Every Feb. 2, groundhogs finally get their day! Come February, with the cold, dreary days of January behind us but spring still a bit too far away, we can all use something to celebrate. Regardless of the outcome, you can have some fun celebrating the day with these great books!
Go to Sleep, Groundhog! by Judy Cox
Groundhog has trouble sleeping through the winter and ends up seeing exciting Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas celebrations that he usually misses during hibernation. The fun fiction picture book is followed by a one-page non-fiction description of Groundhog Day and groundhogs.
Substitute Groundhog by Pat Miller
Oh No! When Groundhog gets sick the day before Groundhog’s Day, he has to find a replacement quick. Groundhog interviews other animals to come out of his hole on Groundhog Day.
Valentine’s is perfect to spend some time with your child and show them how much you care with a fun Valentine’s Day book! Love is in the air, and it’s filled in this post as well. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your family by reading some of these favorite children’s books that show the meaning of love and friendship. Tap into children’s eagerness to swap heart-shaped cards with their friends by introducing them to books based on the holiday. Valentine’s Day offers some warmth and cheer at a time when winter can feel like it is dragging on. It is also a time to encourage kids to celebrate friends and loved ones.
Snowy Valentine – by David Petersen
Jasper Bunny loves his wife Lilly so much that he wants to get her a very special Valentine’s Day gift. The problem is that he doesn’t know what to get her. In search of ideas, he leaves their home and, despite the snow and cold, walks down to the neighboring valley to get ideas from some of their animal neighbors. After a discouraging afternoon, Jasper is startled to learn that he has, without even knowing it, created the perfect gift for Lilly.
Bear in Love – by Daniel Pinkwater
When Bear starts finding carrots outside his cave, he sets out on a search to find out who is leaving him such delicious treats. When he can’t, he leaves his unknown gift giver some honey in return. Thus starts an exchange of heartfelt gifts between Bear and his secret admirer. Will they ever meet? You’ll have to read to find out.
Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You – by Nancy Tillman
A sentimental message for children but also a very important one. Wherever You Are conveys to children that as they grow and venture out into the world, their parents will always love them.
Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink – by Diane DeGroat
Gilbert writes not-so-nice Valentine poems for two rude classmates and signs their names to the cards. Since Margaret and Lewis both receive two Valentines from each other -one good and one bad – and none from Gilbert, his ploy is discovered and all the students ostracize him. The dilemma is resolved when all three apologize and Gilbert writes them new poems and shares his homemade cookies.
In February we celebrate another patriotic holiday! Presidents Day is a great way to introduce the politicians who have helped shape our country. It’s never too early to get children enthusiastic about democracy, or to encourage them to become leaders of the free world. Here are some timely books about our Commanders-in-Chief that will fascinate and delight even the smallest of readers!
Presidents’ Day – by Anne Rockwell
An easy to understand, fun little book, teaches young readers why we celebrate the holiday. The kids in the book then put on a play with some fun and interesting facts about some of the presidents. It ends with a girl becoming president of her class again! Yay!
Woodrow: The White House Mouse – by Cheryl and Peter Barnes
This charming book will delight kids, because honestly who doesn’t want to imagine this great nation being led by an endearing mouse? It teaches kids not only about the famous inhabitants of the White House, but about the home itself – including that it wasn’t even known as The White House until 1901.
February which is Dental Health month holds an opportunity to teach your children about the importance of good oral health and get them in to a routine that will carry them throughout their lives.
The Tooth Book- by Theo Lesieg
Fun rhyming words and silly uses/misuses of teeth always get the kids giggling. You can never be reminded enough to, “… never bite your dentist when he works inside your head. Your dentist is your teeth’s best friend. Bite carrot sticks instead!”
Clarabella’s Teeth by An Vrombaut
This cheerfully illustrated book is perfect for young kids. Poor Clarabella the crocodile has so many teeth to brush that she’s in danger of missing all the fun that the other animals are having. The subtle message that brushing your teeth is important comes across in a fun and approachable way, and the book provides a great opportunity to start a conversation about daily brushing with your child.
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