Jennifer Ridgway | Brightly

Potty Training 101: Helpful Books for Kids and Their Parents

Fri, 09 May 2025 09:00:37 +0000

As I begin the journey toward toilet training my twins, I’ve been turning to books and to fellow parents for some advice. I’m looking at various approaches to decide what will work best for both my husband and I and our kids. I also know that introducing my children to the idea via books of their own will be incredibly helpful and possibly inspire them to give it a go (literally).

For all of you looking for some great resources, I hope these lists of potty-dedicated books — one for you and one for your child — will be helpful.

Good luck!

yes no For Your Child: 9780593898628 Potty Time with Bean (Ms. Rachel) by Ms. Rachel, illustrated by Monique Dong

Children will love learning about using the potty from America’s favorite teacher and YouTube sensation, Ms. Rachel. In the story, Ms. Rachel helps her young friend, Bean, learn to use the potty. With upbeat text, adorable illustrations, and familiar songs, this book is a must-have for toddlers.

9780385383691 P is for Potty! by Naomi Kleinberg, illustrated by Christopher Moroney

Elmo is an expert at introducing concepts to the younger set, and this story of how he teaches his little cousin to use the potty is no exception. Toddlers will enjoy peeking under the many flaps, too.

9780744057058 Time to Use the Potty by DK

Jack and Jasmine have new potties and underwear but resist using them correctly. As the twins get accustomed to their potties and undies, they learn to use both. This adorable story is perfect for helping young children overcome their potty-related fears and promotes good hygiene.

9780698115750 Going to the Potty http://www.penguin.com/book/going-to-the-potty-by-fred-rogers/9780698115750 by Fred Rogers

(The) Mr. Rogers presents potty training as part of the growing up process. The book has pictures of real children, which helps make it relatable. The tone is gentle and encouraging. An oldie but a goodie.

9781662650420 Where Do You Poop? A Potty Training Board Book by Agnese Baruzzi

Everyone poops — even animals! Each page in this board book features a different animal getting ready to do the deed. Pull on the tabs to make the animal “poop” and encourage your little one to do the same (in the toilet). Children will giggle over every page of this hilarious and unconventional potty-training board book.

9780399559341 Even Superheroes Use the Potty by Sara Crow, illustrated by Adam Record

Did you know that superheroes use the potty? Everyone from firefighters to magicians needs to use the potty. This colorful book features rhyming text, engaging illustrations, and various heroes using the toilet.

9780763644765 Potty http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=title&mode=book&isbn=0763644765 by Leslie Patricelli

With bright, graphic pictures and simple text, this book not only shows your child what they actually need to do to go potty, but also engages them, as the Baby asks questions that your child will want to answer.

9780763672348 Skip to the Loo, My Darling! A Potty Book by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Anita Jeram

Bunny is at a party when he suddenly needs to use the potty! Fortunately, he knows just what to do — skip to the loo! Soon, more critters skip to the loo, including piglets, an elephant, and a dodo bird. Rollicking, rhyming text, adorable illustrations, and hilarious puns will have kids (and adults) giggling all the way to the bathroom.

9780375826313 The New Potty (Little Critter) by Mercer Mayer and Gina Mayer

Mercer Mayer fans will love this humorous story about Little Critter helping his sister learn to use the potty. From successes to misses, Little Critter supports his sister every step of the way. This classic potty-training book is a must-have for every toddler’s bookshelf!

9781664350885 Time to Go Potty! by Becky Davies, illustrated by Rosalind Maroney

This interactive board book makes potty training a fun experience for your child. With colorful illustrations, rhyming text, and a sound button to push, this story offers little ones their first introduction to the potty. Children will want to read this one on repeat!

yes no For You: 9780307237095 Diaper-Free Before 3 by Jill Lekovic, M.D.

If you want to get a head start on potty training instead of waiting until your child is older, this book offers a method to help. Dr. Jill Lekovic uses medical studies and her experience as a pediatrician and parent to deliver her advice. By introducing the potty earlier, you could avoid much of the fear and tears that often accompany potty training.

9780593196663 The First-Time Parent’s Guide to Potty Training by Jazmine McCoy, PsyD

Potty training is challenging for even the most experienced parents, let alone first-time parents! This book guides new parents through a system designed to transition kiddos from diapers to undies in three days. With extra tips for stubborn or anxious children, this book is the perfect handbook to see you through.

9780425285800 The American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Toilet Training https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/2847/the-american-academy-of-pediatrics-guide-to-toilet-training-by-american-academy-of-pediatrics/ by American Academy of Pediatrics

The AAP’s guide is a great primer as you start thinking about your journey. It delves into how to decide if your child is ready and emphasizes every child’s individuality. It covers specific problems that may arise and also address some unique situations (for example: twins, children with special needs).

9780143131908 Ready, Set, Go! by Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Parents who want a gentle approach to potty training will love this book from parenting expert Sarah Ockwell-Smith. Inside, you’ll learn how to tell when your child is ready for potty training and advice on how to help them grow accustomed to using a potty. This method is best for parents who want to keep the process as stress-free as possible.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2025.

The post Potty Training 101: Helpful Books for Kids and Their Parents appeared first on Brightly.

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25 Illustrated Chapter Book Series To Engage Early Readers

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 09:00:51 +0000

As my twins’ literacy and comprehension skills have grown, we’ve searched for ways to keep them engaged with books that are age-appropriate yet slightly more advanced. One of the best options we’ve found for them is early chapter books with full-color illustrations, a format that provides a nice bridge between picture books and chapter books. With a picture on nearly every page, these books feel similar to what little kids are used to seeing in picture books, but their vocabulary is slightly more advanced and their storylines are longer. Here are some great early chapter book series, featuring fun illustrations, that have kept us entertained at home.

no no 9781680104585 Star Friends Series by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Lucy Fleming

This adorable chapter book series follows a group of girls who befriend magical forest animals. Together, the humans and animals tackle supernatural threats to their town. From classroom drama to dark magic, the girls face every challenge with courage and heart.

9781101918265 A Narwhal and Jelly Book Series http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/NJB/a-narwhal-and-jelly-book by Ben Clanton

This series is about the oftentimes hilarious friendship between a narwhal and a jellyfish. While they may be different, they both love peanut butter and parties. The books are an introduction to graphic novels, and the focus on friendship and working together is perfect for this age. These are a great next step for fans of Mo Willems’s Elephant & Piggie series.

9781524790394 Arnold and Louise Series https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/3AL/arnold-and-louise/ by Erica S. Perl, illustrated by Chris Chatterton

Fans of Frog and Toad will adore this new series about another unlikely pair. Arnold the bear is thoughtful and patient while Louise the chipmunk is loud and energetic. Though completely different, the two are best friends. The duo’s antics will amuse kids, and the green and gray illustrations bring them to life with a forest-y vibe.

9780593808542 Llama Quest Series by Megan Reyes, illustrated by Kay Davault

Young fantasy lovers will enjoy this magical chapter book series. When Dak meets Fenn and Lucy — a talking, scarf-wearing, purple llama — he gets pulled into a quest to save his kingdom from a series of threats. Whether searching for stolen items, facing down dragons, or dodging magic spells, Dak leans on his friends every step of the way.

9780385730174 Nate the Great Series http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/NTG/nate-the-great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illustrated by Marc Simont

This long-running and fan-favorite series starring a kid detective will appeal to avid and reluctant readers alike. Simont’s illustrations are done in black-and-white and color and they portray some of the sly humor of Sharmat’s writing. Encourage kids to look for the clues in Simont’s illustrations as they read along. Beware: You may end up with a budding detective of your own!

9780744023848 The Secret Explorers Series https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/ZSC/the-secret-explorers/ by DK and SJ King

Magic Tree House fans will love this series about a group of gifted children who travel across the globe — and through time. Whether they’re blasting into outer space, diving under the sea, or zipping across the Arctic, these books will take your child on some wild adventures!

9780593618776 Millie Magnus Chapter Book Series by Brittany Mazique, illustrated by Ebony Glenn

Readers who enjoy slice-of-life stories that deal with realistic scenarios will want to read this series. It follows a girl named Millie as she navigates the ups and downs of third grade. From dealing with bullies to saving a neighborhood playground, Millie faces every challenge with courage and a can-do attitude.

9780515158311 Princess Pulverizer Series by Nancy Krulik, illustrated by Ben Balistreri

This series is about a princess, but by no means is she a girly character. Princess Pulverizer doesn’t want a life filled with tea parties and ballroom dancing. Instead, she wants to go to Knight School to learn to wield a sword and slay dragons. But first, she must prove her valor by completing a Quest for Kindness. Featuring a quirky cast of characters and their hilarious escapades, expect lots of belly laughs from boys and girls alike.

9780763645045 Mercy Watson Series https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/MER/mercy-watson by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

Award-winning author DiCamillo’s series about a mayhem-causing pig will have your child (and you) laughing out loud. Mercy is treated as a member of the family, despite being a giant pig. Her size and animal nature get her into a lot of trouble around her house and neighborhood. The illustrations are colorful and comical, perfectly capturing the hilarity of the stories.

