New Experiences

March 9 – National Reading Month

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About the Holiday

The month of March is dedicated to reading! National Reading Month was designed to  encourage children and adults to read every day and celebrates the joys and benefits that reading together can bring. When you spend time reading with your child,  you’re helping them develop the language and literacy skills that will promote future success in school and beyond. Even if your child isn’t talking yet, they’re listening and learning about their language as you read to them. Older kids also love being read to—or reading to you! Setting aside time to read together builds strong bonds that can last a lifetime. The month is typically marked with special events in schools, libraries, bookstores, and communities that bring authors, illustrators, and educators together with kids.

You’ll find book lists and recommendations, monthly reading theme ideas, tips for reading and for guest readers, and places to find free books and resources on the National Education Association website.

Disco Dave

Written by Jody Jensen Shaffer | Illustrated by Yana Kozak

 

Dave the walrus loved everything about disco, from the beat of the music to the hip clothes, sparkly décor, and the groovy dances. “Especially the dances!” He thought The Bump, The Funky Chicken, and The Robot were “‘far out!’” But Dave was not a natural dancer. In fact, when he hit the dance floor his moves were more of a natural disaster. Dave decided to take dance lessons.

Illustration © 2026 by Yana Kozak. Text © 2026 by Jody Jensen Shaffer. Courtesy of Magination Press.

He was doing pretty well until his flipper tripped him up. Still, when Dave received an invitation to a birthday dance, he was excited to bust the moves he’d learned in class. But things didn’t quite go as planned. Dave’s friends tried to let him down gently: “‘Maybe you groove to different dance moves,’ said KC.” But Dave adored Disco with all his heart, and when he saw an announcement for a Disco dance contest, he was ready to boogie down. But once again, his flippers failed him, and he had to admit Disco wasn’t for him.

Illustration © 2026 by Yana Kozak. Text © 2026 by Jody Jensen Shaffer. Courtesy of Magination Press.

“Dave boxed up his bell bottoms and platform shoes and made his way to the donation center. On his way there, though, he passed by Disco Heaven and saw that it was closed! His friend Donna told him that the disc jockey had quit. How would Dave and his friends groove to the beats without the club? Then Dave had an idea! He might not have all right the moves yet, but he did have Disco in his soul. He got behind the soundboard and started experimenting. It turned out Dave had just the right stuff to keep the music alive so he and his friends could keep on truckin’ to their own funky beats.

The story is followed by a detailed discussion by Silvi Guerra PsyD on the nature of learning new skills and how children can find joy in the process while developing perseverance, confidence, and resilience that will benefit them throughout their life. Using the example of dance, Guerra also gives parents and other caregivers tips on how they can make any learning journey fun and meaningful.

Illustration © 2026 by Yana Kozak. Text © 2026 by Jody Jensen Shaffer. Courtesy of Magination Press.

Jody Jensen Shaffer channels the Disco era in her story that envelops kids in a caring community of friends as Dave tries again and again to master the dances he loves so much. As Dave comes to accept that he has two left flippers—for now—Shaffer offers new perspectives on practice, perseverance, keeping an upbeat outlook, and being open to alternate opportunities to shine. Her storytelling is peppered with puns, 1970s’ slang, and you’ll want to check out the names of Dave’s friends for some back-in-the-(Disco) day references.

Yana Kozak lets kids in on all the glitter and groove of Disco, from mirrored Disco balls and multi-hued floors to rad fashions and hair styles to all those iconic dances. Children will also appreciate Dave’s enthusiasm for Disco and empathize with his mishaps. Dave’s ability to turn disappointment into triumph is clearly demonstrated and inspiring.

Ages 4 – 8

Magination Press—American Psychological Association, 2026 | ISBN 978-1433848582

Jody Jensen Shaffer is an award-winning poet and the author of more than seventy books of fiction and nonfiction for children. Jody’s poetry and fiction have been published in magazines like Highlights, Ladybug, and Clubhouse Jr. She lives in Liberty, Missouri. Visit her at jodyjensenshaffer.com.

Yana Kozak is a Ukrainian children’s book illustrator living in France. She loves to create funny, emotional characters who are exploring the world. Follow her on Instagram.

National Reading Month Activity

     

Reading Fun Bookmarks to Color

 

Mark where you’ve stopped reading or your favorite page with these bookmarks you can color and make your own!

