February is a great month for reading. It’s cold and your kids will be spending more time indoors. There are a variety of topics associated with February… Black History Month, Presidents Day, Valentine’s Day, American Heart Month, Love Your Pet Month, and Random Acts of Kindness Month. We’ve selected a few books related to these topics to keep your kids engaged and occupied while the temperature is dropping.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Mouse! (If You Give a Mouse…) by Laura Numeroff – Join Mouse as he celebrates Valentine’s Day with his friends. For ages Infant – 4
Jake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon is a story about kindness, celebrating diversity and friendship. For ages 2-4
P is for President by Wendy Cheyette Lewison – Kids can learn about running for and being elected president from the experiences of our past presidents. For ages 3-5
If Animals Kissed Good Night by Ann Whitford Paul – a fun and loving look at the love between animals and their young. For ages 3-6
Love is… by Diane Adams – This is a rhyming picture book about caring to be shared by parents and children. A little girl finds a duckling separated from its mother and she takes it home to give it the care it needs to survive. Eventually, the duckling grows into a duck and becomes too big to stay in the tiny apartment. The little girl takes it to a pond and releases it. She often wonders about her beloved duck, until one day it returns for a visit with little ducklings in tow. It’s a story about loving and the tremendous amount of love it takes to let go when the time comes. I like the message that the love will come back to you it’s never really gone. For ages 3 to 6
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles – Learn about the courage of Ruby Bridges, the first child who crossed the segregation line in 1960 to attend a previously all-white school, William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana. For ages 4-8
It’s Just a Bunnypalooza by Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco – Lizzy is learning some really-cool dance moves from her bunnies to get ready for the school talent show. When she tells her classmates, they laugh at her and Lizzy becomes too embarrassed to talk to her pets. Can the bunnies come to the rescue and restore Lizzy’s sense of fun and wonder to make her believe in the power of friendship again? For ages 4-8
The Story of John Lewis by Tonya Leslie – John Lewis grew up on a farm in the segregated South. He wasn’t allowed to attend a good school, but he worked hard to educate himself and eliminate racial barriers. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights movement. He became a civil rights activist and a United States Congressman representing the people of Georgia. For ages 6-9
Ellie May on Presidents’ Day by Hillary Homzie – Ellie May loves learning about presidents and more than anything she wants to be selected to be her classroom’s flag holder on Presidents’ Day. Kids will love reading about her antics as Ellie May tries to convince her fellow students she is the best choice. For ages 6-9
101 Hearts (Highlights Hidden Pictures 101 Activities Book) – by Highlights – Kids will enjoy looking for the 101 hidden hearts, plus the full-color heart puzzles, jokes, riddles, mazes crafts, and more. For ages 6-9
Leaders Like Us: Shirley Chisholm by J.P. Miller from Rourke Educational Media – this is one of 6 books on important leaders – Shirley Chisholm smashed barriers for Blacks and women during her distinguished career as a member of Congress, political activist, and educator. For ages 6-10
Cat Diaries: Secret Writings of the Meow Society by Betsy Byars, Betsy Duffey, and Laurie Myers – this is a fun collection of cat stories written by Byars and her daughters. For ages 7-10
Black Heroes: A Black History Book for Kids: 51 Inspiring People from Ancient Africa to Modern Day U.S.A. – by Arlisha Norwood – Meet 51 black leaders and heroes from Ancient history to modern times. For ages 8-12
DK Eyewitness Books: Presidents by James Barbour and the Smithsonian Institution - explore the lives of our past presidents and the impact they have had on our democracy. For ages 8-12
I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches that Changed the World by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – Read his famous speeches and be inspired to build a better world. For ages 10 and up