true story of Mary Walker, the nation’s oldest student who did just that, in this picture book from a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and a rising star author.In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who–with perseverance and dedication–proved that you’re never too old to learn.
The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros. What’s Happening to Grandpa meets Up in this tender, sensitive picture book that gently explains the memory loss associated with ageing and diseases such as Alzheimer’s. James’s Grandpa has the best balloons because he has the best memories. He has balloons showing Dad when he was young and Grandma when they were married. Grandpa has balloons about camping and Aunt Nelle’s poor cow. Grandpa also has a silver balloon filled with the memory of a fishing trip he and James took together.But when Grandpa’s balloons begin to float away, James is heartbroken. No matter how hard he runs, James can’t catch them. One day, Grandpa lets go of the silver balloon—and he doesn’t even notice! Grandpa no longer has balloons of his own. But James has many more than before. It’s up to him to share those balloons, one by one.
Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion by Jane Barclay. Much has been written about war and remembrance, but very little of it has been for young children. As questions come from a young grandchild, his grandpa talks about how, as a very young man, he was as proud as a peacock in uniform, busy as a beaver on his Atlantic crossing, and brave as a lion charging into battle. Soon, the old man’s room is filled with an imaginary menagerie as the child thinks about different aspects of wartime. But as he pins medals on his grandpa’s blazer and receives his own red poppy in return, the mood becomes more sombre. Outside, the crowd gathered for the veterans’ parade grows as quiet as a mouse, while men and women — old and young — march past in the rain. A trumpet plays and Grandpa lays a wreath in memory of his lost friend. Just then, the child imagines an elephant in the mist. “Elephants never forget,” he whispers to his grandpa. “Then let’s be elephants,” says the old man, as he wipes water from his eyes and takes his grandson’s hand. Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion has relevance to a growing number of families, as new waves of soldiers leave home.
Ruby’s Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges. Ruby is unlike most little girls in old China. Instead of aspiring to get married, Ruby is determined to attend university when she grows up, just like the boys in her family. Based upon the inspirational story of the author’s grandmother and accompanied by richly detailed illustrations, Ruby’s Wish is an engaging portrait of a young girl who’s full of ambition and the family who rewards her hard work and courage.
Teach Us Your Name by Huda Essa. Embracing the diversity of our names is one of the first steps we can take to show our appreciation of diversity and inclusion. Everyone has a name and every name has a story. This book focuses on the many stories and ways we can all connect by helping children take pride in their many identities and to utilize the opportunity to learn from others. This book lends itself to countless invaluable discussions about cultural norms, languages, unconscious bias, and much more. Most of all, Teach Us Your Name is focused on showing respect for ourselves and all others. The author has a TED Talk that further explains the value of this topic as it applies to adults and older children, as well. Find it on YouTube: “Your Name is the Key!” There are also several free resources to use alongside the book at the author’s website on culturelinksllc.com
Teach Us Your Name by Huda Essa. Embracing the diversity of our names is one of the first steps we can take to show our appreciation of diversity and inclusion. Everyone has a name and every name has a story. This book focuses on the many stories and ways we can all connect by helping children take pride in their many identities and to utilize the opportunity to learn from others. This book lends itself to countless invaluable discussions about cultural norms, languages, unconscious bias, and much more. Most of all, Teach Us Your Name is focused on showing respect for ourselves and all others. The author has a TED Talk that further explains the value of this topic as it applies to adults and older children, as well. Find it on YouTube: “Your Name is the Key!” There are also several free resources to use alongside the book at the author’s website on culturelinksllc.com
A Very Unusual Dog by Dorothy Joan Hassis.Jonathan has a very unusual dog. It likes to go to the park, watch TV, and eat toast crumbs. And it’s invisible. His big sister Elizabeth says Dog isn’t real, but Jonathan and Grandma know better… A story about imagination and sharing, perfectly illustrated by award-winner Kim LaFave.
Drawn Together by Minh Le. Named a Best Book of 2018 by the Wall Street Journal, NPR, Smithsonian, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Booklist, the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, BookRiot, the New York Public Library, the Chicago Public Library—and many more!When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens—with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words. With spare, direct text by Minh Lê and luminous illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, this stirring picture book about reaching across barriers will be cherished for years to come.
Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love. In an exuberant picture book, a glimpse of costumed mermaids leaves one boy flooded with wonder and ready to dazzle the world. While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Jessica Love’s author-illustrator debut is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality.
Julián at the Wedding by Jessica Love. The star of Julián Is a Mermaid makes a joyful return—and finds a new friend—at a wedding to be remembered.Julián and his abuela are going to a wedding. Better yet, Julián is in the wedding. Weddings have flowers and kissing and dancing and cake. And this wedding also has a new friend named Marisol. It’s not long before Julián and Marisol set off for some magic and mischief of their own, and when things take an unexpected turn, the pair learns that everything is easier with a good friend by your side. Jessica Love returns with a joyful story of friendship and individuality in this radiant follow-up to Julián Is a Mermaid.
Someday by Alison McGhee. A mother’s love leads to a mother’s dream — every mother’s dream — for her child to live life to its fullest.A deceptively simple, powerful ode to the potential of love and the potential in life, Someday is the book you’ll want to share with someone else…today. The perfect gift for Mother’s Day, Graduation Day or Any Day – share a copy with every special person in your life.
Grandfather’s Journey: A Caldecott Award Winner by Allen Say. Caldecott MedalWinner,1994.In this Caldecott Medal–winning picture book, master storyteller Allen Say chronicles his family’s history between Japan and California. A lyrical, breathtaking tale of one man’s love for two countries, Grandfather’s Journey is perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street and Thank You, Omu! Through pensive portraits and delicately faded art, Allen Say pays tribute to his grandfather’s persistent longing for home that continues within Allen.This restlessness and constant desire to be in two places speaks to a universal experience as well as the deeply personal ties of family to place, and what it means to be at home in more than one country. Both a celebration of heritage and a poignant exploration of the struggles we inherit, Grandfather’s Journey is a modern classic perfect for every household.
Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan by Jeanette Winter. Renowned picture book creator Jeanette Winter tells the story of a young girl in Afghanistan who attends a secret school for girls.Young Nasreen has not spoken a word to anyone since her parents disappeared.In despair, her grandmother risks everything to enrolls Nasreen in a secret school for girls. Will a devoted teacher, a new friend, and the worlds she discovers in books be enough to draw Nasreen out of her shell of sadness? Based on a true story from Afghanistan, this inspiring book will touch readers deeply as it affirms both the life-changing power of education and the healing power of love.
How to Babysit a Grandma by Jean Reagan. Celebrate the special bond between grandmas and grandkids with this delightful New York Times bestseller that puts the kids in charge of babysitting…if just for one day. The perfect gift for Mother’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, and any day shared with Grandma! When you babysit a grandma, if you’re lucky, you’ll have a sleepover at her house! And with the useful tips found in this book, you’re guaranteed to become an expert grandma-sitter in no time. (Be sure to check out the sections on: How to keep a grandma busy; Things to do at the park; Possible places to sleep, and what to do once you’re both tucked in for the night.) From the author-illustrator team behind the New York Times bestselling books comes a funny and heartwarming celebration of grandmas and grandchildren.
How to Babysit a Grandpa: A Book for Dads, Grandpas, and Kids by Jean Reagan. Celebrate the special bond between grandpas and grandchildren in this delightful New York Times bestseller that puts the kids in charge! The perfect gift for Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, and any day shared with Grandpa! Here’s everything a kid needs to know to spend a fun-filled day with grandpa! Written in a how-to style, the narrator gives important tips for “babysitting” a grandpa, including what to eat for snack (anything dipped in ketchup, ice cream topped with cookies, cookies topped with ice cream) what to do on a walk (find lizards and dandelion puffs, be on the lookout for puddles and sprinklers), and how to play with a grandpa (build a pirate cave, put on a scary play).From the author-illustrator team behind the New York Times bestselling HOW TO… books comes a funny and heartwarming celebration of grandpas and all that they do! This is a great gift for or from a grandparent, and perfect for lap reading when Grandpa comes to visit!
Grandpa Green by Lane Smith. A Caldecott Honor Book. From the creator of the national bestseller It’s a Book comes a Caldecott Honor-winning timeless story of family history, legacy, and love. Grandpa Green wasn’t always a gardener. He was a farm boy and a kid with chickenpox and a soldier and, most of all, an artist. In this captivating new picture book, readers follow Grandpa Green’s great-grandson into a garden he created, a fantastic world where memories are handed down in the fanciful shapes of topiary trees and imagination recreates things forgotten. In his most enigmatic and beautiful work to date, Lane Smith explores ageing, memory, and the bonds of family history and love; by turns touching and whimsical, it’s a stunning picture book that parents and grandparents will be sharing with children for years to come.

