Thursday, December 26, 2024
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Season's Readings!
The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better time to
curl up with a good book! Whether you're nestled by the fire or enjoying the
twinkling lights of a Christmas tree, reading can be the perfect way to add
magic to this special time of year. Let’s dive into a world of adventure, joy,
and imagination with some fantastic books that kids will love to read this
season!
1. Classic Winter Wonders
When the snow starts to fall, what better way to warm up
than with a classic winter tale? Books like The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
and Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson are full of cozy moments and
snowy adventures. These timeless stories make the season feel extra special,
with their heartwarming tales of friendship and festive fun.
2. Laugh-Out-Loud Reads
Laughter is a must during the holiday season, and there are
plenty of books that will have kids giggling from start to finish! Try Diary of
a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney or The Bad Guys series by Aaron
Blabey. These hilarious books feature quirky characters and exciting plots that
will keep kids entertained all season long.
3. Festive Picture Books
For younger readers, festive picture books can bring the magic of the season to life with beautiful illustrations and delightful stories. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss never gets old, and The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is a perfect pick for getting in the holiday spirit. These stories are not only fun to read, but they also teach valuable lessons about kindness, giving, and the true meaning of the season.
Find the Spirit of Christmas with this great read. Check out The Christmas Blessing by Erin Guendelsberger.
6. Kid-Approved Gifts!
Looking for the perfect gift for a young reader? Books that have
the Re-Read Roar Award, Adventure Roar Award, or our 5 Roars Award badges are
sure to make any child’s holiday season even brighter. Look for our badges to
help find their next favorite book, ensuring hours of reading fun!
Book Review #106
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Publisher: Philomel Books
ISBN: 978-0399255373
Reading Level: Ages 3–8
Main Characters: Duncan and his pack of colorful, quirky crayons.
Plot: Duncan’s crayons are fed up! Each crayon writes him a letter detailing their woes: overuse, neglect, or even unfair assignments. It’s up to Duncan to find a creative solution to make them all happy.
Settings: Duncan’s house and the colorful world of his imagination
Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Book, Humor, Empathy, and Creativity.
Five Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁
Why Five Roars? This book is great fun for kids and adults alike. The witty letters bring the crayons to life, and Oliver Jeffers’ illustrations make each page a playful experience. Each crayon has its own quirky personality and voice. For example, Blue is exhausted from coloring too many skies, while Peach feels vulnerable because its wrapper was peeled off. A great time to ask the kids in your life what their crayons might say!
I love the idea of adding this book to a family trip or adventure!!! Have your kids document the trip through their crayons’ eyes. For example, Blue might write about the ocean instead of the sky this time. They can draw pictures and write funny notes from their crayons about what they liked or didn’t like about the trip.
Secret Adventure Crayon Journal! Help your kids help the crayons keep a Secret Adventure Crayon Journal. This might include how the crayons secretly feel about the trip or adventure! Too much fun!
Once home, create a mini art gallery (on the fridge) or scrapbook of the crayon adventures, complete with drawings, photos, and letters written by the crayons about the trip and their confidential thoughts about it. Parents/grandparents can keep it as a creative souvenir, capturing the child's unique perspective on the trip. Years later it will be fun that keeps on giving.
Critical Analysis: The Day the Crayons Quit is more than just a cute story—it’s a lesson in empathy and perspective. Each crayon’s complaint is an important reminder of balance and fairness for children. The book creates opportunities for discussions about emotions, teamwork, and creativity.
Connections: Add this story to a DIY crayon craft or an art project where kids reimagine their own crayons’ personalities and what their crayons might say. It’s also a great pick for a classroom read-aloud, sparking conversation about fairness and problem-solving.