We had a very special little being join our family this week & I have been focused on finding books that will help my kiddos make sense of their relationship with her. So, I wanted to share all these cute books about getting a new sibling & share some ideas & tips for how to make their relationship a sweet one! (A lot of new emotions & feelings may arise when a baby is brought home & books are an amazing way to introduce the concept & discuss any confusion or mixed emotions too. What books do you like to read when a new member is joining the family?)

​SIBLING BOOKS:

1. I'm a Big Sister
by: Ronne Randall
​(Ellie is so excited for her parents to bring home a baby sister; & she knows that they still love her lots too, even when the baby needs more attention.)
www.amazon.com/Im-Big-Sister-Ronne-Randall/dp/140545024X/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=i%27m+a+big+sister+book&qid=1640747643&sprefix=I%27m+a+big+s%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-4

2. A Baby Sister for Frances
by: Russell & Lillian Hoban
(Frances is feeling a little left out with the new baby; Mom & Dad don't seem to pay as much attention to her anymore. So Frances decides to run away...but not too far. She stays under the kitchen table, munching on snacks while she tries to decide the best way to interact with her parents once again.)
www.amazon.com/Baby-Sister-Frances-Read-Level/dp/006083806X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=a+baby+sister+for+frances&qid=1640756380&sprefix=a+baby+sister+for+%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1
3. The New Baby
by: Mercer Meyer
(There are lots of things Little Critter can do to help his mom out when the new baby comes; rock her to sleep or help with diaper changes. This is a really good one for siblings who are transitioning to a new sibling joining the family after being an only child.)
www.amazon.com/New-Baby-Mercer-Mayer/dp/0307119424/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15ELXIBISK2H4&keywords=the+new+baby&qid=1640756505&sprefix=the+new+bab%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1
4. Little Big Girl
by: Claire Keane
(Matisse feels like she's a little girl, until her little baby brother comes along! Then she realizes her responsibilities as a big sister, who gets to show the baby around.) 
www.amazon.com/Little-Big-Girl-Claire-Keane/dp/0803739125/ref=sr_1_2?crid=383YYWIDV6FQW&keywords=little+big+girl&qid=1650256402&sprefix=little+big+girl%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-2

5. Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit!
by: Lorna Scobie
(This clever picture book shows what it's like to be an only rabbit {or child} & then how it feels when Mom & Dad decide to have more....& more siblings! Rabbit feels like he has no space & can't do anything he liked to do before.)
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9781250760746B/rabbit-rabbit-rabbit

6. Mama's Belly
by: Kate Hosford & Abigail Halpin
(While she awaits the birth of her sibling, a little girl asks her mama all kinds of questions to try to figure out what the new baby will be like. As Mama gets bigger & exhausted, the girl gives hugs & extra care to mama.) 
www.amazon.com/Mamas-Belly-Kate-Hosford/dp/1419728415/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15GGA1B16EDY6&keywords=mama%27s+belly&qid=1640756654&s=books&sprefix=mama%27s+belly%2Cstripbooks%2C130&sr=1-1

7. Julius, Baby of the World
by: Kevin Henkes
www.amazon.com/Julius-Baby-World-Kevin-Henkes/dp/0688143881/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=julius+baby+of+the+world&qid=1640780491&s=books&sprefix=julius+baby+of+%2Cstripbooks%2C122&sr=1-1
8. You Were the First
by: Patricia MacLahlan
(I love this one for the simple message & focus for firstborn kids in a family that continues to grow.)
www.amazon.com/You-Were-First-Patricia-MacLachlan/dp/0316185337/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14PGFZF17YY03&keywords=you+were+the+first&qid=1641273569&sprefix=you+were+the+firs%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1

9. Little Dragon & the New Baby
by: Deborah Cuneo
(
www.amazon.com/Little-Dragon-Baby-Deborah-Cuneo/dp/1510712682/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ITWJO3P7LZAO&keywords=Little+Dragon+%26+the+new+baby&qid=1641273610&sprefix=little+dragon+%26+the+newbaby%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1


10. Little Miss, Big Sis
by: Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Peter H. Reynolds*
​(In this story, Little Miss becomes a big sister! She learns the ways of becoming a big sister as her family welcomes a new little baby.) 
www.amazon.com/Chloe-Instead-Micah-Player/dp/0811878651/ref=sr_1_1?crid=A27R5GIY61FP&keywords=chloe+instead&qid=1641274484&s=books&sprefix=chloe+instead%2Cstripbooks%2C132&sr=1-1

11. Splat & the New Baby
by: Rob Scotton
(Splat the Cat is back & he's ready to help his mom watch the neighbor's baby. It's so fun to babysit babies! Except for changing their stinky diapers. And Splat is surprised to learn that his mom has a baby in her tummy, on the way!) 
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9780062133892B/splat-and-the-new-baby-splat-the-cat

12. Angelina's Baby Sister
by: Katherine Holabird & Helen Craig
(Angelina is so excited to have a new baby sister; when her parents come home with the baby, she always offers to hold her sister & is mostly happy with the change at their house.)
www.amazon.com/Angelinas-Baby-Sister-Angelina-Ballerina/dp/1534483233/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=angelina%27s+baby+sister&qid=1641273915&sprefix=angelina%27s+bby+sis%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-1

13. Berenstain Bears: New Baby
by: Stan & Jan Berenstain
(Brother Bear is so happy & content with his life in the little treehouse in his little bed. But then Mama Bear gets a bump in her stomach & starts growing a little baby there; it's time for Brother Bear to graduate to a bigger bed! And just in time too-- baby sister is on the way & needs her own crib!) 
www.amazon.com/Berenstain-Bears-New-Baby/dp/0394829085/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1W9KCPVIQU0WE&keywords=berenstain+bears+baby&qid=1641274000&sprefix=berenstain+bears+baby%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1

14. Froggy's Baby Sister
by: Jonathan London
(Froggy wants his baby sister to just grow up already so he can play with her. Finally, one day, his mom agrees that baby is at least big enough to be babysat by Froggy; so Froggy takes her along on his adventures of catching flies & hopping around.) 
www.amazon.com/Froggys-Baby-Sister-Jonathan-London/dp/0142403423/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1641274128&sr=1-1
15. You're Getting a Baby Brother
by: Sheila Sweeny Higginson
(
www.amazon.com/Getting-Brother-Sheila-Sweeny-Higginson/dp/1442420219/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3F9BRPWHT4ESA&keywords=you%27re+getting+a+baby+brother&qid=1641274156&s=books&sprefix=you%27re+getting+a+baby+brothe%2Cstripbooks%2C125&sr=1-1

16. You're a Big Sister
by: Marianne Richmond
(When a new little one joins the family, it means lots of changes! True to her sweet lyrical work & charming illustrations, here comes a story about celebrating the best parts of growing a family.)
www.amazon.com/Youre-Big-Sister-Marianne-Richmond/dp/149265051X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=DDVLQ1FK2P4A&keywords=you%27re+a+big+sister&qid=1641274237&s=books&sprefix=you%27re+a+big+siste%2Cstripbooks%2C130&sr=1-2

17. What Sisters do Best
by: Laura Numeroff & Lynn Munsinger
(There are so many wonderful things big sisters can do! Like teach you how to play a game, swim, or just generally be there for you when you need them.) 
www.amazon.com/What-Sisters-Best-Laura-Numeroff/dp/1452110743/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=what+sisters+do+best&qid=1641274359&s=books&sprefix=what+sisters+%2Cstripbooks%2C130&sr=1-1

18. I'm a Big Brother
by: Joanna Cole & Rosalinda Kightley 
(Every family needs a good, big older sibling to help out with the other siblings. This darling book is told from the perspective of the brother, who talks about all the ways he can help out with the new baby, & also how he still feels loved & needed as a big boy, too.) 
www.amazon.com/Im-Big-Brother-Joanna-Cole/dp/0061900656/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OYCOWMPV655A&keywords=I%27m+a+Big+Brother&qid=1641274394&s=books&sprefix=i%27m+a+big+brothe%2Cstripbooks%2C130&sr=1-1

19. Chloe Instead
by: Micah Player
(Molly has always dreamt of her mom having a baby girl who is just like her. But instead, her mom has baby Chloe; & Chloe is always showing weird behaviors when Molly just wants to read or color together.)
www.amazon.com/Chloe-Instead-Micah-Player/dp/0811878651/ref=sr_1_1?crid=A27R5GIY61FP&keywords=chloe+instead&qid=1641274484&s=books&sprefix=chloe+instead%2Cstripbooks%2C132&sr=1-1

20. So There's a Sibling
by: Sarah Land & Arielle Shira
(
www.amazon.com/So-Theres-Sibling-Sarah-Land/dp/1525566024/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RKKOMSCL23Y6&keywords=so+there%27s+a+sibling&qid=1640821389&s=books&sprefix=so+there%27s+a+sibling%2Cstripbooks%2C127&sr=1-1​

I wanted to share some books about this Thanksgiving season, as well as the importance of expressing gratitude & being aware of our blessings. There are so many great books to share! 