BOOKS ABOUT PATTERNS: Patterns positively impact children’s development because these help children make predictions as they begin to understand what comes next. Patterns also teach children how to make logical connections and harness their reasoning skills. Benefits for kids: Patterning offers several benefits for children, helping them develop a range of important skills: Cognitive Development: Recognizing and creating patterns helps children understand and predict sequences, which is fundamental for mathematical thinking and problem-solving; Language Skills: Discussing patterns can enhance vocabulary and comprehension as children describe and compare different patterns; Memory Improvement: Working with patterns can improve memory skills as children remember sequences and replicate them; Critical Thinking: Identifying patterns encourages children to think critically and make connections between different concepts; Creativity: Creating patterns allows children to express themselves artistically and explore their creativity; Fine Motor Skills: Activities like drawing or arranging objects in patterns can improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination; Attention to Detail: Recognizing and creating patterns requires children to pay close attention to details, which can improve their focus and concentration. You may wish to borrow these books from your school or public library or you may wish to purchase them. Shapes & Patterning Books: It is important to teach children patterning as it: Builds fine motor skills and boosts creativity; Use the following books in the classroom or at home with mom and dad! We believe developing social skills is so important, and we encourage you to talk with your little ones about what they see, feel, or think while engaging with the activities. Building social skills is so important, so be sure to ask questions to your little ones along the way. The importance of teaching children patterning skills: It builds fine motor skills and boosts creativity; Use these printables in the classroom or at home with mom and dad! We believe developing social skills is so important, and we encourage you to talk with your little ones about what they see, feel, or think while engaging with the activities. Building social skills is so important, so be sure to ask questions to your little ones along the way. Build vocabulary, increase finger strength, and have tons of fun! They build vocabulary, increase finger strength, and have tons of fun! You may wish to borrow them from your school or public library or consider purchasing them.
Captain Invincible and the Space Shapes by Stuart J. Murphy. Kids, young and old, fall in love with math when they see how real-life and effortless it becomes thanks to these books. This book is perfect for teaching 3-dimensional shapes to first, second, and third graders. Captain Invincible and his space-dog, Comet, are on a perilous journey back to Earth! Throughout their mission, the fearless captain and his canine sidekick encounter asteroids, poisonous gas, and alien beings. But will their knowledge of three-dimensional shapes, including cubes, cones, and pyramids, help our heroes navigate past these obstacles—and make it safely home? Kids will love the story and the illustrations by Remy Simard. Parents and educators will love how the story and pictures make understanding the math concepts a breeze—as well as the concrete examples of how math works. The book contains activities for adults to do with kids to extend math into their own lives. Math = Fun! Math skills are life skills, and the MathStart series supports success!This award-winning series by Stuart J. Murphy teaches math through stories and visual models: 63 books divided into three levels with 21 books in each;Fun activities kids will love are included to help parents and teachers emphasize the lessons;Engaging and relatable stories, with each story revolving around practical applications of the math concept presented; Lively art from top-notch illustrators; Charts and other visual representations help children understand how the math works and promote deeper comprehension. Help kids with their math skills plus their reading skills with the engaging and fun MathStart series!
Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh. Count the mice from 1 to 10 and back again as they outsmart a hungry snake! A companion to Mouse Paint and Mouse Shapes.This suspenseful story features bold collage art and a touch of mischief that’s sure to appeal to preschoolers who have mastered counting from 1 to 10 and causing some mischief of their own.
A Circle Here, A Square There: My Shapes Book by David Diehl.The youngest children will love this book and so will adults who enjoy sharing reading time with them. Each picture in A Circle Here, A Square There brings out the angles, curves, and lines in objects both everyday and unexpected. Artist David Diehl creates engagingly active graphic designs: whether it’s the secretive square of a wrapped gift, the surprising crescent of a moon, or the (nibbled) triangle of a piece of pizza, all the illustrations are striking and exuberantly colorful. Kids will make exciting connections between the letters of the simple words on the page, the exciting images, and the common shapes of the world around them.
A Circle Here, A Square There: My Shapes Book by David Diehl. The youngest children will love this book and so will adults who enjoy sharing reading time with them. Each picture in A Circle Here, A Square There brings out the angles, curves, and lines in objects both everyday and unexpected. Artist David Diehl creates engagingly active graphic designs: whether it’s the secretive square of a wrapped gift, the surprising crescent of a moon, or the (nibbled) triangle of a piece of pizza, all the illustrations are striking and exuberantly colorful. Kids will make exciting connections between the letters of the simple words on the page, the exciting images, and the common shapes of the world around them.
A-B-A-B-A A Book of Pattern Play by Brian P. Cleary. In this playful look at patterns, Brian P. Cleary and Brian Gable provide many examples of repeating sequences of shapes, colors, objects, and more. The comical cats of the wildly popular Words Are CATegorical® series show how patterns can be found all around us. Peppy rhymes, goofy illustrations, and kid-friendly examples make pattern practice fun!
Pattern Bugs by Trudy Harris. Patterns are found in math, reading, science, music, art, dance, and poetry–and in the world all around us. They are also found in this delightful book written by educator Trudy Harris. Children will love the humor and predictability of this story, and teachers and parents alike will appreciate the pattern hunt that will send kids back into the book looking for more patterns again and again.
The M&M’s Color Pattern Book by Barbara Barbieri McGrath. Kids across the nation learn math using M&M’S RM Chocolate Candies — the ideal manipulatives. Now Red, Yellow, Orange, Green, and Blue help kids sort colors, identify patterns, and create their own color patterns. One of the best things about learning patterns is actually making patterns! Although toys or other items can be used to create patterns, children will learn that they can also use a tasty treat! In this book, children will see how they can use M&M’s to create different patterns, from something simple like an A-B-A-B pattern, to something more complex!
M&M Book of Subtraction by Barbara Barbieri McGrath. Using M&M’s Chocolate Candies as a study tool, readers are introduced to the basic principles of subtraction in this easy-to-read mathematics book enhanced throughout with bold illustrations. Simultaneous.
