Tag: Reading Activities

Reading Activities: The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I.M. Pei

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The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I.M. Pei
Author: Jeanne Walker Harvey
Illustrator: Khoa Le
27 May 2025
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “In 1981, I. M. Pei was on a mission. A successful architect known for his modern designs, Pei was asked by the French president to redesign the Louvre Museum in Paris, home to the Mona Lisa and now famous for the glass pyramid at its center. At the time, the Louvre had many problems and no pyramid.

Pei faced many obstacles, including discrimination because he was Chinese American. Determined to succeed and make the Louvre a welcome place for all, Pei worked hard—and sometimes in secret. This is the story of a visionary who worked patiently and persistently to solve problems and achieve his to plant and grow a glass pyramid.”

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Reading Activities inspired by The Glass Pyramid:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
    • What might the title The Glass Pyramid suggest about what’s inside?
    • What shapes and patterns stand out most on the cover? What do they make you think of?
    • The book shows both an old museum and a modern pyramid. How do you think those two things might fit together?
    • What do you already know (or wonder) about the Louvre Museum or the artist I.M. Pei?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author or illustrator before reading the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What problem was I.M. Pei asked to solve, and how did his design address it?
    • What parts of his childhood or heritage influenced his ideas for the pyramid?
    • How did Pei respond when people criticized or doubted his plan
    • What do you notice about how the illustrator balanced old and new throughout the pages?
    • What message about creativity or persistence do you think the author wants readers to remember?
    • If you could ask I.M. Pei one question about his work, what would it be?
  • Design Your Own Landmark: Imagine you’re an architect like I.M. Pei. Choose a famous place that feels too crowded or confusing. On blank paper, sketch a new entrance or structure that could make it better. Label the materials you’d use and explain what inspired your design.
  • Light & Reflection Experiment: The Louvre pyramid is all about glass and light. Using a flashlight, mirror, or window, explore how light changes when it hits different materials—clear plastic, foil, colored cellophane. What patterns or reflections do you see?
  • Shape Scavenger Hunt: Walk around your home or classroom and find shapes that repeat in Pei’s architecture—triangles, squares, and diamonds. Take photos or draw what you find. Which shape seems most powerful to you?
  • Letter to a Visionary:
    Write a short note to I.M. Pei thanking him for something you learned from his story. What lesson from his life could help you face your own challenges?
  • Bridge of Cultures Collage: Pei connected Eastern and Western ideas through his design. Create a collage with magazine images or digital art showing two styles—old vs. modern, natural vs. man-made—and find a way to blend them into one harmonious picture.
  • Books, Books, and More Books! Check out these picture-​book biographies that celebrate design, creativity, and problem-solving:

 

Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building by Christy Hale
A poetry-​plus-​photography celebration linking kids’ building play to real architecture.
The inspiring journey of Mae Jemison, whose persistence lifted her all the way to space.
Prairie Boy: Frank Lloyd Wright Turns the Heartland into a Home by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
A lyrical portrait of young Frank Lloyd Wright, whose love of prairie light and open spaces shaped the way he imagined buildings forever.
A joyful story about creativity, courage, and finding your own shade of inspiration.
The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid by Jeanette Winter
An engaging look at how an Iraqi-​born woman re-​imagined what buildings could be.

Reading Activities: The Truth About Dragons by Julie Leung, illustrated by Hanna Cha

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The Truth About Dragons
Author: Julie Leung
Illustrator: Hanna Cha
13 August 2023
Henry Holt and Co. Books for Young Readers
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “An unforgettable lyrical picture book that celebrates biracial identity from the award-​winning author of Paper The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist.

Lean in close,
my darling bao bei,
and I will whisper
a most precious secret
about a powerful magic
that lives inside you.

Brought to life with lavish and ornate illustrations, The Truth About Dragons follows a young child on a journey guided by his mother’s bedtime storytelling. He quests into two very different forests, as his two grandmothers help him discover two different, but equally enchanting, truths about dragons.

Eastern and Western mythologies coexist and enrich each other in this warm celebration of mixed cultural identity.”

