Growing Book by Book

Read-Alouds for July Holidays

Jodie Rodriguez — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:13:40 +0000

We continue our year-long series of posts celebrating and honoring different holidays of the year from the well-known holidays to the odd, funny, and wacky holidays. Enjoy these read-alouds for the July holidays.

Books for Kids About July Holidays

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

July 1st: National Postal Worker Day

Get the stationery out because you will be inspired to write a letter to someone after reading How to Send a Hug by Hayley Rocco. I also enjoyed the tribute it played to postal workers.

July 2nd: National Disco Day

Bear Moves by Ben Bailey Smith will get kids moving and grooving during read-aloud time. Children will love to imitate Bear’s moves on the classroom dance floor. It would be fun to make a tinfoil disco ball for your reading area when you enjoy this book.

July 3rd: National Eat Beans Day

The Cool Bean by Jory John is the story of a bean trying to fit in and along the way finds out that the “cool beans” are the ones who are kind.

July 4th: 4th of July

America the Beautiful by Wendell Minor is a beautiful road trip through the United States to see many sights.

July 5th: National Graham Cracker Day

Rangers often remind campers to not feed the animals. Well, in Don’t Feed the Bear by Kathleen Doherty the bear and the ranger battle with signage to inform campers what they should really do. This funny romp will encourage kids to make their own signs. Plus, they will want to make s’mores too.

July 6th: National Air Traffic Control Day

Learn about all the people who help airplanes fly including air traffic control workers in Fly by Nathan Clement.

July 7th: Tell the Truth Day

A Bike Like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts is a story about a boy who finds a bill on the floor of the store. He initially thinks it is $1, but it turns out to be a $100 bill. Should it matter if it’s a $1 or $100? What is the right thing to do? This is a realistic look at all the thoughts that one goes through when making a decision and the importance of being honest.

For more books about honesty, check out this big printable list.—> Books About Honesty

July 8th: National Video Game Day

Jack Gets Zapped by Mac Barnett is the 8th book in the Jack series for beginning readers, but also a fun read-aloud. In this story, Zach gets zapped right through the tv and into a video game.

July 9th: National Sugar Cookie Day

A kind man bakes cookies for his neighbors to celebrate all the little and big moments. His anonymous acts of kindness come to a standstill when he becomes ill though. Soon though, his neighbors come to help him. Read The Cookie Maker of Mavin Road by Sue Lawson.

July 10th: Pick Blueberries Day

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey takes us to the mountainside while a bear family and a person family look for blueberries. But, the little ones of the families get a little mixed up.

July 11th: National Swimming Pool Day

There’s nothing quite like a day at the public pool. So much fun to be had and so many people to see. Check out Pool Party by Elisa Parhad.

July 12th: Malala Day

Meet a very courageous woman in Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai. Malala believes that all girls have a right to an education and she continues to be brave and speak her mind.

July 13th: National Rock Day

What Can You Do With a Rock? by Pat Zietlow Miller is about creativity and possibility. If you have a rock, what can you do? Well, you can skip it or build with it or even tell a story about it.

For more books about rocks, check out this list: Books About Rocks for Kids

July 14th: Shark Awareness Day

The Shark Book by the amazing pairing of Steve Jenkins & Robin Page will enthrall shark enthusiasts with details, diagrams, maps, and more.

July 15th: National I Love Horses Day

Horses: Trotting! Prancing! Racing by Patricia Hubbell is about all the things that horses do. The book also identifies many different kinds of horses.

July 16th: World Snake Day

One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree by Daniel Bernstrom is full of rhythm making it a great read-aloud. A hungry snake develops an ever-growing body until he gets quite the tummy ache.

July 17th: National Tattoo Day

Can school teachers have tattoos? Back when I started teaching in the 90’s that was a no in the districts I taught. If you had a tattoo, it couldn’t be exposed.

Times have changed but there are still some stereotypes surrounding tattoos. This book opens the conversation around just that.

In this story, classmates learn that tattoos are a form of self-expression and often celebrate culture, a journey, or a connection to something important in the person’s life.

Check out My Teacher Has Tattoos by Darren López and Bhahagya Madanasinghe.

July 18th: World Listening Day

Listen by Gabi Snyder challenges us to not just listen to all that is going on around us, but listen to what is going on inside of each of us too.⁣

July 19th: National Urban Beekeeping Day

The Honeybee Man by Lela Nargi is the story of a New York beekeeper who tends to his hives on the top of a building. We learn how the bees live and work to create that sticky treat.

For more books about bees, check out this list.—->Books About Bees

July 20th: World Jump Day

Hop, Hop, Jump! by Lauren Thompson is a fun book for little movers and shakers. The text is short and rhythmic. Not only do the kids learn to move in different ways (wiggling, stomping, clomping, etc.) the book also reinforces learning about the different parts of the body.

July 21st: National Take a Monkey to Lunch Day

“Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Gooseberry Pies –Monkey needs some exercise!” Sing, dance, move, and shake in Spunky Little Monkey by Bill Martin Jr.

July 22nd: Summer Leisure Day

And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner is written in a back and forth when and then manner. For example “When the days stretch out like a slow yawn…Then throw on flip-flops and breathe the sweet air.” All the sounds, tastes, and smells are explored in this picture book.

For more summer-themed books, check out this list.—> Summer Books for Preschoolers

July 23rd: National Gorgeous Grandma Day

There is something pretty amazing about intergenerational connectedness. In Something About Grandma by Tania de Regil, we meet a girl staying with her grandmother without her parents in Mexico City. Together they have a beautiful time and eventually reunite with a new member to the family.

July 24th: National Cousins Day

Every year the cousins come to town for fun and family. And, everyone has a nickname in the family too. This year, our main character is determined to earn her own nickname in the family. Find out what it will be in When My Cousins Come to Town by Angela Shanté.

July 25th: Carousel Day

The Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer takes us to the fairgrounds at night. As humans sleep, imagine all the animals coming to enjoy the sights and sounds of the midway. Take a ride with the animals on the carousel, watch them enjoy the cotton candy & popcorn, and win a goldfish. There is so much to enjoy in this wordless wonder.

July 26th: National Aunt and Uncle Day

Stella is on the hunt for defining herself and through a lot of exploration, she discovers her own unique style. Stella travels from planet to planet to see her lovely aunts and their fantastic styles. As she does so, it helps her to narrow in on her own style.⁣ Read Stella’s Stellar Hair by Yesenia Moises.

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July 27th: Take Your Pants for a Walk Day

Jameson loves his green pants and wears them all the time. He feels he can do just about anything when he wears them. But, he has a big decision to make. He’s been invited to be the ring bearer in his cousin’s wedding and that means black tuxedo pants. Can he give up his green pants for the wedding? Find out in Green Pants by Kenneth Kraegel.

July 28th: National Soccer Day

The kids have to clear the field for a game of soccer (futbol) to play and nothing can stop them including a downpour until their momma’s call. The fun game is in The Field by Baptiste Paul.

July 29th: International Tiger Day

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown is the story of a proper tiger who is tired of being so stuffy and proper. This tiger decides to go wild. Let your wild side shine!

July 30th: International Day of Friendship

Seems like there are lots of days that celebrate friendship. In fact, this is the second one this month. Here’s another friendship pick.

Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff takes us on a photographic journey of how unlikely animals became friends after a 2004 Tsunami.

July 31st: World Ranger Day

If I Were a Park Ranger by Catherine Stier you would have one of the best views at work each day! Learn all about the other features of this job in this fun book.

