There will be a lot of reading going on this week –
Read Across America (Dr. Suess’s birthday) is March 2nd and celebrated in school throughout the week
World Read Aloud Day is March 5th
World Book Day is March 6th
All great opportunities to share a new book (and a love of reading) with the kids!
In honor of all the book days, I thought I’d share some of our favorites as you celebrate with your kids! I’ve included affilaite links so you can check out each of the books in more detail.
Each year, I try to introduce a new Dr. Seuss story to the kids so I thought I’d share a few lesser known but very enjoyable reads:
The Sneetches and Other Stories is a great collection. The Sneetches teach kids about prejudice and why we shouldn’t judge others by what they have or don’t have or by appearances. The lesser known stories in this collection include “The Zax” which shows us why compromise is important and “What Was I Scared Of?” which shares a message of bravery and facing your fears.
I’m not sure what I like more about The Butter Battle Book – the ridiculously difficult tongue twisters or the historical and thought-provoking references. Great fun for all kids!
McElligot’s Pool is one of my favorite Suess tales because it showcases imagination and what might happen if you’re patient. This is one of those stories that you can read to the kids when they’re young and then re-read to them as a tween or teen as they’ll hear a different message as they grow.
Suessville also has some fun online activities and printables for kids!
4 Read-alouds to Share
Believe me, I could list a lot more than four – in fact, we have a list of 50 Amazing Read-Alouds for Kids! But there’s always more to add & explore. If I have to recommend a few, I thought I would choose books that everyone would enjoy no matter what their age:
The Quiltmaker’s Giftby Jeff Brumbeau has gorgeous illustrations and shows us how giving to others can give us pleasure. A message that will speak to both kids and adults. This story is continued in the second book, The Quiltmaker’s Journey.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo is a beautiful tale of the journey from selfishness to love. Kids will enjoy learning how a little rabbit touches the lives of many people as he travels and as a result, how he learns to love.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothingby Judy Blume is hilarious for kids and adults alike. Readers and listeners will laugh and cringe with Peter as he puts up with the escapades of his younger brother, ‘Fudge’.
You may have enjoyed Half Magicby Edward Eager as a kid, and if not, you will definatly enjoy it as you share it with your kids. Four children find a magic coin that is magic – well, half magic – which leads them to some very strange outlandish outcomes. This is part of a 7 book series which also includes the adventures of Magic by the Lake and Knight’s Castle.
Celebrate World Book Day with a Bear Hunt!
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the classic kids story, read We’re Going on a Bear Hunt with the kids on March 6th! This is a board book which can be enjoyed by babies, toddlers and also older kids as they learn the words and want to “live the story”.
One of the fun ways to enjoy this story is by getting up and acting out each of the lines in the story – watch this video of Michael Rosen (author) as he acts out the story (kids love finger plays and “get up and move” stories!)