I See a Pattern Here by Bruce Goldstone. Patterns are fascinating! They can be so beautiful that people come from all over the world to see them, or so familiar you hardly notice them. They appear everywhere: beehives, dinner plates, even the bottoms of your shoes! With stunning photographs that show diverse examples from nature and artwork around the world, Bruce Goldstone reveals the secrets behind patterns―and gives you some fun ideas for making your own.
Pattern Fish by Trudy Harris. Patterns are found in math, reading, science, music, art, dance, and poetry–and in the world all around us. The author uses a variety of ocean animals to teach children different patterns. However, the arrival of a shark sends them all away, requiring the readers to go on a scavenger hunt to find patterns on the pages. Each page focuses on a specific pattern based on a sea creature, either based on their actions or physical patterning. This book has plenty of colorful pictures for children to look at. It uses many repetitive words and phrases, helping younger children understand the story easier. The repetition also encourages children to pay more attention as they have to predict the next pattern in a series.
My First Book of Patterns by Bobby & June George. Have you learned your colors and shapes? Now it’s time to learn patterns!Stripes, polka dots, plaid, chevron, and more are featured in this first-ever patterns concept book that provides readers with the vocabulary to name what they see in the world around them. The ten most prevalent patterns are presented first as a single element (This is a circle …), then as a pattern (… a lot of circles make polka dots!). Conceived by educators and illustrated in vivid candy-colored hues, this pitch-perfect introduction to patterns will engage the artistic, mathematical, and linguistic parts of every young child’s mind. This book doesn’t have any real story but uses cute animal illustrations to showcase simple patterns. It’s a picture book that explains basic patterns using different examples of shapes, numbers, colors, tile flooring, clothing, and other items children usually encounter.
Pitter Pattern by Joyce Hesselberth. Patterns are everywhere! How many can you find?This gorgeously illustrated book from Joyce Hesselberth, the creator of the acclaimed Mapping Sam, expertly introduces readers to basic patterns in nature, music, sports, art, language, and math. Pitter Pattern is an exceptional mix of fiction and nonfiction perfect for home as well as classroom sharing. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.Pitter, pitter, pat! Pitter, pitter, pat! Hey, it’s a pitter, pitter, pattern!Lu and her friends love spotting patterns in their daily activities. Lu learns that patterns can be found at soccer practice, during her piano lessons, in dance class, at snack time, and even at the park! How many patterns can you spot as Lu goes about her week? Patterns are an important building block of preschool and early elementary education, and Pitter Pattern includes examples of patterns found in music, weather, time, play, shapes, nature, math, and language. The accessible and playful illustrations feature additional patterns for engaged readers to discover. An expert blend of fiction and nonfiction, this beautiful and innovative character-driven picture book is an ideal read-aloud for classrooms, family story times, and for fans of Hervé Tullet, Lois Ehlert, Steve Jenkins, and Joyce Sidman. Includes backmatter about the patterns in the book. This book is an excellent book for story time or as an introduction to patterns. This material covers so many elements, making it a great material for challenging children’s memories, helping them learn their ABCs, and encouraging them to pay attention to their surroundings.
My Mum And Dad Make Me Laugh by Nick Sharratt. In this family, the mother is a huge fan of spots — from spotty clothes and wallpapers to games (like dominoes). The father, on the other hand, loves stripes — from stripy suits, ties, and even sweets. The fascination of the parents with different patterns makes their son laugh, hence the title. But despite the family having different preferences on patterns, everyone manages to get along. The author’s illustrations bring the book to life and make the material more aesthetically pleasing and engaging. These illustrations are bright and bold, so children can easily see the contrast between spots and stripes. Use this book to use it to introduce concepts of shape, such as circles and lines. You can also link this book to different mathematical concepts of patterning and introduce it to children who are getting ready to read on their own.
The Napping House by Audrey Wood. The classic silly cumulative tale that’s perfect for bedtime, naptime…anytime!In the napping house is a cozy bed piled high with a snoring granny, a dreaming child, a dozing dog, a snoozing cat, and a slumbering mouse. What could be more comfy?All is at peace until a wakeful flea crawls into the mix. One beastly bite from him and the entire pyramid of sleepers might topple. Is he getting ready to nibble?Humorous and inviting, this story encourages young kids to read along—and make predictions. This book can assist children in remembering words, phrases, and sentences as it contains many repeated sentences and descriptive words. The rhyming sentences will also help children recall and memorize the story, which enhances their cognitive skills.
A Pair of Socks by Stuart J. Murphy. Kids, young and old, fall in love with math when they see how real-life and effortless it becomes thanks to these books. Does a polka-dotted sock match a striped sock? A lonely striped sock searches the house for its mate in this book that’s perfect for teaching matching to pre-K through kindergarteners. Kids will love the story and the funny illustrations by Lois Ehlert. Parents and other educators will love how the story and pictures make understanding comparisons a breeze—as well as the concrete examples of how math works! The book contains activities for adults to do with kids to extend math into their own lives!Math skills are life skills, and the MathStart series supports success!This award-winning series by Stuart J. Murphy teaches math through stories and visual models. Fun activities kids will love are included to help parents and teachers emphasize the lessons. Engaging and relatable stories, with each story revolving around practical applications of the math concept presented. Lively art from top-notch illustrators.Charts and other visual representations help children understand math. Help kids with their math skills plus their reading skills with the engaging and fun MathStart series! The boldly colored artwork used in the book helps children see and differentiate patterns, such as dots and stripes. It’s a simple and cute book written from the sock’s perspective and can teach children the concept of matching and sorting.
Teddy Bear Patterns by Barbara Barbieri. The teddy bears are back—this time to teach readers all about patterns. Similar to the first three books in the McGrath Math series of concept books, TEDDY BEAR PATTERNS uses rhyming verse to explain the concepts illustrated by the colourful teddies. This simple text helps children to follow along as the teddy bears sort by color, and arrange into patterns of two colours, three colours, and so on. Readers will also discover how they can use patterns to skip count, add, and even multiply, before trying their hand at creating a pattern of their own.This book is a worthwhile addition to the classroom, especially those that already use bear counters or other manipulatives as learning tools. Back matter provides a summary of the concepts introduced in the book. It is a story with patterns leading to different math concepts, making it an excellent material to introduce patterns to children. The book also asks children to pat their heads and clap their hands as they add, sort, and subtract — activities that can enhance their cognitive skills.
