Nightime

The Good Little Mermaid’s Guide to Bedtime written by Eija Sumner

An anti-bedtime book about a mermaid who is definitely NOT your typical mermaid!

Gray Fox in the Moonlight written and illustrated by Isaac Peterson

Gray Fox wanders alone in the forest at night. The woods are illuminated in the silvery light of the full moon and stars. She gazes around in wonder at the light in the birch grove and stops to look at her reflection in the river. But something calls to her in her reverie. She must return to her den by dawn to care for her kits when they wake. With simple poetry young children will love, Gray Fox in the Moonlight is a journey through a nighttime wonderland that celebrates the love between parents and children.

Good Night Little Bookstore written by Amy E. Cherrix

Join the Little Bookstore’s friendly staff as they draw the curtain on another busy day of browsing and matchmaking. Choose a bedtime story, say your good nights, and pet the shop’s feline mascot on your way out. Snuggle up to a loved one for a read-aloud, then drift off to sweet dreams of adventure and enchantment to come.

In the Night Garden written and illustrated by Carin Berger

A collage-illustrated bedtime read about the often mysterious and always beautiful experiences to be found in nighttime spaces.

Night in the City written and illustrated by Julie Downing

When children are fast asleep, some people are hard at work keeping the city safe and clean, and when daylight comes they go home to sleep.

The Night Frolic written by Julie Berry

Before they go to sleep, children travel on a dreamy, whimsical journey to visit the Night Tiger, the Night Walrus, the Night Elephant, and others

The Midnight Club written by Shane Goth

Milly and big sister Becca are members of the Midnight Club. And tonight is Milly’s first outing! At exactly midnight, Milly wakes her sister. With Becca leading the way, they tiptoe along the shadowy hall and down the creaky stairs. There’s so much adventure to be had in the middle of the night! They sit in Dad’s big chair, dip into his jar of jellybeans, try on Mom’s coat. One moment they’re frightened by a shadow that looks like a monster, and the next, they’re making shadow play of their own. A scratch at the back door has Milly’s heart going boom bump boom, but it’s just the president of the Midnight Club, their cat Oliver, who leads the way to more shenanigans.

As Night Falls: creatures that go wild after dark written by Donna Jo Napoli

From microscopic organisms to giant cats, it’s surprising who you’ll find awake in the middle of the night! Dinoflagellates guzzle floating bacteria, bumblebee bats loop and swoop, racer snakes slither, weasels sneak and circle, and spot-bellied eagle owls leap and sweep. One by one, the animals of the food chain find their next scrumptious treat.

Dark on Light written by Dianne White

As night falls, a trio of siblings stumble upon some of nature’s hidden nighttime beauty, including timid fawns, blossoming lavender, silent owls, and many more wonders of the night.

Nonfiction

The Night Sky written by Kathryn Hulick

his field guide highlights 100 objects that can be seen in the night sky. Readers will gain a greater understanding about how to spot these things, including constellations and objects in our solar system. Features include a helpful introduction to the topic, a glossary, additional resources, and an index.

Science Experiments: Twinkle Twinkle Stars: https://www.pinayhomeschooler.com/2015/11/simple-experiments-twinkle-twinkle-stars.html

Paint the night sky craft: https://playteachrepeat.com/invitation-paint-night-sky/

Constellation Jar Lamp: https://craft.ideas2live4.com/2015/04/24/diy-constellation-jar-lamp/

Fly, fly, fly!

Ready to Soar written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld

Riley’s paper airplane is ready for take-off, but criticisms from all the birds threaten to ground the plane, until Riley meets a more supportive friend and rediscovers the joy of soaring.

The Owl Who dared written by Stephanie Stansbie

A little owl is scared of flying, because every time he opens his wings, he tumbles to the ground. Mommy explains to him that it will take a few failures before he succeeds, and soon, the little owl feels brave enough to keep trying. An uplifting celebration of courage and learning how to handle life’s challenges.

Newton and Curie Take flight! Written and illustrated by Daniel Kirk

Curious squirrel Curie observes a baby bird flying and is eager to try too, but when everyone tells her that squirrels cannot fly, she is determined to prove them wrong by conducting her own experiments with the help of her big brother Newton.