GRATITUDE & THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY BOOKS:  
1. Thankful
by: Eileen Spinelli
(This sweet book, written in poetry, reminds us to focus on those blessings that are basic but that we might take for granted.)
www.amazon.com/Thankful-Eileen-Spinelli/dp/0310000882/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=thankful&qid=1636686047&sr=8-2 

2. Thanksgiving Day
by: Anne & Lizzy Rockwell
(Do you know the history of the very first Thanksgiving Day? Mrs. Madoff's class is going to put on a class play. Everyone has a role to play in the reenactment of the first feast.) 
www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-Day-Anne-Rockwell/dp/0064437892/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=thanksgiving+day&qid=1636686076&sr=8-6

3. God Gave us Thankful Hearts
by: Lisa Tawn Bergren
(Little Pup is getting discouraged about the approach of winter; his mom & dad are on a mission to help him find the good in the season & all of the many things Pup has to be grateful for. Little Pup is mostly worried about most of his friends going into hibernation for the winter...but he's missing out on the beauty of fall!) 
www.amazon.com/God-Gave-Us-Thankful-Hearts/dp/160142874X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=God+Gave+us+THankful+hearts&qid=1636765733&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&sr=8-1&sres=160142874X%2C1506425089%2C0525654119%2C0718098838%2C0310726352%2C1601428766%2C0448422867%2C0062198696%2C1087734665%2C0679852921%2C1953399495%2C1728223555%2C0310712513%2C1558580093%2C1951872029%2C1400071755&srpt=ABIS_BOOK
​
4. Fancy Nancy & the Thanksgiving Feast
by: Jane O'Conner & Robin Preiss Glassner
(Nancy is so excited for Thanksgiving; she knows it's going to be a feast! But she's not so thrilled when she's put down at the little kids table...where her cousins are making a mess & fighting & her uncle decides to switch places with her. So then Nancy gets to sit at the adult table, enjoy the fanciness of the silverware & feast, until she spills the gravy. But everyone is patient & kind to her. So it's still a happy thanksgiving after all!) 
www.amazon.com/Fancy-Nancy-Our-Thanksgiving-Banquet/dp/0061235989/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=fancy+nancy+thanksgiving+feast&qid=1637008384&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&s=books&sr=1-1&sres=0061235989%2C0062288849%2C1481468057%2C0062847260%2C0062187740%2C0062189123%2C1506425089%2C1454940883%2C1699872686%2C1951597052%2C0062187708%2C0545931908%2C0736424539%2C1641526211%2C1607749424%2C1680521896&srpt=ABIS_BOOK
​
5. Gobble Gobble, Mr. Wobble 
by:Becky Cummings
(Wobble the turkey is one of the few turkeys who actually enjoys Thanksgiving.  He practices his gobbles & even goes to bed early in anticipation of the big day..which the other farm animals are dreading!)
www.amazon.com/Gobble-Mr-Wobble-Becky-Cummings/dp/1951597028/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=gobble+gobble+wobble&qid=1637094118&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&s=books&sr=1-1&sres=1951597028%2CB08LNBH4GJ%2C173351788X%2CB09KF5WHYS%2C1692893491%2CB09JY6J826%2C169110129X%2CB09LGNP954%2CB09LGLVB9V%2CB09L4X47HD%2CB09L4RB6FZ%2CB09L4HRVY4%2CB09L3YSBQY%2CB09LGLN5KF%2CB09KN2QNL5%2CB09LGJZ4BM
​
6. Over the River & Through the Wood
by: Emma Randall 
(That song that always inspires of you to think of snow at Thanksgiving time...yes, it comes from that familiar rhyme/song "over the river & through the wood...the wind stings the toes & bites the nose, as over the fields we go!" You'll fall in love with the illustrations in this one!) 
www.amazon.com/Over-River-Through-Wood-Randall/dp/0515157651/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2FZGH3QFGHHC1&keywords=over+the+river+and+through+the+woods+book&qid=1637094062&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&sprefix=over+the+river%2Caps%2C259&sr=8-2&sres=0735841918%2C0515157651%2C0735843937%2C0763627909%2C0763666963%2C1718901186%2C0822217120%2C1454910240%2C0836246225%2C1506425089%2C0689876351%2C1328740498%2C1728223555%2CB08M21XL12%2C1452109206%2C0689710534&srpt=ABIS_BOOK
​
7. Thanksgiving Blessings (Berenstain Bears)
by: Mike Berenstain
(On the way to Grandmother's house, the Bear family all discuss their favorite parts of the Thanksgiving feast. And then they discuss various blessings they are grateful for. Mama & Papa Bear go on to explain the history between the pilgrims & Native Americans & how Thanksgiving came to be the holiday it is today.) 
www.amazon.com/Berenstain-Thanksgiving-Blessings-Living-Lights/dp/0310734878/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=thanksgiving+blessings&qid=1637108545&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&s=books&sr=1-3&sres=0310734878%2C1628628014%2C0310712513%2C1506425089%2C0718098838%2CB09LGY7WX2%2CB09L3FLXKT%2CB09LB21QKF%2CB09L4NYBBR%2CB09L3RC6B7%2CB09LGNL5L5%2CB09L4NZXL3%2C1736907980%2CB09L56CQ4Z%2CB09L4ZB59R%2CB09L3NNZND
​
8. Thanksgiving in the Woods
by: Phyllis Alsdurf & Jenny Lovlie 
(Such a warm holiday & everyone brings something with them to enjoy the feast that day.  Every year friends & family gather together in the woods to celebrate the holiday.) 
www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-Woods-Phyllis-Alsdurf/dp/1506425089/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=thanksgiving+in+the+woods&qid=1637124504&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&s=books&sr=1-1&sres=1506425089%2C0152063420%2C0399548718%2C0307981827%2C0763695718%2C0060510986%2C1534466967%2C1492664359%2C1646115538%2C0761455299%2C0062475762%2C0679852921%2C0310000882%2CB08M21XL12%2C1728223555%2C1368075851&srpt=ABIS_BOOK

9. Thankful
by: Elaine Vickers & Samantha Cotterill
(A little girl writes down the things she's thankful for as the first snow falls for winter. She makes a link for each blessing & pretty soon, she has a full chain to hang up. It's so important to honor & be mindful of life's joys.) 
www.amazon.com/Thankful-Elaine-Vickers/dp/1534477349/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=thankful&qid=1636765790&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&sr=8-4&sres=0310000882%2CB07ZL2C5GP%2C1534477349%2CB08J2DVSYY%2CB09J21YZ4F%2CB08D6FVQD4%2C1423658213%2CB0989LWZ7F%2CB07G5ZYWQF%2CB08CDQL1KG%2CB08KBQS9NN%2CB097VGD1FX%2CB08NH8JKCC%2CB09B7M46FK%2CB09GT4J3MN%2CB07X7S6PVZ%2CB081PW7LRF%2CB08P5BG1FG%2CB07XKFLNPF%2CB08H1B324G
 
10. A Turkey For Thanksgiving
by: Eve Bunting
(Mr. & Mrs. Moose have invited all of their animal friends for a friendly Thanksgiving feast. But they realize that Turkey is missing & set out to find him; poor Turkey has been hiding out of fear that his friends wanted to eat him, not eat & celebrate with him. 