Beep Beep, Vroom Vroom! By Stuart J. Murphy. Kids, young and old, fall in love with math when they see how real-life and effortless it becomes thanks to these books.Beep Beep, Vroom Vroom! is perfect for teaching pattern recognition to pre-K through kindergarteners. The yellow cars beep! The red cars vroom! As Molly plays with her big brother’s toy cars, readers will see and recognize patterns, an essential first step in learning to reason from the specific to the general. But can Molly put the cars back in the right order before her brother returns? Kids will love the story and the illustrations by Chris L. Demarest. Parents and educators will love how the story and pictures make understanding the math concepts a breeze—as well as the concrete examples of how math works. The book contains activities for adults to do with kids to extend math into their own lives. Math skills are life skills, and the MathStart series supports success! This award-winning series by Stuart J. Murphy teaches math through stories and visual models. Fun activities kids will love are included to help parents and teachers emphasize the lessons. MathStart’s unique combination of stories, illustrations, and visual models helps teachers and parents in the teaching of math and provides all children with the opportunity to succeed.
Lots and Lots of Zebra Stripes by Stephen R. Swinburne. With a simple text and vivid full-color photographs, Stephen R. Swinburne shows children a wide range of nature’s exquisite designs. He invites children to open their eyes and look for patterns in water and on land, in the air and on the ground, and in their own neighborhoods. They will see the world as they’ve never seen it before. Don’t be fooled by the book’s cover, as it doesn’t only talk about zebras — it actually focuses on teaching children about patterns using different animals. The book starts out with a definition of a pattern and then proceeds by illustrating different types of patterns. It includes information on what patterns look like in real life and where children can find them.
National Geographic Kids Look and Learn: Patterns! By National Geographic Kids.In this book, young children are able to learn important skills such as naming, sorting, rhyming, counting, matching, and finding through fun, interactive games and activities. These popular games featured throughout the National Geographic Little Kids Magazine incorporate stunning photography in order to demonstrate these early concepts.Children will also learn the basic understanding of simple patterns and how to identify them. Through photography, colorful designs, and simple text children are able to learn quickly with this exciting and approachable tool. Parents are also able to become involved within the learning process as they guide their toddlers through the book, and proudly watch them evolve and absorb new concepts.
People Patterns by Nathan Olson. (Overview) Simple text and color photographs introduce different kinds of people’s patterns.
Shapes That Roll by Karen Nagel. Some shapes roll . . . some don’t. Some shapes stack . . . others won’t. Some shapes lie down . . .while others stand tall. Circles, squares, and triangles, even ovals and diamonds, are endlessly and intriguingly entertaining in Steve Wilson’s world. Karen Nagel’s rhythmic text is brought to life by Wilson’s troupe of uniquely-shaped characters.
Cubes, Cones, Cylinders, & Spheres by Tana Hoban. Cubes, cones, cylinders, and spheres. Sounds sophisticated? Only until you look at Tana Hoban’s incomparable photographs and realize that those shapes are the stuff of everyday life. They are all around us all the time. In our houses, on our streets, in our hands. In yet another breathtaking book, Tana Hoban wakes us up to our world and makes us see it.
Bees, Snails, & Peacock Tails: Patterns & Shapes by Betsy Franco.Come explore the hidden shapes and patterns in nature. The peacock’s flashy tail is a masterpiece of color and shape. A buzzing beehive is built of tiny hexagons. Even a snake’s skin is patterned with diamonds.Poet Betsy Franco and Caldecott Honor winner Steve Jenkins bring geometry to life in this lively, lyrical look at the shapes and patterns that can be found in the most unexpected places.
People Patterns by Nathan Olson. (Overview) Simple text and color photographs introduce different kinds of people’s patterns.
Pattern (Math Counts) by Henry Arthur Pluckrose. Shows a variety of patterns found in nature and in artificial objects
Patterns Coloring Book by Kirsteen Rogers. You’ll find this book surprisingly irresistible,even addictive. You can customise the patterns any way you like and have many, many hours of fun.
Busy Bugs: A Book About Patterns by Jayne Harvey. The silly bugs are having a party. There is so much to do!The ants spend many busy hours making patterns with the flowers.They place the flowers two by two. First red, then blue. Then red, then blue.The simple rhyming text and the quirky and cute bug characters make learning about patterns easy and fun!
When a Line Bends…a Shape Begins by Rhonda Gowler Greene. The line is thin. A line is narrow—curved like a worm, straight as an arrow. Squares, circles, triangles, and many more shapes abound in this lively book. With jaunty, rhyming text, young readers are invited to find different shapes on each busy, vibrant page. Once you start looking, you won’t be able to stop! The perfect book for little ones beginning to distinguish shapes.
Captain Invincible and the Space Shapes by Stuart J. Murphy. Kids, young and old, fall in love with maths when they see how real-life and effortless it becomes thanks to these books. This book is perfect for teaching 3-dimensional shapes to first, second, and third graders. Captain Invincible and his space-dog, Comet, are on a perilous journey back to Earth! Throughout their mission, the fearless captain and his canine sidekick encounter asteroids, poisonous gas, and alien beings. But will their knowledge of three-dimensional shapes, including cubes, cones, and pyramids, help our heroes navigate past these obstacles—and make it safely home? Kids will love the story and the illustrations by Remy Simard. Parents and educators will love how the story and pictures make understanding the math concepts a breeze—as well as the concrete examples of how math works. The book contains activities for adults to do with kids to extend math into their own lives. Math = Fun! MathStart’s unique combination of stories, illustrations, and visual models helps teachers and parents in the teaching of math and provides all children with the opportunity to succeed. Help kids with their math skills plus their reading skills with the engaging and fun MathStart series!
Animal Patterns by Nathan Olson. Simple text and color photographs introduce different kinds of patterns that are seen on or made by animals.
Food Patterns by Nathan Olson. (Preview).Simple text and color photographs introduce different kinds of food patterns. Patterns can be so much fun, and little learners will love reading about all the patterns around the world! I hope this pattern books list comes in handy and you can fill your shelves with kid-approved Learning books!
Farm Patterns by Nathan Olson. From big red barns to golden hay bales, farm country is the perfect place to find patterns. Search rolling fields, white fences, and a rooster’s comb for repeating shapes and colors in Farm Patterns. Come visit the farm and look for patterns! Your children will love the pictures and finding patterns on the farm. There are patterns in so many unexpected places!