Just One More Page Bookmark | Happy Reading Bookmark

You can purchase Disco Dave from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

March 3 – National I Want You to be Happy Day

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About the Holiday

With everything going on in our lives it can be easy to focus on ourselves, our work, and the next task to be done. National I Want You to be Happy Day reminds us that joy can be found by simply noticing and acting on moments when we can “do something small, sincere, and specific” to make someone else feel happy. Perhaps this is expressing thank-you for a job well done, doing someone a favor, or sharing a smile, compliment, or cup of tea. One of the best ways to celebrate the day is to take a moment to tell someone how much you appreciate them. Bringing joy to someone else is sure to make you happy too!

When You Dream Big!

By Peter H. Reynolds 

 

Charley’s class was celebrating Dream Big Week, and their teacher, Miss Rayna, had asked her students what they wanted to be when they grew up. She’d even given each of them a pair of wings to decorate and display their dream job. Everyone had gotten right to work, but Charley had no idea about her future. When Miss Rayna asked if anyone would like to share their dream, many hands shot into the air. Hazel was going to travel to Mars and invited others to join her. Martin was “going to be a famous actor,” and when Anya became an engineer, she said she would “build a bridge across the ocean.” None of these appealed to Charley; the whole thing made her nervous. Miss Rayna smiled at Charley and told the class it was okay if they needed more time.

Text and illustration © 2026 by Peter H. Reynolds. Courtesy of Orchard Books.

After school, Charley walked home, feeling anxious, droopy. Then she looked down at her sandaled feet. She thought for a moment and “gave her toes a good wiggle.” Charley took a deep breath. “She felt grounded” and determined to move forward. The next morning Charley woke up with ideas she couldn’t wait to share. In class, Charley wore her wings and raised her hand first, but when she stood to talk, she froze. She wiggled her toes then began slowly, revealing a new perspective on her future. Her ambitions may not have touched on fame or fortune or the seemingly impossible, but as Charley talked more and more of her classmates joined in with dreams they could attain now, ones that would carry them into a bright future.

An inspirational message for children from Peter H. Reynolds follows the story.

Text and illustration © 2026 by Peter H. Reynolds. Courtesy of Orchard Books.

Children frequently hear the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?,” and as they enter school, they’re often asked to write or draw about their hopes and dreams for the future. For some children this focus on a far-away time period can be daunting. In his reassuring story, Peter H. Reynolds brings this question closer—to today, tomorrow, and each step forward. Charley’s dilemma is clearly stated (“she had no idea” what she wants to be), and although trying to answer the question makes her anxious, she remains grounded in her belief in herself. Charley’s display of confidence and her thoughtful answer the next day in class offers welcome insight and gives adults and children a meaningful way to talk about personal growth and staying true to yourself. 

Peter H. Reynolds’ immediately recognizable and always charming illustrations replicate the excitement of a classroom celebrating a special project while also highlighting Charley’s growing anxiety. From the moment that Charley wiggles her toes, Reynolds’ pages are bathed in the golden light of her ideas and eagerness to share. The final class Big Dream photo is inspirational in its joyful diversity.

Stirring, affirming, and comforting, When You Dream Big! is a must for all school, classroom, and public library collections and will be requested often from home bookshelves.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1339000350

About the Author

Peter H. Reynolds is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of many books for children, including Happy Dreamer, The Word Collector, Say Something!, Be You!, Our Table, and All We Need Is Love and a Really Soft Pillow! He is also the illustrator of When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left and The Reflection in Me by Marc Colagiovanni. His books have been translated into over 25 languages around the globe and are celebrated worldwide. In 1996, he founded FableVision with his brother, Paul, as a social change agency to help create “stories that matter, stories that move.” He lives in Dedham, Massachusetts, with his family. Visit him at peterhreynolds.com.

I Want You to be Happy Day Activity

When You Dream Big Activity Guide

 

In your classroom, library, community center, or at home, you can hold a Dream Big event with this When You Dream Big! Activity Guide from Peter H. Reynolds and Scholastic! Full of ideas, discussion questions, and hands-on activities, this kit gives you everything you need to celebrate the power of imagination and self-reflection with your children. 