Printable List of July Holiday Books

Grab a printable list of the books to enjoy with the kids.

Enjoy reading!

The post Read-Alouds for July Holidays appeared first on Growing Book by Book.

Swimming Books for Kids

Jodie Rodriguez — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:25:14 +0000

Dive into this collection of fantastic swimming books for kids and discover a world of underwater adventure, fun, learning, and friendship!

Books for Kids About Swimming

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Together We Swim by Valerie Bolling uses sparse text and amazing illustrations to tell the story of a child learning to swim with their family at the pool. There is so much to study in the illustrations making it work for young children and older ones too.

We’ve all been there…an embarrassing poop-in-your-pants moment. Well, this one takes place in the pool. The Boy Who Cried Poop! by Alessandra Requena revisits a childhood memory of her own family in this laugh-out-loud funny tale. In the story, a young boy feels that he needs to poop so the family trudges up the stairs from the pool to take him potty. But, then he doesn’t need to go. So, back downstairs they go to the pool. This scene plays out multiple times until he can’t make it to the potty in time.

A Mermaid Girl by Sana Rafi is the story of a young girl and her mother headed to the community pool in their burkinis. They are both excited to be mermaids in the water, but her friends start asking questions about her burkini and she feels like she stands out too much. But Mama helps her find her inner mermaid connectedness with others and feel good about herself and her choices.

Nothing says summer like a pool party full of fun and friends. Dive right into Pool Party by Amy Duchêne and Elisa Parhad for festive pool party fun and lots of rich descriptive vocabulary describing your time at the pool.

Our Pool by Lucy Ruth Cummins showcases the whole city coming together for a pool day. If you have ever been to a city public pool, this one is for you. I love that this book captures the energy and diversity of a day at the public pool.

When You Can Swim by Jack Wong has a poetic feel to all the possibilities when you know how to swim from listening to “clinking waves” to floating on your back “watching treetops drift by.”

Nervous Nigel by Bethany Christou is the story of learning to face your fears and having the courage to express them to others.⁣ Nigel loves to swim and he comes from a long line of champions. But, Nigel doesn’t love swimming competitions. It brings him very little joy and a lot of anxiety. And, Nigel doesn’t want to disappoint his family.⁣ Will Nigel find the courage to be true to himself and tell his family how he feels and the decision he has made?⁣

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Lottie & Walter by Anna Walker is the story of a little girl who fears there are sharks in the swimming pool. But, she summons her courage to face the fear.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever jumped into a pool while shouting, “Cannonball!” Cannonball by Sacha Cotter is full of summer splashing fun.⁣ Everyone has advice for executing the best cannonball into the water. But, when it comes down to it, the best advice is to trust your inner voice and make your own unique splash.⁣ There is even a glossary to explain all the dives. Do you know what a staple dive is? How about a knee-lock dive?⁣

Bubbles…Up! by Jacqueline Davies is the story of fun and play at the pool until the thunder arrives. ⁣But, after a brief interruption, pool time continues. ⁣Let the bubbly play resume.⁣
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And, I have three fun hands-on early literacy activities you can do after enjoying the book.⁣—> Bubbles…Up! Book Activities

I’ve loved this book and have read it countless times.⁣ Nothing says summer like the pool. ⁣Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall is the story of a little boy finding the courage to take his first jump off the diving board. ⁣His supportive family helps him find the moment that is just right for him.⁣

And, don’t miss these Jabari Jumps activities.—> Jabari Jumps Book Activities

Trying something new can be scary.⁣ In Saturday is Swimming Day by Hyewon Yum, we meet a little girl who is not very eager to start her swimming lessons.⁣ In fact, her head hurts and her tummy aches. In the first lesson, she totally stays on the sidelines. ⁣ But, class by class, she summons the courage to take that next little step and eventually, she’s floating, splashing, and enjoying herself in the water.⁣

The Mermaid with No Tail by Jessica Long is the story of a mermaid with no tail. Even though she is made fun of for not having a tail, she decides to compete in the Mermaid Games. With the support of her adoptive parents, friends, and coach she trains and wins.

A science teacher takes a group of children playing in a Maui ditch all the way to the Olympics.⁣Turns out a little science, creativity, and determination can produce some amazing results.⁣ Check out Sakamoto’s Swim Club by Julie Abrey which is based on a true story.⁣

I love when books can inspire and inform at the same time. In this story, we meet Yusra Mardini, a Syrian refugee and Olympic athlete. Learn about her journey in Swimming Toward a Dream by Reem Faruqi.

I like that The Pool is Cool by Dwayne Reed is about learning to swim because there aren’t many out there. I also like that this story shows a child encouraging and adult to learn new things too.

Printable Book List of Swimming Books

Grab a printable list of the books described above.

RELATED POSTS

Books About Summer for Kids

Ocean Books for Kids

Camping Books for KIds

Books About Water and Keeping it Clean for Children

*This post first appeared on Growing Book by Book 7/3/23 and has since been updated.

The post Swimming Books for Kids appeared first on Growing Book by Book.

Read-Alouds for June Holidays

Jodie Rodriguez — Tue, 19 May 2026 18:38:42 +0000

Every day is a new holiday from the well-known holidays to the odd, funny, and wacky holidays. Try these read-alouds for June holidays. Read a book a day with the kids in your life.

Books for Kids About June Holidays

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

June 1st: Dinosaur Day

Roar: A Dinosaur Tour by Michael Paul is a basic introduction to dinosaurs and some of their characteristics.

For more books about dinosaurs, check out these lists.

Dinosaur Books for Toddlers

Dinosaur Books for Preschoolers

June 2nd: I Love My Dentist Day

I love William Steig’s books so I’m picking Doctor DeSoto. Doctor DeSoto is small in stature but works on creatures great and small. But, he doesn’t like to work on dangerous animals. But, when a fox begs relief, will Doctor DeSoto help him?

June 3rd: World Bicycle Day

Wild Blue by Dashka Slater is the story of a child who has outgrown her training wheel bike and is ready for the next size up. But, the first time she rides the new big bike she falls and falls again. But, she is determined to tame this new wild blue and find the confidence to persevere. It’s ok to try something new, face challenges, and overcome setbacks.

Enjoy more books about bikes, check out this list.—> Books About Bikes

June 4th: National Hug Your Cat Day

A cat’s day is filled with exploring and lounging. Prowl your way alongside a cat in Cat’s Very Good Day by Kristen Tracy. The illustrations by David Small are so enjoyable and accompany the rhyming text. This is a fun one to snuggle up with.

For more books about cats, enjoy this list.—> Books About Cats for Kids

June 5th: National Gingerbread Day

Children will have to solve the riddles in Catch That Cookie! by Hallie Durand to find the missing gingerbread man. Get ready to go all through the school. This is a fun one to set up your own runaway gingerbread cookie adventure.

For more gingerbread variation books, check out this list.—> Gingerbread Man Books

June 6th: National Eyewear Day

Arlo Needs Glasses by Barney Saltzberg is an interactive book about discovering your need for glasses all the way to picking out your favorite frames.

June 7th: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

Imagine being the king of an ice cream castle. Well, that’s just what the character in The Ice Cream King by Steve Metzger dreams about. But, the best thing about ice cream is getting two spoons and sharing with someone else.

June 8th: World Oceans Day

My Ocean is Blue by Darren Lebeuf shows us all the things that the ocean can be and teaches us about opposites too. Oceans can be shallow and deep. They can be dull and sparkly. There is just so much an ocean can be.