Donut: The Unicorn Who Wants to Fly written by Laura Gehl

Donut is a unicorn with a problem: she cannot fly–so she works with all the other creatures in the field and finally accomplishes her goal.

Color the Sky written by David Elliott

A story that celebrates the many colors of birds and the wonder of first flight.

Air Miles written by Bill Salaman

Miles was a difficult dog until he got his own motor car. But now he is growing older, and new challenges are arising. He doesn’t chase balls like he used to. His legs hurt whenever he takes walks. And sometimes he doesn’t hear when Norman calls him. So, when Norman learns that Mr. Huddy’s small airplane is in need of a pilot, Miles takes to the skies.

When We Fly written and illustrated by Jess McGeachin

A father-daughter story celebrating love, loss, and healing, and one bird’s broken wing that may prove impossible to fix.

Mel Fell written and illustrated by Corey Tabor

Readers will delight in turning their book sideways and upside down to follow Mel on her journey from downward fall to triumphant flight in this tale of self-confidence and taking a leap of faith.

Sometimes, you might fall down, down, down, before you learn to fly up, up, up.

Penguin Flies Home: a flight school story written and illustrated by Lita Judge

Even though his penguin friends would rather swim, Penguin dreams of flying.

The Dog Who Wanted to Fly written by Kathy Stinson

Who says dogs can’t fly? Meet Zora: a dog with a big dream and an even bigger personality. All Zora wants to do is learn how to fly so she can catch that pesky squirrel in her yard. But try as she might to prove to her friend Tully–a skeptical cat–that dogs truly can fly, nothing seems to work. Until Zora finds the right motivation, that is.

Wings written by Cheryl B Klein

Follows a baby bird on its first flight, one that starts cautiously and ends with delight.

Nonfiction

We are starlings: inside the mesmerizing magic of a murmuration

Author: Furrow, Robert

A stunning picture book for young nature lovers about starlings and the fascinating phenomenon of murmurations.

Nonfiction

Wings: birds, bees, biplanes, and other things with wings written by Tracey Turner

Wings takes readers on a fact-packed flight over a fascinating subject. Written by Tracey Turner, it offers a bird’s-eye view of the first airplanes, the fastest jet planes, beetles, birds, winged horses, flying dragons–even winged unicorns. There’s fun, easy-to-read information on wings of all kinds, including plenty of STEM material, presented in a mixture of text and speech bubbles that’s perfect for readers aged 7 plus. With Fatti Burke’s stylish and colorful illustrations, Wings is a wonderful journey of discovery.

How to Make a Flying Bird Decoration: https://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/03/how-to-make-a-flying-bird-decoration/

Make a Flying Falcon- Paper Tube Craft and Game: https://crackofdawncrafts.blogspot.com/2011/02/make-flying-falcon-paper-tube-craft-and.html?m=1

This Is the Nest That Robin Built activities: http://www.denisefleming.com/pages/book-activities/this-is-the-nest-that-robin-built/activities.html#gsc.tab=0

Treehouses

Treehouse Town written by Gideon Sterer

A child explores the magical world of Treehouse Town–from Sap Street to Willow Way–where all children and animal inhabitants work together and have fun.

My Mommies Built a Treehouse written by Peter Gareth

A boy and his mothers build a treehouse fit for a prince.

The Tree House That Jack Built written by Bonnie Verburg

With ladders, swings, turrets, and elaborate pulley systems everywhere–animals chase one another over, under, around, and through the tree house that Jack has built. Then the bell rings, and all the animals gather for story time with Jack.

Everything You Need for a Treehouse written by Carter Higgins

A tree, timber, tools, a rope of twisted twine and all things you need to build a treehouse–but most of all you need time and imagination.

That Neighbor Kid written and illustrated by Daniel Miyares

In this nearly wordless picture book, a young girl spies on her new neighbor, a young boy who is building something from planks of the fence between their backyards.

Secret Tree Fort written by Brianne Farley

There’s a secret tree fort and you’re not invited! In this hilarious and hugely imaginative sibling story from the creator of the internationally celebrated Ike’s Incredible Ink, two sisters are told to go and play outside on a beautiful day. The little sister wants them to play together – but the big sister, instead, wants to sit under a tree with a book. So the younger sister decides to tempt her with a description of her super-cool, super-secret tree fort. Just what will it take to get her sister to look up? The promise of a water-balloon launcher in case of attack? A trapdoor to look at the stars? A crow’s nest where they can see how many whales pass by or watch for pirates? Or the very best part of all, which can’t be revealed, because it’s a secret?