9780744063295 Timekeepers Series by SJ King

Introduce your growing reader to important historical events with this action-packed series! The Timekeepers are a group of kids who use magical watches to slide through time. From the beaches of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, to a clash between Viking clans, the kids must keep historical events on track. It’s the perfect next read for fans of the Magic Tree House series!

9781984850829 Unicorn Academy Series https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/D58/unicorn-academy by Julie Sykes, illustrated by Lucy Truman

For unicorn lovers, illustrated chapter books don’t get any better than this. Every girl gets paired with a unicorn at the Unicorn Academy, and they become instant best friends. Children ages 6-9 will love reading these magical, rainbow-filled adventures. If your child finishes all 12 books, you can start them on the spin-off series Unicorn Academy Nature Magic.

9780763678883 The Princess in Black Series https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/PIB/princess-in-black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

If your daughter is like mine and loves princesses AND superheroes, this is the series for you! Princess Magnolia has a secret life fighting monsters. With bright and bubbly illustrations that show the action in a non-threatening way, the stories demonstrate that princesses can be strong and brave. My son also enjoys the Princess’s adventures.

9780593526156 Beyond the Game: Athletes Change the World Series by Andrew Maraniss, illustrated by DeAndra Hodge

This new chapter book series features athletes who make a difference in their sport and beyond. Each book features a different athlete, such as LeBron James, Pat Tillman, and Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone, and describes how they used their influence to make the world a better place.

9780593380833 Minecraft Woodsword Chronicles: The Complete Series: Books 1-6 https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/672454/minecraft-woodsword-chronicles-the-complete-series-books-1-6-minecraft–woosdword-chronicles-by-nick-elipulos/ by Nick Eliopulos

One of the best ways to get a video game-obsessed kid to read more is by giving them books about video games. This series of illustrated chapter books takes place in the world of Minecraft and is unrivaled in getting kids hooked on reading. Hand your child these books, and they’ll be glued to the page for hours!

9780763666439 Candlewick Sparks Series https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/CSP/candlewick-sparks by various authors and illustrators

One of our favorite books in the Candlewick Sparks series is The Monster in the Backpack, which presents Annie as a girl with a seemingly major problem: When she unzips her new backpack, she finds a monster inside. Initially, the monster is a nuisance, but the two slowly learn to like each other and then love each other. Kids will love this goofy story, and Jones’s digital art supports the comic nature of the story.

9780147510679 Dory Fantasmagory Series by Abby Hanlon

Kids who enjoy quirky stories packed with imagination and humor need to add this series to their “to-read” lists. Dory has a big vocabulary and an even bigger imagination. Whether she’s trying to make a new friend or getting lost in a hardware store, her arch-nemesis, Mrs. Gobble Gracker, always shows up to make things worse. These hilarious chapter books will keep kids coming back for more.

9780142400104 Cam Jansen Series https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/DMV/cam-jansen/ by David A. Adler

A bestseller for over thirty years, the Cam Jansen series is a favorite for young mystery-solvers. A spunky fifth-grader with a photographic memory, Cam is clever, goodhearted, and always on the case. Every detective needs a sidekick, and Cam has a great one in her best friend, Eric. With so many cases to choose from, your reader won’t run out of fun any time soon!

9781680104899 Mermaids Rock Series by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Mirelle Ortega

From the author of the popular Star Friends series comes another illustrated chapter book series with mermaids, magic, monsters, friendship, and mystery. Each book offers an irresistible adventure that young readers will love, along with fun facts about the ocean and its animals.

9780807508527 The Boxcar Children Mysteries Series by Gertrude Chandler Warner

This classic mystery series has captured the hearts of generations of readers. It’s about a family of orphans searching for a forever home and solving mysteries. With a staggering 160+ installments, voracious and casual readers alike will have no trouble finding a title that interests them.

9780448487519 Jada Jones Series https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/JJ1/jada-jones/ by Kelly Starling Lyons

Don’t miss out on Jada Jones, a budding science whiz who always tries her best, even when the new challenge at hand — like dancing or public speaking — doesn’t feel the most natural. Complete with a charming cast of characters and two-color art that helps readers transition to black-and-white chapter books, this series is a perfect bridge between two reading worlds.

9781635651676 Magic on the Map Series https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/MC8/magic-on-the-map/ by Courtney Sheinmel and Bianca Turetsky, illustrated by Stevie Lewis

Twins Finn and Molly Parker aren’t impressed with their dad’s new camper — until they discover it can talk, and magically transport them, too! Each chapter book in this fun-filled series brings the twins to a different state and includes a map and entertaining facts about that unique piece of the country. It’s a wild ride captured in brilliant color.

9781682637180 Buddy and Bea Series by Jan Carr, illustrated by Kris Mukai

Kids will love this high-energy chapter book series about two kids who meet on the first day of second grade. Although they don’t have much in common, Buddy and Bea form an unlikely friendship. Each book features a new challenge for the friends, from pet problems to picture-day fiascos.

9780593122983 The Magnificent Makers Series https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/MM8/the-magnificent-makers by Theanne Griffith, illustrated by Reggie Brown

Help your kid get their STEM on with these informative chapter books about a group of friends that go on science-related escapades. With riddles, magic portals, challenges, and science experiments for readers to complete, this series is an excellent choice for budding scientists.

9780679824114 Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by AG Ford

The Magic Tree House series is the most popular illustrated chapter book series for kids. Send your young reader on dozens of time-traveling adventures with these highly engaging stories. If your child wants to learn the facts behind the fiction, check out the Magic Tree House Fact Tracker series. Kids will also fall in love with the full-color graphic novel adaptations.

9780593750384 Superpower Puppies Series by Corey Powell, illustrated by Kristen Humphrey

Puppies and magic — what more could a growing reader want? Each installment in this illustrated chapter book series spotlights a dog with superpowers. While the puppies use their powers to protect humans, they sometimes need help from their two-legged friends. Young dog lovers won’t be able to resist this adorable series!

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2025.

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11 Books to Turn to When You Just Can’t Read Goodnight Moon Again

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 09:00:58 +0000

If you’ve read Goodnight Moon to your little one enough times to know what comes after “Goodnight clocks” (yes, it’s socks) and can picture the cow jumping over the moon in your mind right this very minute, it may be time to make some new additions to your stack of bedtime reading books. Here are some great alternatives to Goodnight Moon to try out with your kiddos tonight. (Don’t worry, the comb, and the brush, and the bowl full of mush will still be waiting for you, right where you left them.)

yes no Ages 0 – 2 9781623543389 Leo, Sleep Tight! by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson

Leo is quickly becoming a beloved book character that children love reading about. In this story, Leo uses all five senses to wind down and get ready for bed. It is an excellent book to help little ones establish a bedtime routine before nodding off.

9781580897082 Global Baby Bedtimes http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/247706/global-baby-bedtimes-by-the-global-fund-for-children/ by Maya Ajmera

This simple book shows the universality of sleep with pictures of sleeping, yawning, and napping babies from different countries who are all dressed in traditional clothing from their cultures. Perfect for infants, who are attracted to other human faces, and with limited text that can easily be read as a lullaby.

9780593379431 Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd, illustrated by Nneka Myers

Bedtime means hair care in one little girl’s family. But when she loses her bedtime bonnet, her nighttime routine gets thrown off track. With her family’s love and encouragement, she finds her bonnet and snuggles into bed. Young children will enjoy following the family’s bedtime routine in this sweet and comforting story.

9780670015795 Little Owl’s Night http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/308424/little-owls-night-by-divya-srinivasan/boardbook by Divya Srinivasan

One of my family’s longtime and enduring favorites, this whimsical book follows Little Owl as he flies around the forest and sees the other animals. It doesn’t rhyme, but the book’s cadence makes it a great read-aloud, and the illustrations are bold yet not too stimulating for bedtime. Srinivasan introduces readers to different animals and new words — there is no baby talk here. And while the idea of a book about a nocturnal creature might seem like a bad choice for bedtime, rest assured that Little Owl does eventually go to sleep to the sounds of his mother’s gentle voice. You can also check out Little Owl’s new book Little Owl’s Day for more adventures.

9780553521900 Dream Animals by Emily Winfield Martin

Send your little one to dreamland with this whimsical and charming story from the creator of The Wonderful Things You Will Be. Tiny readers will discover a world filled with magical animal friends and gentle adventures, making it an excellent bedtime pick.

yes no Ages 2 – 5 9781680105896 Dinosaur, Dinosaur, Say Good Night by Tiger Tales, illustrated by Sanja Rescek

Little dinosaur enthusiasts can’t get enough of this prehistoric twist on classic nursery rhymes! Adorable, brightly illustrated dinosaurs scrub-a-dub-dub in the tub, snuggle their stuffies, and run through the town in their nightgowns. Kids love the bouncy, familiar rhymes in this bestselling board book!