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Reading Activities inspired by The Truth About Dragons:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
    • What do you notice about the two different dragons on the cover? How are they alike or different?
    • Why do you think the title is The Truth About Dragons? What kind of truth might the book explore?
    • What do the trees, sky, and mountains in the background suggest about where the story takes place?
    • What feelings do the colors on the cover give you?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author or illustrator before reading the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What are the two worlds the boy travels between? How does he feel in each one?
    • How do the two dragons reflect different parts of the boy’s identity?
    • What does the fire inside represent for him?
    • Have you ever felt like you had to choose between two sides of yourself? What helped you figure it out?
    • Why do you think the author chose dragons to tell this story?
    • What does the ending suggest about the boy’s journey and how he sees himself now?
  • Dragon Duo Drawing: The boy meets two dragons, one from each of his worlds. Draw your own version of each dragon. What colors, powers, or personalities do they have? Add labels or speech bubbles to bring them to life.
  • Bridge Between Worlds: The story shows a bridge between the boy’s two worlds. Fold a piece of paper in half. On one side, draw or write about one part of your identity, like your family, culture, or language. On the other side, draw or write about another. Then create a bridge in the middle that connects them. What do you carry across?
  • Dragon Flame Poem: “There’s a fire that burns inside me,” the boy says. Write a short poem about your own inner flame. What makes you strong, creative, or unique? You can shape your poem like a flame or a dragon tail if you want.
  • Truth Teller Mask: The dragons help the boy speak his truth. Make your own truth-​teller mask with paper, string, or a paper plate. Use colors and patterns that show who you are. On the back, write one sentence about something true and important to you.
  • Family Fire Storytime: Sit with a family member and ask them to tell you a story from their past, something they’ve never shared before. Then retell it in your own words, adding dragon-​like details to turn it into a magical tale.
  • Books, Books, and More Books! Check out these real-​world picture books about identity, culture, and embracing all the parts of who you are:

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho
A lyrical celebration of Asian identity, family connection, and seeing beauty in yourself.

The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar, illustrated by Alea Marley
A gentle story about a boy who expresses his feelings through color while adjusting to a new place.

My Two Border Towns by David Bowles, illustrated by Erika Meza
A touching story of a boy who moves between two countries and learns the power of community and care.

Nana Akua Goes to School by Tricia Elam Walker, illustrated by April Harrison
Zura’s grandmother shares a cultural tradition that at first seems different—but turns out to be a gift.

Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Méndez, illustrated by Jaime Kim
A moving conversation between a girl and her abuelo about where she comes from and who she is..

Reading Activities: Shark Girl by Kate Beaton

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Shark Girl
Author: Kate Beaton
Illustrator: Kate Beaton
25 February 2025
Roaring Brook Press
48 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “When Shark Girl is captured by an evil fishing captain’s net, she makes a vow… for REVENGE!

With the sea witch’s help, Shark Girl becomes a human sailor and launches a plan… for MUTINY!

But Shark Girl needs the help of her crew mates before she can enact her plan. Will Shark girl SINK… or SWIM?

Bestselling creator Kate Beaton has created a subversive and hilarious spin on the classic little mermaid fairy tale that will inspire little readers to seek their own revenge on behalf of justice!”

Need some reviews of Shark Girl?

