📚 READ • WONDER • EXPLORE
Children’s Books for Every Learning Adventure
Every Dress Up Your Writing Learning Adventure includes a carefully chosen book to help kids read, wonder, and explore a little further.
by Nora Nickum, illustrated by Robert Meganck
This is much bigger than a book about soap bubbles. Nora Nickum follows bubbles into oceans, rocks, food, medicine, firefighting, animal behavior, and even space, showing just how many forms…
by Emily Hawkins
Presented as an old-fashioned handbook for young dragon riders, A Natural History of Dragons treats imaginary dragons almost as if they were real animals waiting to be studied. Readers explore…
by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Peter Mark Roget loved lists, patterns, and finding exactly the right word to express an idea. Jen Bryant tells the story of how that fascination eventually grew into Roget’s thesaurus,…
by Jory John
This grumpy little penguin has plenty to say about cold weather, strange noises, predators, and the general inconvenience of being a penguin. Its unmistakable personality makes Penguin Problems a playful…
by Marjorie Priceman
This delightful picture book follows a determined baker who travels around the globe collecting ingredients after the market is closed. Along the way, readers discover fascinating countries, geography, and cultures…
by Peter H. Reynolds
Vashti is convinced she cannot draw until one tiny mark becomes the beginning of something much bigger. The Dot pairs beautifully with today’s celebration because it reminds children that art…
by Stephen Krensky
Hot chocolate has a surprisingly adventurous history, and this lively nonfiction reader traces its journey from ancient cacao drinks to the sweet cups we enjoy today. One especially memorable detail…
by Gail Gibbons
Groundhog Day! by Gail Gibbons combines bright illustrations with clear nonfiction to explore both the unusual history of Groundhog Day and the groundhogs behind the tradition. Readers will discover how…
by Leyla Torres
Follow kites across the globe and discover how different cultures use them for celebrations, traditions, and community gatherings. Colorful illustrations and real-world connections make this a natural companion to today’s…
by Eugene Trivizas
This wonderfully upside-down tale takes a story children already know and changes one very important thing: the characters’ familiar roles. Read it before today’s writing challenge and notice what still…
by Jenni Desmond
Jenni Desmond blends facts with imaginative illustrations as a young reader steps into the world of polar bears. Look closely at the pictures as you read. How does the artwork…
by Tami Charles
Follow Fallon and her mother through a market day in Haiti as Fallon learns to carry a woven basket called a panye. Vibrant illustrations and Haitian Creole words and phrases…
by E. B. White
A timeless story of friendship, kindness, and courage that has introduced generations of readers to unforgettable characters.
by Max Brooks
What would happen if you suddenly woke up inside the world of Minecraft? This exciting adventure follows one character’s journey as they learn to survive, build, and explore. It’s a…
by Emily B. Korrell
You don’t have to travel to Washington, D.C. to begin exploring one of the world’s most famous museums! Packed with colorful photos, fascinating facts, and incredible exhibits, this official guide…
by Robert McCloskey
What better way to celebrate National Donut Day than with one of children’s literature’s most famous donut stories? Homer Price combines small-town adventures, unforgettable characters, and a legendary donut machine…
by National Geographic Kids
Filled with exciting shark adventures, fascinating facts, and colorful illustrations, this collection makes it easy to learn about different shark species in bite-sized reading sessions. It’s a fun way to…
by X. Fang
This humorous and heartwarming picture book combines silly alien antics with a story about kindness, trust, and helping others. It’s a perfect read for UFO Day and a wonderful springboard…
by Cindy Neuschwander
A clever and engaging adventure that introduces geometry concepts through storytelling as Sir Cumference and his friends solve a mathematical mystery.
by by Laurie Keller
A potato buys a new pair of potato pants, only to discover everyone else wants them too. Silly, energetic, and packed with wordplay, this laugh-out-loud story is a perfect companion…
by Peter Sís
A nostalgic celebration of summertime adventures, family memories, and everyone’s favorite frozen treat. Beautiful illustrations and warm storytelling make this a perfect read before enjoying a scoop together.
by Chess at 3
A creative introduction to chess that teaches beginners through memorable characters, imaginative stories, and fun adventures. It’s a wonderful way for kids to learn the game while building confidence.
by Judith Kerr
A beloved classic about an unexpected tiger visitor with a very large appetite.
by David Shannon
A lively and humorous story about how one rainstorm sets off a hilarious chain reaction throughout an entire town. It’s the perfect read for exploring cause and effect while celebrating…
by Adam Rubin
A collection of six wildly imaginative stories where each adventure is inspired by a different flavor of ice cream. Funny, surprising, and full of creativity, it’s the perfect read for…
by Greg Pizzoli
A crocodile loves watermelon…. until he accidentally swallows a seed and imagines the funniest things that might happen next. This delightful story is perfect for encouraging imagination and playful storytelling.