For more books about the oceans and the beach, check out this list.—> Books About the Ocean

June 9th: National Call Your Doctor Day

Helping Hospital : A Community Helpers Book by Lindsay Ward looks at the vast opportunities of jobs associated with a hospital from the admissions department to different types of nursers and doctors. We explore the hospital and the workers while we travel with different patients visiting the hospital.

June 10th: National Iced Tea Day

Phoebe Dupree Is Coming to Tea by Linda Ashman is all about prepping for the tea party. Abby has invited Phoebe over for a tea party. And, she wants everything to be perfect because she perceives Phoebe to be perfect.⁣ But, plans never go perfectly and that is perfectly ok. Because true fun comes when things don’t go exactly according to plan. Phoebe and Abby have a grand time.⁣

For more books about tea: Tea Books for Kids

June 11th: Yarn Bombing Day

If You Want to Knit Some Mittens by Laura Purdie Salas shares all the steps needed for creating your own pair of marigold mittens. You’ll need to start with keeping a sheep comfortable all summer and then planting the marigolds for your natural dye for the yarn you will create. Playful illustrations make this a fun and informative read.

June 12th: Little League Girls Baseball Day

Never let tell you can’t do something based on your gender. That’s the message takeaway in Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl’s Baseball Dream by Crystal Hubbard. Make sure to check out the read-aloud on Storyline Online too.

June 13th: National Weed Your Garden Day

In a Garden by Tim McCanna takes inside the day-by-day workings of a garden with lyrical text. You’ll meet worms, slugs, ants, and more.

June 14th: Flag Day

F is for Flag by Wendy Cheyette Lewison looks at our flag, what it symbolizes, and how it is used in our country.

June 15th: Global Wind Day

When the Wind Came by Jan Andrews is the story of all the feelings that a child or really any person has about an approaching storm from worry to fear to eventually gratefulness for rebuilding.

June 16th: Fresh Veggies Day

The Ugly Vegetables by Grace Lin is the story of growing a child embarrassed by the “ugly” Chinese vegetables growing in her garden compared to the flowers in the neighbors’ yards. But, her mother shows her that those vegetables make the most beautiful and tasty soup that even the neighbors enjoy. A recipe is included.

Enjoy these activities to go with The Ugly Vegetables too.—> The Ugly Vegetables Activities

June 17th: Global Garbage Man Day

Jashar Awan is a master at early childhood read-alouds. Every Monday Mabel highlights that glorious event each week for so many kiddos. The day the refuse collector arrives on the block. Mabel lives for this even each week with purpose and satisfaction. The kids will enjoy this read-aloud over and over again.

And, check out these Every Monday Mabel activities.—> Every Monday Mabel Book Activities

June 18th: National Go Fishing Day

Do you love to fish? Well, Bear, Porcupine, and Otter do. But, Squirrel does not. Read We Love Fishing! by Ariel Bernstein to find out how this group’s fishing trip goes.

June 19th: Juneteenth

The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini explains Juneteenth and traces the timeline of events that led to Juneteenth becoming a nationally celebrated holiday in 2021.

June 20th: World Refugee Day

Wishes by Mu’o’n Thi Van is a beautifully illustrated book about a family having to pack and leave in the middle of the night not knowing what lay ahead but wishing it will be better than how they are living now.

June 21st: Father’s Day

The Daddy Book by Todd Parr celebrates dads of all shapes and sizes. I love how inclusive this one is.

June 22nd: World Rainforest Day

Sing your way through the rainforest in The Rainforest Grew All Around by Susan K. Mitchell. It is set to the tune, “The Green Grass Grew All Around.” The sidebars provide additional information about the rainforest including animal facts, plant information, and adaptations. Plus, there is a recipe for Rainforest Cookies.

For more books about the Rainforest, check out this list.—> Rainforest Books for Kids

June 23rd: National Typewriter Day

Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin highlights that almost obsolete correspondence tool- the typewriter. The cows in the barn have some demands. Will the farmer oblige?

June 24th: Farmer Day

Behind every farm is a family that spends their days tending to it. Join Sophie Blackwall as she takes us inside a Farmhouse to see all the details of the home and the family who lives there.

June 25th: Leon Day

Leon is Noel spelled backward. Today marks the halfway mark to Christmas. So, let’s read a Christmas book today.

I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison walks you through the streets during the Christmas season. The sights and sounds can only fill you with spirit from the “jingle jingle” of the red kettlebell to the “fa la la” of Christmas carolers.

For more Christmas reads, check out this big list.—> Christmas Books for Kids

June 26th: National Canoe Day

Travel north to the Boundary Waters on the Minnesota-Canada border in One Summer Up North by John Owens. This wordless picture book plops you right in the canoe to explore the wildlife and beauty of nature with a family on a camping trip.

June 27th: National Sunglasses Day

Don your sunglasses with Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses by the Deans and your mood will immediately lift.

June 28th: International Lightning Safety Day

When the Storm Comes by Linda Ashman walks us through the preparations that animals and people take before a thunderstorm rolls in.

For more books about the weather, see my big list.—> Books About Weather for Kids

June 29th: International Mud Day

Lots of young children enjoy playing in spring puddles or squishy mud. Mud by Mary Lyn Ray celebrates the ooey gooey and gloppy mixture that many little ones love to cover every inch of themselves in on a summer day.

June 30th: National Meteor Watch Day

Meteor was Polacco’s first children’s book and is based on a true story. A meteor actually landed in the Michigan town where she lived! This funny story captures the magic that captivated the town over this event.

Printable List of June Holiday Books

Grab a printable list of the books to enjoy with the kids.

Enjoy reading all month long.

The post Read-Alouds for June Holidays appeared first on Growing Book by Book.

Soccer (Fútbol) Books for Kids

Jodie Rodriguez — Thu, 07 May 2026 11:48:03 +0000

FIFA World Cup fever is strong especially since the 2026 games are happening in North America. Let that sports enthusiasm carry right into the books you are sharing with the kids. I’ve got a list for that is sure to score a goal. Enjoy these soccer books for kids. There is even a book list you can download below.

Fútbol/Soccer Board Books

Even our youngest listeners can get in on the action with these read-alouds.

Learn about the positions, uniforms, and other soccer vocabulary in this cute and super informative read, Hello, World! Soccer by Jill McDonald.

Push, pull, and slide the ball down the field in this interactive book that introduces little ones to the game in I Love Soccer: A Push, Pull, Slide Book.

Picture Books About Soccer

From teamwork to the ins and outs of the game, these are a read-aloud score.

I really like this new series on careers and this one is fitting for our topic today. Soccer Star
by Phoenix Bright illustrates the proper nutrition and training needed to have a career in the sport. At the back of the book is an interview with a soccer player too.

Maisy is a beloved preschool character and she’s playing soccer in Maisy Plays Soccer by Lucy Cousins. She needs her uniform and friends for a fun game of red team vs blue team.

Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Plays Soccer by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros is a comical story of Frank teaching Bert everything he knows about the game. But, when a soccer whiz comes on the scene, Frank drops everything to play with her. What about Bert?

The kids have to clear the field for a game of soccer (fútbol) to play and nothing can stop them including a downpour until their momma’s call. The fun game is in The Field by Baptiste Paul.

I’m all about books that showcase resourcefulness and a strong desire to pursue passions. And, that’s just what you will take away from The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their Own Soccer Field by Scott Riley.