The Tree: A Fable written and illustrated by Neal Layton

The tree. Home to a family of birds in their nest, squirrels in their drey and rabbits in their burrow. But what happens to the animals when a man and woman decide to cut it down and use it for their dream house? Can the tree be home to both the animals and the humans?

Flashlight Night written by Matt Forrest Esenwine

Flashlight Night is an ode to the power of imagination and the wonder of books. Three children use a flashlight to light a path around their backyard at night; in the flashlight’s beam another world looms. Our heroes encounter spooky woods, a fearsome tiger, a time-forgotten tomb, an Egyptian god, a sword-fighting pirate, and a giant squid. With ingenuity, they vanquish all, then return to their tree house–braver, closer, and wiser than before–to read the books that inspired their adventure.

The Monster Next Door written and illustrated by David Soman

In a big field, a boy has a tree house, and one day, he has a neighbor–a monster with a talent for silly dances and funny faces. The two become fast friends, even setting up a pulley line to pass notes between their tree houses. The boy knows just how to celebrate this invention–with music! But the monster’s tuba music is loud. Really loud. WAY. TOO. LOUD. Before the boy can think, he hurls a water balloon at his neighbor to get him to stop. An epic water-balloon fight ensues, until the boy–fed up, spent, done–cuts the pulley line. No more note-passing. No more monster. Can the boy and monster ever be friends again?

Flashlight Night written by Matt Forrest Esenwine

Flashlight Night is an ode to the power of imagination and the wonder of books. Three children use a flashlight to light a path around their backyard at night; in the flashlight’s beam another world looms. Our heroes encounter spooky woods, a fearsome tiger, a time-forgotten tomb, an Egyptian god, a sword-fighting pirate, and a giant squid. With ingenuity, they vanquish all, then return to their tree house–braver, closer, and wiser than before–to read the books that inspired their adventure.

Cardboard Craft Tree Houses: https://artprojectsforkids.org/cardboard-kittens/

1st Grade Tree Houses: https://dalimoustache.blogspot.com/2012/05/1st-grade-tree-houses.html

Tree House Collage: https://leahnewtonart.com/2019/06/13/tree-house-collage-art-lesson-project-for-kids/

Flowers in Springtime

Anzu the Great Listener written by Benson Shum

Anzu the kaiju loves to tend to his bonsai. Whenever he feels overwhelmed or unsettled, it helps him pause and reminds him to just…breathe.

Don’t Touch That Flower written by Alice Hemming

Squirrel is apprehensive about the arrival of Spring until he spots a wildflower and tries to claim it as his own, not understanding his overbearing protectiveness is doing more harm than good. Includes information on flowers.

A Crown for Corina written by Laekan Zea Kemp

Corina’s Abuela helps her select flowers that mean something to Corina from the garden for her Mexican flower crown that she will wear on her birthday, and explains the symbolic meaning of a birthday crown.

Tisha and the Blossoms written by Wendy Meddour

Tisha and Mommy are always having to hurry up. What would happen if they slowed down? A gentle, gorgeously illustrated story of mindfulness–and sharing the small moments.

Wildflower written by Melanie Brown

When little Daisy finds herself blooming in a garden she is happy to stretch her petals to the sky. How lovely it feels to be a flower in bloom! Until, Rose tells her that she doesn’t belong in the garden. Daisy is a weed, and just gets in the way. Other flowering plants and herbs in the garden agree with Rose, but some of the other garden inhabitants don’t. They suggest that Daisy is actually a wildflower, that can grow within or outside of gardens and has a purpose all of her own. Is Daisy a weed or a wildflower?

Have You Ever Seen a Flower? Written and illustrated by Shawn Harris

A child experiences a flower by seeing its colors, smelling its fragrance, and imagining a tiny world within it.

Welcome Flower Child: the magic of your birth flower written and illustrated by Brigette Barrager

Illustrations and rhyming text describe the birth month flowers, including March’s daffodils, June’s roses, and September’s asters, as well as how each represents children born in that month.