9781664350649 10 Kisses Before Bedtime by Danielle McLean, illustrated by Ag Jatkowska

Get ready for bed with the families in this touch-and-feel board book. Young children love reading about the familiar bedtime routine, from taking a bubble bath and brushing their teeth to reading a story and drifting off to sleep.

9781101933787 Goodnight, Numbers http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/258546/goodnight-numbers-by-danica-mckellar-illustrated-by-alicia-padron/ by Danica McKellar, illustrated by Alicia Padrón

This picture book from math whiz (and “Doogie Howser, M.D.” alum) Danica McKellar features children saying goodnight to everyday things such as utensils, body parts, and toys as they go through their bedtime routines. Each page highlights a different number, one through ten. And the book helps with math literacy in different ways, including getting children used to hearing numbers in order, guessing the next number, and finding all the things on the page that come in the specific number.

9780593110515 Goodnight Racism by Ibram X. Kendi, illustrated by Cbabi Bayoc

Instead of saying goodnight to hairbrushes and bowls of mush, say goodnight to injustice and racism with this bestselling board book from the author of How to Be an Antiracist. In it, the moon shines down on children everywhere, hoping for fairness, justice, and peace. Pick up the author’s other board book, Antiracist Baby, for another story about justice and equality.

9781680101508 Bedtime for Baby Sloth by Danielle McLean, illustrated by Sarah Ward

Even baby sloths like to put off going to bed for as long as possible. When the day ends, baby sloth finds every excuse to stay awake, including bidding the moon goodnight. The adorable animal characters and the gentle story encourage children to settle down and catch some Z’s.

9780399554483 Where Do Jet Planes Sleep at Night? http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/538564/where-do-jet-planes-sleep-at-night-by-brianna-caplan-sayres-illustrated-by-christian-slade/ by Brianna Caplan Sayres, illustrated by Christian Slade

From the same duo that brought us Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? (a book that was on repeat for quite a while in our house!) and Where Do Steam Trains Sleep at Night?, comes a new book about the bedtime rituals of planes. Sayres’s text always has an imaginative way of combining machines with familiar bedtime rituals. Slade’s illustrations of the anthropomorphized planes — including jet planes, helicopters, and Air Force One — are fun and whimsical.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2023.

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Sleepytime Stories: Books To Help Children Build a Bedtime Routine

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 09:00:59 +0000

One of the most ubiquitous pieces of parenting advice I have heard and read is how important it is to establish and maintain a bedtime routine. Many experts (as well as fellow parents) recommend starting as soon as possible to help create the link between a routine and falling asleep. As with many pieces of advice, it can sometimes be easier said than done — but thankfully there are many books to help illustrate routines. Here are some stories that can help you and your child come up with a nighttime ritual that works well for your family.

yes no Ages 0 – 2 9780763679323 Nighty-Night http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/546054/nighty-night-by-leslie-patricelli/ by Leslie Patricelli

Patricelli is well known for her bold illustrations and simple text. With Nighty-Night, she follows a baby as it goes through the bedtime routine. While she highlights some standard steps (bathtime, brushing teeth, and storytime), she also includes a couple of different ones, including dance-time and saying goodnight to the moon. At the back of the book is a glossary of “More nighty-night things” that illustrates words like yawn, blankie, dream, and snore.

9780593222577 Sleep Tight with The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Snuggle up with your little one and their favorite caterpillar! Babies and toddlers love lifting the flaps on each page, revealing animals getting ready for bed. Eric Carle’s signature artwork and simple text make it the perfect addition to your bedtime routine.

9780670013272 Llama Llama Nighty-Night http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/309114/llama-llama-nighty-night-by-anna-dewdney/ by Anna Dewdney

A great introduction to the beloved character of Llama Llama, this short board book features the poetic rhyming of the full-length Llama Llama books. Follow along as Llama Llama and Mama go through the bedtime routine after dinner — from brushing teeth to taking a bath to falling asleep. This gives families a simple and sweet way to introduce a regular bedtime routine.

9781623543389 Leo, Sleep Tight! by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson

Creating a bedtime routine is essential for young children, and the author created this book with that in mind. Readers follow a toddler named Leo, who uses the five senses to wind down and get ready for bed. It’s an excellent book to read to your child before giving them a goodnight kiss.

9780756645113 Baby Touch and Feel: Bedtime by DK

With real photographs of bedtime objects and children, Baby Touch and Feel: Bedtime allows toddlers to have an interactive experience with the book and feel objects associated with going to bed, including a soft blanket, flannel washcloth, and grippy slippers. Touch and feel books are a favorite for many young children and using actual photography helps kids become familiar with bedtime-related objects.

9781984895240 Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd, illustrated by Nneka Myers

Bedtime routines look different in every family. In this one, hair care is an essential part of going to bed. When nighttime rolls around, each person carefully combs, twists, braids, and brushes their tresses. This sweet story received a Goodreads Choice Award nomination and is adored by bonnet-wearing readers everywhere.

9780763620943 Kiss Good Night by Amy Hest, illustrated by Anita Jeram

In this gentle book with cozy illustrations, Mama Bear goes through the tucking-in routine with Sam. As Mama goes through the different steps of putting Sam to bed (reading aloud, tucking him in tight, giving him warm milk), Sam waits for his goodnight kiss. There are opportunities for real-life kisses and hugs as you read the story. I still love reading this one to my twins at bedtime.

9780803738935 Ladybug Girl Says Good Night by Jacky Davis, illustrated by David Soman

Join Ladybug Girl as she goes through her own bedtime routine (including pajamas with her signature dotted wings!). A cute and brief bedtime book for little sleep-seeking fans of the ever-popular Ladybug Girl series.

yes no Ages 3 – 5 9781524768966 I Don’t Want to Go to Sleep by Dev Petty, illustrated by Mike Boldt

Humor, fun, and facts combine in this surprisingly informative picture book about bedtime. Frog feels reluctant to hit the hay because he will miss all the fun winter activities with his friends. But an unusual idea and help from his friends convince him to drift off to sleep.

9780593376232 Just Go to Bed (Little Critter) by Mercer Mayer

As every parent knows, some kids hate bedtime and go to extreme lengths to avoid it. With humor and charm, this relatable classic from Mercer Mayer helps reluctant snoozers create a bedtime routine and settle down before catching some z’s.

9780593377499 Real To Me by Minh Lê, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa

This heartwarming tale of genuine and imaginary companionship brings comfort to those who read it. The vibrant illustrations are sure to captivate young readers, and the story teaches them that change is a natural part of life.

9780399558092 Even Superheroes Have to Sleep by Sara Crow, illustrated by Adam Record

Highlighting both extraordinary and everyday superheroes, this book shows children that sleep is a necessity for everyone, even caped heroes, princesses, doctors, and construction workers. The last line is “Even children have to sleep” — the perfect way to sum up the book. The book also includes a sleep reward chart with stickers to help kids establish a good bedtime routine.

9780593520635 Scaredy Bath by Zoë Foster Blake, illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett

Taking a bath is an essential step in a bedtime routine, but have you ever considered how your bathtub feels about it? In this hilarious picture book from the author of No One Likes a Fart, readers will see their routine from the tub’s point of view.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2023.

The post Sleepytime Stories: Books To Help Children Build a Bedtime Routine appeared first on Brightly.

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9 Picture Books to Get Kids Ready for the Dentist

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 12:30:58 +0000

To try to prepare my kids for their first trip to the dentist (or “the doctor for their teeth,” as I explained), I turned to books. There are quite a few stories available that help guide young kids through what they may experience when they go, from the waiting room to the exam room to a potential (hopefully not!) cavity. Unlike their pediatricians, who most children see regularly from birth, dentists are a new experience for little ones. Below are some of the books that my family read to prepare for the trip — and loved!

no no 9781536216011 Tooth by Leslie Patricelli

Babies get their first teeth (and have to brush them) long before seeing a dentist. This adorable board book by popular children’s author Leslie Patricelli introduces babies to teeth and how to keep them healthy.

9780553538649 The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Joe Mathieu

Get ready to giggle your way through this wacky board book about teeth from Dr. Seuss. Young children will learn all about their pearly whites, what they’re for, and how to keep them clean. If your child loves the rhymes, humor, and silliness of Dr. Seuss’s books, add this one to your collection.

9780449817711 Dora Goes to the Doctor/Dora Goes to the Dentist http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/224657/dora-goes-to-the-doctordora-goes-to-the-dentist-dora-the-explorer-by-christine-ricci-and-ellen-rosebrough-illustrated-by-robert-roper/ by Random House and Robert Roper

This two-books-in-one includes what turned out to be my twins’ favorite dentist story, despite their having no familiarity with Dora the Explorer. Dora tells the reader about her trip to the dentist and includes them in the process, asking them to look for things in the illustrations and to do certain things (open wide!) to prepare. She briefly touches on cavities without going into too much detail.