11. Bear Says Thanks
by: Karma Wilson
(Bear's friends are all collecting & bringing food for a big dinner. But Bear's cupboards are bare; what should he do? He's embarrassed that all his friends will be providing food, & he's not.)
www.amazon.com/Bear-Says-Thanks-Books/dp/1416958568/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bear+Gives+Thanks&qid=1637126428&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&s=books&sr=1-1&sres=1416958568%2C0310712513%2C1416958967%2C0310738490%2C1368023207%2C1416902724%2C1492664359%2C0761455299%2C0448422867%2C0061478113%2C0062857118%2C0062198696%2C1646115538%2C1368075851%2C0310734878%2C1542022142&srpt=ABIS_BOOK
​
12. Rivka's First Thanksgiving
by: Elsa Okon Rael & Maryann Kovalski 
(
www.amazon.com/Rivkas-First-Thanksgiving-Elsa-Okon/dp/0689839014/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1C8GI2BQR8MQU&keywords=rivka%27s+first+thanksgiving&qid=1637005097&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&sprefix=Rivka%27s+first+%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-3&sres=0689841051%2CB07CL16TXB%2CB07V1LDR6V%2C1646115538%2CB01N63SQN3%2CB07XF47LD4%2CB07FLC364B%2CB08BDZ5L3R%2CB09HGM5B94%2CB07FLB4GSV%2CB07FLMD3G2%2CB07XL8MTQ9%2CB08KSXSNVS%2CB07FLBXHF5%2C0830825746%2CB0741D3ZN9&srpt=ABIS_BOOK

13. Thanks a Ton
by: Sabrina Moyle & Eunice Moyle
(A book with ideas for how to say thanks & show gratitude in other ways.) 
www.amazon.com/Thanks-Ton-Hello-Lucky-Book/dp/1419743341/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=thanks+a+ton&qid=1637126731&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&s=books&sr=1-1&sres=1419743341%2CB093KQ2BL2%2C0762499508%2CB08XXZX695%2C1635309883%2CB08SBFTXQT%2C0525653120%2C0593241312%2C0323358411%2C1760890049%2C0062962760%2C1401962122%2C032507822X%2C1628600837%2C0578745720%2C171607598X
​
14. Friendsgiving
by: Nancy Siscoe 
(It is autumn & Berry, Willow & Ginger are all basking in the beautiful season. When these old friends join together in the season & realize how much there is to be grateful for. From there, a new tradition begins....Thanksgiving for friends, or Friendsgiving!) 
www.amazon.com/Rivkas-First-Thanksgiving-Elsa-Okon/dp/0689839014/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1C8GI2BQR8MQU&keywords=rivka%27s+first+thanksgiving&qid=1637005097&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&sprefix=Rivka%27s+first+%2Caps%2C217&sr=8-3&sres=0689841051%2CB07CL16TXB%2CB07V1LDR6V%2C1646115538%2CB01N63SQN3%2CB07XF47LD4%2CB07FLC364B%2CB08BDZ5L3R%2CB09HGM5B94%2CB07FLB4GSV%2CB07FLMD3G2%2CB07XL8MTQ9%2CB08KSXSNVS%2CB07FLBXHF5%2C0830825746%2CB0741D3ZN9&srpt=ABIS_BOOK

15. Thanks for Thanksgiving 
by: Julie Markes & Doris Barrette 
(We love this book, because in the back of the book, we write down a blessing for each family member each Thanksgiving. This book is cute because it reminds us adults how kids are grateful for just about everything! From the turkey to playing at the park, we are reminded of all the things we can truly be thankful for.)
www.amazon.com/Thanks-Thanksgiving-Julie-Markes/dp/0060510986/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=thanks+for+thanksgiving&qid=1637181905&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&s=books&sr=1-3&sres=0060510986%2C0448422867%2C068985143X%2CB017DYQK54%2C0545775736%2C0618752439%2C1416958568%2C1368075851%2C0062198696%2C1492664359%2C1880000547%2C0310712513%2C1338228765%2CB098WHNV3Z%2CB01MQM783N%2C1368023207&srpt=ABIS_BOOK
​
16. Cranberry Thanksgiving
by: Wende & Harry Devlin 
​(For Thanksgiving dinner each year, Grandmother invited a poor or lonely guest to Thanksgiving dinner; she allowed Maggie to do the same. But this year, Maggie has decided to invite Mr. Whiskers, who Grandmother greatly disapproves of. Will Grandma still make her world famous cranberry bread to share?) 
www.amazon.com/Cranberry-Thanksgiving-Cranberryport-Wende-Devlin/dp/1930900635/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=cranberry&qid=1637005744&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&s=books&sr=1-4&sres=1626720983%2C149302809X%2C1467129895%2C1930900635%2C0778329674%2C1930900686%2C0689714289%2C195665402X%2CB08L3NW9PR%2CB09FPZ42M3%2CB07W9913G7%2C1930900708%2C1609495136%2C1518771734%2C1496460901%2CB08LZSZFKP 

17. The Night Before Thanksgiving
by: Natasha Wing & Tamie Lyon
(We all know the poem, Twas the Night Before Christmas right?  Natasha Wing writes her own clever version for the night before Thanksgiving...because there's a lot of meal prep that goes into the feast, typically, & the kids need to help out!)
​www.amazon.com/Night-Before-Thanksgiving-Natasha-Wing/dp/0448425297/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=twas+the+night+before+thanksgiving&qid=1637052700&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&sr=8-3&sres=1338670417%2C0448425297%2C0448419653%2C0761455299%2C1492664359%2C0448428725%2CB08NHD7JB8%2C0439459486%2C0061478113%2C0545931908%2C0448422867%2C0062198696%2C0395742129%2C0544580141%2C1506425089%2C044848000X&srpt=ABIS_BOOK
​
18. Thank you, Omu!
by: Oge Mora
(The heartwarming story of a local grandma, whose stew is so enticing, it brings a little boy, essential workers & hot dog vendors to her door, asking for stew. Omu gives all her stew away & is then very sad, because she has no dinner to eat. But everyone is so grateful that she shared with them, that they return, each with a gift or some food to thank Omu for her generosity.) 
www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Omu-Oge-Mora/dp/0316431249/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=thank+you+omu&qid=1637022851&qsid=145-0594757-5019828&sr=8-1&sres=0316431249%2C0316541656%2C0316541664%2C1338572326%2C1626727465%2C0593323181%2C0316431273%2C0440417996%2C158089772X%2C0316362387%2C0998958085%2C0553537865%2C0316519006%2C0998958034%2C0998536261%2C1524768286&srpt=ABIS_BOOK

It's already October-- how did this happen? I feel like I'm still getting caught up on fall/autumn books (which I will probably highlight on my Instagram now) but my kids are already begging for Halloween books on the daily since the last week of September. We are LOVING the fun, cutesy Halloween tales, & added a few new ones this year as well! Here's 23 books total for some fun Halloween read-alouds!!! 

Halloween Spooktacular Books:  

1. Stumpkin
by: Lucy Ruth Cummins
(Poor Stumpkin; he's a pumpkin who doesn't have a stem & he's not sure he will be picked to be carved for Halloween. But all his friends at the store are being picked....even the gourd!)
www.amazon.com/Stumpkin-Lucy-Ruth-Cummins/dp/1534413626/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Stumpkin&qid=1633732028&sr=8-1

2. The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything
by: Linda Williams & Megan Lloyd
(A little old lady goes out to gather nuts & seeds one fall evening. But she encounters some stray pants, shoes, gloves, a shirt, & even a scary pumpkin head.  What is she going to do? She is brave, but she is also a little surprised by the appearances of these clothing items along her walk home.) 
www.amazon.com/Little-Old-Lady-Afraid-Anything-ebook/dp/B016VYZI3M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=339WV27GJJZ7E&dchild=1&keywords=the+little+old+lady+who+wasnt+afraid+of+anything&qid=1633497865&sprefix=The+Little+Old+Lad%2Caps%2C234&sr=8-1 

3. Creepy Carrots
by: Aaron Reynolds
(Like most rabbits, Jasper loves carrots! But one day, he thinks that there are carrots following him home from baseball practice, & hiding out in his house. So Jasper finally decides to fence off the creepy carrots in one space, & then he never hears from the carrots again...& they celebrate because they got rid of Jasper!)  
www.amazon.com/Creepy-Carrots-Aaron-Reynolds/dp/1442402970/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Creepy+Carrots&qid=1633981586&sr=8-1
​
4. Angelina at the Fair
by: Helen Craig
(Angelina wants to go to the fair, & she's so looking forward to it....until she learns her cousin Harry is going to be tagging along. Angelina decides to do the creepiest haunted house at the fair & she loses Harry under a trapdoor; then Angelina feels really bad, & looks everywhere for him. She's relieved when she sees him looking at balloons & decides next time, she'll avoid the scary parts of the fair.) 
www.amazon.com/Angelina-at-Fair-Helen-Craig/dp/1584856548/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=angelina+at+the+fair&qid=1633981696&sr=8-1