Reading Activities inspired by Shark Girl:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
    • What words come to mind when you think about fireworks?
    • What do you notice first about Shark Girl’s appearance? How is she the same as—or different from—a typical mermaid?
    • The word shark can feel scary; how does the art make Shark Girl seem friendly, fierce, or both?
    • Where do you think this story takes place—deep in the ocean, on a ship, or somewhere else? What clues help you decide?
    • If you could ask Shark Girl one question before opening the book, what would it be?
    • The tagline says she’s “part shark and part human.” What challenges or adventures might that create?
    • Look at the background colors and shapes. What mood do they set for the story you’re about to read?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What makes Captain Barrett’s fishing practices harmful to the ocean?
    • Why does Shark Girl think revenge is the answer at first—and what changes her mind?
    • How does the crew react to Shark Girl over time? What helps them become allies?
    • Where do you see humor in the artwork or dialogue, even during tense moments?
    • The sea witch “lives for drama.” How does this character move the plot forward?
    • What panels or spreads were the most exciting or surprising? Why?
    • What does the ending teach about teamwork and ethical choices?
  • Sea-​Change Comic Strip
    Using six small panels, retell a key moment—Shark Girl breaking the net, meeting the sea witch, or launching the mutiny. Add “sound-​word” effects like SNAP! or WHOOSH! and bright colors to match Kate Beaton’s comic style.
  • Captain’s Catch: Sustainable or Not?
    Draw two buckets. Label one Overfishing and the other Ethical Catch. Cut out or sketch different sea creatures (tuna, shark, sea turtle, etc.). Research (or guess together) which catches are sustainable and place them in the right bucket. Discuss why some choices protect the ocean better than others.
  • Shark Teeth Smile Masks
    Fold cardboard or heavy paper into a half-​mask that covers just the mouth. Cut zig-​zag “shark teeth,” paint it ocean-​blue, and attach string to wear. Practice three Shark Girl expressions: determined, surprised, and triumphant. What emotions do those pointy teeth show?
  • Mutiny Map
    On a big sheet, draw the ship Jellyfish and the crew. Plan your own (kinder!) mutiny: list five changes you’d make to help the ocean—maybe recycling on board or rescuing bycatch. Illustrate each change with simple icons or mini-scenes.
  • Sea-​Witch Bargain Jar
    Decorate a clear jar with sea colors and glitter. Write small “promises to the planet” on scraps of paper—use less plastic, pick up beach litter, learn about sharks. Each time you fulfill a promise, add a shell, bead, or pebble to the jar until it sparkles like magic.
  • Books, Books, and More Books! Check out these real-​world picture books about ocean wonders, identity, and standing up for what’s right:

 

The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World’s Coral Reefs by Kate Messner, illustrated by Matthew Forsythe
The true story of Ken Nedimyer, who sparked a movement to restore damaged coral—showing kids that one person’s passion can help the sea thrive.

 

Flotsam by David Wiesner
A wordless seaside adventure where a mysterious camera reveals hidden ocean life—perfect for sparking curiosity about underwater worlds.

 

Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
After seeing dazzling mermaids on the subway, Julián dreams of being one too—and finds loving acceptance in his abuela’s embrace.

 

Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Juana Martinez-​Neal
A salty sea captain thinks he prefers solitude, until a lively girl and the ocean itself nudge him toward friendship.

 

Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Pulley Sayre
Stunning photographs and poetic lines create a heartfelt “thank-​you letter” to our planet, inviting readers to notice and protect nature.

Reading Activities: Chalk the Walk by Chelsea Tornetto, illustrated by Laurel Aylesworth

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Chalk the Walk
Author: Chelsea Tornetto
Illustrator: Laurel Aylesworth
1 April 2025
Familius
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Take to the sidewalk with this colorful picture book to inspire artistic expression and imagination!

Faded pavement.
Walls of gray.
Boring city streets?
No way!

Grab a piece of sidewalk chalk and join in the fun! Join a pair of adorable siblings as they explore the incredible power of a piece of chalk to transform the world around them. Joined by people of all ages from their neighborhood along the way, they use their bucket of chalk to make some sidewalk magic. With rhyming text by Chelsea Tornetto and increasingly colorful illustrations by Laurel Aylesworth, Chalk the Walk is a celebration of imagination.”

Need some reviews of Chalk the Walk?

As a special bonus, here’s an interview with the author at Sue Irwin’s website. Enjoy!

