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

Summer Challenge Week One: Tasty Treats!

 
Welcome to week 1 of the Read, Discuss, Do! Summer Challenge! This week's challenge is fun and delicious! What better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than with some great books and tasty treats? We challenge you to read and discuss one or more books that feature some kind of tasty treat, and share a tasty treat together. You can grab popsicles out of the freezer, bake some cookies, head to a doughnut shop--it's up to you! The point is to enjoy reading and connecting with your kids by combining books with summer fun (and treats).

Some recommended reads:

Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Brianne Farley. Featured treat: DOUGHNUTS! This is a fun and charming story about friendship and sharing.

When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L. B. Deenihan, illustrated by Lorraine Rocha. Featured treat: LEMONADE! This is a sweet and funny story about a little girl who receives an unwanted birthday gift, but learns to appreciate it. This book includes a simple recipe for homemade lemonade.

Oh Look, a Cake! by J.C. McKee. Featured treat: CAKE! Who doesn't love cake, right? Some people find it irresistible (like the characters in this book). This story is funny and silly and has a surprise ending. 

For more recommended reads, check out this list of picture books that include recipes

Some discussion ideas:

  • Talk about the story. What is your favorite part? Did you like how it ended? How might you have written the story differently?
  • What treat is featured in the story? Is that something you've tried before? Did you like it or not?
  • What is your favorite "tasty treat" to enjoy during the summer?
Some ideas for things to do.
We would love to know how you took on this week's challenge. You can share in the comments here or by using #RDDSummerChallenge on social media. Have fun with books and tasty treats this week!

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And now, announcing the winner of the giveaway: Michelle! Check your email for information on how to claim your prize. Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone who signed up and entered the giveaway. We will have another BIGGER giveaway at the end of the summer!

Comments

Trine Grillo said…
This first post of the challenge turned out great!