Elmer by David Mckee. McKee’s gentle humor and love of irony are in full force in this celebration of individuality and laughter.Elmer the elephant is bright-colored patchwork all over. No wonder the other elephants laugh at him!If he were an ordinary elephant color, the others might stop laughing. That would make Elmer feel better, wouldn’t it? David McKee’s comical fable about everyone’s favorite patchwork elephant teaches readers to be themselves and celebrates the power of laughter.
Shapes, Shapes, Shapes by Tana Hoban. Geometric shapes are all around us! In this wordless book from top-selling picture-book creator Tana Hoban, children learn to look closely to find them. Circles, squares, stars, triangles, hearts, and rectangles—how many can you see? Simple, clear, practical, Shapes, Shapes, Shapes is a fun way for children to learn. Sit together with a child at home or in a preschool classroom and use this book to enjoyably teach this core preschool/kindergarten skill: geometry.Dozens of real-world photographs of buildings, shoes, people at work, and more help young readers build observation skills as they hunt for shapes hidden in plain sight.This marvelous book from a top notch photographer gives children the opportunity to see the world around them, not just look at it. Do your eyes a favor, and don’t miss this one.
Plant Patterns by Nathan Olson. Check out all the patterns in nature with this kid-friendly, non-fiction text. Start with seeds and end with fruit, seeing patterns all the way!
City Patterns by Nathan Olson. Spot the patterns all around you when you take a trip to the city. Your little learners will love looking for stripes, spots, and so much more.