5. How to Scare a Ghost
by: Jean Reagan
(Written in the spirit of all the other How To books, this story has a sure fire way for how to catch a ghost & then make it your friend! A perfectly cute, & not too spooky Halloween book.) 
​www.amazon.com/How-Scare-Ghost-Jean-Reagan/dp/0593301897/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=how+to+scare+a+ghost&qid=1634009661&sr=8-1

6. Frankenslime
by: Joy Keller & Ashley Belote
(Victoria is a slime scientist; all of her science experiments yield amazing slimes! Until one night, her latest experiment actually comes to life!) 
www.amazon.com/Frankenslime-Joy-Keller/dp/1250765803/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=frankenslime&qid=1634401317&sr=8-1

7. The Good, The Bad, & the Spooky
by: Jory John & Pete Oswald
(Did you Halloween is the Bad Seed's favorite holiday? The Bad Seed is returning to his old ways, because he can't find the perfect costume to go trick
www.amazon.com/Bad-Seed-Presents-Good-Spooky/dp/0062954547/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1634607713&sr=8-1
​
8. Pick a Pumpkin
by: Patricia Toht & Jarvis
(Do you make carving pumpkins a tradition each fall? It starts with picking out the best pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Then, on the way home with the pumpkin, stop for warm drinks & apple treats! Once home, it's time to scoop out the insides & create creepy faces; the final touch is lighting a candle & putting it inside the pumpkin, to put out on the porch for Halloween night!) 
www.amazon.com/Pick-Pumpkin-Patricia-Toht/dp/1536207640/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pick+a+pumpkin&qid=1634602416&sr=8-1


9. The Scariest Book Ever
by: Bob Shea
(This book is narrated by a melodramatic ghost, who can't seem to summon anything scary enough to Halloween!) 
www.amazon.com/Scariest-Book-Ever-Bob-Shea/dp/1484730461/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=the+scariest+book+ever&qid=1634275105&sr=8-3

10. Gustavo the Shy Ghost
by: Flavia Z. Drago
(Gustavo is a cute ghost, but he is really shy, which causes problems for spending time with friends. Gustavo summons all his courage & decides to invite all the monsters to a concert in the graveyard; at first no one shows up & Gustavo is just left playing his violin, alone. But soon, his monster friends show up & pleasantly surprise him.)
www.amazon.com/Gustavo-Shy-Ghost-Flavia-Drago/dp/1536211141/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=gustavo+the+shy+ghost&qid=1634271348&sr=8-1

11. I Love my Fangs
by: Kelly Leigh Miller
(Young Dracula LOVES his fangs.  But what is he to do when one beloved fang gets loose? He tries to tape it & stick it back in his mouth-- he is horrified, because no vampire only has one fang!) 
www.amazon.com/Love-Fangs-Kelly-Leigh-Miller/dp/1534452109/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=I+Love+my+Fangs&qid=1634449750&sr=8-2

12. Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete
by: James & Kimberly Dean
(Follow Pete on Halloween night as he goes trick-or-treating; there's a surprise behind every flap!)
www.amazon.com/Pete-Cat-Trick-James-Dean/dp/006219870X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pete+the+cat+trick+or+pete&qid=1634449888&sr=8-1

13. Big Pumpkin *
by: Erika SIlverman & S.D. Schindler
(The witch plants a pumpkin seed before Halloween night....& then it grows much too big! How is she going to get it out of the ground now? Along comes a ghost, a vampire, a mummy & a little bat, all with ideas of how to get the pumpkin loose so the witch can make her pumpkin pie.) 
www.amazon.com/Big-Pumpkin-Erica-Silverman/dp/0689801297/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=big+pumpkin&qid=1634449854&sr=8-1

14. Froggy's Halloween
by: Jonathan London & Frank Remikiewicz
(Froggy is having trouble deciding what to be for Halloween; there are so many different options! And as usual, Froggy's night doesn't go as planned....but he has fun trick-or-treating anyway.) 
www.amazon.com/Froggys-Halloween-Jonathan-London/dp/0142300683/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=froggy%27s+halloween&qid=1634449981&sr=8-1
​
15. The Little Kitten
by: Nicole Killen 
(
www.amazon.com/Little-Kitten-My-Animal-Friend/dp/1534466967/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+little+kitten&qid=1634450126&sr=8-1
​
16. How to Make Friends with a Ghost
by: Rebecca Green
(There are a few rules of etiquette to follow when making friends with a ghost. One of those is bringing a ghost their favorite snack; another is telling the ghost bedtime stories. And make sure no one mistakes your ghostie friend for marshmallows!) 
www.amazon.com/Make-Friends-Ghost-Rebecca-Green/dp/1101919019/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=how+to+make+friends+with+a+ghost&qid=1634601978&sr=8-1

17. Bonaparte Falls Apart
by: Margery Cuyler
(Bonaparte is a skeleton who has a dog, Mandible, who fetches every loose bone he tosses the dog's way! But Bonaparte & the Monsters are getting ready to take on the Aliens in baseball; will Bonaparte be able to keep himself together? His skills will be put to the test, including helping Dracula come back to life during the game!) 
www.amazon.com/Bonaparte-Falls-Apart-Margery-Cuyler/dp/1101937726/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=bonaparte+falls+apart&qid=1634602164&sr=8-1

18.  Halloween Hustle
by: Charlotte Gunuffson 
(Skeleton really loves to dance, but unfortunately, he keeps tripping over his own bones. Will rubber bands, twine, & glue help him finish dancing the Halloween Hustle at Ghost's Halloween party?)
www.amazon.com/Halloween-Hustle-Charlotte-Gunnufson/dp/1477817239/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+halloween+hustle&qid=1633498111&sr=8-2

19. Room on the Broom
by: Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler 
(There is a witch out riding her broom...but the wind keeps whipping things away from her! In this classic tale, several animals come forward, bringing the witch the things she's lost, & in turn, asking for a ride on her broom. All is going well, until the frog does a leap of joy on the already full broom...& they all descend quickly to where a dragon waits hungrily below. Will the witch be able to save them?) 
www.amazon.com/Room-Broom-Julia-Donaldson/dp/0142501123/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=room+on+the+broom+book&qid=1634602569&sr=8-1

20. The Ugly Pumpkin 
by: Dave Horowitz
(Poor pumpkin....nobody wants to take him home to carve for Halloween. So he leaves the pumpkin patch in search of somewhere he'll fit in. It turns out, the ugly "pumpkin" isn't really a pumpkin after all...but he won't learn that until Thanksgiving time.) 
www.amazon.com/Ugly-Pumpkin-Dave-Horowitz/dp/0142411450/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+ugly+pumpkin&qid=1634602667&sr=8-1

21. Sir Simon: Super Scarer
by: Cale Atkinson
​(Sir Simon is a professional ghost, who has been assigned his first house to haunt. He thought he was going to be scaring old people, but then a KID shows up...& that changes the job. At first Simon is annoyed, but then he grows fond of Chester, the kid, who can help him with his "ghost chores.")
www.amazon.com/Sir-Simon-Scarer-Cale-Atkinson/dp/1101919094/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=sir+simon&qid=1634602826&sr=8-1
​
22. Clifford's Halloween
by: Norman Bridwell
(Clifford is really big & really red-- Emily Elizabeth can never figure out how to dress her giant dog for Halloween. Clifford loves all the holidays, but he really enjoys Halloween & doing the party games.) 
www.amazon.com/Cliffords-Halloween-Norman-Bridwell/dp/0545215951/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=clifford%27s+halloween&qid=1634607041&sr=8-1

23.The Halloween Tree
by: Susan Montanari & Teresa Martinez
(
​www.amazon.com/Halloween-Tree-Susan-Montanari/dp/1492673358/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1634607780&sr=1-4

Oh what a fabulous month, to celebrate all of the Hispanic & Latin culture & authors/illustrators! Hispanic Heritage month typically goes for one month, & this year it's Sept. 15-Oct. 15. 
So it was high time I got on & shared a handful of favorites with you! I'd love to hear what books or authors YOU & your family enjoy as well! 

