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Kids’ Books to Remember and some Favorite Links

What a wonderful week it has been in our house! I am so thankful that much of my family gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving. It all began with the preparations and the cooking (which is half the fun) and ended with a delicious dinner last night with all of my kids. In between, we had a fun siblings night with my sisters, brother and spouses at our house, while the cousins gathered together at my son’s home, a great Thanksgiving brunch and dinner, a fun “turkey trot” on Friday, along with a birthday party that night celebrating my brother-in-law’s 60th birthday. We were even lucky enough to get to share the evening with some our new in-laws (after two weddings this summer, our family is definitely growing! How fun is that?!). And to top everything off, I heard some very kind words about Red Canoe Reader. What a perfect weekend!

Now that we’re all getting back into the routine, I wanted to let you know about some books to add to your library lists for your kiddos. These are definitely some kids’ books to remember!

kids’ Books to Remember: read aloud 

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L.Konigsburg

Boxcar Children by Gertrude Warner

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O’Brien

Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson

kids’ books to remember: picture books

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

The Piggy in the Puddle by Charlotte Pomerantz

If you Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

Zoom at Sea by Tim Wynne-Jones

kids’ books to remember: chapter books

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

links for mom and dad

Tips to Encourage Kids to Spend Time Reading
25 Picture Books that Promote Empathy and Respect
a bronx librarian keen on teaching homeless children a lasting love of books

posts you may have missed on red canoe reader

beginning chapter book series list is here
Historical Fiction: reading about kids in the past

Do you have some kids’ books to remember? Please let me know in the comments! Look for a post very soon about some books to add to your holiday shopping list!




Kids’ Books to Remember for Thanksgiving Week

As you prepare to gather with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving, you may still be planning your weekly library trip. Here are some kids’ books to remember, including my favorite Thanksgiving picture books, to make that excursion a little bit easier!

kids books to remember: read aloud

Gooseberry Park by Cynthia Rylant

Masterpiece by Elise Broach

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

KIDS BOOKS TO REMEMBER: picture books

A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting

Arthur’s Thanksgiving by Marc Brown

One is a Feast for Mouse: A Thanksgiving Tale by Judy Cox

‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey

KIDS BOOKS TO REMEMBER: chapter books

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Bridge to Teribithia by Katherine Paterson

links for mom and dad

Audio Books for Holiday Travel
A Visit with Aaron Becker
Holiday Gift Guide

posts you may have missed on red canoe reader

Welcome Summer!
The Chapter Book Series Has Arrived!

As this Thanksgiving week begins, I am very thankful that much of my family will be gathering together to celebrate all of our many blessings. I know I am especially thankful for all of you, and for the support you have given me throughout the past year! I wish you, your family and your friends a very happy and memorable Thanksgiving.

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Kids’ Books to Remember (and links you don’t want to miss)

Happy Monday!  I’m sure we’re all ready to start a new week. I know I am! Here is your weekly list of some kids’ books to remember and some links you won’t want to miss.

Will you do me a favor, please? Will you let me know if these weekly posts are helpful? Would you like for me to add more titles or different headings? Please let me know in the comments below. And have a great week! Thanksgiving is coming soon!

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: READ ALOUD

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate Dicamillo

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: PICTURE BOOKS

Robert Munch books

The  Kissing Hand  by Audrey Penn and Ruth E. Harper

What do you Do With an Idea?  by Kobi Yamada

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: EARLY CHAPTER BOOKS

Billie B. Brown series by Sally Rippin

Hey, Jack series by Sally Rippin

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: CHAPTER BOOKS

Swindle Series by Gordon Korman

The Witches by Roald Dahl

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

links for mom and dad

Choose Kindness. Teach Empathy. Listen Actively.

Reading Aloud to Older Kids

Books about Girls Who Rescue Themselves

Just Breathe Helps Kids Deal with Emotions

My ABC’s of Thanksgiving journal

posts you may have missed on red canoe reader

nEW PICTURE BOOKS FOR ALL AGES 

FRIENDSHIP BOOKS FOR KIDS

 

 




14 Books to Help your Child be More Compassionate

It’s been a rough week and a rough year in our country. No matter, which side you are on, you can’t help but be concerned about what has been said during the past year and how our kids have been exposed to it. Even if we do our best to protect them from the media, they go to school or to sports or to art classes and they hear things we wish they hadn’t. They ask questions, just as we are, about what happens now? If they are older, they may even be anxious. You may be asking, as I am, how can we help them? How can we help our country?

Then I remembered one of my favorite quotes from Fred Rogers.

 “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 

‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” – Fred Rogers

After much thought, I realized that the answer, for me, is that I can continue doing what I’ve been doing. I can help you find some children’s books about compassion, kindness and caring to share with your kiddos that might answer their questions, and will definitely lead to some discussions about how they can become helpers. I can assist you in finding some books that will help to instill the values in our children that the world needs to create change, such as the values of kindness, respect, acceptance of differences, compassion and empathy. By doing this, I will try to be one of the helpers, just as Fred Rogers said.

 We don’t know what will happen next, which is always a little scary, but I have faith in the American people, that we will “choose kind”. By working together, we can help our children grow up to be one of the helpers.