Reading Activities inspired by Chalk the Walk:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
    • What do you think this book will be about?
    • What kinds of things can you do with sidewalk chalk?
    • Have you ever made art that others could see in your neighborhood?
    • How do the colors on the cover make you feel?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author or illustrator before reading the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • How do the children change the neighborhood with their chalk drawings?
    • Why do you think people were inspired to join in the fun?
    • What happens to the chalk art at the end of the story, and how do the characters react?
    • How does the book compare chalk to screen time?
    • What are some ways you’ve made your own fun without using screens?
    • Would you recommend this book to a friend? What part would you tell them about first?
  • Chalk It Forward
    The children in the story start a wave of creativity by drawing with chalk and it spreads to the whole community! Try it yourself: make a cheerful message or simple drawing on the sidewalk or driveway (with permission, of course). You might just brighten someone’s day or inspire a neighbor to add something of their own.
  • Color Our World
    In the book, dull gray spaces slowly fill with bright color. On a piece of paper, draw a scene in all grays. Then color in only one section. Maybe a balloon, a flower, or a chalk drawing. How does that pop of color change the mood? Try doing a second version where everything is bright.
  • Sidewalk Storytelling
    Use chalk to create your own story across several sidewalk squares or blocks. Each square can be a different part of your story: the beginning, the middle, and the end. Invite a friend to read your story as they walk!
  • Screen-​Free Saturday
    Plan a whole day of screen-​free fun, inspired by this book. Make a list of things you can do: build with blocks, play dress-​up, read a book, draw with chalk, make a snack, or put on a puppet show. Can you go the whole day without using a tablet or TV?
  • Books, Books, and More Books!
    Check out these real-​world picture books about creativity, outdoor fun, and screen-​free play:

 

Chalk by Bill Thomson

A wordless picture book where chalk drawings come to life…until things get a little too real!

Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel

This visually dazzling book celebrates connection, color, and noticing the world around you. No screens needed!

On a Magical Do-​Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemagna

A rainy day and a bored child lead to a magical outdoor adventure.

Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson, illustrated by Sydney Smith

In this wordless story, a girl collects flowers on a city walk, quietly transforming her world with small acts of kindness.

Sidewalk Chalk by Jen Fier Jasinski, illustrated by Lea Marie Ravotti

From the publisher: “Imaginations soar when a group of neighborhood children scritch, scribble and scrawl in a rainbow of colors, crafting lovely works of art. But one little girl watches from afar, unsure how to contribute her own colorful creations. After gathering her courage, she misses the chance to grab the last piece, until a familiar face shows her how to draw with nature’s chalk — a soft piece of rock. But then raindrops begin to fall and time is cut short, causing the lovely colors to fade into memories. In the morning, a new day begins, and the girl leads the way in welcoming a new friend to this creative community.”

This one’s not out yet, but go ahead and preorder it!

Reading Activities: Something Good by Kenneth Kraegel

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Something Good
Author: Kenneth Kraegel
Illustrator: Kenneth Kraegel
11 February 2025
Candlewick
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “In need of a bad day remedy? One girl’s terrible day takes an unexpected—and extraordinary—turn when she comes upon a pair of magic socks.

Blah. Nothing good ever happens to me.

This morning a little girl wakes up with a chicken on her head. (Ouch.) Then she finds worms in her cereal (after she’s had a few bites—yuck!). Then she realizes, too late, that her boots are full of mud. Ack! Then her best friend ignores her, a big hole appears where it wasn’t yesterday, and it starts to rain—cold rain, of course. Could this day get any worse? When a mysterious gift shows up out of nowhere, wrapped in a bow, the girl dares to wonder if it could finally be something good. Get ready for a high-​flying tale as the beloved creator of Wild Honey from the Moon brings his signature deadpan humor, quirky charm, and appealingly simple text to a fantastical adventure sure to turn even the worst days around.”

Need some reviews of Something Good?