Hispanic Heritage Books: 
1. My Papi Has a Motorcyle
by: Isabel Quintero y Zeke Pena
(Daisy looks forward to the evening each day, when her Papi returns home from work & takes her on a motorcycle ride. She loves riding through their town, & the sights & sounds that greet them are traditionally happy & colorful; especially when they end their trip by enjoying some raspados.) 
www.amazon.com/Papi-Has-Motorcycle-Isabel-Quintero/dp/052555341X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=380LD8METVNUV&dchild=1&keywords=my+papi+has+a+motorcycle+by+isabel+quintero&qid=1632931186&sprefix=my+papi+has%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-1

2. Paletero Man
by: Lucky Diaz
(What does every kid want on a hot day? Paletas! Ice cream! This little boy is no different! But in his excitement to meet up with Paletero Jose cart, he loses some money along the way. Will he end up getting to enjoy his paleta with everyone else?)
www.amazon.com/Paletero-Man-Lucky-Diaz/dp/0063014440/ref=sr_1_1?crid=O3SM5SPC0JB1&dchild=1&keywords=paletero+man&qid=1632946649&s=books&sprefix=paletero%2Cstripbooks%2C239&sr=1-1

3. Alicia's Happy Day
by: Meg Starr & Ying-hwa Hu
(It's Alicia's birthday & everyone in their barrio/neighborhood is determined to make it a nice birthday for her.) 
www.amazon.com/Alicias-Happy-Day-Meg-Starr/dp/1932065067/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Alicia%27s+happy+day&qid=1632946679&s=books&sr=1-1

4. IslandBorn
by: Junot Diaz & Leo Espinosa
(Lola can't exactly remember the island she immigrated from & she's nervous when her teacher asks them all to draw a picture of their family's country.  Luckily Lola's family & friends remember plenty from the island, & help her learn more about the Dominican Republic while she does her school assignment.) 
www.amazon.com/Islandborn-Junot-D%C3%ADaz/dp/0735229864/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Island+Born&qid=1633059437&sr=8-1

5. Where Are You From?
by: Yamile Saied Mendez
(One little girl gets asked all the time where she's from at school, because her skin tone & language are different than the other kids'. 
www.amazon.com/Where-Are-Yamile-Saied-M%C3%A9ndez/dp/0062839934/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=where+are+you+from&qid=1633059669&sr=8-1
​
6. Manana Iguana
by: Ann Whitford Paul & Ethan Long
(Iguana has a lazy trio of friends, who are unwilling to help her get ready for a fiesta; but they lose out in this classic retelling of the LIttle Red Hen.) 
www.amazon.com/Manana-Iguana-Ann-Whitford-Paul/dp/0823419800/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=manana+iguana&qid=1633061191&sr=8-1

7. We Laugh Alike/Juntos Nos Reimos
by: Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
(A darling book with the reminder that you don't need to speak the same language to laugh together.  3 kids are playing at a park, when 3 more kids show up who speak a different language. Will they find a way to play together? They learn a lot by watching each other's group & end up learning they can in fact interact & become friends without speaking the same words.)
www.amazon.com/Laugh-Alike-Juntos-nos-re%C3%ADmos/dp/1623540968/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=we+laugh+alike&qid=1633118042&sr=8-1
​
8. May Your Life Be Deliciosa
by: Michael Genhart & Loris Lora
(Making tamales is a Christmas Eve tradition & Rosie's tia, abuela, sister & cousins all gather in the kitchen to knead cornmeal dough & cutting up onions & garlic.....all while telling stories. Rosie learns how to make a delicious tamale...& a delicious life from her grandma.)
www.amazon.com/May-Your-Life-Be-Deliciosa/dp/1951836227/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=may+your+life+be+deliciosa&qid=1633131311&sr=8-1

9. Pepe & the Parade
by: Tracey Kyle
(Pepe wakes up excited & anxious for the parade that will showcase his friends from many different Latin cultures (Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Spain, etc.) 
www.amazon.com/Pepe-Parade-Celebration-Hispanic-Heritage/dp/1499806663/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=pepe+parade&qid=1633131639&sr=8-2
​
10. Dear Abuelo
by: Grecia Huesca Dominguez & Teresa Martinez
(Juana will miss her home, as she moves from Mexico to New York. But she's going to miss her abuelo most of all! She writes him letters once they arrive in NY & tells all about flying in an airplane, her new school & their new apartment; Juana makes her first friend & things finally start to turn around for her.)
www.amazon.com/Dear-Abuelo-Grecia-Huesca-Dominguez/dp/1478868899/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3M75ZUTQONSWR&dchild=1&keywords=dear+abuelo&qid=1633061938&sprefix=dear+abuleo%2Caps%2C218&sr=8-1
​
11. Alma & How She Got Her Name
by: Juana Martinez-Neal 
(
www.amazon.com/Alma-How-She-Got-Name/dp/0763693553/ref=sr_1_2?crid=KVBCSDRHB324&dchild=1&keywords=alma+%26+how+she+got+her+name&qid=1633109117&sprefix=alma+%26+how+she+%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-2

12. Digging for Words/Rescatando Palabras
by: Angela Burke Kunkel & Paola Escobar
(
www.amazon.com/Digging-Words-Alberto-Guti%C3%A9rrez-Library/dp/1984892630/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=digging+for+words&qid=1633061896&sr=8-1
13. Last Stop on Market Street
by: Matthew de La Pena
(  
​
14. Isabel & Her Colores Go To School
by: Alexandra Alessandri
(Isabel loves the colors of pink & warm orange, but it seems like English is a lot of blue & white, which aren't her favorite. She's nervous about having to learn new things, but Isabel will learn that there is more than one way to communicate with new friends.) 
www.amazon.com/Isabel-Colores-School-English-Spanish/dp/1534110631/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VDG8QZR2PYKH&dchild=1&keywords=isabel+y+los+colores&qid=1632947706&s=books&sprefix=isabel+y+los+c%2Cstripbooks%2C230&sr=1-1

Did you know there's a special holiday in September to celebrate grandparents? It's September 12th, & it actually corresponded perfectly with my parents' visit to Utah this week! We have been busy reading cute, cozy & wild & crazy tales about grandparents, & then spending time with grandparents, so it has been...grand!
I hope you enjoy this little round-up! 
Books About Grandparents:  
1. Grandpa Green
by: Lane Smith
(This sweet tale became a family favorite after it arrived in a Bookroo box last year.  A kid tells the story of his great-grandpa, who has a garden & the grandpa trims the garden to represent things from his memory as he gets older.)
www.amazon.com/Grandpa-Green-Lane-Smith/dp/1596436077/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Grandpa+Green&qid=1631560123&sr=8-2
2. Silly Frilly Grandma Tillie
by: Laurie Jacobs & Anne Jewett
​(
www.amazon.com/Frilly-Grandma-Tillie-Laurie-Jacobs/dp/0979974682/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=silly+frilly+grandma+tillie&qid=1631560201&sr=8-1
3.How to Read to a Grandma or Grandpa
by: Jean Reagan
( 
www.amazon.com/Read-Grandma-Grandpa-Jean-Reagan/dp/1524701939/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=how+to+read+to+a+grandma+or+grandpa&qid=1631660067&sr=8-1
4. Just Grandma & Me
by: Mercer Meyer
(Little Critter is spending all day at the beach with his grandma & he is so excited for their adventure!) 
www.amazon.com/Just-Grandma-Little-Critter-Pictureback/dp/0307118932/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=just+grandma+%26+me&qid=1631671258&s=books&sr=1-2
5. Grandma Calls me Beautiful
by: Barbara M. Joosse
(A beautiful Polynesian grandmother tells her granddaughter how she got her name.) 
www.amazon.com/Grandma-Calls-Beautiful-Barbara-Joosse/dp/0811858154/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=grandma+calls+me+beautiful&qid=1631661728&sr=8-2

6. My Grandparents Love Me
by: Claire Freedman & Judi Abbott
(Who doesn't look forward to a little trip to Grandma & Grandpa's? The treats & love abound!) 
www.amazon.com/My-Grandparents-Love-Claire-Freedman/dp/1481479377/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=my+grandparents+love+me&qid=1631661855&s=books&sr=1-1

7. Hooray for Grandparents Day
by: Nancy Carlson
(Arnie worries about being the only kid at school who won't be bringing in a grandparent to celebrate the day. But with Coach Ed & Ms. Childs he is able to to come up with a solution.) 
www.amazon.com/Hooray-Grandparents-Day-Nancy-Carlson/dp/0670888761/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=hooray+for+grandparents+day&qid=1631661884&s=books&sr=1-3