Dear Little One written by Nina Laden

This lyrical picture book celebrates all the wonder and beauty in the natural world, featuring Mother Nature personified. From the treasure of flowers to the mystery of insects this book encourages children to explore their world and be grateful for all that surrounds them.

Nonfiction

Flowers and plants written by Andrea Debbink

This field guide highlights 100 flowers and plants found throughout the world. Readers will gain a greater understanding about these living things and will be able to identify them in the wild. Features include a helpful introduction to the topic, a glossary, additional resources, and an index.

Georgia O’Keeffe: she saw the world in a flower written by Gabrielle Balkan

Have you ever wondered exactly what your favorite artists were looking at to make them draw, sculpt, or paint the way they did? In What the Artist Saw: Georgia O’Keeffe, meet famous American painter Georgia O’Keeffe. Step into her life and learn what led her to look closely at nature and paint her iconic paintings of flowers and bones. See the vast New Mexico landscapes that inspired her work. Have a go at producing your own close-up still-life artworks!

Dissecting a flower – preschool botany: https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/preschool-botany-lesson-part-3-dissecting-a-flower/

Homemade Watercolors from Fresh Flowers: http://www.learnplayimagine.com/2013/08/homemade-paint-natural-watercolors.html

Magic Blooming Flower Kids’ STEM Activity: https://thestemlaboratory.com/magic-blooming-flower/

Spring Science Activity for Kids: Chromatography Flowers: https://buggyandbuddy.com/spring-science-activity-for-kids-chromatography-flowers/

It’s Baseball Season!

The Thing Lenny Loves Most about Baseball written by Andrew Larsen

Lenny loves baseball. And not just playing baseball — he loves reading about it, too. Lenny thinks the more he knows, the better he’ll play … and he needs all the help he can get! But it’s not until he comes across some interesting information in his Big Book of Baseball Facts — Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron, two of the best hitters in baseball history, failed most of the time! — that Lenny realizes his odds are pretty good! With renewed determination and lots of practice with his dad, Lenny sets out to play his very best. He knows he can be great some of the time. And maybe that will be good enough. That’s the thing Lenny loves most about baseball.

Bonaparte Plays Ball written by Margery Cuyler

Bonaparte the skeleton and his team, the Little Monsters, face the Mighty Aliens in a monster version of the World Series.

Balletball written by Erin Dionne

Nina loves ballet, not sports, so when her mother signs her up to play baseball she sulks until the coach explains how baseball and ballet can go together–and when a timely plié in the outfield saves the game she realizes that “balletball” is really not so bad after all.

Three Squeezes written by Jason Pratt

Follow a father and his son from babyhood to baseball games to graduation and beyond in this loving saga about the unbreakable bond between generations. A perfect gift, Three Squeezes is a tender, rhyming picture book that is an ode to the love between parent and child, no matter how old the child (or) parent is.

Home Base: a mother-daughter story written by Nikki Tate

In interwoven narratives, a young girl and her mother support one another as one tries out for the baseball team and the other interviews for a bricklaying job, then celebrate their success together.

Nonfiction

Baseball Science written by James Bow

Pitchers put their entire bodies into their pitches, and batters hit balls that fly toward them at 100 miles per hour. Find out how pitchers throw curveballs, learn about the training techniques and nutritional requirements of professional players, and much, much more.

Dice Baseball Game: https://dayswithgrey.com/dice-baseball-game/

Baseball themed learning activities: https://emilyslittleloves.com/summer-learning-at-home-week-2/

Baseball themed learning activities: https://daisiesanddoodles.com/baseball-themed-activities-for-kids/

Basketball: Who’s Got Game?

Baller Ina written and illustrated by Liz Casal

A rhyming picture book about Ina who is a graceful ballerina who also loves to get competitive on the basketball court.

I Got Next written and illustrated by Daria Peoples-Riley

A young basketball player receives inspiration from a surprising place and joins the competition ready to try his best.

The Legend of Gravity: a tall basketball tale written and illustrated by Charly Palmer

Have you ever heard of Gravity? No, not gravity, the centrifugal force pulling us to the Earth. I’m talking about Gravity–the greatest ball player to ever lace up a pair of sneakers.

I Have a Superpower written by Stephen Curry

A young child learns that he does not have to be the strongest, fastest, or jump the highest, but as long as he has determination and heart any goal is achievable.