In October of 2016, Haiti suffered devastating loss from Hurricane Matthew. It’s not the first time that this country has been hit by a natural disaster. Hope for Haiti by Jesse Joshua Watson was written after a devastating earthquake struck the country. The kids turned to soccer and learned a lot about hope in the process.

New to the game of soccer? No worries, Max is pretty new too, but he’s full of “expert” tips in Max Explains Everything: Soccer Expert by Stacy McAnulty.

Go even deeper into the field with the Soccer Atlas by James Buckley Jr. This one has facts, figures, maps, and diagrams.

Winners Never Quit by Mia Hamm encourages us all to keep trying. Even when we feel like quitting, just keep going. This lesson shines through on the soccer field in this story.

Soccer/Fútbol Books for Beginning Readers

Young readers can venture into books on their own with these reads.

Kick It, Mo! by David A. Adler is the story of a young child who has worked hard on his kicking skills and is eager to share his new skills during the Billy Goats new season.

This is book eight in the series and this time second grader, Lola Levine, is trying to navigate all of her interests from soccer to volunteering in Lola Levine Runs Out of Steam by Monica Brown.

The Who Was series covers a handful soccer players from Messi to Ronaldo and there is even a book dedicated to the World Cup. Good books for kids who are really into learning more about some of the famous players.

Printable Soccer Book List

Grab a printable copy of the book list shared above.

Related Posts

Books About Balls for Preschoolers

The post Soccer (Fútbol) Books for Kids appeared first on Growing Book by Book.

Read-Alouds for May Holidays

Jodie Rodriguez — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:09:37 +0000

The series of posts celebrating and honoring different holidays of the year from the well-known holidays to the odd, funny, and wacky holidays continues. Try these read-alouds for May holidays.

Books for Kids About May Holidays

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

May 1st: National Mother Goose Day

I love that Nina Crews uses photographs of children in her collage images in The Neighborhood Mother Goose. And, I appreciate that children of color are represented which is not easy to find in nursery rhyme books. Little ones will love pointing at all the things they find in the illustrations.

For more Mother Goose and nursery rhyme books, check out this list.—> Nursery Rhyme Books

May 2nd: Baby Day

Babymoon by Hayley Barrett is a beautiful look at those beginning days with a newborn. Oh, what a special time that is.

May 3rd: National Two Different Colored Shoes Day

You see all sorts of kicks walking down a city street. Come celebrate them all in City Feet by Aixa Pérez-Prado.

May 4th: International Firefighters Day

Yes, women can be firefighters and I’m so glad there is a book out there that highlights that fact. My Mom is a Firefighter by Lois G. Grambling is a must-read.

For more books about firefighters—>Books About Firefighters

May 5th: Museum Lover’s Day

Imagine if the art came to life and gave you items from the paintings and sculptures. You might not be able to touch the art but the art can touch you in the wordless book, Mayhem at the Museum: A Book in Pictures by Luciano Lozano

May 6th: National Nurses Day

Helping Hospital : A Community Helpers Book by Lindsay Ward looks at the vast opportunities of jobs associated with a hospital from the admissions department to different types of nurses and doctors. We explore the hospital and the workers while we travel with different patients visiting the hospital.

May 7th: Spring Astronomy Day

Take a walk through the city in search of the moon in City Moon by Rachael Cole.

May 8th: National Give Someone a Cupcake Day

Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes by Kimberly and James Dean encourages us to count down by twos from ten as the cupcakes start to disappear.

May 9th: National Lost Sock Memorial Day

One Red Sock by Jennifer Sattler is a fun book to work on color identification.⁣ This purple hippo has a problem. She can only find one red sock. As she searches her drawer she finds lots of socks but can she find a perfect pair?⁣

May 10th: Mother’s Day

Saturday by Oge Mora is the story of a young girl and her mother who only get Saturdays to spend the whole day together so they like to plan special things to do with each other. However, on this particular Saturday, it seems like their plans are going to be spoiled. But, we discover that as long as they get to be with each other that is all that matters.⁣

For more Mother’s Day Reads—> Books for Mother’s Day

May 11th: National Eat What You Want Day

When all the food trucks converge in one spot you have a Food Truck Fest! by Alexandra Penfold. Talk about favorite foods or cuisines that each student enjoys.

May 12th: International Day of Plant Health

In this story, Jesús has an important job of caring for Mamá’s house plants. All is going well until one of the plants goes crashing to the ground. Yikes!⁣ Enjoy Mamá’s Magnificent Dancing Plantitas by by Jesús Trejo.

May 13th: National Apple Pie Day

How to Grow an Apple Pie by Beth Charles is the story of a little girl who waits six years to pick up apples from her family’s apple trees. Children will learn about pruning, the role of bees, and how to pick apples from the tree while listening to the story too. Yep, an apple pie recipe is included.

May 14th: Dance Like a Chicken Day

How Do You Dance? by Thyra Heder showcases lots of dance moves from bopping to stomping. You are only limited by your imagination. Is there one best way? Nope. Dance however you feel comfortable. This is a great one for recognizing what makes us each unique and using our imagination. You’ll definitely want to turn on the music after reading and have a dance party.

May 15th: Bring Flowers to Someone Day

A Crown for Corina by Laekan Zea Kemp allows us to walk through Aubela’s garden to collect meaningful flowers for a birthday crown. Each flower represents something special to Corina that celebrates her past, present, and future.

For more books about flowers.—> Books About Flowers for Kids

May 16th: Drawing Day

Bridget loves to draw and believes that every artist wears a beret. But, what happens when she loses her beret? Find out in Bridget’s Beret by Tom Lichtenheld.

May 17th: National Graduation Tassel Day

Graduations are all about the completion of one chapter and the beginning of a new chapter.

Sometimes You Fly by Newbery Medalist, Katherine Applegate starts with the major accomplishments of learning to eat all the way to eating that graduation cake. We have lots of messy starts to accomplish great things.

For more graduation books, check out this list.—> Books to Give for a Graduation

May 18th: National Visit Your Relatives Day

Soul Food Sunday by Winsome Bingham is a love song to the foods that bring families together each Sunday. There is so much to love in this book from the mouth-watering foods of mac-n-cheese, greens, ribs & sausage, and sweet tea to the vibrant moving images to o the cadence of the words. It’s all a win. Oh, and there is a mac ‘n’ cheese recipe in the back of the book that you must try.

May 19th: National May Ray Day

Celebrate the rays of sunshine today.

Get all the hot details about the sun in Sun by Stacy McAnulty. Lots of bright bold pictures and even more facts.

May 20th: National Flower Day

The Night Flower by Lara Hawthorne takes us to the desert and introduces us to the bloom of the saguaro cactus. Meet all the animals that come to visit it too from the mice to the fruit bats.

May 21st: International Tea Day

Teatime Around the World by Denyse Waissbluth is one of my favorite tea-related books. Did you know that it is common to add yak butter to tea in Tibet? Or, that pulled tea is the national drink in Malaysia?⁣ This book is filled with interesting tidbits that only enhance the read-aloud experience.⁣

For more books about tea, enjoy this list.—> Books About Tea

May 22nd: Buy a Musical Instrument Day

A is for Oboe: The Orchestra’s Alphabet by Lera Auerbach and Marilyn Nelson is for all music lovers. Take the letters one at a time to discover something about the orchestra from b is for bassoon to s is for solo.

May 23rd: World Turtle Day

One Tiny Turtle by Nicola Davies helps us understand the long journey of the loggerhead turtle.