8. Because Your Grandparents Love You
by: Andrew Clements
(This darling book lists out all the things grandparents could do when they lose their patience with silly grandkids, but what they do instead is so endearing; it's why we say grandparents "spoil" their grandkids.) 
www.amazon.com/Because-Your-Grandparents-Love-You/dp/0544148541/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=because+your+grandparents+love+you&qid=1631682015&s=books&sr=1-3


9. Someday We Will: A Book for Grandparents & Grandkids
by: Pam Webb
(This cute book is marked by all the things a grandkid wants to do with his grandparents. It varies from spending hours at the beach, to riding bicycles down hill together! It's the perfect story for kids who don't live near their grandparents, & look forward to each upcoming visit.)
www.amazon.com/Someday-We-Will-Grandparents-Grandchildren/dp/1506454003/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=someday+we+will&qid=1631682042&s=books&sr=1-1
​
10. Froggy Goes to Grandma's 
by: Jonathan London & Frank Remkiewicz
(Froggy is so excited to go to Grandma Cook's house. He calls her that because she is such a great cook! His family can hardly contain him, as he leapfrogs all the way up to Grandma's front step, & doesn't slow down the whole weekend while they visit Grandma.)
www.amazon.com/Froggy-Goes-Grandmas-Jonathan-London/dp/1101999640/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1631682073&sr=1-1
​
11. Llama Llama Gram & Grandpa
by: Anna Dewdney
(Llama goes to stay at Gram & Grandpa's house; but he really misses Mama Llama & his Fuzzy Llama. Grandpa Llama saves the day by presenting Llama Llama with his old fuzzy, & then Llama can relax & enjoy his time better at Gram & Grandpa's house.)
www.amazon.com/Llama-Gram-and-Grandpa/dp/B07CQSHP81/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=llama+llama+gram+%26+grandpa&qid=1631819467&s=books&sr=1-1

12. When  a Grandpa Says He Love You
by: 
( 

13. Dear Abuelo
by: Grecia Huesca Dominguez & Teresa Martinez
(Juana is moving, & she's really going to miss Mexico, but not as much as she'll miss her abuelo. Through letters she writes Abuelo, Juana tells all about her flight to the United States & her new home and school.)
www.amazon.com/Dear-Abuelo-Grecia-Huesca-Dominguez/dp/1478868899/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=abuelo&qid=1631819268&s=books&sr=1-2

14. The Truth about Grandparents
by: Elina Ellis
(All the rumors you've heard about grandparents-- that they're slow, dislike romance, & don't dance-- are disproved with this cute book! The little boy loves hanging out with his grandparents, because it's so fun!) 
www.amazon.com/Truth-About-Grandparents-Elina-Ellis/dp/0316424722/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+truth+about+grandparents&qid=1631648271&sr=8-2 

15. My Superhero Grandpa 
by: Michele McAvoy
(This sweet story is about a boy who has lost his grandpa, but believes that his grandpa is still watching over him from heaven, with superpowers to protect the boy.) 
www.amazon.com/My-Superhero-Grandpa-Michele-McAvoy/dp/0692628770/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=grandpa&qid=1631682234&s=books&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExNVFJQTBZWEpPWlIwJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTUyMzY1M05ZWjU3MDVYVTY5RSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzM5MDE0VUJGRjI0Uk85STJYJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

It is somehow that time of year again, when teachers go back to training & start prepping their bulletin boards, and children go back-to-school shopping with their parents to prepare for the next school year. While many are sad that summer has come to an end, there are a lot of neat things to get excited about with the advent of a new school year. I made this round-up to show a complete range of emotions experienced by all those involved in going to school; good luck to you all for the 2021-2022 year! 

Back-to-School Round Up: 
1. The Day you Begin
by: Jacqueline Woodson & Rafael Lopez
(Starting a new school year can be scary; especially when walking into a new room with new people might mean there's nobody else in there quite like you. Maybe how you talk or even how you look causes you to feel different. We all can feel like outsiders sometimes; but it doesn't mean you shouldn't be brave & move forward to experience new things!) 
www.amazon.com/Day-You-Begin-Jacqueline-Woodson/dp/0399246533/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1627493865&sr=8-1

2. The Night Before Kindergarten
by: Natasha Wing & Julie Durell
(Part of her fun series, this one deals with the kids getting ready for the first day of school; packing up backpacks, saying good-bye to mom & dad, & posing for all the family pictures. But they will find out how fun kinder really is, once they make it to school!) 
www.amazon.com/Night-Before-Kindergarten-Natasha-Wing/dp/0448425009/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+night+before+kindergarten&qid=1627497667&sr=8-1
​
3. LLama Llama Loves to Read
by: Anna Dewdney & JT Morrow
(Llama is so excited that he learns how to read at school, using word cards, reading stories, etc. He especially looks forward to choosing his own books at the library! By the end of the day, Llama Llama can't wait to show Mama that he's becoming a reader!)
www.amazon.com/Llama-Loves-Read-Anna-Dewdney/dp/0670013978/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=llama+llama+learns+to+read&qid=1627536092&sr=8-3

4. Even Monsters Go to School
by: Lisa Wheeler
(Did you know that even monsters need school supplies & ride on a yellow bus like kids do?)
www.amazon.com/Even-Monsters-School-Lisa-Wheeler/dp/0062366424/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=even+monsters+go+to+school&qid=1627536188&sr=8-1

5. The Pigeon Has to Go to School
by: Mo Willems
(The pigeon is back, with a major attitude about attending school; he already knows everything anyway! And he probably won't like the teacher either.)
www.amazon.com/Pigeon-HAS-Go-School/dp/1368046452/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=the+pigeon+has+to+go+to+school&qid=1627536472&sr=8-3

6. The King of Kindergarten
by: Derrick Barnes & Vanessa Brantley-Newton
​(Beginning kindergarten is always a new challenge for children; the boy in this story has a lot of enthusiasm about joining a kingdom of kids. The day is going to be jampacked, & he can't wait to begin!) 
www.amazon.com/King-Kindergarten-Derrick-Barnes/dp/1524740748/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+king+of+kindergarten&qid=1627536530&sr=8-1

7. All Are Welcome
by: Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman
(Imagine a place where young kids are loved & feel safe; at this particular school, everyone is welcomed with open arms & although they all come from different backgrounds, they will learn to celebrate one another.)
www.amazon.com/All-Are-Welcome-Alexandra-Penfold/dp/0525579648/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=all+are+welcome&qid=1627584940&sr=8-1

8. We Don't Eat our Classmates
by: Ryan T. Higgins
(Penelope Rex has started school & all her classmates are humans. She's having trouble making friends since she wants to eat them all. And then the class pet {a fish} takes a bite out of her, & Penelope suddenly understands why it's a problem to keep eating all her classmates.) 
www.amazon.com/We-Dont-Eat-Our-Classmates/dp/1368003559/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=we+don%27t+eat+our+classmates&qid=1627588615&sr=8-1
​
9. The Kissing Hand
by: Audrey Penn 
(Chester Racoon is nervous about starting school; his mommy tries to reassure him about all the new things he'll learn & new friends he'll make. She decides to give his palm a special kiss to help him remember that his mommy always loves him, even when she's not with him. He also gives his mommy a palm kiss before he runs off to school; this is such a sweet book!) 
www.amazon.com/Kissing-Hand/dp/1939100429/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+kissing+hand&qid=1627667308&sr=8-1

10. Sounds Like School Spirit
​by: Meg Fleming
(
www.amazon.com/Sounds-Like-School-Spirit-Fleming/dp/0593108329/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=sounds+like+school+spirit&qid=1627667366&sr=8-3
11. If You Take a Mouse to School
by: Laura Numeroff & Felicia Bond
(The perfect example of if-then scenarios, when you take a mouse to school; first, if you give him a lunch box, you'll need to pack him a sandwich!)
www.amazon.com/If-You-Take-Mouse-School/dp/0060283289/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=If+You+Take+a+Mouse+to+School&qid=1627700737&sr=8-1