by George Shannon
This delightful picture book reminds readers that even a simple cookie takes many helping hands to create. It’s a wonderful way to spark gratitude, conversation, and descriptive writing before heading…
by Chris Grabenstein
Part mystery, part puzzle, and completely unforgettable, this fast-paced adventure celebrates the magic of libraries and the excitement of reading. It’s perfect for kids who enjoy solving clues, thinking creatively,…
by Maxwell Eaton III
Packed with laugh-out-loud illustrations and fascinating facts, this engaging nonfiction book helps kids discover what makes elephants so amazing. It’s the perfect blend of science, humor, and curiosity before heading…
by Angela DiTerlizzi
Sometimes the most relaxing thing we can do is remember that we don’t have to master everything right away. The Magical Yet gently encourages children to keep trying, celebrate progress,…
by Rob Elliott
Packed with hundreds of clean, kid-friendly jokes, this collection is perfect for reluctant readers and confident comedians alike. Read a few together, then use them as inspiration to create brand-new…
by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Long before digital cameras, Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley used photography to reveal the hidden beauty of snowflakes through a microscope. His careful observations helped scientists better understand that no two snowflakes…
by David Martin
This giggle-worthy story puts a surprising spin on the familiar “This Little Piggy” nursery rhyme. Its playful rhythm, silly tone, and unexpected ending make it a fun read-aloud before creating…
by Mary Ann Hoberman
This humorous picture book follows a family with seven very picky eaters, each with their own favorite foods. It’s a joyful reminder that meals are about more than what’s on…
by Craig Smith
This hilarious read-aloud grows sillier with every page as one ridiculous description stacks on top of the next. The playful rhymes and cumulative storytelling make it the perfect inspiration for…
by by Katherine Applegate
What better way to celebrate wildlife than by seeing the world through an animal’s eyes? Told from Ivan’s perspective, this unforgettable story encourages empathy, thoughtful observation, and beautifully descriptive writing…
by Robert McCloskey
Every family has a book that feels like an old friend. For me, one of those books is Make Way for Ducklings. Its gentle story, timeless illustrations, and unforgettable duck…
by Thomas Flintham
Fast-paced chapters, fun illustrations, and video game-inspired adventures make this series especially appealing for reluctant readers and young gamers. As Super Rabbit Boy races through each level, readers discover that…
by Roald Dahl
Whether your family chooses Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The BFG, or The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me, Roald Dahl’s stories celebrate clever thinking, unforgettable…
by Misty Copeland, illustrated by Christopher Myers
This beautifully illustrated picture book reminds readers that courage grows one small step at a time. Inspired by ballerina Misty Copeland’s own journey, it celebrates perseverance, confidence, and the joy…
by Chris Hadfield and Kate Fillion
What if darkness wasn’t something to fear, but something that allowed you to discover an entire universe? Inspired by astronaut Chris Hadfield’s own childhood, The Darkest Dark follows a young…
by J.R.R. Tolkien
Bilbo’s adventure is filled with dragons, riddles, treasure, unlikely friendships, and plenty of second breakfasts. It’s a wonderful introduction to fantasy and encourages readers to discover that bravery often begins…
by Laurie Keller
This hilarious story imagines what would happen if all fifty states decided to pack up and trade places! Along the way, readers naturally discover state capitals, geography, landmarks, and interesting…
by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
This clever picture book brings punctuation to life by turning an exclamation mark into a character searching for where he belongs. It’s funny, memorable, and a wonderful reminder that even…
by Dolly Parton
A simple handmade coat becomes the heart of a story about family, love, and seeing value where others might not. Based on Dolly Parton’s famous song, this picture book is…
by Josh Funk
When Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast discover there’s only one drop of maple syrup left, an ordinary morning turns into an action-packed race through the refrigerator! Josh Funk’s playful…
by Andrew Cangelose
Taco is a squirrel who would much rather talk about his favorite food than follow the story someone else has planned for him. Before long, he takes control of the…
by Lewis Carroll
Few books fit Mad Hatter Day better than Lewis Carroll’s wonderfully strange trip down the rabbit hole. The story is filled with impossible situations, puzzling conversations, playful logic, and language…
by Sy Montgomery
Meet Inky, the real-life octopus who became famous after escaping from an aquarium in New Zealand and finding his way back to the ocean. This fascinating picture book is a…
by by Pat Brisson
Before food reaches our tables, many hands help grow, gather, prepare, and deliver it. Before We Eat: From Farm to Table celebrates the farmers and workers behind an everyday meal,…
by Bill Thomson