You can purchase When You Dream Big! from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

September 17 – International Country Music Day

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About the Holiday

International Country Music Day was established in 2003 with September 17th chosen to honor Hank Williams, one of country music’s most influential artists. The day was created to bring together country music artists and fans from all over the world to celebrate their favorite music genre. To celebrate today, listen to your favorite artists from the past and today! And don’t forget to honor the Grand Ole Opry by adding today’s book to your family’s country music collection!

Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry!

Written by Emily Frans | Illustrated by Susanna Chapman | Foreword by Lainey Wilson

 

Celebrating its 100th anniversary with a buoyant “Howdy!”, the Grand Ole Opry (Opry for short) welcomes readers in for a personal tour of the beloved home of country music, where “history is made and stars are born.” Following their knowledgeable guide through the performers’ entrance, kids first check in with the security guard to get their backstage pass and dressing room number. Passes in hand, kids continue backstage, where they feel the excitement in the air and view pictures of past stars who graced the stage. “Did you know my show started way back in 1925?” The Grand Ole Opry asks.

Illustration © 2025 by Susanna Chapman. Text © 2025 by Emily Frans. Courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

While looking for their dressing room, children find themselves in the midst of today’s hottest stars all warming up or jamming together before the show. Prepped for their performance, kids stop by the Family Room to wait for their turn on stage. They’re in good company as photos of the “Opry family” surround them, and tonight’s other performers are hanging out there too. 

At seven minutes to showtime, kids meet the band in the rehearsal space. Five minutes to showtime, and kids are heading for the stage, where the crew is making last-minute adjustments. Nearby, “musicians and performers stand by waiting for their cue to walk on stage” while the Opry Square Dancers warm up on the sidelines.

Illustration © 2025 by Susanna Chapman. Text © 2025 by Emily Frans. Courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Thirty seconds to showtime! Almost time for readers to stand center stage in the storied circle of wood cut from the Ryman Auditorium, country music’s original home. The countdown begins, and the Opry is there with encouragement. “10, 9, 8  . . . Take a deep breath . . . 7, 6, 5  . . . Don’t be nervous, you’ve got this! . . . 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . The curtain is coming up and the band is kicking off your song! Here we go!” 

The reader is met with thunderous applause as the drums beat and the bass thrums. Energy and love surround them! The Opry is full of congratulations—”You did it! You made your Opry debut!” And encouragement: “Wasn’t it fun imagining what it would be like to perform on country music’s most famous stage? If you work hard and dream big enough, anything is possible!” 

A brief history of the Grand Ole Opry, plus memories from Lauren Alaina, Kelsea Ballerini, Scotty McCreery, and Dolly Parton about their Opry debut follow the story.

Illustration © 2025 by Susanna Chapman. Text © 2025 by Emily Frans. Courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

The excitement inside the Grand Ole Opry is palpable in Emily Frans’ welcoming introduction to this historic venue, beloved by country music fans everywhere. Whether readers simply adore listening to country music or have the big stage in their sights, they’ll be enthralled with Frans’ personal, direct-address storytelling that makes them feel like one of the Opry family. 

As raucous and inviting as the Grand Ole Opry itself, Susanna Chapman’s visually remarkable and whimsical collage-style illustrations are sure to have children and adults starstruck with the abundance of photographs of their favorite performers playing and singing. Fans of a certain age will be cheered to once again see Minnie Pearl with her signature “How-Dee!!!”, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Roy Acuff, Charlie Pride, Little Jimmy Dickens, Patsy Cline, and Deford Bailey, among others. Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Loretta Lynn, and others are also here, while the younger generation will be wowed by Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Lady A, Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery, Chapel Hart, Post Malone, and more. And, of course, the ageless Dolly Parton is celebrated throughout.

Inspiration and aspiration meet history and tradition in Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry!, an extraordinary tribute to this one-of-a-kind music venue and it’s stars on its 100th anniversary. The book is a must for country music fans as well as for all library collections.

Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2025 | ISBN 978-1419774249

About the Illustrator

Susanna Chapman is an illustrator, muralist, and designer. Her illustrated picture books include Covered in Color: Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Fabrics of Freedom; Elizabeth Warren’s Big, Bold Plans; The Girl Who Ran; and Ada and the Galaxies. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at susannachapman.com.