12. Our Class is a Family
by: Shannon Olsen
(This book reminds me exactly of the mentality I had as an elementary school teacher, in trying to create a sense of community & family away from home. Students should always feel safe, included, & loved in a school atmosphere.)
www.amazon.com/Our-Class-Family-Shannon-Olsen/dp/0578629097/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1N5NDDZXSM7PQ&dchild=1&keywords=our+class+is+a+family&qid=1627700964&sprefix=our+class+is%2Caps%2C253&sr=8-1

13. Back to School Splat
by: Rob Scotton 
(Splat can only share one adventure from his summer with his class on the first day of school. What will he share? When he went swimming with sharks in the ocean? Or another surprise?)
www.amazon.com/Splat-Cat-Back-School/dp/0061978515/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=back+to+school+splat&qid=1627743274&sr=8-1

14. Pinkalicious Schooltastic Storybook Favs. 
by: Victoria Kann 
(There are 6-Pinkalicious stories in this collection & they range from when she brings her imaginary unicorn Goldie to class to when she turns a sick day home from school as an adventure or when she helps welcome a brand-new teacher to the school!) 
www.amazon.com/Pinkalicious-Schooltastic-Storybook-Victoria-Kann/dp/0063003902/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=pinkalicious+schooltastic&qid=1627743927&sr=8-2

15. Butterflies on the First Day of School
by: Anne SIlvestro & Dream Chen
(Rosie is so excited to start kindergarten; her backpack has been ready to go for weeks! But the night before her first day, her stomach hurts & Rosie's mom tells her she has butterflies in her belly & that they'll get better soon. It surprises Rosie, but as she says hello to a new friend on the bus & then at school, butterflies start to fly out of her mouth & disappear!)
www.amazon.com/Butterflies-First-School-Annie-Silvestro/dp/1454921196/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=butterflies+on+the+first+day+of+school&qid=1627743979&sr=8-1

16. Curious George's First Day of School
by: Margret & H.A. Rey
(George has been invited to Mr. Apple's class to be a helper on the first day of school! George tries to be helpful, but then he wreaks havoc when he mixes the wrong colors for painting; will he still be able to help Mr. Apple on the first day?)
www.amazon.com/Curious-Georges-First-Day-School/dp/0618605649/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=curious+george%27s+first+day+of+school&qid=1627744035&sr=8-2

17. Froggy Goes to School 
by: Jonathan London & Frank Remkiewicz
(Froggy is certain he's not going to be nervous about school starting. He even leapfrogs with his mom to the bus stop in spite of a weird dream he had the night before. Froggy's wild antics will keep kids entertained & convinced that school can actually be a lot of fun after all!) 
www.amazon.com/Froggy-Goes-School-Jonathan-London/dp/0140562478/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=froggy+goes+to+school&qid=1627744158&sr=8-1

18. Time for School, Little Blue Truck 
by: Alice Schertle & Jill McElmurry
(Even though Little Blue isn't as big as the yellow school bus that takes the children to school, he & his friend Toad do give someone a ride so they can get to school on time after missing the bus!) 
www.amazon.com/Time-School-Little-Blue-Truck/dp/0358412242/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=time+for+school+little+blue+truck&qid=1627744206&sr=8-3

19. Our Favorite Day of the Year
by: A.E. Ali & Rahele Bell 
(Musa is feeling nervous about school, even after meeting three other boys, Mo, Kevin & Moises. He doubts that they will have much in common. But throughout the school year the boys actually learn more about each other, especially their different cultures & learn new holidays & favorite foods too. This is a charming book about friendship & celebrating differences, that will help many kids feel more eager to approach a new year & making new friends!) 
www.amazon.com/Our-Favorite-Day-Year-Ali/dp/1481485636/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=our+favorite+day+of+the+year&qid=1628573330&sr=8-1

20. A Letter from Your Teacher 
by: Shannon Olsen & Sandie Sonke
(I always used to write an introductory letter to my students at he beginning of a new school year; this teacher has the same idea, by helping students feel comfortable & confident that someone will be there to cheer them on. A teacher is not just there to assist academically & the teacher will provide a  caring environment for the students too.) 
www.amazon.com/Letter-Your-Teacher-First-School/dp/1735414123/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+letter+from+your+teacher&qid=1628573488&sr=8-1

21. First Day Jitters
by: Julie Dannberg & Judy Love
(You know that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you're about to start something brand new? Well, Sarah Hartwell is new at this school & doesn't want to start school this year when nobody knows her. Thankfully her teacher, Mrs. Burton, helps smooth her rough transition & helps her manage those jitters just fine.) 
www.amazon.com/First-Jitters-Hartwells-Classroom-Adventures/dp/158089061X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=first+day+jitters&qid=1628559829&sr=8-1

22. The Berenstain Bears Go to School
by: Jan & Stan Berenstain 
(Sister Bear is not ready for a new school year...even if all the other bears in Bear Country are. She's about to start kindergarten & so many what-if questions keep running through her head. This would make a perfect read-aloud for any kiddos with a case of nerves or the jitters before school starts.)
www.amazon.com/Berenstain-Bears-School-First-Books/dp/0394837363/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+berenstain+bears+go+to+school&qid=1628559797&sr=8-1

23. Sweet Briar Goes to School
by: Karma Wilson & Le Uyen Pham
(Although Briar is a skunk & has a difficult time finding anyone to play with at school, Briar is determined to show her classmates that she has a lot to offer & shouldn't be judged by her odor alone.)
www.amazon.com/Sweet-Briar-School-Karma-Wilson/dp/0803727674/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=sweet+briar+goes+to+school&qid=1627744884&sr=8-3

24. Milk Goes to School
by: Terry Border
(A first day of school is tough & making new friends seems even more difficult. Milk tries to have a good attitude, especially as her dad gives her a pep talk & a sparkly new backpack; but many of her classmates think she's spoiled.)
www.amazon.com/Milk-Goes-School-Terry-Border/dp/0399176195/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=milk+goes+to+school&qid=1627744846&sr=8-1

Even though we are not going camping this summer, I consider it the perfect summertime activity & camped out quite a bit when I was growing up. I also went "glamping" a few times (which is when you stay in cabins or a camper.)
My favorite things were: mummy sleeping bags, reading by flashlight, playing card games, roasting marshmallows & s'mores, and playing games my dad made up around the campsite.
Do you like going camping?
Here's some fun books to look at if you & your family are going camping this summer!

• Camping Books:

1. A Camping Spree with Mr. McGee
by: Chris Van Dusen
(Mr. McGee is so excited to get out in nature & take his dog on a camping trip with him. Of course, he makes s'mores by the campfire one night, but unfortunately, a snooping bear who loves marshmallows comes by their trailer & gets them into a bit of trouble. ...will they make it back home?)
www.amazon.com/Camping-Spree-Mr-Magee/dp/0811836037/ref=sr_1_1?crid=183V8XM4CNY7Q&dchild=1&keywords=camping+with+mr.+mcgee&qid=1625975709&sprefix=camping+with+mr.+mc%2Caps%2C243&sr=8-1
2. Curious George Goes Camping
by: H.A. Rey
(George loves learning all about camping, especially campfires! But he takes campfire safety a little too seriously, & puts out a few fires around his camp before his friend in the yellow hat catches up to him.)
www.amazon.com/Curious-George-Goes-Camping-Margret/dp/0395978351/ref=sr_1_20?dchild=1&keywords=camping+books&qid=1625975641&sr=8-20
3. Llama Llama Goes Camping
by:Anna Dewdney
(Llama Llama learns a really important lesson when planning his first camping trip-- sometimes scary things can become quite fun! Especially making s'mores around a campfire at nighttime.)
www.amazon.com/Llama-Loves-Camping-Anna-Dewdney/dp/1524787183/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Llama+Llama+goes+camping&qid=1626025156&sr=8-1
4. The Camping Trip
by: Jennifer K. Mann
(Ernestine has the chance to go camping with her aunt & cousin, and while she’s mostly excited, she’s also nervous about leaving her dad behind. And she learns how tough it is to put up a tent, doesn’t want to swim in a lake (because of the fish) & dislikes dinner. But at least she can enjoy s’moresover a campfire. E can’t fall asleep that night & wants to call her dad; her aunt takes her out to look at the stars, & it helps her feel better.)
www.amazon.com/Camping-Trip-Jennifer-K-Mann/dp/1536207365/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+Camping+Trip&qid=1626024643&sr=8-1