H.O.R.S.E.: a game of basketball and imagination written by Christopher Myers

One day at the basketball court, two kids, a familiar challenge–H.O.R.S.E.? But this isn’t your grandmother’s game of hoops. Not when a layup from the other side of the court, standing on one foot, with your eyes closed is just the warm-up. Around the neighborhood, around the world, off Saturn’s rings . . . the pair goes back and forth. The game is as much about skill as it is about imagination.

Non-Fiction

Basketball: amazing but true stories! Written by Derrick Barnes

A middle-grade celebration of the unheralded people and stories that helped shape the game of basketball, from unsung pioneers to unforgettable moments of the game.

Basketball written by Cathleen Small

Playing sports is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, and this entry in the Mind vs. Muscle: The Psychology of Sports series (6 titles) describes how important sports psychologists are in helping basketball players develop the mental toughness to win. They teach goal setting and affirmations, which help athletes perform effectively as a team. The book covers basketball basics, overall team strength, the role of the coach, and the mental strategies, such as visualization, that players use to psych themselves up for game day.

Girls Play Basketball written by Amy B. Rogers

How can a girl go from playing basketball in gym class to becoming a WNBA superstar? The journey starts by learning as much as possible about the sport of basketball. Through manageable text, a detailed graphic organizer, and fun fact boxes, readers explore basketball basics. They also discover stories of some of the most famous women to ever play the game.

It’s a Numbers Game: basketball written by James Buckley Jr.

Why do NBA players only have 24 seconds to score a basket? What’s the geometry behind making the perfect shot? Become a basketball pro and learn all about the numbers and math behind this popular sport.

Numbers are everywhere in basketball–from the dimensions of the court to the points you can score to the digits on each player’s jersey. In this awesome new book, you’ll learn how these numbers make basketball the game we know and love today, and also get a few tips along the way on how to improve your game.

DIY Basketball Game: https://meaningfulmama.com/day-153-diy-basketball-game.html

Basketball crafts and activities: https://www.redtedart.com/basketball-crafts-for-kids/

Basketball Cup and Ball Craft: https://exploringdomesticity.com/basketball-cup-and-ball-craft/

DIY Ping Pong Basketball game: https://www.504main.com/2015/09/diy-ping-pong-basketball-game.html

Caterpillars and Butterflies

Make Way for Butterfly written and illustrated by Ross Burach

Butterfly learns from Bee that he too is a pollinator and can help in the important work of pollinating plants.

The Digger and the Butterfly written and illustrated by Joseph Kuefler

Digger and his friends meet a hungry caterpillar who chooses Digger as its safe place to make a cocoon, making Digger cease his work to care for the small creature who surprises him and his friends.

Becoming Charley written by Kelly DiPucchio

Unlike all the other caterpillars Charley sometimes wonders what it would be like to be a fawn or a waterfall, so when the day comes to form her chrysalis, Charley must decide who she will become.

Goodnight, Butterfly written and illustrated by Ross Burach

Butterfly wakes up while Porcupine is having breakfast, and Porcupine tries to explain what it means to be nocturnal and Butterfly considers the advantages of a nighttime life while trying to get back to sleep.

How Beautiful written by Antonella Capetti

When a caterpillar is called “beautiful” one day, he wonders, what could that mean? No one has the same answer. A bear declares that honeycomb is beautiful, the squirrels find dry leaves are beautiful, and a mole loves his beautiful burrow. All the while, the blackbird disagrees with each answer! Will the caterpillar ever find out what beautiful means?

Nonfiction

What’s inside a caterpillar cocoon?: and other questions about moths & butterflies written and illustrated by Rachel Ignotofsky

Have you ever wondered what happens inside a caterpillar cocoon? Or how moths and butterflies are related? Or what the difference is between a cocoon and a chrysalis? Wonder no more!

My Book of Butterflies written and illustrated by Geraldo Valério

This stunning exploration of butterflies from around the world is a companion to My Book of Birds. Geraldo Valério grew up in Brazil, watching white butterflies visit the vegetable patch behind his house. As he got older, he learned more about these unique and beautiful insects, which can be found on every continent except Antarctica. In this gorgeous album, Geraldo presents his favorite butterfly species from around the world.

