Book and Gift Pairings for the Holidays

Books make great gifts any time of year. But what's even better? Books paired with a items meant to extend the enjoyment of the story! This Read, Discuss, Do! Gift Guide pairs some of our favorite books with other gifts meant to help extend the fun of the story beyond the last page and maybe even encourage some new experiences. We hope you find some good ideas for readers and doers in your life on this list. For Babies and Toddlers Hey, Bruce! by Ryan T. Higgins. Pair this super fun (and funny) interactive picture book with a black bear plush, such as this First and Main 10-inch Bear .  Stomp, Wiggle, Clap, and Tap: My First Book of Dance  by Rachel Burk and illustrated by Alyssa De Asis, a book that encourages imaginative play. Pair this book with a musical gift such as a music box or instrument. Or maybe a dance costume! More books for active babies and toddlers For Little Makers The Thingity-Jig by Kathleen Doherty and illustrated by Kristyna Litten will be a sure hit with lit

Ten Most Popular Read, Discuss, Do Posts of 2022

Everyone at Read, Discuss, Do! hopes that you have a very happy New Year full of lots of moments in which children's books create connections between you and the young readers in your life. That's why we love to share simple (and sometimes less simple) story time ideas! Here's a look back at some of the most popular posts of 2022. Did you miss any of these?

10. Snack and Story Time: Scarecrow Haystacks - This story time activity pairs a great book with a delicious and easy snack!


9. Taking Stock: Thoughts on Kitchens and Books - Laura Sassi shares her thoughts on "taking stock" of what your kids are reading. 

8. Summer Challenge Week One: Tasty Treats! - Suggestions for books about treats, along with discussion and activity ideas for a tasty and engaging summer story time. 

7. Guest Post: Because Mom Read Aloud - A guest post by Samantha Coté, daughter of Rebecca J. Gomez, reflecting on how reading aloud influenced her own love for books. 


6. North Woods Girl Review and Nature Collage - A review of North Woods Girl by Aimée Bissonette, illustrated by Claudia McGehee, along with a story time idea with discussion topics and a creative nature collage.

5. Thank You, Omu! Review and Activity - A review and story time idea for Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora. Discuss the book and create a thank you note inspired by the book's illustrations.

4. Story Time Idea: Federico and the Wolf - A simple discussion and activity to pair with Federico and the Wolf by Rebecca J. Gomez, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri. 


3. Interview with author Jody Jensen Shaffer - Laura Sassi interviews Jody Jensen Shaffer, author of Emergency Kittens!, A Chip Off the Old Block, and more. 

2. Can I Be Your Dog? Letter Writing Activity - A story time idea for Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings. Discuss the story, then write letters of your own like Arfy does in the book. 

And the most popular post of 2022 is...

Story Time Idea: Kate, Who Tamed the Wind



Comments

Mindy Baker said…
Fun to look back at the year!