5. S is for S'mores (A Camping Alphabet)
by: Helen Foster James & Lita Jones
(Is there anything much more American than the family camping trip? This is an alphabet adventure from A-Z exploring this popular outdoors pastime. There will be all kinds of national parks & attractions, unique camping environments, etc.)
www.amazon.com/Smores-Camping-Alphabet-Sleeping-Hobbies/dp/1585363022/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1625975827&sr=8-13

6. Good Night Campsite
by: Adam Gamble & Mark Jasper
(Your little one will get excited for camping out & all the goodies (including s'mores) & outdoor activities too, like hiking, camping, & swimming.)
www.amazon.com/Good-Night-Campsite-Our-World/dp/1602195145/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=goodnight+campsite&qid=1626129068&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFHRjRKRkRQWkgwVTMmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAwNzk1ODZPSVE1VDNMMDlXTVMmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDgxODg5OTJJUjJMODJFVUUzOU8md2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

7. When We Go Camping
by: Margiret Rurrs & Andrew Kiss
(At a campsite there’s fish to catch, rocks to climb, animals to discover & wood to chop for the fire. It’s a busy outdoor experience.)
www.amazon.com/When-We-Camping-Margriet-Ruurs/dp/0887766854/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=goodnight+campsite&qid=1626134312&sr=8-11
8. Fred & Ted Go Camping
by: Peter Eastman
(Fred & Ted are opposite in everything they do— so that makes their camping trip together pretty entertaining! There are different ways to fish, & pack equipment— setting up equipment even!)
www.amazon.com/Fred-Ted-Camping-Beginner-Books/dp/0375829652/ref=sr_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=goodnight+campsite&qid=1626134312&sr=8-13

9. Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping
by: Melanie Watts
(Good old Scaredy! He's always overthinking things, including how to immerse himself in the outdoors experience without actually going camping. He goes on a mission to find a plug for his TV, where he can comfortably watch outdoors' & camping shows. But along the way, he runs into campers-- & he learns actual camping is not so bad after all!)
www.amazon.com/Scaredy-Squirrel-Goes-Camping-Melanie/dp/0593307461/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35OKNRJUH924Q&dchild=1&keywords=scaredy+squirrel+goes+camping&qid=1626243514&sprefix=scaredy+sq%2Caps%2C283&sr=8-1

10. Bailey Goes Camping
by: Kevin Henkes
(Bailey is always hearing that he's too young to do things, including going camping. Bailey's parents determine to make a tough situation fun for Bailey in spite of him always getting turned down to do things.)
www.amazon.com/Bailey-Goes-Camping-Kevin-Henkes/dp/0688152880/ref=sr_1_6?crid=35OKNRJUH924Q&dchild=1&keywords=scaredy+squirrel+goes+camping&qid=1626243544&sprefix=scaredy+sq%2Caps%2C283&sr=8-6

This weekend it is the beloved 4th of July in the United States, which is also our Independence Day (the day we gained & secured our freedom from Great Britain.) I love this holiday, for all the yummy foods, parades, fireworks, games, pool time, & family time involved in.  My mama always grills out & my siblings & I always went swimming & played outside together too, so that's one tradition I'm used to! And fireworks shows...ALWAYS!
What traditions does your family have to celebrate the 4th? 

Independence Day Books:  
1. My 4th of July
by: Jerry Spinelli 
(The little boy in this story starts his day off with a parade from his front porch, & he is in his pajamas. His family always has a picnic at the park, so he tries to keep everyone on schedule as his mom prepares the traditional picnic; he then joins friends at the park for games, music & performances at the gazebo, & then after much feasting, fireworks! And he knows the perfect spot to stake out for his family to watch the fireworks-- the baseball field!) 
www.amazon.com/My-Fourth-July-Jerry-Spinelli/dp/0823442888/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=my+4th+of+july&qid=1624994273&sr=8-3 
2. Our American Flag
by: Mary Lynn Firestone & Matthew Thomas Skeens
(The Bear Family & neighbors are celebrating the 4th of July with a big ole parade, after the cubs get a lesson about the freedom of their country.)
www.amazon.com/Our-American-Flag-Symbols/dp/1404822186/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=american+flag&qid=1624995421&s=books&sr=1-2 

3. My Country 'Tis of Thee
by: Scholastic
(The lyrics to the song fill the pages of these photographs taken around the U.S.)
www.amazon.com/Country-Thee-Samuel-Francis-Smith/dp/0439391954/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=my+country+tis+of+thee&qid=1625006299&s=books&sr=1-5 

4.The 4th of July Story
by: Alice Dalgliesh 
(This story goes back in time, to revolutionary times when the colonists desired freedom from England more than anything else! And it also talks about the writing of the Declaration of Independence.)  
www.amazon.com/Fourth-July-Story-Alice-Dalgliesh/dp/0689718764/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+4th+of+july+story&qid=1625077689&s=books&sr=1-1
5. God Bless Our Country
by: Jan Berenstain
(
www.amazon.com/Berenstain-Bears-Country-Living-Lights/dp/0310734851/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=god+bless+us+our+country&qid=1625184502&s=books&sr=1-4 

6. L is for Liberty
by: Wendy Cheyette Lewis
(The Statue of Liberty has proudly stood in New York Harbor, for all to see, for over a century & this cute story uses colorful illustrations& basic language to celebrate the statue & all she stands for.)
www.amazon.com/Liberty-Railroad-Books-Cheyette-Lewison/dp/0448432285/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=L+is+for+Liberty&qid=1625191501&s=books&sr=1-2

7. The Night Before the Fourth of July 
by: Natasha Wing
(It's 4th of July eve, & people across the U.S. are getting ready to grill out & go see fireworks with their families. The family in this story heads to a parade first thing on the morning of Independence Day, get caught in a downpour, but then manage to make it to cookouts & fireworks afterwards.)
www.amazon.com/Night-Before-Fourth-July/dp/0448487128/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+night+before+the+fourth+of+july&qid=1625331069&sr=8-1

8. Fourth of July (Holiday Rhyme & Rhythm)
by: Emma Carlson Berne & Luke Flowers
(The 4th of July is special, because it's when Americans remember the founding fathers & all of their hard work in founding the United States. Citizens celebrate via parades & fireworks ---this book includes a CD & has all kinds of patriotic music included!) 
www.amazon.com/Fourth-July-Holidays-Rhythm-Rhyme/dp/1684101255/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=fourth+of+july+holiday+rhyme&qid=1625340490&s=books&sr=1-1

9.F is for Flag
by: Wendy Cheyette Lewison & Barbara Duke
(Even though June 14 is officially flag day, when Americans celebrate the 4th of July, you will find American flags out everywhere!) 
www.amazon.com/Reading-Railroad-Wendy-Cheyette-Lewison/dp/0448428385/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=f+is+for+flag&qid=1625340592&s=books&sr=1-1
​
10. Hats off For the Fourth of July
by: Harriet Ziefert & Gus Miller
(All kinds of wonderful groups, music & displays to see & hear at a parade. Who will come next? There are some crowd favorites in this town & everyone anxiously awaits the next float or the marching band!) 
www.amazon.com/Hats-Fourth-July-Harriet-Ziefert/dp/0670891185/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=hats+off+for+the+fourth+of+july&qid=1625340082&s=books&sr=1-1
11. Curious George at the Parade
by: H.A. & Margret Rey
(
www.amazon.com/Curious-George-at-Parade-Rey/dp/0395978378/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Curious+George+Parade&qid=1625191712&s=books&sr=1-1

12. Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney!
by: Leslie Kimmelman & Nancy Cote
(All over town, people are getting ready to celebrate the 4th of July. Jenny decides to give her dog a bath & prepare for the USA birthday party, complete with parades & fireworks.)
www.amazon.com/Happy-4th-July-Jenny-Sweeney/dp/0807531529/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1JKPJNVGNNTL8&dchild=1&keywords=happy+4th+of+july+jenny+sweeney&qid=1625339998&s=books&sprefix=happy+4th+of+july+jeny%2Cstripbooks%2C219&sr=1-3

13. What is America?
by: Michelle Medlock Adams & Amy Wummer
(America is much more than monuments & symbols, although this cute picture book will discuss the Statue of Liberty & the American flag. America is a land of freedom & democracy; it is also a place where dreamers dreams can come true.)
www.amazon.com/What-America-Michelle-Medlock-Adams/dp/0824916956/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=what+is+america&qid=1625331249&sr=8-1
14. Americans
by:
(