May 24th: National Escargot Day

Get ready to use your best pretend French accent in Escargot by Dashka Slater. How many books feature a snail as the main character? It’s clever, fun to read, interactive, and just might get kids to eat a salad with carrots. Those are huge wins.

May 25th: Memorial Day

An incredibly gorgeous book pays tribute to our fallen and unnamed soldiers.⁣ I love picture books that can be used with older students and this one definitely fits that bill.⁣ Twenty-One Steps by Jeff Gottesfeld is a perfect reading pick for Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day. But, really it can be shared any day of the year.⁣

Children will learn about how the tomb of the unknown soldier came to be and the practices that are put in place every hour of every day of the year there.⁣

May 26th: Scripps Spelling Bee

How Do You Spell Unfair? by Carole Boston Weatherford is the story of MacNolia Cox and her experience with racism at the National Spelling Bee in the 1930s. This true story really opens our eyes to unfairness and racism.

May 27th: National Grape Popsicle Day

Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz is the story of a child on a mission to find the palatero man. He grabs his money and races through the neighborhood greeting neighbors along the way. But, when he reaches his destination for a cool treat, he discovers that his dinero has been lost. Now, how will he pay for his paleta?

May 28th: National Hamburger Day

Lift the flaps and discover lots of things you would never want to eat on a hamburger in Sam’s Hamburger by David Pelham. Kids will be giggling and gagging at all the gross things inside Sam’s burger.

May 29th: National Alligator Day

Petite Rouge by Mike Artell takes us to the bayou in this Cajun spin. Grand-mère is in need of some gumbo. Petite Rouge Riding Hood will encounter a hungry alligator on the way to make this delivery. You definitely need to practice reading this one aloud a few time before sharing with the kids.

May 30th: International Hug Your Cat Day

Cat Ladies by Susi Schaefer is the story of Princess who takes care of her human ladies and even makes room for taking care of one more “lady” after she has been trained.

May 31st: National Smile Day

Looking for Smile by Ellen Tarlow is the story of a bear and a smile who are always together. But, then one day smile is gone and the bear can’t figure out how to reunite with it. Luckily, a tweeting bird helps.

Printable List of May Holiday Books

Grab a printable list of the books to enjoy with students.

Happy May reading!

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Read-Alouds for April Holidays

Jodie Rodriguez — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:33:32 +0000

What should we celebrate this month? No matter the holiday, we could celebrate with books for kids. These April holiday read-alouds celebrate different holidays of the year from the well-known holidays to the odd, funny, and wacky holidays.

Books for Kids About April Holidays

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

April 1st: April Fools’ Day

Unlimited Squirrels in Who is the Mystery Reader? by Mo Willems has a little of everything. The squirrels are busily trying to figure out who is the masked mystery reader among them. Could it be Zoom Squirrel, Flappy Squirrel, Zowie Squirrel? Hmmm…see if your readers or listeners can figure it out. Not only is there a fictional story in the book, but there is also a nonfiction section which is all about the history of writing. Plus, there are lots of corny jokes .

April 2nd: National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

Peanut Butter and Jelly: A Play Rhyme by Nadine Bernard Westcott is a true ear worm. It will be running through head all day. But, it’s totally worth it to celebrate National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day.

April 3rd: National Find a Rainbow Day

Learn about the colors of the rainbow and all the glorious flowers that come in those colors in Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert. A perfect spring read.

Today’s also a great day to start our Read the Rainbow Reading Challenge. It’s easy and fun.

April 4th: International Carrot Day

Will your friends help you out if your house is so full of carrots that there isn’t any room left? That is what Rabbit finds out in Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson.

April 5th: National Body Care Day

The Grateful Giraffe by Giselle Shardlow is just one of the many books Giselle offers. In this story, you explore feelings through yoga. You’ll also want to check out her website Kids Yoga Stories.

April 6th: National Student-Athlete Day

Sisters and Champions by Howard Bryant highlight two of the most well-known sisters in sports. Read all about them.

April 7th: International Beaver Day

A fascinating story about rescuing and relocating beavers is told in When Beavers Flew by Kristen Tracy and Luisa Uribe.

April 8th: National Zoo Lovers Day

If you have a zoo, then you have a lot of poo. And, kids love to say poo. What Do They Do With All That Poo? by Jane Kurtz is funny and super informative at the same time.

Did you know a wombat’s poo is cube-shaped? Or, that some zoos sell Zoo Doo or Zoo Manoo as compost for residential use? This book is so interesting and will definitely hold up as whole class read aloud.

April 9th: National Unicorn Day

The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris reminds us that everything is about perspective. And, really we are all unique unicorns.

For more books about unicorns, check out this list.—> Books About Unicorns

April 10th: National Encourage a Young Writer Day

It’s all about imagination and fun. So, when you are stuck for an idea to write, just pick up the pencil, imagine, and have fun. Check out My Pencil and Me by Sara Varon to inspire young writers.

April 11th: National Pet Day

Some Pets by Angela DiTerlizzi highlights the huge variety of pets and the things they can do. But, the one thing they all have in a common is being a good companion friend.

For more books about pets, check out my whole list.—> Books About Pets for Kids

April 12th: Drop Everything and Read Day (DEAR)

Just Read! by Lori Degman celebrates reading anywhere and everywhere and with anyone or anything.

April 13th: National Make Lunch Day

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach is a tall tale of a bear who leaves his home in the forest, explores a city, and stumbles across a sandwich. It’s not until the very end that the reader discovers that the sandwich didn’t really disappear because of the bear and that the whole story is just a tall tale to cover up the real sandwich theft.

For activities to do with the book, download these ideas.—>The Bear Ate Your Sandwich Activities

April 14th: National Gardening Day

The Bear’s Garden by Marcie Colleen is based on a true story of a community garden in Brooklyn, NY.⁣ A community comes together to transform an empty lot into a beautiful space. And, this one was inspired and named after a teddy bear found in the weeds.⁣

April 15th: National Laundry Day

Laundry Day by Jessixa Bagley is the story of two bored badgers who take their mother’s suggestion of hanging the laundry a little too far. My son loved to notice all the details of the things the badgers hung on the clothesline. The illustrations are gorgeous.

April 16th: Day of the Mushroom

Who knew that fungus could be so interesting to learn about. But, I was mesmerized reading Fungus is Among Us by Joy Keller. The book is filled with rhyme making it a rhythmic read-aloud and it is packed with information about you guessed it- FUNGUS.

April 17th: National Bat Appreciation Day

You’ll find a crisp, clean, and well-organized layout full of information in The Bat Book by Charlotte Milner. There’s lots of information that you can take in bits and pieces in this browseable nonfiction work.

For more books about bats, check out this list.—> Books About Bats

April 18th: National Animal Crackers Day

Will the animal crackers listen to the gingerbread girl as she shares her knowledge about the sly fox in The Gingerbread Girl Goes Animal Crackers by Lisa Campbell Ernst?

April 19th: Humorous Day

Grab a banana and enjoy the super silly and ridiculous Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas by Aaron Blabey. Brian the piranha loves bananas and all other fruits, but his fish mates try to remind him that they are meat eaters.

April 20th: Volunteer Recognition Day

A Castle on Viola Street by DyAnne Disalvo takes us into a community where volunteers are helping to build homes for deserving families and rebuilding communities.

April 21st: National Tea Day

Teatime Around the World by Denyse Waissbluth explores how tea is enjoyed in different countries from Japan to Egypt to Uruguay. A super fun and informative book to pour over.