Why is Music important for children: it calms and soothes children, expresses love and joy, and engages and interacts with them; it impacts child development and improves social skills; It helps young children create neural connections; and it drives neuroplasticity by pairing non-musical skills with music.

VIDEOS ABOUT PATTERNING:

VIDEOS ABOUT PATTERNING:

VIDEOS ABOUT SUMMER:

FATHER’S DAY VIDEOS:

FATHER’S DAY SONGS:

SONGS FOR CHILDREN ABOUT SEA LIFE:

VIDEOS ABOUT PLAY-BASED LEARNING: As Piaget put it, “Play is the work of children.” Play-based learning encourages kids’ natural curiosity and teaches them important communication and problem-solving skills. Think of the skills it takes to engage in negotiation and planning to create and manage a pretend cafe or build a block castle.

The importance of play isn’t debated, and many early childhood programs take a play-based approach. But what constitutes “play” as well as the full benefits of play are still being defined. So, first things first: What is play?

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2. Create Together: Puzzles, Crafts, Singing, Drawing and Constructing 🧩

FATHER’S DAY CREATIONS FOR KIDS TO MAKE:

Download:
- Directions to make Father’s Day Handprint Art

Directions to make Paper Plate Shirt Craft

How to make French Fries Card for Dad. Watch this video; with Template.

Directions for Handprint Grill Card; Watch Video.

Father’s Day Card. Watch Video.

Apple Tree Handprint Painting

PATTERNING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS:
Download:
- Butterfly Lesson Plan; with Handout #1; Read Busy Bugs: A Book About Patterns by Jayne Harvey.

PATTERNING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS:
Download:
- Butterfly Lesson Plan; with Handout #1; Read Busy Bugs: A Book About Patterns by Jayne Harvey.

SUMMER CRAFTS FOR CHILDREN TO MAKE:

Download: SUMMER CRAFTS FOR CHILDREN TO MAKE:
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Summer Pinwheel

Make an Origami Paper Fan

Craft a Paper Lei

Frog Finger Puppet- Directions with Frog Finger Puppet Template.

ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE WITH GRANDPARENTS:
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Watercolor Fall Leaf Wreath Directions

Milk Carton Bird House – Directions & required Supplies

Apple Stamped Banner Directions

Napkin Rings Directions

Leaf Suncatchers Directions

Felt Flower Bookmarks Directions

Sidewalk Chalk Directions

ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE WITH GRANDPARENTS:
Download:
- Watercolor Fall Leaf Wreath Directions

Milk Carton Bird House – Directions & required Supplies

Apple Stamped Banner Directions

Napkin Rings Directions

Leaf Suncatchers Directions

Felt Flower Bookmarks Directions

Sidewalk Chalk Directions

OTHER IDEAS YOUNG CHILDREN CAN DO WITH THEIR GRANDPARENTS:
- There’s nothing like the charm of a homemade card, a fresh-baked treat or simply spending time together. For grandparents, these creative and thoughtful activities can mean the world. Grandparents Day is the perfect time to connect with grandchildren and do fun activities together. Consider the following Grandparents ideas for fun crafts and other ways to make special connections.
- Share A Family Recipe – Kids love getting messy in the kitchen, especially if they know they’ll be rewarded with a tasty treat. Spend time together by getting everyone to cook a family recipe. Grandparents can share their own memories in the process, and the kids will be happy to try new dishes. Sharing recipes and traditions gives your children a good window into your family’s own unique and rich history.

18 Recipes you can Cook with Kids

Make A Homemade Card – One simple, yet thoughtful idea for Grandparents Day is to have the grandkids make a homemade card for grandma or grandpa. Gather paints, markers, glitter and more that your child can use to make the card unique. Change it up by adding a handprint or favourite photo to the card. There are plenty of ways to make the card special! Get creative and the grandparents can help with the finishing touches, so everyone is involved.
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3. Do A Puzzle Together -Completing a puzzle is the perfect family bonding activity because it’s easy, fun and it allows everyone to work together. Choose the best puzzle that matches everyone’s skillset or create your own. A great Grandparent’s Day idea would be to give a customised puzzle with a family portrait. Then the family can build it together!

4. Make A Scrapbook – Scrapbooking is an enjoyable activity that everyone can all participate in. And Grandparents Day is the perfect time for multiple generations of the family can make a scrapbook together. Have your child pick out their favorite photos and things that remind them of their grandparents to add to the book. Then, have everyone work together to make the scrapbook. Be ready to reminisce and share fun family stories!

5. Take A Trip Down Memory Lane – Through storytelling, grandparents are able to give their grandkids a glimpse into the past, but stories can only do so much. Questions like, “What was your life like?” “What did your house look like?” and “How did you two meet?” are best answered with visuals. One idea for Grandparents Day is to take a trip down memory lane. Meaningful locations like the family home where you grew up or the place grandparents met are great places to take the kids! It’s a fun way to reminisce over memories of past events, especially happy ones. Plan a trip and map out the locations that mean the most to you and your older parents.