9780763643690 Maisy, Charley, and the Wobbly Tooth by Lucy Cousins

Take a trip to the dentist with Maisy and her friends. They get to explore the dentist’s office and learn how to clean their teeth. It’s the perfect story to show first-timers what to expect.

9780593095690 The Night Before the Dentist by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Amy Wummer

What can children do to get ready for a dentist visit? Find out in this rhyming story from the creators of the bestselling picture book series, The Night Before. Whether this is your child’s first trip to the dentist or they’re a seasoned pro, this book will calm their nerves and have them looking forward to their visit.

9780307125835 Just Going to the Dentist http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/109631/just-going-to-the-dentist-little-critter-by-mercer-mayer/ by Mercer Mayer

The Little Critter series is a favorite in many homes, and this book is a great way to use a familiar character to introduce a new experience. Mayer’s book follows a very predictable yet informative sequence: The Little Critter goes to the dentist, discovers he has a cavity, and has to get a filling. The book also describes the funny feeling of a numb mouth and (very briefly) mentions braces.

9780394848365 The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain

You can’t go wrong with this classic story about the bear family’s visit to the dentist. They get their teeth cleaned, cavities filled, and baby teeth (gently) removed. Kids who love the familiar Berenstain characters will appreciate this story.

9780823422067 The Tooth Book by Edward Miller

Visiting the dentist is an essential part of caring for your teeth. But do you know how to take care of them on a daily basis? This picture book walks children through the ins and outs of dental care and answers their questions.

9780593121443 The Last Loose Tooth by Tyler Clark Burke

Readers who loved The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt will enjoy this giggle-worthy story about a tooth who refuses to fall out. Even after all the other baby teeth leave, Lou wants to stay put. But when new teeth show up, Lou must decide if staying in the mouth is worth it.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2022.

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Splish-Splash Stories: Delightful Bath Books for Kids

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 12:00:43 +0000

Bathtime: necessary evil or the best time of the day? Bathtime can be quite a struggle for some families — and even if your child usually can’t wait to splash around, you’re bound to experience weird hiccups of resistance on occasion. Fortunately, there are lots of great board books and picture books (including some waterproof ones!) that show just how fun bathtime can be. Here are some children’s books that help to make tubby time terrific.

no no 9780756611453 Bathtime Peekaboo! by DK

This book combines a touch-and-feel experience with a lift-the-flap experience, making it highly interactive and engaging for babies and toddlers. The photos include babies with bath-related objects. The text is simple, and the books are durable enough for the littlest of hands.

9780593127773 How Do Bunnies Take Baths? by Diane Muldrow, illustrated by David Walker

Find out how various animals keep themselves clean with this adorable Little Golden Book. From bunnies to elephants, young readers will discover interesting facts about their favorite animals.

9781536202748 Get Out of My Bath! by Britta Teckentrup

Babies and toddlers will love this interactive board book about a young elephant who gets some unwanted visitors in her bath. With a bit of quick thinking, she gets rid of the other animals and relaxes in the tub—alone.

9781536207293 Swim with Little Fish!: Bath Book by Lucy Cousins

Your child can take Little Fish into the bath with them! They can dive below the surface and explore an underwater world with the colorful fish in the story. This waterproof edition is perfect for bathtime, mealtime, or anytime it’s likely to get splashed with food or water.

9781524765170 How Do You Take a Bath? https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/554239/how-do-you-take-a-bath-by-kate-mcmullan-illustrated-by-sydney-hanson/ by Kate McMullan, illustrated by Sydney Hanson

How do animals get clean? Little piggies wallow in mud, mama monkey combs through fur, and cats lick themselves from head to toe. Adorable yet educational, what makes this book a true bath time gem are the hilarious depictions of kids trying out those same grooming techniques for themselves.

9780593181959 The Big Bath House by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Gracey Zhang

Culture, family, and body positivity combine into a beautiful picture book about traditional Japanese baths. A little girl travels to Japan, where all the women in the family go to an onsen (communal bath house) together. Gorgeous illustrations and lively text show readers that the human body is beautiful in every size, shape, age, and stage.

9781101933947 Bathtime Mathtime https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/258550/bathtime-mathtime-by-danica-mckellar-illustrated-by-alicia-padron/ by Danica McKellar, illustrated by Alicia Padrón

One, two, three bubbles. Add one more and now you’ve got four! Math wiz Danica McKellar introduces the early addition concept of counting on in this delightful board book all about bath time. Rhyming text and adorable illustrations make this book a tubful of fun.

9780803741010 Walrus in the Bathtub by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Matt Hunt

Kids who love to play in the bathtub for hours will adore this sweet and funny picture book about a family’s unexpected visitor. A walrus settles into the family’s bathtub and has no plans to leave, even when they make several subtle and not-so-subtle attempts to get rid of him.

9780593520635 Scaredy Bath by Zoë Foster Blake, illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett

Bathtime is the best—unless you’re a bathtub. From the author of No One Likes a Fart comes another hilarious picture book about a tub who fears bathtime more than anything else. Readers of all ages will giggle their way through this silly bathtime story.

9781580895446 Around the World in a Bathtub http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/548787/around-the-world-in-a-bathtub-by-wade-bradford-author-micha-archer-illustrator/hardcover by Wade Bradford, illustrated by Micha Archer

This great book shows children how different cultures around the world bathe, from the United States to Turkey to Japan. Bradford includes a bit of humor to make it entertaining, and he includes the words “yes” and “no” in various languages. A wonderful way to start exposing children to other traditions via a familiar subject.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2022.

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My First Poems: 12 Great Poetry Books for Kids Ages 0 – 4

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 16:00:19 +0000

Sometimes it gets lost that a lot of the amazing books we read to children, especially infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, are actually poetry. With rhythm and rhyme, the stories that unfold across the pages of these picture books are oftentimes their first introduction to poems. Reading poetry has numerous benefits for building early literacy skills, including rhythm development and recognition, voice inflection and pitch, memorization skills, self-expression, and vocabulary enhancement. I’ve rounded up 12 great poetry books for the littlest of children — some are rhyming tales with single storylines and some are poetry collections, and all make great additions to the family library.

no no 9780375843952 Haiku Baby http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/169917/haiku-baby-by-betsy-e-snyder/boardbook?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Betsy E. Snyder

This sweet board book features seasonal spreads with haikus, providing a great introduction to the Japanese poetic form of 17 syllables in a 5-7-5 pattern. Each haiku features a part of baby’s natural world, including the sun and water. The tabbed format allows you and your child to quickly find specific pages.

9780553513363 Fox in Socks http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/227601/fox-in-socks-by-dr-seuss/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss’s books are known for their silly words and wonderful rhymes, and this abridged version of Fox in Socks is a wonderful introduction to the classic author. With bright illustrations, simple text, and tongue twisters, the sturdy board book (perfect for little hands!) will have babies and toddlers laughing with — and at — their parents as they try to wrap their tongues around the words. (Looking for another good choice to introduce your little reader to the world of Seuss? Try Oh, Baby, the Places You’ll Go!, an adaptation by Tish Rabe of Dr. Seuss’s classic work.)

9781524737962 Little Poems for Tiny Ears http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/314510/little-poems-for-tiny-ears-by-lin-oliver-illustrated-by-tomie-depaola/9781524737962?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Lin Oliver, illustrated by Tomie DePaolo

This collection of 23 original poems highlights the joy and wonder of being new to the world, making it extremely baby- and kid-friendly. From DePaolo’s happy artwork to Oliver’s short poems about childhood, it is a lively read-aloud that serves as a wonderful first book of poetry.

9781536208344 Snow Still https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/611997/snow-still-by-holly-surplice/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Holly Surplice

This adorable board book is similar to Bambi — but better. A little fawn ventures out into a fresh snowfall to explore the forest. With gentle watercolor illustrations and a cozy feel, this delightful book is the perfect introduction to poetry.

9780670016488 Llama Llama’s Little Library http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/530124/llama-llamas-little-library-by-anna-dewdney/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Anna Dewdney

This collection of four little board books introduces young readers to the lovable character Llama Llama, created by Anna Dewdney. The books are very short and have simple, entertaining rhymes that are perfect for children under two years old. The illustrations are in the classic, sweet style of the Llama Llama series.

9780593224311 Eric Carle’s Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Other Nursery Rhymes https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/647613/eric-carles-twinkle-twinkle-little-star-and-other-nursery-rhymes-by-eric-carle-illustrated-by-eric-carle/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Eric Carle

Eric Carle is a must-have for any child’s bookshelf. Babies and toddlers that enjoy listening to nursery rhymes will love this board book. With flaps to lift and familiar rhymes to read, this collection will become a bedtime favorite.

9781683691990 Won’t You Be My Neighbor? https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/625247/wont-you-be-my-neighbor-by-fred-rogers-illustrated-by-luke-flowers/9781683691990/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Fred Rogers, illustrated by Luke Flowers

All of my children adored Mister Roger’s Neighborhood when they were young. This board book brings the theme song from the beloved television show to life. If your preschooler is a fan of the show, they’ll also enjoy It’s You I Like, which shares Mister Roger’s belief that every child is unique.