April 22nd: Earth Day

Thank You, Earth by April Pully Sayre is a breathtaking photographic journey around planet Earth. The text is a love letter to the beautiful planet we live on each day. Kids will be inspired to take a camera outside and capture the beauty around them.

For more books about Earth Day, check out my big list.—>Books About Earth Day

April 23rd: National Picnic Day

The basket is loaded with goodies in We’re Going on a Picnic by Pat Hutchins. But, will the picnic basket still be filled when the fowl get to their destination?

April 24th: Fashion Revolution Day

What We Wear: Dressing Up Around the World by Maya Ajmera is a photographic journey around the world looking at clothing that is worn in different areas.

April 25th: World Penguin Day

Penguin Problems is a funny story showing that life in Antarctica isn’t all that you think it might be.

April 26th: Alien Day

April 27th: World Pinhole Photography Day

Not about pinhole photography, but rather a well-known photographer, we have Dorothea Lange: The Photographer Who Found the Faces of the Depression by Carole Boston Weatherford.

April 28th: National Superhero Day

Join Duck and his long-suffering friends Frog, Sheep and Goat as they take off on their latest unforgettable adventure in Super Duck by Jez Alborough.

April 29th: Poem in Your Pocket Day

Words with Wings and Magic Things by Matthew Burgess is a delightful read-aloud collection of poems that feature yetis, eagles, and more.

For more poetry books perfect for circle time, see this list.—> Poetry Books for Circle Time

April 30th: National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

Pick a Pup by Marsha Wilson Chall is the story of a boy wondering how he will ever find the perfect dog at the shelter. Turns out that a special dog finds him.

Printable List of April Holiday Books

Grab a printable list of the books to enjoy with the kids.

More Book Lists

Books About Spring

Literacy Rich Spring Preschool Unit

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Young Child Read-Alouds

Jodie Rodriguez — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:35:00 +0000

Celebrate the Week of the Young Child with different read-alouds for each themed day. Reading aloud to children is one of the ways to celebrate children and honor their learning. So, let’s enjoy some books for kids.

Week of the Young Child Themes

2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the Week of the Young Child. “Each April, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) invites educators, families, and communities to come together for the Week of the Young Child® (WOYC)—a joyful celebration of early learning, young children, and the adults who support them.”

The 2026 dates are April 11th-17th.

Here are some read-alouds to help you celebrate the theme of each day.

Music Monday

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Singing and dancing during storytime? Yes!

Sung to the tune, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sheepy by Lucy Ruth Cummins is fun for right before nap time or putting your stuffies to bed. Practice this one a few times before reading with the kids to get your pacing just right.

“Over in the Meadow” gets a garden remake in Over in the Garden by Janna Matthies. You might just be inspired to start some seeds.

A garden party dance party sounds fun after reading.

For more books about moving and grooving—> Moving & Grooving Books for Kids

Enjoy more books to sing.—> Singing Books for Kids

Tasty Tuesday

Whether it’s a themed storytime snack or using a book that leads you to creating food with children, I’ve got books to inspire you.

Cue the griddle for hotcakes after reading Plenty of Pancakes by Carrie Finison. The race is on to make enough pancakes before a special friend wakes up from a long winter’s nap.

Bake up a batch of cookies for it is time for reading aloud Bookie & Cookie by Blanca Gómez.⁣ I adore the illustrations in this sweet book about friendship. ⁣
⁣
Our two friends in the story love to spend time with each other over cookies and books. But, it seems they always end up at one particular house and that becomes a problem. ⁣How will these friends solve their problem? Grab a cookie and find out.⁣

Check more books that inspire you to cook with kids.—> Cooking with Kids Books

From doughnuts to pizza, I’ve got book lists galore.—> Food Books for Kids

Work Together Wednesday

Playing together, creating together, exploring together…these books inspire community building and teamwork.

Letter Setters in Fun! by Ethan Long takes us to the beach and watching a group of doggies learn that working together to make sandcastles is the best idea.

A sand sensory table paired with this read-aloud would be a hit.

Sometimes we are the helper and sometimes we need the help. That is what Wheetle learns in Wheetle
A Little Wagon with a Big Heart by Cindy Derby.

Wagon rides would be fun after reading.

Artsy Thursday

Books to inspire creativity and exploring of art all around us.

The Don’t Touch series invites kids right into the books. And, this time we are “warned” not to draw in the book. But, get those fingers ready for lots of tracing action. Invite whole groups of kids to do the tracing in the air, in the palm of their hand, or on the rug in front of them. Enjoy reading Don’t Draw in This Book!
by Bill Cotter.

Of course, pulling out lots of drawing materials on this day would be ideal too.

The Stuffie Stand by Maddie Frost works well for Artsy Thursday, but it could also work for Work Together Wednesday. Moose has opened a stuffie stand filled with stuffies he sews himself. and business is really taking off. Mabel also enjoys bedazzling stuffies and asks Moose if she can sell hers too at the stand. At first Moose, is resistant, but quickly realizes he does need help.

It would be fun to have the kids bring in their own stuffies on this day and then could create a necklace, tie, or something else bedazzling for them to wear.

Dive more into the world of art.—> Art Books for Kids

And, explore the world of color too.—> Color Books for Children

Family Friday

Celebrate families learning and growing together with these read-alouds.

A mother and daughter hurry to the park for a party. After missing the event they still make the most out of the day. The illustrations are beautiful in While We’re Here by Anne Wynter. One of my favorite illustrated books of 2026.

Head outside and spend time together just noticing things in nature after enjoying the read-aloud.

Mom and Kiona play catch in Catch! by Trish Cooke. Wonderful for inspiring good old family play.

Play a fun game of catch with items of varying sizes and shapes after reading.

Printable Book List of Books for Young Children

Download and print this hand list to help you celebrate all week long.

Happy reading and learning.

The post Young Child Read-Alouds appeared first on Growing Book by Book.

Books About Eggs For Kids

Jodie Rodriguez — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 15:37:44 +0000

Which came first- the chicken or the egg? Well, I did create a chicken book list first so I guess we’ll go with that. But, today I have books about eggs for kids for you to enjoy reading aloud to the children in your life.

Egg Board Books

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Where Are the Eggs? by Grace Lin invites us to walk around and look behind, in the middle, and next to things to locate the eggs.

Egg, Egg, Egg! by Sarah Finan celebrates the variety of way to eat eggs- scrambled, fried, poached… How do you like them?

Picture Books About Eggs

Egg by Kevin Henkes seems like a simple book but it is full of things to notice. Three eggs hatch and one doesn’t. What will the birds discover about the green egg.

How to Hatch: A Gosling’s Guide to Breaking Free by Sara Holly Ackerman is an informational book about the hatching of a gosling told in a funny and engaging way.

Eggs From Red Hen Farm: Farm to Table with Mazes and Maps by Monica Wellington invites readers right into the book. ⁣Many of the page spreads have a map/maze the students can use their fingers to maneuver around based on the text. ⁣Help Ned and Ruby get the eggs from the farm into the hands of people who can use them.

Speaking of birds, enjoy the beautiful wordless book,Nesting by Henry Cole. Get up close and personal with the beautiful robin blue eggs.

An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Aston explores all the eggs that appear in nature. How many colors of eggs do you think there are? Who lays eggs? What sizes do them come in. Take a nature walk and see in the pages of this book.

Shake a Leg, Egg! by Kurt Cyrus is the story of the one last goose egg that is slow to hatch. We get a close-up and birds-eye-view of the highly anticipated scene.