You can purchase Howdy! Welcome to the Grand Ole Opry! from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

August 26 – National Dog Day

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About the Holiday

In 2004 Pet and Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate Colleen Paige established National Dog Day to remind people – especially those who may be looking for a new pet – of all the dogs in shelters that need forever homes. The day also celebrates dogs of all breeds and honors the work of these faithful friends, whether they are family pets or specially trained as service dogs, police dogs, or search-and-rescue dogs. If you’re thinking of adding a new family member of the furry kind, or if you’d just like to make a difference to animals in shelter care, call or visit your local humane society, other shelter, or rescue organization.

Hello Dog / Hello Human (Flip Book): Two Stories in One!

Written by Sara Levine | Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

 

With their curly hair or sleek coats, sweet faces, and eager natures, dogs are natural kid magnets. But that doesn’t mean they’re always ready to be pet or played with. In Hello Dog / Hello Human, Sara Levine cleverly teaches children and adults how to recognize the traits of a receptive dog and how exactly to approach and engage with a dog you haven’t met yet.

Illustration © 2025 by Suzanne Kaufman. Text © 2025 by Sara Levine. Courtesy of Roaring Brook Press.

It’s easy enough to ask a dog’s human for permission to pet their dog, but getting the dog’s permission can be a bit trickier. Behind the Hello Dog cover, Levine shows kids how to read a dog’s body language, an important skill as “dogs speak with their bodies.” Once a child has determined that the dog isn’t too busy, too shy, or too distracted, Levine goes on to reveal the human behaviors dogs consider rude and the ones they find to be polite. If a person gets a signal that their initial overtures are accepted, only then should they put out their hand to pet that furry coat.

Illustration © 2025 by Suzanne Kaufman. Text © 2025 by Sara Levine. Courtesy of Roaring Brook Press.

But turn-about is fair play, and by just flipping the book over, that’s what readers find! Open the Hello Human cover, and dogs get a primer on meeting kids (with a dollop of humor, readers may also interpret these tips as courteous ways for meeting new people as well). So how does today’s discerning dog go about choosing the right human to make friends with? Well, they can read the body language. Turns out, people say a lot with their gestures and expressions too. They also use words, and it benefits both dog and human if they’re on the same page with some simple terms, especially “Sit.” While some canines may find it incredible, people tend to prefer a quiet, stationary, even non-slobbery greeting. Levine expands on these and other steps and shows what kind of welcome leads to that scratch behind the ears that, for any pup, is so rewarding.

Illustration © 2025 by Suzanne Kaufman. Text © 2025 by Sara Levine. Courtesy of Roaring Brook Press.

Working perfectly in synch, author and veterinarian Sara Levine and illustrator Suzanne Kaufman have created a clever book that children and adults will find helpful whether they’re adopting a new dog or learning how to interact with dogs they meet at friends’ homes or while out in the park or neighborhood. 

Levine’s straightforward and easy-to-understand steps are punctuated by Kaufman’s humorous depictions of expressive dogs of various breeds engaging in natural, madcap doggy behavior. These energetic pups appear in both stories along with a sweet child and an adorable, well-mannered pooch who’s ready to make a friend. A comical subplot involving a squirrel chase also ties the two sections together.

Educational and entertaining, Hello Dog / Hello Human is an exciting, multi-interest nonfiction story for home bookshelves that kids will want to hear often and even chime in on. The text is especially welcoming to new and emerging readers. Librarians will love displaying the book and recommending it to a wide range of patrons.

Ages 4 – 8

Roaring Brook Press, 2025 | ISBN 978-1250797025

About the Author

Sara Levine is an award-winning picture book author, veterinarian, and science educator. Her books which include Bone by Bone, Tooth by Tooth, Flower Talk, Sensitive, and The Animals Would Not Sleep! have received the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize, Bank Street College Best Book of the Year, Beehive Book Award, Cook Prize, and the Mathical Book Prize. She loves doing school and library programs. Visit her at saralevinebooks.com.

About the Illustrator

Suzanne Kaufman is the illustrator of Samanthasaurus Rex, written by B. B. Mandell; Naughty Claudine Christmas, written by Patrick Jennings; 100 Bugs!, written by Kate Narita; and the author and illustrator of I Love Monkey and It’s Confiscated. She lives in Seattle with her family. Visit her at suzannekaufman.com.