9781635924039 A Hatful of Dragons https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/611338/a-hatful-of-dragons-by-vikram-madan/9781635924039/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Vikram Madan

Your preschooler may not be ready to tackle a Shel Silverstein book yet, but this award-winning picture book is an excellent introduction to the world of wacky poetry. With its zany characters and laugh-out-loud poems, it will have kids in stitches as you read.

9781536212730 Honey for You, Honey for Me https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/669821/honey-for-you-honey-for-me-by-michael-rosen/9781536212730/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Chris Riddell

From the creators of A Great Big Cuddle and Giggly Wiggly comes another book of poetry for young children. Old sayings and forgotten nursery rhymes dance across the pages of this lovely picture book.

9780763699697 Digger, Dozer, Dumper http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/228537/digger-dozer-dumper-by-hope-vestergaard/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Hope Vestergaard, illustrated by David Slonim

If your child is obsessed with trucks (as both of mine were!), this is the perfect book to read together. It contains 16 poems that celebrate both the jobs and mechanics of different vehicles. The fun illustrations feature children operating the machines, and Slonim gives the trucks personalities with his visuals of headlights, bumpers, and other parts. Plus, as someone with both a boy and a girl who loved trucks, I appreciated the fact that half of the vehicles are called “he” and half are called “she.”

9780679893141 The 20th Century Children’s Poetry Treasury http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/133705/the-20th-century-childrens-poetry-treasury-by-selected-by-jack-prelutsky-illustrated-by-meilo-so/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 selected by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Meilo So

Prelutsky has quite a number of children’s poetry collections, all of which are great choices. This one includes 211 poems from the 1900s — when children’s poetry, according to Prelutsky, stopped being so syrupy sweet and condescending toward children — by 137 different poets. Most of the collection is upbeat, and So’s watercolor illustrations really bring the poems to life. After working your way through this book, check out The Random House Book of Poetry for Children, which is also curated by Prelutsky.

9780803729728 Shout!: Little Poems that Roar http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/292140/shout-little-poems-that-roar-by-brod-bagert-illustrated-by-sachiko-yoshikawa/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Brod Bagert, illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa

Bagert’s 21-poem collection is particularly relatable to young children because he writes about their world in an energetic and fun way, often inspiring action from the reader. Yoshikawa’s colorful illustrations show children having fun, featuring a lot of smiles and perceived movement.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2021.

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Now Hear This: 10 Engaging Audiobooks for Preschoolers

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 13:20:04 +0000

Audiobooks can be a great learning tool for preschoolers. Some parents may wonder, however, why they should use audiobooks when they can just as easily read to their children. While not a replacement for reading a book aloud, audiobooks provide many benefits of their own, helping kids to expand their imagination and strengthen their listening, pronunciation, and comprehension skills.

There are a lot of places you can find audiobooks for kids, including the library, bookstore, and online. Audiobook publishers take their work seriously, creating amazing productions that feature engaging narrators and performances. Below are a few great audiobooks for preschoolers to start your journey.

no no 9780525597018 The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, read by Quincy Tyler Bernstine

This 1963 Caldecott Medal book never ceases to delight! Listen to this cozy read with your preschooler, and keep them curious about the wonders right outside their door. The adventures of the little boy on a snowy day in the city will get them excited for the change in seasons.
(Ages 0 – 3)

9780593348574 Antiracist Baby Picture Book https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/624774/antiracist-baby-picture-book-by-ibram-x-kendi-illustrated-by-ashley-lukashevsky/ by Ibram X. Kendi, read by Shayna Small and Guy Lockard

This book is the perfect introduction to race and racism for young readers. Listen to this audiobook as a family, and talk about the concrete steps you can take to be actively antiracist together.
(Ages 0 – 3)

9781984889362 The King of Kindergarten https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/556838/the-king-of-kindergarten-by-derrick-barnes-illustrated-by-vanessa-brantley-newton/ by Derrick Barnes, read by Sullivan Jones

It’s never too early to get preschoolers excited about starting school, and there’s hardly anyone more excited about the first day of kindergarten than the little boy in this story — who’s eager to take on the day, make new friends, and tell his parents all about his new adventures. To support reading comprehension, pair the audiobook with a print copy of the book so readers can listen and follow along.
(Ages 3 – 6)

9780593341285 The Gruffalo https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/288946/the-gruffalo-by-julia-donaldson/ by Julia Donaldson, read by Hal Hollings

The Gruffalo won an award for being a great read-aloud book, so it’s no surprise it works well as an audiobook. Hollings uses different voices to bring each of the animals to life. The story of a young mouse that invents a frightening creature named the Gruffalo to keep the other animals from eating him will entertain listeners young and old.
(Ages 3 – 7)

9781524722234 The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/536053/the-tale-of-kitty-in-boots-by-beatrix-potter-illustrated-by-quentin-blake/ by Beatrix Potter, read by Helen Mirren

Actress Helen Mirren narrates this classic Beatrix Potter tale. This story follows a black cat named Miss Catherine St. Quintin – who goes by Kitty and embarks on an exciting adventure when she decides to go a-hunting. Children will rejoice at the familiar faces that pop up in this book.
(Ages 3 – 7)

9780525624011 Tomie dePaola’s Mother Goose https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/355413/tomie-depaolas-mother-goose-by-tomie-depaola/ by Tomie dePaola, read by Allyson Johnson

You can never go wrong with tried-and-true nursery rhymes: they’re clever, easy on the ear, and full of whimsy. Growing bookworms will love letting their imaginations soar while listening to the stories of Jack and Jill, Little Bo-Peep, and other longtime favorites.
(Ages 4 – 8)

9780804167376 The Collected Stories of Winnie-the-Pooh https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/199725/the-collected-stories-of-winnie-the-pooh-by-aa-milne/ by A.A. Milne, narrated by Stephen Fry, Judi Dench, Geoffrey Palmer, and more

A full-cast performance of Winnie-the-Pooh, with British accents to boot? Yes, please! These collected stories — 20 in all — immerse listeners in the antics and friendships of Pooh, Piglet, and company, read by powerhouse actors including the inimitable Judi Dench (as Kanga, of course). The only downside is that it’s a bring-your-own-honey-jar situation. Oh, bother.
(Ages 4 – 8)

9780807218730 The Cat in the Hat and Other Dr. Seuss Favorites https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/43142/the-cat-in-the-hat-and-other-dr-seuss-favorites-by-dr-seuss/ by Dr. Seuss, read by Kelsey Grammer, John Cleese, John Lithgow, Billy Crystal, and more

Dr. Seuss is such a fun read-aloud experience, and the actors brought in to narrate these stories make the audiobook supremely entertaining. You can listen to it all at once (during a long car trip, perhaps) or break it up by individual story. The audiobook is formatted into chapters, so you can easily navigate to the particular story your child wants to hear.
(Ages 4 – 8)

9780698181670 The Book with No Pictures https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/316868/the-book-with-no-pictures-by-bj-novak/ by B.J. Novak, read by B. J. Novak and Busy Phillips

Considering this book has no picture to begin with, it’s truly only enhanced by the audiobook reading with B.J. Novak and Busy Philips. Laugh out loud with your preschoolers as they listen to the comedians say silly words and sing preposterous songs!
(Ages 5 – 8)

9780525530572 Islandborn https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/553899/islandborn-by-junot-diaz-illustrated-by-leo-espinosa/ by Junot Díaz, read by Junot Díaz

Read by the author himself, this story follows Lola and her fellow immigrant classmates who are asked to draw a picture of where their families are originally from. The only problem? Lola can’t remember The Island, which she left when she was just a baby. With the help of her family and their memories, Lola envisions an extraordinary place full of joy and heartbreak.
(Ages 5 – 8)

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2020.

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How to Pet Your Pet: 8 Books That Show Kids How to Treat Animals

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 16:00:34 +0000

After being without a pet for seven months, we recently decided to adopt a new rescue cat. We had two cats when our twins were born, but Tux passed before they were one, and Padiddle passed earlier this year. Our kids love animals, but I wanted to find books that explained, in kid-friendly language, what having a pet means, how our new cat, Larry, would (and would not) like to be treated, and what it means to take care of him.

If you are looking to adopt a new animal or just want to teach your kids about pets and pet care, below are some books to get you started. And don’t worry, I included animals other than cats!

no no 9780553524260 What Pet Should I Get? http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/249167/what-pet-should-i-get-by-dr-seuss/hardcover by Dr. Seuss

This new addition to the Dr. Seuss library shows how it can be difficult to choose a pet and make decisions. With Seuss’s signature fun rhymes and language, this is perfect for any child. It also includes a note about Seuss’s own pets.

9780763621933 Let’s Get a Pup! Said Kate https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/70268/lets-get-a-pup-said-kate-by-bob-graham-illustrated-by-bob-graham/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Bob Graham

After Kate’s cat dies, she convinces her parents to get a dog. Graham’s book celebrates the idea of rescuing an animal and the idea that the pet chooses you, as Kate wants a puppy but falls in love with an older dog.