The Good Egg by Jory John is book two in the Food Group Series. Our Good Egg has trouble staying good under all the pressure around it. It really can be tiring always trying to be perfect especially in an imperfect world. We all need a little balance.

The Donkey Egg by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel is the story of bear tending to a donkey egg. Say what? Look closely and you’ll see that the egg is very green and fruity. But, it does end up bearing a donkey and another sweet reward.

Peg’s Egg by Jo Renfro would pair nicely with the book above. This time we have another egg want to be that isn’t what it appears. Cue the giggles.

The farm has been invited to Eggday. Will goat, horse, pig, or chicken have the best decorated egg? Nope, duck wins with a real life surprise. Check out Eggday by Joyce Dunbar.

Humpty Dumpty has to face his fears and overcome them in After the Fall by Dan Santat.

Easter Egg Books

The Great Easter Egg Hunt by Rachel Piercey will keep young children busy looking for eggs in the detailed beautiful pictures.

Forget Christmas tree farms. How about Easter egg farms? That’s exactly what happens in The Easter Egg Farm by Mary Jane Auch.

Bentley & Egg by William Joyce follows a frog who is in charge of watching a duck egg. He decides that the white egg is boring and colorfully decorates it. Well, it is mistaken for an Easter egg and the adventure begins.

Get ready to make some decorated eggs in The Easter Bunny’s Assistant by Jan Thomas. And, wait until you meet the assistant!

Printable Book List of Egg Books

Grab a printable list you can download and take to the library.

RELATED RESOURCES

Egg Sound Mat

Literacy Activities to Do With Plastic Eggs

The post Books About Eggs For Kids appeared first on Growing Book by Book.

Read-Alouds for March Holidays

Jodie Rodriguez — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:10:00 +0000

Celebrate and honor different holidays of the year from the well-known holidays to the odd, funny, and wacky holidays. Try these read-alouds for March holidays. Read a book a day with the children in your life.

March Holidays with a Book a Day

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

March 1st: National Pig Day

Huff & Puff by Claudia Rueda is an interactive variation perfect for engaging young children. The students get to actually blow through the holes on the pages.

For more Three Little Pigs variations, check out this big list.—>Three Little Pigs Variations

March 2nd: International Rescue Cat Day

Ethan and the Strays by John Sullivan is the story of two brothers who befriend some stray cats in their neighborhood. After seeing a sign encouraging “catch, neuter, release,” they help out. And in the end, Ethan even gets to adopt one of the cats he’s grown close to.

March 3rd: National I Want You to Be Happy Day

Layla’s Happiness by Maria Hadessa Ekere Tallie will warm you and send sensations of happiness through your veins as you see the simple things in life that make 7-year-old Layla happy.

March 4th: National Grammar Day

A clever story that also helps kids understand how punctuation works. This is a fun one to act out or to do as reader’s theater. Semicolons, Cupcakes, and Cucumbers by Steve Newberry is a great book to add to your elementary classroom and use during writer’s workshop.

March 5th: National Potty Dance Day

Goldilocks and the Just Right Potty by Leigh Hodgkinson is a silly tale about a little girl looking for that just right potty. Then, she has to find that just right time when she needs to go potty. My older kids even thought this was pretty funny.

March 6th: National Dentist’s Day

Take the anxiety out of going to the dentist with ABC Dentist by Harriet Ziefert. Each letter highlights a different experience from A for appointment to S for saliva. A vocabulary-rich pick.

March 7th: National Cereal Day

Ketchup on Your Cornflakes? by Nick Sharratt is a fun interactive read. It’s a mix and match book so the kids can create lots of funny combos such as, “Do you like toothpaste in your bed?”

A fun project to do today would be to take a an empty cereal box, cut out the front and back to make book covers, add blank pages between, bind, and you have your own blank book.

March 8th: International Women’s Day

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison gives a glimpse of 40 different amazing women who have impacted our lives. This is a neat one where you can read about a different woman each day throughout the month.

Read more throughout Women’s History Month in March.—>Books Celebrating Women’s History Month

March 9th: National Meatball Day

Imagine food raining from the sky. That is what happens in Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett.

March 10th: National Pack Your Lunch Today

Hopefully, you can find this one at your library because I believe it’s out of print. Monster’s Lunch Box by Marc Brown is exactly what you would expect monsters might eat for lunch from spider Jell-O to a ball of belly button lint. Get ready for the giggles, snorts, and groans with this one.

March 11th: Dream Day

Dream of a better world. Think peace in The Peace Book by Todd Parr. Fill the world with friendship, caring, and acceptance.

March 12th: National Plant a Flower Day

From the crocuses that blossom announcing to spring to the tulips that blaze with bursts of color, celebrate all the flowers in A Season of Flowers by Michael Garland.

March 13th: National K9 Veterans Day

Dogs can be amazing companions even during a time of war. Stubby : A True Story of Friendship by Michael Foreman is a story of a dog who served in WWl who sniffed out danger and was loyal to soldiers.

March 14th: Learn About Butterflies Day

Señorita Mariposa by Ben Gundersheimer is a sing-along bilingual book about the yearly migration of the Monarch butterfly.

Keep reading about butterflies.—>Books About Butterflies

March 15th: National Shoe the World Day

When a kind and resourceful shoe man repairs old shoes, he makes sure that rich and poor can get shoes in Shoebox Sam by Mary Brigid Barrett.

March 16th: Panda Day

Xander is throwing a party in Xander’s Panda Party by Linda Sue Park and the guest list keeps growing and growing.

March 17th: St. Patrick’s Day

Green Shamrocks by Eve Bunting is the story of a rabbit who plants shamrock seeds in hopes of having enough to create a necklace to wear to the St. Patrick’s Day parade. But, then his pot of shamrocks disappears. Can he find them in time?

March 18th: Global Recycling Day

One Plastic Bag by Isatou Ceesay is the story of how a group of women took a problem of too much trash and turn it into an art that became a money maker.

Read more books about recycling.—>Recycling Books for Kids

March 19th: Let’s Laugh Day

Warning…Crash, Splash, Moo! by Bob Shea is not the one to read if you are trying to quiet the kids. This is one that will stir all their sillies. This is one that will make them laugh. This is one that will make them say, “Read it again!” It is game show meets book and your kids get to be the contestants.

Keep laughing with these read-alouds.—>Silly Books for Kids

March 20th: First Day of Spring and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day

Abracadabra, It’s Spring! by Anne Sibley O’Brien ushers in all that signals spring. It’s almost magical how things change in the spring.

Keep reading about the new season.—>Books About Spring

March 20th also happens to be The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day. Enjoy the book and all these awesome literacy activities I have to go with the book too.—->Very Hungry Caterpillar Activities

March 21st: National Countdown Day

Determined chickens are about to break out of the pen. Count along as they do so in Chicken Break!: A Counting Story by Cate Berry. But, just as soon as they break, they have to get back home for another kind of break.
⁪
This is a fun one for counting to ten and back down again. You can also use it for rhyming and talking about the multiple meanings of “break.” Makes a perfect circle-time read-aloud pick.

March 22nd: World Water Day

One Well The Story of Water on Earth by Rochelle Strauss takes readers on a fascinating look into the water on our planet.

March 23rd: National Puppy Day

We all know that puppies can be a lot of work and get into lots of mischief. We find ourselves calling the puppy a lot and that’s what is highlighted in Please, Puppy, Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee.