National Dog Day Activity

Find a Friend Matching Puzzle

 

Dogs and their humans often have personalities or even their appearance in common. Can you match up these sweet pups with their new best friend in this Find a Friend Matching Puzzle?

Find a Friend Matching Puzzle with Light Green Border | Find a Friend Matching Puzzle with No Border

You can purchase Hello Dog / Hello Human from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

August 15 – National Back to School Month

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About the Holiday

I know, I know . . . it can’t be time to go back to school already! Maybe not quite, but all over the country, teachers, administrators, parents, and…yes, kids…are preparing for the day when school opens again for another year. Now’s the time to find a new backpack, buy some new clothes, and decide that this year is going to be the best year yet! Reading books about beginning a new school year can also help!

Thank you to Abrams Books for Young Readers for sending me a copy of this book to me for review!

Fall Is for Beginnings

Written by Rajani LaRocca | Illustrated by Abhi Alwar

 

While Ravi is sad to see summer vacation end, he’s excited to be starting school and seeing his friends, especially his best friend, Joe. They “share jokes, secrets, and sometimes lunch,” at recess they always play together, and—best of all—this year they’ll be in the same classroom.

Ravi and Joe find desks next to each other. Then a new girl, Ellie, sits in the seat next to Ravi. She’s eager and enthusiastic. “‘I just know we’re going to be best friends!'” she tells him. Ravi is taken aback and doesn’t reply. He listens as his teacher explains a project the students will do to celebrate their new accomplishments throughout the year by adding leaves then snowflakes then flowers to a tree of their own.

Illustration © 2025 by Abhi Alwar. Text © 2025 by Rajani LaRocca. Courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

In music class, at lunch, and on the playground, Ellie always joins Ravi and Joe. When they get new instruments, Ellie plays the loudest, she offers tastes of her beet salad (which Joe tries right away, but Ravi does not), and her new suggestions for Ravi and Joe’s Deep Space Explorers playground game make it much more challenging. For some of these new experiences Ravi adds a leaf to his tree.

“Every day, Ellie says, ‘I told you we’d be best friends!'” When Ravi whispers a reassuring “‘But I’m best friends with you'” to Joe, Joe simply shrugs. Every day, Ellie is right in the middle of Ravi and Joe’s favorite fall activities. At the school Halloween party, Ravi dresses as a scoop of ice cream, and Joe is a cone. When Ellie runs up dressed as a bottle of sprinkles because they’re “best friends,” Ravi loses his temper, crying, “‘You are NOT my best friend!'”

Illustration © 2025 by Abhi Alwar. Text © 2025 by Rajani LaRocca. Courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Surprised and hurt, Ellie runs off. She avoids Ravi and Joe during the rest of the party and during trick-or-treating in the neighborhood and moves to another desk in the back of the classroom. At home, Ravi mopes on the couch about how much things have changed since Ellie came. When his older sister hears his complaint, she runs off to get the family photo album. Page by page, she shows Ravi how great it was for her before he was born and how she found him so annoying when he was a baby. But, she says, when she got to know him, “‘Things were even more fun than before.'”

Ravi reconsiders his relationship with Ellie amid all the things they do together. Perhaps, he thinks, “Ellie is already my friend?” The next day at school, he shows a change of heart and lets Ellie take the lead. He has fun on the playground and in music class and discovers that beet salad is delicious. Ravi’s tree is filling with leaves representing all of his new experiences, and he feels proud “because fall is for beginnings and friendship.”

Illustration © 2025 by Abhi Alwar. Text © 2025 by Rajani LaRocca. Courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Rajani LaRocca shines a light on an important aspect of new school years, old friendships, and the natural changes that occur as children grow up, meet new people, and venture into the unfamiliar. Candid and relatable, LaRocca’s storytelling gives voice to emotions children may feel (and feel badly about) but are unable to express. Reading and discussing the stages Ravi goes through before finally losing his temper and then afterward can give kids an opportunity to talk about their own experiences as well as their ideas for and what to say when assimilating new friends into an established duo or group. Joe’s early nonchalance about Ellie’s proclamations of friendship reveals how the idea of “best friends” can vary from person to person and change over time.

