The holidays are the perfect time to read with your kids. If you will be traveling, the right books can be lifesavers. Keep them occupied at the airport and on the plane or in the car with books or audio books and headphones.
Let the grandparents or an auntie or uncle read to your child or better yet let your kids read to them. If you are staying put this season, carve out some special time for reading. You’ll be glad you did because these precious times won’t last forever. Here are a few of our picks for November:
Five Silly Turkeys: A Board book by Salina Yoon – A fun counting book for toddlers with silly Thanksgiving turkeys doing very silly things. Your little ones will laugh as they see turkeys twirling on a dance floor, being chased by a bee, and tanning in the sun. For ages 2-5
Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving by Joseph Bruchac – Kids will learn the story of the first Thanksgiving through the eyes of Native Americans. It’s a nice balance to the traditional Thanksgiving story. For ages 4-7
In November by Cynthia Rylant – cherish the fall season as the animals get ready for winter, the leaves turn colors, there’ a chill in the air and families gather together to give thanks. For ages 4-7
Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf – based on a real family that has hosted an outdoor Thanksgiving celebration in Upstate New York for over 20 years. Family and friends gather in the woods to celebrate Thanksgiving. Everyone brings something to share and people gather around bonfires and long tables topped with candles and delicious food. They sing songs, laugh and share stories as they celebrate the blessings of family, faith, and friendship. For ages 4-7
The Very First Americans by Cara Ashrose – Long before the Pilgrims landed in America, hundreds of groups of indigenous peoples made their homes here. Kids will learn about these very first Americans. Find out how they lived, what they ate and did for fun? Where are they now? For ages 4-8
Today by Julie Morstad – This book is about making choices. What will you wear today? What’s for breakfast? Where will you go? Children are given colorful choices and fun interactive activities to choose from as they plan their special day. Pages offer choices, ask questions and there are even flaps to peek behind to see what surprises await. It’s a great way to get kids excited about the possibilities each choice affords. It can help build decision making skills and offer your picky eater some new and exciting ideas for breakfast. Make every day an adventure. For ages 4-8
Countries around the World: A Children's Picture Book about the Different Countries around the World
by Melissa Ackerman – this book features pictures and information on 196 countries. By some definitions there are 195 or 197 countries. The number does change, but that’s another story for another time when you kids are older. Kids will love the fun facts and colorful images. For ages 5-8
This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World by Matt Lamothe - Follow a day in the real lives of seven kids from around the world. Kids will read about a specific child in each of these countries, Italy, Japan, Iran, India, Peru, Uganda, and Russia. It’s a great way to learn about our world and other cultures. For ages 5-9
Kids Thanksgiving Activity & Coloring Book by Say What You Really Mean (SWYRM) – kids of all ages will have fun drawing pictures, writing stories, solving word searches and puzzles. Never let your kids get bored. A great activity book in case the weather doesn’t cooperate this November. For kids of all ages
Mayflower 1620: A New Look at a Pilgrim Voyage - by Plimoth Plantation, Peter Arenstam, John Kemp, Catherine O'Neill Grace and Sisse Brimberg - The National Geographic Society and Plimoth Plantation tell the true story behind the voyage of the Mayflower. Information for the book is taken from the personal journals of the passengers detailing what they ate, conditions at sea and their hopes and dreams. Photographs taken from a rare reenactment using the Mayflower II help readers visualize the actual conditions aboard ship. For ages 8-12
Native American Tales and Legends by Allan A. MacFarlan – Readers will enjoy this exciting collection of more than thirty stories from various Native American tribes - tales of little people, giants and monsters, magic, enchantment, sorcery, and the spirit world. For ages 8-14
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie – Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation, wants to take his future into his own hands, so he leaves his troubled school on the reservation to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. The book is based on the author's own experiences. For ages 12-17