Reading Activities inspired by Something Good:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
    • What do you think this book will be about?
    • What kinds of things do you think count as “something good”?
    • What kind of mood does the cover character seem to be in? Why do you think that?
    • Have you ever had a day that started out really bad? How did it make you feel?
    • What are some small things that can help turn a day around?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author before reading the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What questions would you like to ask the author before reading the book?
    • Why did the gift of socks feel disappointing at first?
    • How did the socks change the character’s day—and mood?
    • Why do you think Zoe ignored the main character at the beginning? What was really going on?
    • How did the main character’s feelings change throughout the story? What caused those changes?
    • Why do you think they decided to give the socks to someone else at the end?
    • What message do you think this book is trying to share?
    • Would you recommend this book to a friend? What part would you tell them about first?
  • Blah-​Day Bingo: Make one bingo board with silly bad-​day moments like “stepped in something squishy,” “ran out of cereal,” or “lost your sock.” Then, during the day or while reading the book, see how many squares you can check off. Now make a second board filled with cheerful things like “someone smiled at me,” “found a cool rock,” or “heard a funny joke.” The goal? Try to fill your “something good” board faster than your “blah” one—and see how your mood shifts as you look for the good stuff!
  • Chicken Hat & Magic Socks Craft: Create your own ridiculous chicken hat using paper, feathers, and imagination, just like the one from the beginning of the book. Then make a pair of “magic socks” using cardstock or paper. Decorate them with drawings of the adventures you would go on if your socks could fly. What powers would they give you? Who would you share them with?
  • Mood Meter Map: Draw a line across a page and mark one end as “Total Blah” and the other as “Amazing!” As you reread the story, track the main character’s mood on this line. What made things worse? What helped? Then make your own mood meter for a recent day and chart what affected your feelings. Did something small help shift your mood in a big way?
  • The Gift You Didn’t Expect: In the story, a plain pair of socks turns out to be the best surprise of all. Think of something simple—like a pencil, a pebble, or a balloon—and invent a story where it becomes magical. What does it do? How does it change your day? Write a short paragraph or comic strip to show how an ordinary object became something good.
  • From Blah to Hooray! Mini Book: Fold a piece of paper into a tiny book. On the first page, draw or write about a “blah” thing. On each following page, draw or write what helps that mood shift—maybe a friend shows up, a silly animal appears, or magic socks arrive! End your mini book with a big “Hooray!” moment to show how things got better.
  • Share Something Good Challenge: The character realizes that sharing something good makes it even better. Try it yourself! Choose one small, good thing to share today: a compliment, a snack, a toy, or a funny story. What happened when you shared it? Did someone smile? Did it change their day, or yours? Write or draw what you noticed.
  • Peanuts Vibes Soundtrack
    This story has been compared to Peanuts comics—funny, moody, and full of charm. Imagine this book had a soundtrack. What kind of music would you play at the beginning when everything is going wrong? What about when the magic socks appear? Make a playlist or just describe the sounds. Slow and rainy? Bouncy and silly? Dreamy and floaty?
  • Books, Books, and More Books! Check out these real-​world books about bad days, surprising joys, and learning to see the good:

 

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Ray Cruz

The ultimate bad-​day picture book. Alexander has one frustrating moment after another—but readers come to see that some days are just like that, and they still end with love.


A Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon

Camilla is worried about fitting in, and it causes her to literally break out in stripes—and then polka dots, and even worse! A story about staying true to yourself, even when things feel weird or overwhelming.

 


The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez

For anyone feeling frustrated about what they can’t do yet, this book shows that hope, patience, and persistence can turn almost any day around. A great reminder that something good might be just around the corner.

Rain! by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Christian Robinson

One rainy day is seen two totally different ways by two characters. This joyful story reminds us that perspective shapes how we experience the world—and a “blah” day for one person might be a magical one for someone else.

 


What If, Pig? by Linzie Hunter

Pig is having a worry-​filled kind of day, but thanks to a kind friend, things start to look brighter. A great book about friendship, anxiety, and noticing when we need support—and when others might, too.

Reading Activities: Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me by Jennifer Bradbury, art by Pearl AuYeung

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Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me
Author: Jennifer Bradbury
Illustrator: Pearl AuYeung
11 February 2025
Atheneum/​Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “A loyal big brother makes a case for why his adopted little brother is just like him when a pesky kid on the playground questions their physical differences in this charming picture book.

When they hear the singsong tune of an ice cream truck, two brothers race to get in line! Big brother beats little brother and holds their spot. But when little brother catches up, another kid challenges him joining his brother in no cutting! Everyone knows that cutting doesn’t count when you’re siblings, but the kid doesn’t believe they can be brothers when they don’t look anything alike.

The brothers may not be biologically related, but they’re still brothers, and they have so much else in common! They both like candy way too much, love swimming but hate baths, and know their parents love them. Big brother knows that differences on the surface don’t matter when in his heart, his little brother is just like him.”