March 24th: National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day

It’s always so fascinating to think about the people and places behind where our food comes from. Travel to the Ivory Coast in Grandpa Cacao: A Tale of Chocolate From Farm to Family by Elizabeth Zunon. A father tells his daughter about her grandfather and his work of harvesting the cacao as a farmer. Eating chocolate-covered raisins while reading is optional.

March 25th: International Waffle Day

Baron Van Waffle is lounging in his Onion Ring Cave in Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast in the Stinky Stench by Josh Funk. Can help the fridge mates discover what is causing such a stink? No, he has no idea. But a little sleuthing by the others help uncover the odor.

March 26th: Wear a Hat Day

Twelve Hats for Lena by Karen Katz walks us through the months of the year as Lena makes a new hat for each month. We also learn about the symbols associated with each month. I think the kids would like to make their own sets of hats after being inspired by this book.

March 27th: International Scribble Day

Never Let a Unicorn Scribble by Dian Albers is the story of a unicorn who eats crayons even though her owner pleads with her to scribble with them. So, the child ties a wad of crayons to her horn and well that horn did something pretty magical with them.

March 28th: National Weed Appreciation Day

A poetry book to enjoy about flowers is Moving Words About a Flower by K. C. Hayes. Some consider a dandelion a weed but it’s probably one of the most picked flowers by little ones! Learn about how the seeds of a dandelion travel in these concrete poems..

March 29th: Mermaid Day

March 30th: Doctors’ Day

Masked Hero: How Wu Lien-teh Invented the Mas that Ended an Epidemic by Dr. Shan Woo Liu and Kaili Liu Gormley takes us to the person who invented the first version of the N95 mask in 1910 during a plague.

March 31st: National Crayon Day

When you think colors, you think crayons. Learn all about the inventor of the Crayola crayon in The Crayon Man by Natascha Biebow.

Printable List of March Holiday Books

Grab a printable list of the books to enjoy with the kids.

Enjoy sharing books with children this March.

The post Read-Alouds for March Holidays appeared first on Growing Book by Book.

Books to Enjoy for Hat Day at School

Jodie Rodriguez — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 11:57:00 +0000

Are you a hat person? Hats can say a lot about person from causes or teams they support to hats worn for religious significance. And, sometimes hats are worn for fun such as on crazy hat days at school. Let’s read books to enjoy for hat day at school or any day of the year.

Hat Day Books for Toddlers

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

My son’s favorite book of his early years was Blue Hat, Green Hat. I love the humor in the story. This one also helps with recognizing colors.

Hats of Faith by Medeia Cohan is a simple board book that identifies different headdresses worn for religious reasons.

Cats in Construction Hats Sudipta Bardhan-Qualle is filled with colorful cats in colorful hats using construction equipment to build a house. Also check out Cats in Conductor Hats. (releasing June 2026)

Hat Day Picture Books

We all think we know what a hat is. But, this book challenges you to think outside the box.⁣
⁣Hats are really everywhere you look.⁣
-Bubbles make great bath time hats.⁣
-Some jobs require certain hats.⁣
-Clouds can airplane hats.⁣
⁣A fun and playful read-aloud that will engage kids and have them looking for all those less obvious hats.⁣ Enjoy Very Good Hats by Emma Straub.

Mac Wears a Hat by Vicki Johnson is the story of how empowering a child feels when hats are worn. There are even directions for making your own paper hat in the back of the book. (releasing April 2026)

Tiara’s mom is a very talented hat maker. But, a new hat store is on the block and Momma’s studio business dries up. Tiara launches a plan to showcase Momma’s hats again in Tiara’s Hat Parade by Kelly Starling Lyons.

We all want our kids to love themselves. Old Hat by Emily Gravett is a sweet story of a dog in search of the perfect hat. But when he acquires the newest and best hat, his friends make fun and say it’s an old and out of style. He just can’t keep up with the newest trends. Disgusted, Harbet decides to ditch the hats and just be himself and soon everyone wants to be just like him.

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen is an award winning book about a bear in search of its missing hat. Watch the illustrations closely as the bear searches and asks over and over for his hat back.

Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won takes us on a journey of cheering up friends with a parade of hats. This is a fun one to celebrate hat day at school.

The Hat by Jan Brett is a companion book to the class, The Mitten. A stocking becomes a hat on a hedgehog causing quite the scene amongst the animals.

Hat Day Beginning Reader Books

In The Favorite Hat: Ready-to-Read Level 1 Ariel Bernstein, Olive and Oscar discover that a hat can be a multipurpose tool.

Printable Book List About Hats

Grab this list to take to the library.

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The post Books to Enjoy for Hat Day at School appeared first on Growing Book by Book.

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Read-Alouds for July Holidays

Books for Kids About July Holidays

July 1st: National Postal Worker Day

July 2nd: National Disco Day

July 3rd: National Eat Beans Day

July 4th: 4th of July

July 5th: National Graham Cracker Day

July 6th: National Air Traffic Control Day

July 7th: Tell the Truth Day

July 8th: National Video Game Day

July 9th: National Sugar Cookie Day

July 10th: Pick Blueberries Day

July 11th: National Swimming Pool Day

July 12th: Malala Day

July 13th: National Rock Day

July 14th: Shark Awareness Day

July 15th: National I Love Horses Day

July 16th: World Snake Day

July 17th: National Tattoo Day

July 18th: World Listening Day

July 19th: National Urban Beekeeping Day

July 20th: World Jump Day

July 21st: National Take a Monkey to Lunch Day

July 22nd: Summer Leisure Day

July 23rd: National Gorgeous Grandma Day

July 24th: National Cousins Day

July 25th: Carousel Day

July 26th: National Aunt and Uncle Day

⁣July 27th: Take Your Pants for a Walk Day

July 28th: National Soccer Day

July 29th: International Tiger Day

July 30th: International Day of Friendship

July 31st: World Ranger Day

Printable List of July Holiday Books

Swimming Books for Kids

Books for Kids About Swimming

Printable Book List of Swimming Books

Read-Alouds for June Holidays

Books for Kids About June Holidays

June 1st: Dinosaur Day

June 2nd: I Love My Dentist Day

June 3rd: World Bicycle Day

June 4th: National Hug Your Cat Day

June 5th: National Gingerbread Day

June 6th: National Eyewear Day

June 7th: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

June 8th: World Oceans Day

June 9th: National Call Your Doctor Day

June 10th: National Iced Tea Day

June 11th: Yarn Bombing Day

June 12th: Little League Girls Baseball Day

June 13th: National Weed Your Garden Day

June 14th: Flag Day

June 15th: Global Wind Day

June 16th: Fresh Veggies Day

June 17th: Global Garbage Man Day

June 18th: National Go Fishing Day

June 19th: Juneteenth

June 20th: World Refugee Day

June 21st: Father’s Day

June 22nd: World Rainforest Day

June 23rd: National Typewriter Day

June 24th: Farmer Day

June 25th: Leon Day

June 26th: National Canoe Day

June 27th: National Sunglasses Day

June 28th: International Lightning Safety Day

June 29th: International Mud Day

June 30th: National Meteor Watch Day

Printable List of June Holiday Books

Soccer (Fútbol) Books for Kids

Fútbol/Soccer Board Books

Picture Books About Soccer

Soccer/Fútbol Books for Beginning Readers

Printable Soccer Book List

Read-Alouds for May Holidays

Books for Kids About May Holidays

May 1st: National Mother Goose Day

May 2nd: Baby Day

⁣
July 27th: Take Your Pants for a Walk Day