Easy Butterfly and Chrysalis Craft for Kids: https://www.aboutamom.com/easy-butterfly-chrysalis-craft-for-kids/

Pom Pom Caterpillar Craft: https://www.messylittlemonster.com/2020/01/caterpillar-craft.html?m=1

Monarch butterfly facts and printables: https://mother2motherblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Combined-Monarch-Butterfly-Activities.pdf

Fun with Fish!

The Fish of Small Wishes written by Elana K. Arnold

Once, there was a girl named Kiki, who found a fish on the asphalt. The fish was very hot and very dry. But when Kiki put it in the bathtub, it started swimming, and growing, and speaking. “I want to grant you a wish for saving me,” it said. Alas, this fish was only a fish of small wishes, and Kiki’s wish was too big. Unless there was a way for both their dreams to come true.

Fish and Crab written and illustrated by Marianna Coppo

Crab wants to sleep, but Fish is full of “what if” worries, so Crab tells him to list them all.

The Library Fish Learns to Read written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Library Fish, who calls the library her home, decides it is time to learn to do what everyone around her loves doing–read.

This Tank is Mine! Written and illustrated by Jonathan Fenske

Angelo the angel fish lives in an awesome fish tank. He has a cozy cave (his), a terrific treasure chest (also his), and a bubbly bubble man (his again). But then a new fish gets dropped into the tank. And suddenly, Angelo has to share?! 

A Mouthful of Minnows written and illustrated by John Hare

Alphonso the alligator snapping turtle heads out for a breakfast hunt but ends up having second thoughts.

 Big Bear and Little Fish written by Sandra Nickel

Despite their many differences, Big Bear and a Little Fish find similarities between themselves and become friends.

A Spark in the Dark written and illustrated by Pam Fong

A little fish lost in the ocean must find a spark of light to show it the way home.

Nonfiction

Essential Fish written by Alyssa Krekelberg

This book examines Earth’s fish, highlighting a diverse selection of 22 notable species from around the world. A blend of narrative text, authoritative nonfiction content, fact boxes, and vivid photos bring these amazing fish to life. Features include a glossary, online resources, source notes, and an index.

Fish written by Steve Parker

Take a plunge into the depths and encounter speedy swimmers, deep divers, and bottom feeders. From stealthy sharks to curious catfish, find out fantastic fishy facts about how these underwater creatures hunt, hide, drive, and glide.

Make a Fish Swim with Soap: https://frugalfun4boys.com/make-a-fish-swim-with-soap/

Paper Stuffed Fish craft: https://minimatisse.blogspot.com/2019/04/paper-stuffed-fish.html?spref=pi&m=1

How to make fantastic flying fish paper spinners: https://onetimethrough.com/how-to-make-fantastic-flying-fish-paper-spinners/

Sew a Stitch!

Patchwork Prince written by Baptiste Paul

What makes a patchwork prince? A prince must be ready for adventure-ready for the night, ready to pluck the brightest, most beautiful fabrics from the scrap heap, ready to run when danger comes. With the treasures he and his mother collect, she will make him clothes fit for royalty- No flashy jewels, no crown, but a cut and drape that hug his Black shoulders just right. And in his new clothes, with chin held high, he will know he is a prince.

Me and the Boss: a story about mending and love written by Michelle Edwards

Six-year-old Lee will not give up until he can show his big sister Zora, a.k.a. the boss, how good he can sew. Includes instructions on how to make Lee’s smiling moon.

Mr. Frank written and illustrated by Irene Luxbacher

On his last day before retirement, Mr. Frank is sewing the most wonderful outfit of his long career. In all his years working as a tailor, Mr. Frank has made all kinds of clothes. From the practical uniforms of the 1940s to the wild and weird designs of the 1960s and 1970s, he has seen (and sewn) just about everything. But todays project is especially close to Mr. Frank’s heart. With its use of textiles and sensitive period detail, Irene Luxbacher’s artwork that is the perfect complement to her understated text. The result is a story that children and grandparents can share with equal delight.

My Forever Dress written by Harriet Ziefert

Grandma sews an environmentally friendly party dress for her granddaughter that can be recycled as she grows up.

Pockets written by Jennifer Armstrong

A stranger arrives at a remote village and becomes the tailor, sewing magical embroidered scenes into the pockets of their plain clothes, which transforms their humdrum lives forever.