This nearly wordless picture book begins when a boy discovers a fossil hidden inside a rock—and suddenly prehistoric life starts springing from the stone! Because the illustrations tell the story…
by Andrew Clements
What happens when one student decides a pen should be called a frindle instead? This beloved novel shows how words can spread, evolve, and even become part of everyday language.…
by Cathy Ballou Mealey
This funny friendship story pairs an energetic squirrel with a thoughtful sloth who discover that working together is better than racing ahead alone. It’s a wonderful choice for celebrating teamwork,…
by Melissa Barlow
Pasta becomes something to play with in this colorful kid-friendly cookbook filled with 50 creative recipes, from silly main dishes to snacks and even desserts. Along the way, young cooks…
by Margaret McNamara
How many seeds could possibly be hiding inside one pumpkin? This autumn classroom story turns a simple question into an opportunity to estimate, count, compare, and make a few surprising…
by Brendan Wenzel
A child, a dog, a mouse, and several other creatures all encounter the same cat—but each one sees it very differently. This beautifully illustrated Caldecott Honor book offers a playful…
by Meera Sriram
The Spice Box by Meera Sriram is a warm, beautifully illustrated story about family, memory, and the scents that connect us to the people we love. Its focus on spices…
by by Debbie Herman, illustrated by Sheila Bailey
Carla’s classmates think her unusual sandwich combinations are downright strange, but Carla isn’t afraid to enjoy something different. This funny picture book is a perfect lead-in to today’s debate because…
by Ashley Spires
A girl has a magnificent idea—and quickly discovers that turning an idea into something that actually works takes experimenting, adjusting, and trying again. It’s an especially good fit for STEM/STEAM…
by Abby Hanlon
Sometimes the hardest part of writing is believing you have something worth saying. Ralph Tells a Story takes that familiar feeling and turns it into a funny, reassuring story about…
by Alison Farrell
The Hike by Alison Farrell follows three young explorers as they head into the woods, noticing plants, animals, and tiny details along the way. Although it’s often recommended for younger…
by Eric Carle
Jack wants pancakes for breakfast… but getting them takes a little more work than opening a box of pancake mix! He gathers the ingredients one by one, including fresh cream…
by Tanya Lee Stone, illustrated by Steven Salerno
The history behind Monopoly has more twists than you might expect. This picture book introduces readers to Lizzie Magie, Charles Darrow, and the long path from The Landlord’s Game to…
by Philip Ball
Why do seashells spiral, tree branches divide, and zebras wear stripes? Filled with incredible photographs, Patterns in Nature invites families to look more closely at the shapes and designs appearing…
by Norah Dooley
One simple errand leads Carrie through a multicultural neighborhood where families bake and enjoy breads from many different traditions. The story makes a wonderful companion to National French Toast Day…
by C. S. Lewis
A wardrobe becomes a doorway, an ordinary afternoon becomes an adventure, and four siblings discover a land where it is always winter, but never Christmas. As you read, look beyond…
by Joanna Cole
Hop aboard the Magic School Bus for a trip inside the world of electricity. This playful science adventure helps children see how electric current travels and gives them useful background…
by Allan Ahlberg
Follow the Jolly Postman as he delivers letters, postcards, and other surprising pieces of mail to familiar fairy-tale characters. The removable messages make this book especially fun to explore while…
by Dr. Seuss
When strange green oobleck begins falling from the sky, the Kingdom of Didd quickly discovers that this sticky substance is much harder to control than anyone expected. Bartholomew and the…
by Darcy Pattinson
A charming step-by-step tale that follows a group of determined kids as they dream, design, and build the ultimate gingerbread creation. It’s perfect inspiration for today’s gingerbread architecture adventure, whether…
by Tracy Newman
Long before Itzhak Perlman became one of the world’s most celebrated violinists, he was a boy who fell in love with the sound of the violin coming from his family’s…
by Melissa Stewart and Allen Young
Chocolate might seem like a strange place to begin a monkey adventure, which is exactly what makes this book such a great choice. What do monkeys have to do with…
by Syl Sobel, J.D.
The Bill of Rights by Syl Sobel, J.D., gives young readers a clear, straightforward introduction to the first ten amendments and why they matter. One of the reasons this book…
by Steve Breen
Violet isn’t satisfied simply imagining flying machines. She builds them, tests them, improves them, and climbs aboard. Her wonderfully unusual inventions make this a playful companion to the Wright brothers’…
by Annemarie Riley Guertin
Why do fir, spruce, and juniper trees stay green when so many other trees lose their leaves? This beautifully illustrated folktale imagines an answer through the story of a little…
by Peter H. Reynolds
Jerome collects words everywhere he finds them, from short everyday words to long words that are simply fun to say. That makes this a natural companion to Crossword Puzzle Day,…
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