Read, Discuss, Do Holiday Gift Guide

  It’s that time of year again. The time of year when we’re all thinking about what books to give the people in our life! If you’re at a loss or just need some fresh ideas, we’re here to help with a list of some books that we think would make great gifts. From babies to middle graders, from fans of board books to graphic novels, there's something for all the young readers in your life on this list! Read the full list here . Don't miss a thing. Sign up for our biweekly newsletter by filling out the form below! 

Summer Challenge Week 8: Night Time!

It's week eight of the Read, Discuss, Do! Summer Challenge, and this week it's all about night! Summertime is a great time of year to spend a little time out at night. There is so much to see and hear that doesn't happen during the day. Stars shining, owls hooting, bugs buzzing around in the glow of street lamps. We hope that this week's challenge will encourage you to do some night time reading and have some night time fun, even if you stay inside to do it!

Ideas for books to read:

  • If You Were Night by Muon Thi Van, illustrated by Kelly Pousette. This beautiful book, illustrated with cut paper dioramas, is a lyrical exploration of the natural world at night. 
  • The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Beth Krommes. A quiet, lyrical book about sources of light inside and out.
  • While You Are Sleeping by Mariana Ruiz Johnson. This is a wordless book that takes the reader on a night time adventure while a child in the story dreams.

Ideas for things to discuss:

  • What are some things you can only see at night?
  • Are you afraid of night or of the dark? If so, why?
  • What is something you like to do at night?
  • How many nocturnal animals can you name?

Ideas for things to do: 

  • Go for a walk at night and look for things that are featured in the book you read.
  • Sit outside and star gaze. Try looking for constellations and planets. Use a telescope if you have one!
  • Visit your zoo's nocturnal exhibit if possible. Otherwise, watch a documentary about nocturnal animals.
  • Create some night-inspired art. Try a style based on one of the books, such as a cut paper diorama (If You Were Night) or scratchboard art (The House in the Night). 
  • Play a game of hide-and-seek in the dark.
Do you have a favorite book about night time? Let us know in the comments or on social media with the hashtag #RDDSummerChallenge.



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