Abhi Alwar’s vivacious, autumn-hued illustrations depict an active classroom in which even amid the usual raucousness, Ellie stands out with her spunky personality. Always in motion, Ellie kicks her feet, runs and leaps and roars, gives her new besties gifts and tastes from her lunch, and in the process overwhelms Ravi, whose apprehension, eventual anger, and regret show in his expressions. Alwar’s combination of chalky line drawings and full color sketches allow her to emphasize certain important moments while presenting dynamic scenes that kids will have fun exploring.

An impactful book to share with children just starting school or as they move through the grades, Fall is for Beginnings celebrates new friends and experiences, while providing a map through some of the trickier bits. The book is highly recommended for home bookshelves and is a must for classroom and library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Harry N. Abrams, 2025 | ISBN 978-1419777400

About the Author

Rajani LaRocca is a physician and an author of books for young readers including Summer Is for Cousins, Where Three Oceans Meet, and Red, White, and Whole, which won a Newbery Honor. She was born in Bangalore, India, and immigrated to the United States when she was very young. She now lives in eastern Massachusetts with her family. You can find her online at rajanilarocca.com.

About the Illustrator

Abhi Alwar is an Indian American illustrator and designer based in New York City. She is the illustrator of a number of books for young readers, including Summer Is for Cousins by Rajani LaRocca and the graphic novel series Super Pancake, written by Megan Wagner Lloyd. Visit her at abhialwar.com.

You can see what Ravi’s up to during the summer in Summer Is for Cousins, the first volume of the Seasons Are for Everything series from Rajani LaRocca and Abhi Alwar.

Back to School Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-school-bus-craft

Make Your Own School Bus Craft

 

With a small tea box or other box, some paint, and the printable template, kids can have fun making a model school bus to play with or display.  The bus can be made as detailed or simple as they’d like. Maybe they’d even like to draw themselves and their friends in the windows!

Supplies

  • Printable School Bus Template
  • Small tea box: 20-bag size (5″ long x 3″ tall x 2 5/8″ deep); or other small box
  • Bright yellow craft paint
  • Scissors
  • Craft glue
  • Paintbrush

Directions

  1. Print 2 copies of the School Bus Template
  2. Carefully take the tea box apart at the seams, invert it, and glue or tape it back together

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-school-bus-craft

To Make the Passenger Side of the Bus

  1. Cut the Door from the template
  2. Glue the door to the box near the front
  3. Cut out and trim the row of windows from the template
  4. Glue the windows near the top of the box
  5. Cut out and trim two of the solid black lines from the template
  6. Glue the stripes onto the side of the box below the windows
  7. Cut out two tires from the template and glue them to the box

To Make the Front of the Bus

  1. Cut out two of the red and orange paired lights
  2. Glue one on each side of the box near the top with the red light on the outside
  3. Add a School Bus sign between the lights
  4. Cut out the windshield in the lower corner of the template and glue it in place
  5. Cut and trim grill and glue it beneath the windshield
  6. Cut and glue white circles for headlights on either side of the grill
  7. Cut, trim, and glue the wide black strip to the bottom as the bumper.

To Make the Driver’s Side of the Bus

  1. Cut and trim the row of windows from the template
  2. Glue the windows near the top of the box
  3. Cut out and trim two of the solid black lines from the template
  4. Glue the stripes onto the side of the box below the windows
  5. Cut out two tires from the template and glue them to the box
  6. Cut out and glue the Stop sign over the two stripes near the front of the bus

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-school-bus-craft

To Make the Back of the Bus

  1. Cut out two of the red and orange paired lights
  2. Glue one on each side of the box near the top with the red light on the outside
  3. Add a School Bus sign between the lights
  4. Cut out the two small rounded corner windows
  5. Glue them underneath the lights close to the edge of the box
  6. Cut out and glue the bigger rounded corner window between the smaller windows
  7. Cut out and glue the yellow, red, and white lights underneath the small windows with the yellow light on the outside
  8. Cut out and glue the black rounded corner window centered beneath the lights
  9. Cut and trim the wide black stripe and glue it near the bottom of the box for the bumper

You can purchase Fall Is for Beginnings from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

August 8 – International Cat Day

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About the Holiday

If you share your home with a cat, then you know how these furry friends can change your life. Whether you love them for their playful antics, for their companionship, or even for their independent spirit, your life just wouldn’t be the same without their daily presence. Since August of 2020, the organization International Cat Care has been the custodian of today’s holiday. Their mission is to ensure that all cats receives the love, care, and respect they deserve. This year’s theme is “Cat Friendly Every Day,” which urges all cat lovers, from veterinary professionals to cat moms, dads, and kids to be aware of their own feline’s needs as well as those in shelters or on the street. Today is the perfect time to celebrate your cat or kitten with some extra attention and care. If you’re considering adopting a cat, now would be a great time to contact your local animal shelter or rescue group to give a cat a forever home. To learn more and to sign up for helpful advice and tips or to donate to this worthy cause, visit International Cat Care.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sharing a copy of this book with me!