6. Share Music And Sing Together – Music is one of those activities that seems to uplift everyone. Whether you’re sharing counting songs, holiday tunes, or songs of faith, singing together is a fun, low-cost Grandparents Day idea to engage the whole family. Having the kids sing songs about grandparents is sure to put a smile on everyone’s faces. You can use music to connect the generations and can help your little ones learn about their grandparent’s history. Try getting the family to dance to music from your parent’s generation, like swing music.

Go For A Walk Or Identify Nature Together – Nature walks aren’t just good exercise and a great way for the grandkids to get their energy out, they can also be informative. Going for a walk outdoors and identifying plants are two activities that are sure to please. Try going for a short hike and using a book or kit to identify plants as you go. Even just walking around outside and taking in the fall colors will be a fond memory for everyone.

Play Games On A Smartphone Or Tablet – Grandkids can teach their grandparents a thing or two about modern games. Have your child show grandma or grandpa how to play their favorite game on their smartphone or tablet. Playing games together is an overwhelmingly positive experience for grandparents and grandchildren alike. There might even be a digital version of the games grandparents love to play like scrabble, trivia games and more. Make a list of what questions your kids should ask or look up what was going on this day in history. Conversation starters like who was the president when you were born or what was your first job are good places to start.
15 Apps for Grandparents & Grandchildren to stay connected.

Hold A Grandparent-Grandchild Interview – Ever wondered how much gas cost 40 years ago, or how much flour cost in 1945? Having a grandparent-grandchild interview gives grandkids a glimpse into the past. It’s a chance for your parents to share details about their life and deepen their connection with your children. Make a list of what questions your kids should ask or look up what was going on this day in history. Conversation starters like who was the president when you were born or what was your first job are good places to start.
Download a: Grandparent Interview

Gift A Keepsake – Grandparents aren’t the only ones who love gifts from the heart. They can celebrate by giving something meaningful to their grandkids. Pictures of a baseball from their first school game, a quilt, or a piece of jewellery with their birthstone are all meaningful keepsakes. It’s important to give a special object and tell the story behind it. Celebrate by starting a new family tradition. Create a new holiday brew of tea, have the kids come up with a new recipe for goodies or start a bedtime storytelling ritual. How much fun would it be to start “Nana’s Grandparents Day granola” and take it on a family hike? Starting a new tradition forms fond memories. Your new family tradition is up to you! Start A New Tradition – Celebrate by starting a new family tradition. Create a new holiday brew of tea, have the kids come up with a new recipe for goodies or start a bedtime storytelling ritual. How much fun would it be to start “Nana’s Grandparents Day granola” and take it on a family hike? Starting a new tradition forms fond memories. Your new family tradition is up to you!
11 New Meaningful Traditions to Start with Your Grandchildren OR
37+ Unforgettable Family Traditions That Will Transform Your Family Bond

Make A Craft – There’s no better way to enjoy time with grandparents than creating something they and the grandkids will both love. Take advantage of the season and have the kids make a fun fall craft like a leaf candle holder or make a family tree with fall leaves. Having your kids craft together with their grandparents will make a keepsake for your parents to remind them of a special Grandparents Day.
17 Fun Crafts to do with grandchildren
15 Crafts for Kids That Make Perfect Gifts for Their Grandparents

Go Out For Lunch – Who doesn’t like to go out for lunch? Take your children and your parents to a favorite restaurant or plan a picnic in a local park. If your parents live in a senior community, visit them for a special lunch together. Most communities offer a wide variety of food on the menu.
Download a: Grandparent Interview

Go Out For Lunch – Who doesn’t like to go out for lunch? Take your children and your parents to a favorite restaurant or plan a picnic in a local park. If your parents live in a senior community, visit them for a special lunch together. Most communities offer a wide variety of food on the menu.

Read Together – One of the most rewarding activities to do together is read a book. Grandparents make reading fun and it’s heartwarming to see them use silly voices while reading to their grandkids. Try a new book or take turns reading to each other from their favorite book. Make Grandparents extra special by reading a book about grandparents. See the ones in the Grandparents Section of books. Download a: Grandparent Interview

Watch A Meaningful Movie – Watching movies with your loved ones is not only an enjoyable activity for grandkids and their grandparents., it also strengthens your family bond. This Day, pick a meaningful movie with parallels to your parent’s life, play a popular classic movie from when your parent’s were young, or even watch home movies. Discussing the movie can spark fun conversations and create opportunities to share family stories like how grandma and grandpa met. Pick a movie the whole family will like, sit back and enjoy the show.

3. Explore, Engage & Interact Together 🌍

GRANDPARENTS ACTIVITIES:

GRANDPARENTS ACTIVITIES:

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GRANDPARENTS ACTIVITIES:

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GRANDPARENTS ACTIVITIES:

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Download Summer Activities:

SEA LIFE ACTIVITIES:

PATTERNING ACTIVITIES:

Download:
- Play the following games: Ant Parade; Roly’s Pattern
- Under the Sea Checklist
- Play the following games: Ant Parade; Roly’s Pattern
- Under the Sea Checklist
- Mix; Make Your Own Pattern; Patterns on the Farm; Patterns Quiz; Patterns & Word Problems Activity Book; Patterns on the Go Booklet; Patterns, Pairs & Variables Activity Booklet; Animal Patterns Activity Booklet; Playing with Patterns Activity Booklet; Navigating Number 1 – 100;
- GAMES: Play Shapes Song; Play Shapes Song; Play Shapes Hopper; Play Shapes within Shapes; Play Summertime Spot the Shapes; Play Dino Scrunch – Skip Counting by 5’s; Play The Shapes Song Game; Play the game – Spot the Shapes; Play Ski Race Shapes; Play Create Mosaics with Shapes; Play
- Mix; Make Your Own Pattern; Patterns on the Farm; Patterns Quiz; Patterns & Word Problems Activity Book; Patterns on the Go Booklet; Patterns, Pairs & Variables Activity Booklet; Animal Patterns Activity Booklet; Playing with Patterns Activity Booklet; Navigating Number 1 – 100;
- GAMES: Play Shapes Song; Play Shapes Song; Play Shapes Hopper; Play Shapes within Shapes; Play Summertime Spot the Shapes; Play Dino Scrunch – Skip Counting by 5’s; Play The Shapes Song Game; Play the game – Spot the Shapes; Play Ski Race Shapes; Play Create Mosaics with Shapes; Play
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- Opposites Match-Up; Mix & Match Dice; Valentine’s Day Shape Match#1; Seasons Make a Match#2; Five Senses Match-up #1; Five Senses Match-up #2;
- Games: Play Ski Racer: 3D Shapes; Play: 2D & 3D Shape Match; Play Numbers Memory Match; Play Sight Words Match; Play Positional Words Match; Play Positional Words Match; Play Match Addition within 10 & Missing Factors; Play Match – Math Addition within 20 Facts; Play Match – Addition Patterns of 1 More; Play Match Subtraction Facts within 20; Play Sight Words Sentence Match;
- Activity Booklets: Shapes Next Door; Memory Makers; Basic Shapes;
- My Life in Timelines Lesson Plan; with Handout #1; & Handout #2; & Handout #3; & Handout #4.
- All About Mr. Octopus Lesson Plan; with Handout #1; & Handout #2; & Handout #3.
- Activity Booklets: Shapes Next Door; Memory Makers; Basic Shapes; My Life in Timelines Lesson Plan; with Handout #1; & Handout #2; & Handout #3; & Handout #4.
- All About Mr. Octopus Lesson Plan; with Handout #1; & Handout #2; & Handout
- Identifying Shapes by Attributes; Play Summertime – Spot the Shapes; Play Museum – Spot the Shapes; Play Dino Crunch 3D Shapes; Play 3D Shapes Ice Cream Attack; Play Spot the Shapes; Play Curious Critter; Play Shapes Hopper; Play Shapes Song Game; Play Trapezoid & Rectangle Shape Song; Play Match Addition Patterns of 1 More; Play Treasure Diving Subtraction of 1 Less; Play Water Rafting – Subtraction Patterns of 1 Less; Play Ski Racer – Addition Patterns of 1 More; Play 3D Shapes Ice Cream Attack; Play Shapes in the World; Play The Super Shapes; Play Spot the Shapes; Play Ski Race Shapes;
Download:
Download:
- Games: Play Ski Racer: 3D Shapes; Play: 2D & 3D Shape Match; Play Numbers Memory Match; Play Sight Words Match; Play Positional Words Match; Play Positional Words Match; Play Match Addition within 10 & Missing Factors; Play
- Match – Math Addition within 20 Facts; Play Match – Addition Patterns of 1 More; Play Match Subtraction Facts within 20; Play Sight Words Sentence Match;
- Activity Booklets: Shapes Next Door; Memory Makers; Basic Shapes;
- My Life in Timelines Lesson Plan; with Handout #1; & Handout #2; & Handout #3; & Handout #4.
- All About Mr. Octopus Lesson Plan; with Handout #1; & Handout #2; & Handout #3.
- Activity Booklets: Shapes Next Door; Memory Makers; Basic Shapes;
- My Life in Timelines Lesson Plan; with Handout #1; & Handout #2; & Handout #3; & Handout #4.

4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition 👭

MOVEMENT: Yoga is important for kids because: it increases confidence and concentration;strengthens growing bodies; helps manage anxiety and stress. Improves emotional regulation; and boosts self-esteem. Yoga and mindfulness have been shown to improve both physical and mental health in school-age children (ages 6 to 12). Yoga improves balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity in children. Yoga and mindfulness offer psychological benefits for children as well. A growing body of research has already shown that yoga can improve focus, memory,self-esteem, academic performance, and classroom behaviour, and can even reduce anxiety and stress in children. Yoga is important for kids because: it increases confidence and concentration; strengthens growing bodies; helps manage anxiety and stress. Improves emotional regulation; and boosts self-esteem. Yoga and mindfulness have been shown to improve both physical and mental health in school-age children (ages 6 to 12). Yoga improves balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity in children. Yoga and mindfulness offer psychological benefits for children as well. A growing body of research has already shown that yoga can improve focus, memory,self-esteem, academic performance, and classroom behaviour, and can even reduce anxiety and stress in children.

Download:
- Winnie the Pooh Yoga Cards
- Downloadable Yoga Package

Download:
- Fruits & Vegetables Booklet The Colourful and Fun Free Printable Fruits and Vegetables Worksheets are perfect for all children. These easy worksheets help kids recognize the names of different fruits and vegetables. This Free Printable packet comes with a Title page and four fun worksheets. There is a :Title Page; Label the Fruits; Label the Vegetables; Sort the Fruits and Vegetables and a Fruit and Vegetable Word Search.
  - Title Page
  - Label the Fruits
  - Label the Vegetables
  - Sort the Fruits and Vegetables
  - Fruit and Vegetable Word Search

NUTRITION: Celebrating Father’s Day – Treat your Dad on Father’s Day with these Father’s Day Recipes. Father’s Day is a time for children to express love towards their dads.