The Best Tailor in Pinbauê written and illustrated by Eymard Toledo

Uncle Flores is the best tailor in the town of Pinbauê in Brazil. He used to make colorful costumes for the carnival, but nowadays he only makes grey uniforms for the factory workers. The houses are covered with dust from the factory, the river water is murky, and everything is drab. Edinho, his nephew, comes by every day after school to help cut and iron the cloth and listen to his uncle’s stories. But when the factory tells Uncle Flores they don’t need his uniforms anymore, Edinho comes up with an ingenious idea to get his uncle back to work and make everyone in town happier …

My Grandfather’s Coat written by Jim Aylesworth

A tailor’s very old overcoat is recycled numerous times over the years into a variety of garments and other uses.

Nonfiction

Sewing for kids: 30 fun projects to hand and machine sew written by Alexa Ward

From an adorable Needle House to an awesome Pizza Pencil Case, there are so many awesome things that can be sewn with just a needle and thread. Packed with beginner techniques for hand and machine sewing, Sewing for Kids takes you stitch-by-stitch from threading a needle to making your own Fingerless Gloves.

7 Easy Kid’s Sewing Projects for Preschoolers: https://whimsyroo.com/2018/09/30/7-easy-kids-sewing-projects-for-preschoolers/

Simple sewing for preschoolers: https://www.stirthewonder.com/simple-sewing-preschoolers/

Make Your Own DIY Sewing Cards: https://www.arosetintedworld.co.uk/make-your-own-diy-sewing-cards/

Build Your Dream

A Girl Can Build Anything written by e. E. Charlton-Trujillo

Have you ever dreamed of building something? Maybe something little-like a birdhouse? Or something big-like a skyscraper? If you can envision it, you can build it! A Girl Can Build Anything is a playful celebration of all the different ways girls can make things-from tinkering to tool wielding, from ideas on paper to big, lived-out dreams that require brick and mortar. This fun and empowering ode to self-expression will inspire readers to jump up and immediately start to build.

Building written and illustrated by Henry Cole

A beaver family works hard to rebuild when their dam is threatened by storms in this beautifully illustrated follow-up to Nesting that introduces young children to beginning life science concepts.

Fiona Builds a Fairy House written by Kristen Dickson

When Fiona has the idea to build her very own fairy house, she gets to work right away foraging for supplies, scouting for the perfect location, and recruiting some magical friends. Building a fairy house isn’t as easy as you might think!

Our Shed: a father-daughter building story written by Robert Broder

A father teaches his daughter about woodworking and she contributes imagination and fun as they build a shed together.

Smashy Town written by Andrea Griffing Zimmerman

With a turn of his crane and a swing of his wrecking ball, Mr. Gilly knocks down the old buildings. He smashes through brick and wood. He crashes through stone and glass. Then, with a push from his bulldozer, Mr. Gilly cleans it all up to make room for something brand-new!

Jasper & Ollie Build a Fort written and illustrated by Alex Willan

Best friends Jasper, a quick and feisty fox, and Ollie, a slow and deliberate sloth, decide to build forts in the yard. While Jasper’s enormous fort goes up in minutes (complete with a rock climbing wall, bouncy, castle, and moat), it’s Ollie’s humble fort that has what the pair need most . . . a place that they can share.

House Mouse written and illustrated by Michael Hall

A clever and resourceful mouse, looking for a safe place to settle down, builds different shelters and learns that home is wherever you make it.

Billions of Bricks: [a counting book about building] written by Kurt Cyrus

Grab a hard hat and all your tools, and get ready for a construction adventure in counting! This clever, rhyming picture book leads readers through a day in the life of a construction crew building with bricks. A brick may seem like just a simple block, but in groupings of ten, twenty, and more, it can create many impressive structures, from hotels to schools to skyscrapers.

Nonfiction

How Was That Built? Written by Roma Agrawal

From skyscrapers to bridges, meet the extraordinary people who helped build some of the world’s architectural marvels.

Blocks & Building Activities for Toddlers: https://myboredtoddler.com/blocks-building-activities-for-toddlers-easy/

Fun with kids: building and construction activities: https://www.onelovelylife.com/fun-with-kids-construction/

DIY Cardboard Tube Construction Toy: https://picklebums.com/cardboard-tube-construction/