Witch Cat

Written by Lucy Rowland | Illustrated by Laura Hughes

 

Pippin, a black cat with “brilliant green” eyes, had always been happy being the Witch’s purr-fect companion, but after her latest annual town-wide Halloween street party, he felt a bit of wanderlust: “He so loved his witch but he had a small itch . . . / ‘There’s a whole wide world I could see! / Just think of the places, and so many faces—/ Oh! Which kind of cat could I be?'”

That night Pippin began his journey aboard a pirate ship, invited aboard by the captain who needed help with stowaway mice. But Pippin soon learned he was more of a landlubber than a sailor, so the pirates dropped him off just outside a castle by the sea. A passing knight offered a ride in his wagon, but fighting a fiery dragon was too scary. 

Illustration © 2025 by Laura Hughes, text © 2025 by Lucy Rowland. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Continuing his search, Pippin met up with a little girl who wanted a pet she could dress up, a tightrope walker, a cowboy, and a small-plane pilot. Months went by, “but try as he might, / nothing ever felt right.” Then one day “Pippin saw an old broom in the street.” He began thinking of how much he missed the Witch, but wondered what she would say if he returned. It had been so long that he wasn’t sure of the way back home. Pippin wandered the streets, getting soaked by a pouring rain. When he spied a jack-o-lantern in front of a door, he crawled in to escape the weather and fell asleep, wishing to be with his Witch once more.

Illustration © 2025 by Laura Hughes, text © 2025 by Lucy Rowland. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Meanwhile, the Witch was again hosting her party, and while she welcomed her guests with good cheer, it just wasn’t the same without Pippin. The townspeople brought lots of treats, and one even brought a pumpkin “with a huge smiley grin on its bright orange chin and . . . eyes of such brilliant green?!” Just then Pippin jumped out and into his Witch’s arms. She gave him a sweet, tight hug, and Pippin knew he was right where he belonged.

Illustration © 2025 by Laura Hughes, text © 2025 by Lucy Rowland. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Lucy Rowland’s jaunty rhyming story is a perfect read aloud carried along on gentle suspense, Pippin’s humorous interactions with other could-be companions, and a heartwarming reunion. Rowland’s setting of Halloween, with costumed guests, for the Witch’s annual party provides a clever backdrop to Pippin’s desire to “try on” different personas. 

Laura Hughes’s acrylic ink illustrations are loaded with the kinds of details that kids love. As the Witch and Pippin fly over the town on a broom, welcoming residents smile and wave; the pirate ship teems with endearing mice that beg counting, not capturing; dressed-up Pippin will bring giggles, and the Witch’s magical home is all the more cozy for having Pippin back. Readers may even find some inspiration for their own Halloween costumes among the party-goers.

For cat lovers, wistful dreamers, and happy homebodies, Witch Cat offers plenty to love. While the Halloween holiday is a natural tie-in, the story will resonate throughout the year and is sure to be asked for often. With spot-on rhymes, a bouncy rhythm, and a combination of exposition and dialogue, the story invites dramatic reading. It’s a fantastic choice for classroom and library story times and is highly recommended for home, school, and public library collections.

Ages 3 – 7

Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1547616718

About the Author

Lucy Rowland is a star of the picture book world, and her charming, energetic and irresistible rhyming stories are firm favourites with children everywhere. Her books include This Tree Is Just for Me! (Bloomsbury), Little Red Reading Hood (Macmillan) and The Knight Who Said “No!” (Nosy Crow). Visit her at lucyrowland.com.

About the Illustrator

Laura Hughes is an award-winning and best-selling children’s illustrator. She has created artwork for over 20 picture books including The Forgettery by Rachel Ip and Hop Little Bunnies by Martha Mumford. In 2018, Laura won the Oscar’s Book Prize with author John Dougherty for the book, There’s a Pig Up My Nose. Visit her at laurahughes-illustrator.co.uk.

