#131 - The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper


Summary: First published in 1930, The Little Engine That Could has charmed countless children over the years with its story of kindness, determination, and ultimately, success.  


Readers respond to the mantra of the little engine as she chants, “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.” The message is inspirational: Try as hard as you can; don't give up.

Suggested Activity: Pack it Up


Get out a suitcase and pack for a pretend trip. Help your child think of all the things he/she would need to pack for a trip.

Suggested Activity: A to Z

Make an Alphabet Train by lining up something that begins with each letter of the alphabet (apple, box, crayon, etc).

#130 - My Mommy Hung the Moon by Jamie Lee Curtis



Summary My Mommy Hung the Moon celebrates the unconditional love between mother and child. The little narrator declares,"My Mommy's good at everything!" When it comes to stealing bases, untangling kites, baking cookies, and carpooling she's the champ. 



Suggested Activity:  Caring Ropes

For this activity use a 20 inch rug-yarn length or leather strip for each student. Ask students to keep track of their caring deeds towards others. Each time they perform a deed, invite them to tie a knot in the rope. Keep the ropes in an accessible place, such as a cubby. You Mom's "caring rope" sure would have a lot of knots!


Curriculum AreaProsocial Behavior (plays well with other children, recognizes the feelings of others and responds appropriately)

Appropriate Age Group
: 5 and up

#129 - Before You Were Mine by Maribeth Booth


Summary:
A little boy wonders what life was like for his new dog before he adopted him from a shelter.
Maybe he was kept on a chain, with a dusty bowl and lonely sounds all around. In the end, the boy realizes that it doesn't matter what happened because now his dog is home.

Suggested Activity:  Animal Shelter Visit



Your local animal shelter is a great field trip destination for children. There is usually no cost to visit these facilities, and the staff can help teach youngsters the importance of caring for animals properly as well as the right way to play with their pets so they won't be scared or harmed. 

Curriculum Area: Prosocial Behavior (recognizes the feelings of others and acts appropriately, shares and respects the rights of others)

 
Appropriate Age Group
: 4 and up

#128 - The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster


Summary: The window in Nanna and Poppy's kitchen is no ordinary window–it is the place where love and magic happens. It's where the girl and her doting grandparents watch stars, play games, and, most importantly, say hello and goodbye.  

Suggested Activity:
Many Languages

Ask children if they know any other ways of saying "hello," in English. Discuss phrases such as "howdy" and "what's up?" Explain that people in other parts of the world use other words that have the same meaning. Teach preschool students how to say hello in other languages such as "ciao," "bonjour," "buenos dias," "konichiwa" and "shalom."
 

Curriculum Area: Prosocial Behavior (shares and respects the rights of others)

Appropriate Age Group: 4 and up

#128 - Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal


Summary: Meet Spoon. He’s always been a happy little utensil.  But lately, he feels like life as a spoon just isn’t cutting it.  He thinks Fork, Knife, and The Chopsticks all have it so much better than him. As it turns out, the other culinary implements think Spoon is the one who has it made—who else gets to bang on pots, dive into a bowl of ice cream, or relax in hot cup of tea?
 

Suggested Activity:  Silverware Set


Provide a silverware set. The children can sort the pieces according to sizes, shapes, and/or use.

Curriculum Area: Logical Thinking (classifies objects)

Appropriate Age Group: 4 and up

#127 - A Blue's Clues Chanukah by Jessica Lissy


Summary: Blue and her friends have been invited to a Chanukah party at Orange Kitten's house! From lighting the menorah and eating special foods to playing dreidel and singing songs, you can join in the celebration too!

Suggested ActivityMenorah Craft


Glue eight wooden or styrofoam spools of equal size to a piece of wood, leaving a space in the middle. Glue a larger spool in the middle, thus making four smaller spools on each side. The menorah can be lit during the eight days of Hanukkah during group time. Explain the meaning of a menorah to the group as well.

Curriculum Area: Prosocial Behavior (shares and respects the rights of others)

Appropriate Age Group
: 4 and up

#126 - Wash Your Hands by Tony Ross



Summary: The Little Princess learns that if she doesn't wash her hands, the germs and nasties "can get into your food, and then into your tummy ... and then they make you ill." The little princess cheerfully accepts the reasoning behind hand-washing and does just that before eating a big slice of cake. 

Suggested Activity:  Hand-Washing Check




Have children wash their hands. Then take small pieces of cotton dipped in rubbing alcohol. Rub the back of each child's hand with the moistened cotton. Look at the dirt on the cotton and discuss what it means. 
Even when we think we've washed our hands thoroughly, there may still be dirt present. Remind children to sing "Happy Birthday" two times (10-15 seconds) to kill germs.

Curriculum Area: Sense of Self (takes responsibility for own well-being)

Appropriate Age Group
: 4 and up

#125 - Lilly's Purple Purse by Kevin Henkes


Summary: Lily loves everything about school. She loves the sharp pencils, squeaky chalk and Mr. Slinger, who is the coolest teacher in the world. But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse, three jingly quarters, and movie star sunglasses to school and can't wait until sharing time, Mr. Slinger confiscates her prized possessions. 



Outside of school she finds a note in her returned purse that reads, “Today was a difficult day. Tomorrow will be better.” Mr. Slinger is truly the best!

Suggested Activity
: Guess the Emotion

One child chooses an emotion and acts out that feeling. The other children playing the game try to guess the emotion. The child who guesses correctly becomes the next actor. 



Curriculum Area: Prosocial Behavior (recognizes the feelings of others and responds appropriately)

Appropriate Age Group
: 4 and up

#124 - The Easter Egg by Jan Brett


Summary: If Hoppi can make the best Easter egg, he will get to help the Easter Rabbit deliver the eggs on Easter morning. But it is not so easy. Discouraged, he goes into the woods to think when a blue robin’s egg tumbles out of its nest. Hoppi keeps it safe and warm until the baby bird hatches, and when the Easter Rabbit arrives, he chooses the empty blue eggshell to reward Hoppi for his kindness.

Suggested Activity: Sharing Baskets


Decorate eggs or baskets to give to a home for the elderly. Take a field trip and let the children deliver them.

Curriculum Area: Prosocial Behavior (recognizes the feelings of others and responds appropriately)

Appropriate Age Group
: 4 and up

#123 - A Color of his Own by Leo Leoni


Summary: The chameleon is forlorn that he doesn't have a color of his own.  He is purple like the heather, yellow like a lemon, and even black and orange striped like a tiger! When another chameleon suggests they travel together, he learns that companionship is more important than what color you are. No matter where he goes with his new friend, they will always be alike.

Suggested Activity: The Feel of Color
This activity can be introduced at large group time. Begin by collecting colored construction paper. Individually hold each color up and ask the children how that particular color makes them feel. Adjectives that may be used include: hot, cold cheerful, warm, sad, tired, happy, clean, etc.

Curriculum Area: Sense of Self (recognizes own feelings and manages them appropriately)

Appropriate Age Group
: 4 and up