9780375870231 Sparky! http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/214231/sparky-by-jenny-offill-illustrated-by-chris-appelhans/9780375870231?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Jenny Offill, illustrated by Chris Appelhans

While I in no way advocate getting a sloth as a pet, this is a very sweet book about accepting our pets for what they are, rather than what we want them to be.

9780593196571 Dog Training for Kids https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/631511/dog-training-for-kids-by-vanessa-estrada-marin/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Vanessa Estrada-Marin

As dog-training advocate Vanessa Estrada-Marin writes, “Your loyal buddy is counting on you to teach them how to manage in your world.” What a wonderful way to reframe the concept of pet responsibility, right? This entertaining and accessible guidebook empowers kids to take over training, from the basics of leash manners all the way up to super-fun obstacle courses.

9781984831866 I Found A Kitty! https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/599706/i-found-a-kitty-by-troy-cummings/9781984831866/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Troy Cummings

In this sweet sequel to Can I Be Your Dog?, Arfy happens upon a homeless kitten. Unfortunately, Scamper can’t live at Arfy’s house because Arfy’s person has a cat allergy, so Arfy embarks on another letter-writing campaign to find Scamper’s forever home. Finding the perfect match between pet and household is key — especially for the pet!

9780385754170 Who Wants a Tortoise? https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/231855/who-wants-a-tortoise-by-dave-keane-illustrated-by-k-g-campbell/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Dave Keane, illustrated by K. G. Campbell

A little girl who’s wanted a puppy for her whole entire life is gifted with a tortoise instead. For young readers who might be feeling underwhelmed by their pet options, this one proves that even the seemingly dullest pet can surprise you.

9781536208924 Our Very Own Dog https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/548106/our-very-own-dog-by-amanda-mccardie/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Amanda McCardie, illustrated by Salvatore Rubbino

Adding a pup to the household is a big addition! With Our Very Own Dog, even the youngest readers can learn what to expect and how to chip in to make Fido feel at home.

9780887768842 Talking Tails https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/103764/talking-tails-by-ann-love-and-jane-drake-illustrated-by-bill-slavin/9780887768842/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Ann Love and Jane Drake, illustrated by Bill Slavin

When you welcome a new pet, you’re also welcoming a new and incredible connection. Talking Tails collects stories of real-life pets and their owners — including cats and dogs, rodents and reptiles, and even a parrot who lived to be 126! — and explores the science and heartwarming stories of those relationships.

Looking to add a four-legged member to your family? Consult these additional pet adoption resources for more information:

The ASPCA, a nonprofit that has been preventing cruelty to animals since 1866, is a fantastic resource for your basic adoption questions. With tips on choosing the right animal and caring for new pets, the organization’s adoption site is a must-read before your family takes the next step.
Petfinder is an online database of animals that need homes in North America. Families can easily search for all kinds of adoptable critters at shelters by zip code — including dogs, cats, rodents, and amphibians. Just make sure to set aside time to meet them all in person! (If you want to skip the online search and head straight to the shelter, Petfinder has an extensive list of local animal welfare groups here.)
AdoptAPet is another online pet adoption database that you can cross-reference with Petfinder in the search for available shelter animals.
More mobile-inclined? Then try WeRescue – Adopt a Pet, an app that connects you with cute pups that need a home. Download the app in the iTunes store here.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2020.

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The Best Bookish Birthday Gifts for 3- and 4-Year-Olds

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 14:00:55 +0000

Reading with my twins became so much fun around the age of three and continues now that they are four. They are more engaged with books: studying the pictures, picking up on rhyming, memorizing some books, wanting to assign “roles” when reading, and reading independently. There are so many amazing books that children this age will enjoy. Below are some suggestions for books and collections that make great birthday gifts for 3- and 4-year-olds (they’re also great for gifting any other time of the year too!). Because I like to give thematic gifts, I’ve also included suggestions of what you could give along with the books.

no no 9781524741549 Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/561229/ten-rules-of-the-birthday-wish-by-beth-ferry-illus-by-tom-lichtenheld/ by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

It’s important to celebrate a birthday properly and this menagerie of animals is here to show you how! Rule #1? Make sure it actually is your birthday. A fun and hilarious book that’s sure to become a part of any family’s birthday traditions.

Pair with: Jumbo Coloring Pad – Animals

9781465459633 Look! I’m a Scientist https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/553625/look-im-a-scientist-by-dk/ by DK

This activity book encourages STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning in young kids in a fun, creative way. Little ones can look, touch, smell, taste, hear, and, above all, play their way to scientific discovery with 14 different sensory-friendly experiments to try at home.

Pair with: Primary Science® ViewScope

9781524715267 Bee http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549145/bee-a-peek-through-picture-book-by-britta-teckentrup/ by Britta Teckentrup

This new peek-through from Teckentrup is a beautiful, high quality book that is an introductory look at how bees pollinate flowers. With beautiful mixed-media illustrations and rhyming couplets, the story follows the bee through its active day.

Pair with: Green Toys Build-a-Bouquet

9780735228238 Dragons Love Tacos Gift Set http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/548548/dragons-love-tacos-book-and-toy-set-by-adam-rubin-illustrated-by-daniel-salmieri/ by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri

This silly book about, you guessed it, dragons that love tacos (and parties!), is a huge hit with the preschool set. The illustrations are entertaining and include subtle jokes that are fun to find as the storyline becomes more familiar. This set includes a board book and small plush dragon.

Pair with: Fill & Fold Taco & Tortilla Play Set

9781101999219 The Lost House https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/530042/the-lost-house-by-b-b-cronin/9781101999219/ by B.B. Cronin

This one is great for the littlest seekers. A grandfather is planning to take his grandchildren to the park, but he’s lost his socks and shoes, and even his teeth. Vibrant colors and detailed illustrations encourage young explorers to find the objects hidden on each page.

Pair with: Spot It! Jr: Animals

9780375836114 Duck & Goose Special Anniversary Edition http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/80157/duck-and-goose-by-written-and-illustrated-by-tad-hills/ by Tad Hills

Tad Hills is one of my favorite illustrators, and Duck and Goose and Rocket are a big part of our library. In the original book featuring the young birds, the two friends find what they think is an egg, which requires them to work together in hopes of hatching it. This 10th Anniversary edition includes a guide on how to draw the beloved characters.

Pair with: Hide N Squeak Eggs

9780553538991 Richard Scarry’s Busytown Treasury https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/252939/richard-scarrys-busytown-treasury-by-written-and-illustrated-by-richard-scarry/ by Richard Scarry

Richard Scarry is a favorite in our house, and this collection is a great introduction to iconic characters like Lowly Worm and Huckle Cat. A burst of activity on every page, generations of kids have pored over Scarry’s world of Busytown.

Pair with: Richard Scarry’s Busytown Eye Found It Hidden Picture Game

9780399548925 The Crayon Box: The Day the Crayons Quit Slipcased Edition http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/538650/the-crayon-box-the-day-the-crayons-quit-slipcased-edition-by-drew-daywalt-illustrated-by-oliver-jeffers/9780399548925 by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

This great boxed set includes both The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home as well as an original art print by Oliver Jeffers. Daywalt has created crayon characters with fully formed personalities, and Jeffers lends fun and unique visuals with his crayon illustrations. Both books are humorous and insightful, and they have quickly become modern classics.

Pair with: Drawing Pad and Crayons

9780803741362 Ordinary People Change the World Gift Set http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/529582/ordinary-people-change-the-world-gift-set-by-brad-meltzer-illustrated-by-christopher-eliopoulos/ by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

Meltzer’s Ordinary People Change the World series presents historical figures who can serve as role models for our children. This boxed set includes I am Abraham Lincoln, I am Amelia Earhart, I am Rosa Parks, and I am Albert Einstein as well as an exclusive, autographed print, suitable for framing. The books explore the traits that make these heroes great and that children can live up to in a conversational manner, reinforcing that we can all be heroes.

Pair with: Rosa Parks and Albert Einstein puppets

9780736436380 Star Wars: I Am a…Little Golden Book Library http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/537199/star-wars-i-am-alittle-golden-book-library-star-wars-by-various-illustrated-by-golden-books/ by Various, illustrated by Golden Books

Both of my kids have become very interested in “Star Wars” over the last few months. This boxed set of five books is a perfect collection! It introduces kids to the villains and heroes (and droids!) of the series in an age-appropriate manner. The illustrations are full of personality, and the stories are fun.

Pair with: First Order Stormtrooper Voice Changing Mask

This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2020.

The post The Best Bookish Birthday Gifts for
3- and 4-Year-Olds appeared first on Brightly.

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8 Thrilling, Chilling Books for Halloween

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 16:00:57 +0000

Halloween is the perfect time to pick up a book that scares you. While there are some classic tales worth reading this time of year (see our recommendations at the end of the article), there are also some great modern books of note, too.