International Cat Day Activity

Wandering Kitty Maze

 

This silly kitty needs help getting home. Can you help him find his way in this Wandering Kitty Maze?

You can purchase Witch Cat from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

August 4 – Back to School Month

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About the Holiday

It may seem like summer vacation just began, but the signs of a new school year are already appearing everywhere. The stores are stocked with clothes, supplies, and plenty of gear to make the new school year the best ever. But all the “stuff” is just part of getting ready for school. Kids are looking forward—eagerly or maybe with a little trepidation—to making new friends, having new teachers, and exploring new subjects and ideas. Preparing kids for all aspects of a new school year easier and more exciting is what National Back to School Month is all about!

Thanks to Orchard Books/Scholastic for sharing a digital copy of this book with me!

To Catch a Ghost

By Rachel Michelle Wilson

 

At the bus stop, the new girl is noticed right away by a classmate who quickly introduces her to how seriously the kids take show and tell by using Drew—”the only kid who brought nothing last time”—as a cautionary tale. Sam, determined not to suffer Drew’s fate, first signs up to bring “cool rocks” then her “pet brother” and finally a “GHOST.” Sam acknowledges that catching a ghost takes “gumption,” but she has a plan and creates a primer for anyone else who would like to catch their own ghost.

Text and illustration © 2025 by Rachel Michelle Wilson. Courtesy of Orchard Books.

In Part 1: Find, Sam reveals that you must search everywhere and shows how she looked all around at home, in her treehouse, even on the playground—until there, right in front of her, she found her ghost. While finding the ghost was tricky, Part 2: Observe explains that catching it is trickier. Sam explains that the best way to lure a ghost into a trap is to get to know their personality and preferences by spending time with them. When she did this, she says, she discovered a few helpful facts about her mischievous old soul that ultimately led to its capture.

Text and illustration © 2025 by Rachel Michelle Wilson. Courtesy of Orchard Books.

Which brings Sam to Part 3: Catch. She demonstrates how to build “the perfect ghost trap,” how to work quickly and without hesitation when the ghost enters the trap, and posits that “there’s a good reason you need to catch your ghost.” But then the ghost peers through the bars, and Sam has a change of heart. She removes the lock and sheds some tears, knowing she won’t have something extraordinary to share at Show and Tell on Friday. 

But then Sam notices something and realizes what a “good ghost” she had caught. All along it had her back. Show and Tell is a rousing success, and friendships follow—one you might not even see coming!

Text and illustration © 2025 by Rachel Michelle Wilson. Courtesy of Orchard Books.

Inventive and endearing, Rachel Michelle Wilson’s To Catch a Ghost will enchant children, whose imaginations often run to such whimsical fancies in concrete ways. The consequences of a poor Show and Tell performance increase the story’s suspense as well as the magnitude of Sam’s ultimate decision, a twist that can lead to discussions about true friendship, doing the right thing for others, and listening to your heart. With her GoPro ready and her determined expression, Sam is a worthy competitor on the chase but also an empathetic and caring friend that readers will embrace.

Delightfully offbeat with lots of read-again appeal, To Catch a Ghost is a spirited and thoughtful story that’s a top pick for home, school, and library collections.

Ages 4 – 8 

Orchard Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1339031958

About the Author

Rachel Michelle Wilson is a children’s book author-illustrator with a sweet tooth and a dash of sass. When Rachel is not making books, you can find her paddle boarding across a lake, puzzling over a logic problem, or hosting a living room dance party. Visit her at rachelmichelewilson.com.

Back to School Month Activity

To Catch a Ghost Puzzles and Activity Guide for Teachers and Caregivers

 

Kids can have fun solving the two puzzles in these To Catch a Ghost Fun Pages while teachers, homeschoolers, librarians, and caregivers will appreciate the full Activity Guide that provides questions and activities based on Bloom’s Taxonomy and follow Common Core Standards. You’ll find printable games like Book Chat Bingo, prompts that help children write their own story, creative drawing and imagining activities, and more. Rachel Michelle Wilson even invites kids to send the story they write to her!

To Catch a Ghost Puzzle Pages | To Catch a Ghost Activity Guide

You can purchase To Catch a Ghost from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (discounted books and support for you local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Reviews