I have compiled a list of some childrens books about compassion and caring that I think might be just right for now. Many thanks to Pernille Rip for sharing some of the titles on Instagram, and for inspiring not only the kids in her classroom, but the readers of her blog. She inspired me to write this post about children’s stories about compassion.

Helping Books for Now

compassionate children's books

Seeds of Freedom, The Peaceful Integration of Huntsville, Alabama, by Hester Bass, illustrated by E.B. Lewis.

We can work together peacefully to make big changes. “It starts with one person; that could be you.”

Good People Everywhere, by Lynea Gillen and illustrated by Kristina Swarner.

“Today millions and millions of people will do very good things. And so will you. I wonder what you will do?”

Courage by Bernard Waber

“Courage is what we give to each other.” Something we all need to become a helper.

compassionate children's books

Guess How Much I love You by Sam McBratney and illustrated by Anita Jeram

To help reassure our little ones, even if they are sensing our anxiety, that they are loved “right up to the moon – and back.”

Arthur’s Perfect Christmas by Marc Brown

Arthur learns that his friends may celebrate the holidays differently, but they all find joy.

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes

This charming story will help your little ones understand about apologies and how important they are in a caring world.

compassionate children's books

What a Wonderful World by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele, illustrated by Ashley Bryan

This beautifully illustrated version of the song made famous by Louis Armstrong, reassures children that there is beauty and kindness in our world.

Love Will See You Through by Angela Farris Watkins, PhD, illustrated by Sally Were Comport

This is Martin Luther King Jr.’s six guiding beliefs, as told by his niece. “Uncle Martin was a man of peace. Love was his way of life. … His life was proof that love will see you through.”

Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo

This little boy and his elephant show everyone the true meaning of friendship. Friends “help each other, lift each other over cracks, brave the scary things with you, and never leave anyone behind.” May our kiddos find friends, as well as be one.

compassionate children's books

My Heart Will Not Sit Down by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Ann Tanksley

Kedi, although she and everyone else in her African village have very little, is inspired to help the children of New York City during the depression, because her heart “will not sit down.” Perhaps Kedi’s story will inspire your little ones’ hearts “to not sit down”, so that they will want to help those around them in a way that they can.

Sidewalk Flowers by Jon Arno Lawson and Sydney Smith

A little girl walks through a gray city with her distracted father and picks flowers along the way. The flowers become gifts to those she encounters, and in the process transforms the city and it’s inhabitants. May your children find beauty in their world and share it with others.

Abe Lincoln’s Dream by Lane Smith

Abraham Lincoln is restless. He wasn’t finished with everything he dreamed of doing for the country in 1865. A little girl takes his ghost on a tour of the country to reassure him that the country is united, however the people of the country still “fuss’n fight with his fellow man. We’re still working on that one,” she replies. This illustrates the fact that our leaders want to do their very best for our country.

compassionate children's booksBe a Friend by Salina Yoon

The story of Dennis and Joy, how they express themselves and the friendship that follows will encourage your children to reach out to others and to “be a friend.”

Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian and illustrated by Mike Curato

This delightful story celebrates love even though “we’ll change how it’s done”, says worm. It will help your children understand that love is love!

It’s now been a few days since the election and everyone is relaxing a bit. I hope, as questions arise in your families in the days and weeks to come, these “helping books” will lead you to some answers. I also hope you’ll share your ideas about helping books in the comments below. What are your favorites? I’d love to hear about them!

For more books about kindness and compassion, please link to my previous post:

Kindness Picture Books for Kids

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Kids’ Books to Remember (to help you on your next library visit)

I’m loving all of this beautiful fall weather and the leaves are gorgeous right now (although that means there will soon be SO MANY to rake). And of course, around here we’re all basking in the lovely afterglow of the Cubs win! I’ve never seen so many W banners, so much red and blue apparel, so many touching videos or witnessed such an amazing parade. Although I grew up a Tigers fan, after living in the Chicago area for many years, it is all very heart warming and exciting! I’m thrilled for all of you life long Cubs fans!

Now, to help you on your weekly library visit, here are some more titles (with links to descriptions), as well as some articles too good to miss!

kids’ books to remember: read aloud

Stuart Little by E.B. White

Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat

Frindle by Anderew Clements

kids’ books to remember: picture books

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Zoom at Sea by Tim Wynne-Jones

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree by Jan and Stan Berenstain

kids’ books to remember: chapter books

The Red Wall Series by Brian Jacques

Abel’s Island by William Steig

The Littles by John Peterson

links for mom and dad

Picture Books, Humor and Vocabulary

40 Favorite Audio Books for Kids

9 Fun Ways to Keep Kids Interested in Reading and Storytelling

8 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from Being a Bookworm

5 Picture Books about Loss

Posts you might have missed on Red Canoe reader

Early Chapter Books for Beginning Readers

Some New and Noteworthy Kids’ Chapter Books

Have a wonderful week and enjoy this amazing weather! I’m sure the snow and cold will be here before we know it!

If you have a friend who might be looking for some good kids’ books to check out on their next library visit, please forward this email to them.