So turn on all the lights and curl up with one of these chilling stories … just be prepared to be up late, listening for things that go bump in the night (hopefully it’s only your cat!).

no no 9780804178013 Black-Eyed Susans http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/235697/black-eyed-susans-by-julia-heaberlin/ by Julia Heaberlin

Imagine barely surviving a murder attempt that claimed the lives of three other girls, with only scattered memories of what happened. Now imagine waking up two decades later to a sign outside your window that hints that the killer, whom you thought you helped put behind bars, may still be roaming free. Heaberlin has written a tense, page-turning thriller.

9780307455178 Zone One https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/189758/zone-one-by-colson-whitehead/ by Colson Whitehead

You probably know Colson Whitehead from his recent bestsellers, The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, but don’t miss out on one of his earlier works, a literary zombie novel that reimagines the genre. After a pandemic wipes out the planet, Mark Spitz is charged with sweeping lower Manhattan for lingering zombies — a mission that quickly unravels.

9780735212534 The Hunger https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549615/the-hunger-by-alma-katsu/ by Alma Katsu

Alma Katsu combines elements of the supernatural with the already horrifying story of the Donner Party to create a tale that even Stephen King recommends not reading after dark. The isolated travelers reach the brink of desperation as members of their party disappear one after the other, and they’re left to root out the source of evil before it swallows them all.

9780399184604 Fever Dream https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/533971/fever-dream-by-samanta-schweblin-translated-by-megan-mcdowell/ by Samanta Schweblin, translated by Megan McDowell

Hypnotic and surreal, Fever Dream is the sort of novel that grabs you and doesn’t let go. Told almost entirely through dialogue — between a woman dying in a rural hospital and the child at her bedside — the ghost story that unfolds is all the more unsettling for how realistic it feels.

9780525559757 Bunny https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/576726/bunny-by-mona-awad/ by Mona Awad

Bunny takes place at a New England art school, where scholarship student Samantha feels entirely out of place — particularly when it comes to the cardigan-wearing clique of rich girls in her program known as the Bunnies. But when Samantha’s invited into the Bunnies’ eerie rituals, the monsters of their collective imagination come to life.

9780399590290 The Wolf Wants In https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549349/the-wolf-wants-in-by-laura-mchugh/ by Laura McHugh

In Blackwater, Kansas, certain secrets can get you killed. Eighteen-year-old Henley Pettit is desperate to escape her family’s seedy actions, while Sadie Keller is determined to find out the cause of her brother’s death. But in a small town gripped by the opioid crisis, secrets have a way of staying buried. Gritty and suspenseful, McHugh’s latest is another page-turner.

9781524745165 Lock Every Door https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/606723/lock-every-door-by-riley-sager/ by Riley Sager

Some things are too good to be true. That’s what Jules Larsen is starting to realize about her new apartment-sitting gig in a glamorous old building called the Bartholomew. Jules isn’t allowed visitors or to spend nights away from the apartment, and when another sitter disappears after confiding her fears in Jules, the building’s dark secrets begin to reveal themselves.

9780451491732 My Lovely Wife https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/570125/my-lovely-wife-by-samantha-downing/ by Samantha Downing

When an ordinary suburban couple’s 15-year marriage needs a little spicing up, they develop an unusual — and murderous — hobby. Devious and unsettlingly told, Samantha Downing’s debut promises to shock even the most avid readers of suspense. Caution: you may not look at your neighbors the same way again.

yes yes 13 Oldies But Goodies 9780425188934 The Damnation Game http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/290221/the-damnation-game-by-clive-barker/ by Clive Barker 9780375753411 Frankenstein https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/595367/frankenstein-by-mary-shelley/ by Mary Shelley 9780307743305 Dracula https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/595378/dracula-by-bram-stoker/ by Bram Stoker 9780143134190 Haunting of Hill House https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/538991/the-haunting-of-hill-house-movie-tie-in-by-shirley-jackson/9780143134190/ by Shirley Jackson 9780141441351 The Turn of the Screw http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/308592/the-turn-of-the-screw-by-henry-james/ by Henry James 9781984898104 Carrie https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/92955/carrie-by-stephen-king/ by Stephen King 9780143129400 Lord of the Flies https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/541036/lord-of-the-flies-by-william-golding/ by William Golding 9780345409645 Interview with the Vampire https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/153679/interview-with-the-vampire-by-anne-rice/ by Anne Rice 9781400032822 Haunted https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/126183/haunted-by-chuck-palahniuk/ by Chuck Palahniuk 9780525620891 Nightflyers https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/575561/nightflyers-the-illustrated-edition-by-george-r-r-martin/ by George R.R. Martin 9780143129318 Haunted Castles https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/314289/haunted-castles-by-ray-russell-foreword-by-guillermo-del-toro/ by Ray Russell, foreword by Guillermo del Toro 9780141441030 The War of the Worlds https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/296630/the-war-of-the-worlds-by-h-g-wells-edited-by-patrick-parrinder-introduction-by-brian-aldiss-notes-by-andy-sawyer-cover-illustrated-by-coralie-bickford-smith/ by H.G. Wells

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for Halloween appeared first on Brightly.

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Ups, Downs, and Everything In-Between: 11 Great Books About Female Friendships

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 13:00:21 +0000

Friendship is an important part of life; studies show that having friends (true friends) helps us in many ways. Of course, what friendship means evolves as we grow. From our childhood friends, who were really our best playdates, to our high school friends, who helped us navigate dating and zits and homework, to, now, our mom friends, who commiserate with us, provide a shoulder to cry on about marriage and family, and give us advice on parenting (only when asked, though!).

Below are a few books that celebrate the joy (and heartbreak) of friendship.

no no 9780804170079 The Girls from Corona del Mar http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/234650/the-girls-from-corona-del-mar-by-rufi-thorpe/ by Rufi Thorpe

This was one of my favorite books the year it came out. The story of two friends, Lorrie Ann and Mia, who grow up together and then grow apart, may not seem like a title that should be on a list about friendship. However, it is also important to remember that sometimes as we grow and change, our friendships do as well.

9780345442826 Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/97545/angry-housewives-eating-bon-bons-by-lorna-landvik/ by Lorna Landvik

The women of Freesia Court form an unofficial book club, which becomes their lifeline over forty years of marriage, children, grandchildren, staying home, starting careers, and everyday life. Landvik’s book is filled with humor and heart.

9780143129493 The Joy Luck Club http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/300526/the-joy-luck-club-by-amy-tan/ by Amy Tan

Tan’s brilliant novel explores the friendship forged by four Chinese immigrants when they move to San Francisco. Meeting to talk over mahjong, they choose to help lift each other up rather than sink into their individual tragedies. Tan also explores the intricate bonds of mother-daughter relationships.

9780307950437 The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/219373/the-supremes-at-earls-all-you-can-eat-by-edward-kelsey-moore/ by Edward Kelsey Moore

Friends since they weathered high school in the 1960s, Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean, the “Supremes,” have been through everything together — marriage and children, ups and downs. However, the present proves to be the most challenging. This novel is a true celebration of women’s friendships.

9781594488887 A Thousand Splendid Suns https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/391566/a-thousand-splendid-suns-illustrated-edition-by-khaled-hosseini/ by Khaled Hosseini

Hosseini has penned three stunning novels, all beautifully written. This novel centers on Miriam and Laila, two Afghani women brought together in horrific circumstances. Despite being a generation apart, they form a friendship that is inspiring and life-saving.

9780143111641 Swing Time https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/529304/swing-time-by-zadie-smith/ by Zadie Smith

As children, both Tracey and Aimee dream of being dancers, but only one goes on to do so. Zadie Smith weaves a graceful saga of ambition and heritage, class and race, and reminds us that the most potent of friendships are never truly forgotten.

9780525559245 Rules for Visiting https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/572570/rules-for-visiting-by-jessica-francis-kane/ by Jessica Francis Kane

When Jane gets an unexpected leave from her job as a university gardener, she decides to spend a year on what she calls “a female Odyssey” to visit four old friends. A delightful story of self-discovery, it’s also a gentle call to revitalize friendships outside technology.

9780735222588 Before Everything https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549594/before-everything-by-victoria-redel/ by Victoria Redel

In Victoria Redel’s bittersweet novel, four lifelong friends come together when one of their own — the trailblazer of the group — enters hospice. The women recall a lifetime of adventures, mistakes, and turning points as they contemplate a future without Anna.

9780812989304 The Animators https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/533931/the-animators-by-kayla-rae-whitaker/ by Kayla Rae Whitaker

Mel and Sharon have been best friends and creative partners since college. They’re finally having their moment in the male-dominated field of animation after their first full-length feature makes a splash in the indie film world. But can their friendship handle the stress of success?

9780451492159 The Last Year of the War https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/572987/the-last-year-of-the-war-by-susan-meissner/ by Susan Meissner

In 1943, teenagers Elise Sontag and Mariko Inoue are unlikely friends who meet in an unexpected place: a Texas-based internment camp. The girls come to rely on each other in this strange and lonely space — until a twist of fate pulls them apart again.