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Reading Activities inspired by Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front cover: 
    • What do you think the title Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me means? What does it suggest about the characters?
    • Look at the two kids on the cover—how do they seem alike? How do they seem different?
    • What does it mean to be part of a family? Does everyone in a family have to look alike? Why or why not?
    • Have you ever had someone assume something about you that wasn’t true? How did it make you feel?
    • What are some ways people in a family can be similar besides their appearance?
    • Why do you think the author wanted to tell this story? What message do you think it will have?
    • What questions would you like to ask the author before reading the book?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • How did the big brother react when someone questioned whether Dev was really his brother?
    • What were some of the things the brothers had in common? What were some ways they were different?
    • How do you think Dev felt when the other child didn’t believe they were brothers?
    • Why do you think it was important for the big brother to show that family is about more than just looking alike?
    • What was your favorite moment in the book? Why did it stand out to you?
    • How did the illustrations help tell the story? What details in the pictures stood out to you?
    • How do you think the skeptical kid at the playground felt at the end of the story? Did their view change?
    • Would you recommend this book to a friend? What would you tell them about first?
  • The “Almost Like Me” Sibling Challenge: Grab a friend, sibling, or family member and write down ten things about yourselves—your favorite foods, hobbies, pets, bedtime routines, anything! Then, compare your lists. How many things do you have in common? What surprised you? Just like Dev and his big brother, you’ll probably find that the things that matter most go beyond appearances!
  • Family Portrait—Remixed!: Most people think of family portraits as everyone smiling for a photo together, but what if a portrait captured something deeper? Instead of drawing a picture of just how your family looks, make a family portrait that shows what makes you all unique. Maybe you love the same food, play the same games, or share inside jokes. Include those details in your artwork to celebrate what really makes your family yours!
  • What’s in a Name? A Family Storytime: In the book, Dev and his brother share family traditions and history. Now, let’s explore your own family’s story! Ask a parent, grandparent, or guardian about your family history. Do you have a name with a special meaning? Are there stories about how you became part of your family? Write down what you learn and share it with someone close to you.
  • “You Can’t Tell By Looking!” Discovery Game: People often assume things about others based on how they look, but appearances don’t tell the whole story! Play this game with friends or classmates: Everyone writes down one fact about themselves that others wouldn’t guess by looking at them. Then, mix up the papers and take turns reading them aloud, guessing who wrote each one. It’s a fun way to see how much more there is to people than what we see!
  • The Love List: What Really Makes a Family?: Dev and his brother know that family is about love, not just looks. Think about what makes your own family special—whether it’s a family you were born into, adopted into, or chosen. Make a list of ten things that show love in your family. Do you have special traditions? Do you help each other in different ways? Decorate your list and keep it as a reminder that family is about what we do, not just what we look like!
  • Letters of Belonging: A Note to Someone Who Feels Left Out: In the book, Dev faces a moment where someone doesn’t believe he and his brother belong together. Write a letter to someone (real or imaginary) who might feel left out or different. What would you say to make them feel welcome? Decorate your letter and share it with a friend, family member, or teacher to spread kindness!
  • Books, Books, and More Books!: Check out these real-​world picture books about family, adoption, and sibling bonds:

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López

This heartfelt story is about feeling different but finding connections with others. Like Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me, it reminds us that even when we don’t look like those around us, we all have something in common.

A Family Is a Family Is a Family by Sara O’Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng

This book introduces a classroom full of children, each with a different type of family. Some have two dads, some live with grandparents, and some are adopted. It beautifully illustrates that what makes a family is love.

 

We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption and Families by Todd Parr

A warm and simple book that explains adoption in a way young kids can understand. It celebrates how families come together in different ways and the love that binds them.

Big Brothers Don’t Take Naps by Louise Borden, illustrated by Emma Dodd

A sweet story about an older brother passing on wisdom to his younger sibling. It highlights the joys of having a little brother—whether they look alike or not!

 

 

Real Sisters Pretend by Megan Dowd Lambert, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell

Two sisters play pretend, reminding each other that even though they weren’t born into the same family, their bond is real. Like Nearly Exactly Almost Like Me, this story affirms that love is what makes a family.