Picture Book Pair for a Fun Fall Story Time

by Rebecca J. Gomez Pairing two or more picture books with similar themes can open up a world of discussion possibilities, and those discussions are great ways to connect with your children or students. It can be fascinating to see how different authors and illustrators approach different topics and themes. Pairing books with similar themes during story time will help children learn that everyone sees the world a little differently, and it's good to see other people's perspectives. Read : Leaves by David Ezra Stein and The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater Discuss :  What is the main theme in each of these stories? How are these two books different? How are they similar? What were Bear and Squirrel both confused about?  Have you ever been confused or curious about something in nature? Talk about it! What is fall like where you live? Do you see leaves changing, then falling from the trees?  What other books about fall or leaves have you read? Are any of

Twelve Books for Easter: A Read, Discuss, Do! Book List

It's Easter time again, and there are so many wonderful books about Easter and bunnies and eggs that are perfect to share this time of year. We have put together a collection of some of our favorites, both old and new. We hope that these books will inspire families to talk about spring and Easter and do something special to celebrate the season together.

Ideas for things to DISCUSS: 

  • Why do people celebrate Easter? Does your family celebrate? Why or why not?
  • What other special things happen during spring time?
  • What are the best kind of Easter treats?
  • If you could fill an Easter basket for your favorite person, what would be in it?
Ideas for things to DO:
  • Go to an Easter egg hunt or hold your own at home or a park.
  • Make cookies shaped like bunnies, eggs, or other Easter/spring shapes.
  • Make an Easter basket for a neighbor and surprise them with it.
  • Fill plastic eggs with treats and give them to friends and neighbors.
  • Donate to a food pantry or shelter to help other people celebrate the season.
And now for the list!

Easter Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Sophie Allsopp. This book tells the Easter story in seven beautiful scenes, each with a very special lift-the-flap envelope that has a message for your child from God.

Bunny Finds Easter by Laura Sassi, illustrated by Ela Jarzabek. This book is perfect for the youngest readers. It is a simple, sweet story in which Bunny discovers what Easter is all about.

Resurrection Eggs by Family Life. This is more than a book. It is a kit of plastic eggs, each filled with a small object that helps to tell the Biblical narrative of Easter. The last egg is empty, symbolizing the empty tomb. A fun family tradition!

Bunny Bus by Ami-Joan Paquette, illustrated by Leslie Breen Withrow. This is a charming story in rhyme about group of animal characters who climb aboard the Bunny Bus on their way to the Easter parade.

Ollie's Easter Eggs by Olivier Dunrea. This is a fun story full of bright colors, humor, and just the right amount of repetition, making it an excellent choice for toddlers and preschoolers.

I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God by Diane Stortz, illustrated by Diane LeFeyer. This Bible story book presents the entire Bible, helping children get to know God through his many names.

Miracle Man by John Hendrix. This gorgeously illustrated retelling the story of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection uses visual metaphor that is sure to capture the attention and imagination of young readers.

Easter Bugs: A Springtime Pop-Up by David A. Carter. This is an older book, but worth adding to the list because of the sensory elements that allow children to feel different textures as they hear lovely descriptions of eggs.

Hopper's Easter Surprise by Kathrin Siegenthaler and Marcus Pfister, illustrated by Marcus Pfister. Hopper, an arctic hare, wants to be an Easter bunny. But when he tries to carry eggs, things don't go so well. The beautiful watercolor illustrations and egg designs make this a delightful book to share with your children.

An Easter Prayer by Amy Parker, illustrated by Alison Edgson. An irresistibly adorable board book emphasizing that God is the one to thank for all of the wonders of springtime.

Egg by Kevin Henkes. Though not an Easter book, we couldn't resist including this simple, endearing friendship story on this list of great books to read at Easter.

Easter is Coming! by Tama Fortner, illustrated by Wazza Pink. A delightful introduction to the significance of Easter told in a way that captures God's whole redemptive story via kid-friendly vignettes of key moments in scripture.










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