9780399589331 Perennials https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/545494/perennials-by-mandy-berman/9780399589331/ by Mandy Berman

A striking coming-of-age novel, Perennials is steeped in longing, secrets, and nostalgia. Rachel and Fiona used to be campers at Camp Marigold; now, they’re back as counselors. But their relationship has grown complicated as they’ve entered womanhood, and this summer will be anything but simple.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2019.

The post Ups, Downs, and Everything
In-Between: 11 Great Books About Female Friendships appeared first on Brightly.

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To Infinity and Beyond! Far Out Space Books for Future Astronauts

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 13:00:56 +0000

The magic and mystery of space is intriguing to people of all ages, but especially so for kids. It seems like most children go through a stage of loving space and wanting to be an astronaut. I was nine years old when Space Camp hit theaters, and watching it gave me a strong desire to go to, well, Space Camp. Similarly, my children became fascinated with outer space after seeing the space shuttle Enterprise at the Intrepid Museum.

These awesome kids’ books can help your budding space explorer learn about outer space and life as an astronaut … from the safety of home.

yes no Nonfiction 9780525648543 Hello, World! Moon Landing https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/589165/hello-world-moon-landing-by-jill-mcdonald/ by Jill McDonald

The youngest of readers can join in on all the space-themed fun with Hello, World! Moon Landing, a board book celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. With bright, collage-like illustrations and accessible text, they’ll be reaching for the stars in no time. Pair it with Hello, World! Solar System to reach even farther into the galaxy!
(Ages 0 – 3)

9780375844591 Astronaut Handbook http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/110527/astronaut-handbook-by-meghan-mccarthy/ by Meghan McCarthy

McCarthy presents the idea of space travel to little kids in an age-appropriate way. With colorful illustrations, Astronaut Handbook covers the various roles in the space program, from engineer to pilot, and is a great way to really introduce kids to the different roles one can take as an astronaut.
(Ages 3 – 5)

9780525553373 The Space Walk https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/586063/the-space-walk-by-brian-biggs/ by Brian Biggs

Astronaut Randolph is all set for a walk in space, but Ground Control insists that he eat lunch, clean up, and dress warmly before heading out. Outside the ship, there’s so much to see and explore! He might even take a few selfies with his new extra-terrestrial friend – just so long as he’s back by dinner.
(Ages 3 – 7)

9781524791223 Birthday on Mars! https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/594868/birthday-on-mars-by-sara-schonfeld-illustrated-by-andrew-j-ross/ by Sara Schonfeld, illustrated by Andrew J. Ross

In 2013, Curiosity the space rover got to do something pretty cool: celebrate its birthday on Mars! The infamous robot has been hard at work for NASA, getting to know our closest neighboring planet. Young readers will love exploring Mars alongside Curiosity. After reading, they can even check out the rover’s latest findings on Twitter.
(Ages 5 – 8)

9780735228726 I am Neil Armstrong https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/550624/i-am-neil-armstrong-by-brad-meltzer-illustrated-by-christopher-eliopoulos/ by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

All space-heads know Neil Armstrong’s name, but they might not know the beloved astronaut’s childhood influences. Now they can, with this space-themed addition to the bestselling Ordinary People Change the World series. Complete with a timeline and photos, this is a must-have biography of the first man on the moon.
(Ages 5 – 8)

9781524763770 My Journey to the Stars http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/553552/my-journey-to-the-stars-by-scott-kelly-illustrated-by-andre-ceolin/9781524763770/ by Scott Kelly, illustrated by André Ceolin

Among other remarkable accomplishments, Scott Kelly broke the record for the longest spaceflight by an American astronaut. In My Journey to the Stars, Kelly writes about his childhood, his family (including his identical twin brother, astronaut and author Mark Kelly), and his year-long mission in space. This picture book includes great illustrations, NASA images, and personal photos.
(Ages 6 – 8)

9781524768317 The Girl Who Named Pluto https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/557390/the-girl-who-named-pluto-by-alice-b-mcginty-illustrated-by-elizabeth-haidle/ by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by Elizabeth Haidle

Did you know that back in 1930, it was an 11-year-old girl who named the newly discovered Pluto? This enchanting picture book tells the story of Venetia Burney, whose grandfather told her about the unnamed planet. Venetia thought Pluto — the dark underworld of Roman mythology — was a perfect fit. The Girl Who Named Pluto is an inspiring story about a young girl and the grandfather who believed in her.
(Ages 4 – 8)

9780394824574 Moonwalk: The First Trip to the Moon http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/41941/moonwalk-by-judy-donnelly/ by Judy Donnelly

This Level 5 reader brings kids along for the first walk on the moon in July 1969. It outlines Jules Verne’s initial thoughts on travel to the moon, the danger of the mission, and the iconic words of Neil Armstrong. Space-obsessed kids will love learning about this great accomplishment in American history.
(Ages 6 – 8)

9781524786038 What Is NASA? https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/559589/what-is-nasa-by-sarah-fabiny-illustrated-by-ted-hammond/ by Sarah Fabiny and Who HQ, illustrated by Ted Hammond

“We choose to go to the moon,” then-President John F. Kennedy said in a 1962 speech. Kennedy’s words got the American public excited about NASA, only four years old at the time, and the excitement — and NASA’s contributions to our understanding of the universe — has only grown since. Learn all about the birthplace of astronauts in this fact-packed guide.
(Ages 8 – 12)

9780763636111 Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/174125/almost-astronauts-by-tanya-lee-stone/ by Tanya Lee Stone

In 1961, just three years after NASA was formed, a group of 13 women passed (and over-performed on) all of the same tests as their male astronaut counterparts. However, they were not allowed to actually go into space. Their example, though, helped encourage the generation of women who followed to try to break through the barriers. An inspiring read filled with great pictures, this is a little-known story that all space nuts should know about.
(Ages 9 – 12)

9781524741013 To the Moon! The True Story of the American Heroes on the Apollo 8 Spaceship http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/557389/to-the-moon-by-jeffrey-kluger/9781524741013 by Jeffrey Kluger and Ruby Shamir

In 1968, NASA sent three men to space, making them the first crew to leave Earth’s gravitational field and reach the moon. Written by Jeffrey Kluger, bestselling author of Apollo 8 and Apollo 13, and Ruby Shamir, this one’s a knockout!
(Ages 10+)

yes no Fiction 9781101996836 Garcia & Colette Go Exploring https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/319028/garcia-and-colette-go-exploring-by-hannah-barnaby-illustrated-by-andrew-joyner/ by Hannah Barnaby, illustrated by Andrew Joyner

What makes this book so special is that it helps foster collaboration and celebrates the joy of friendship. When two friends’ interests diverge, they decide to build their own machines — one bound for space and one bound for the sea. They discover that space and the sea aren’t really so different after all (and can be a little lonely without a friend by your side!), and that sometimes it’s more fun to be with each other.
(Ages 3 – 5)

9780679863748 Magic Tree House: Midnight on the Moon http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/125151/midnight-on-the-moon-by-mary-pope-osborne-illustrated-by-sal-murdocca/ by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca

Parents, educators, and kids love the Magic Tree House series! In this installment, Jack and Annie are on the hunt for their last “M” clue, this time on the moon. Also be sure to check out the book’s Fact Tracker companion, Space!
(Ages 6 – 9)

9780399539145 The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/541077/the-care-and-feeding-of-a-pet-black-hole-by-michelle-cuevas/ by Michelle Cuevas

When a black hole follows Stella home from NASA, she befriends the unpredictable and dangerous “pet.” As the black hole begins to swallow up everything around her, Stella learns to find her way out of her own grief. With sly humor, Cuevas’s allegorical tale weaves in information about space and physics.
(Ages 8 – 12)

9780399186370 See You in the Cosmos http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/535272/see-you-in-the-cosmos-by-jack-cheng/9780399186370/ by Jack Cheng

Eleven-year-old Alex loves Carl Sagan and space. He decides he wants to emulate Sagan’s Golden Record experiment, so he begins making his own recordings on an old iPod to send up in a rocket that he built. The book is a transcript of these recordings and thus told in Alex’s own voice. It’s a sweet and moving story about a tween boy determined to see his dream actualized.
(Ages 9 – 12)

9780399187353 My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/538516/my-life-as-an-ice-cream-sandwich-by-ibi-zoboi/ by Ibi Zoboi

Award-winning YA author Ibi Zoboi enters the world of middle grade fiction with a novel about 12-year-old Ebony-Grace, a space-obsessed Trekkie who makes a big move from Alabama to Harlem. Ebony-Grace has grown up with her grandfather Jeremiah, a retired NASA engineer, but when she spends a summer with her father in Harlem, she learns that her sci-fi dreams might be possible in the city, too.
(Ages 10+)

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2019.

The post To Infinity and Beyond! Far Out Space Books for Future Astronauts appeared first on Brightly.

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