| Give the gift that can be shared again and again. Browse our fresh collection of wonderful fiction and nonfiction books for kids 0-12. Spotting books, music and lullabies, rhymes, books about home and the art of waiting, science and nature books, picture book biographies, board books for the littlest ones ... and lots more. | | | | In our exclusive video interview, meet the charming author of Sam & Dave Dig a Hole. His picture books, Leo: A Ghost Story and The Skunk, were recognized as The New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2015. Barnett loves his work because, he says, kids are "the sincerest appreciators of stories, a uniquely receptive and honest audience." | | | | Tomie dePaola has published more than 250 books, but is perhaps best known for his delightful re-tellings of traditional folktales – from the gently comic adventures of Strega Nona and Big Anthony to the richly re-imagined legends of the bluebonnet and poinsettia. | | | | | Ideas for Parents & Teachers | | | | | For Parents During the holiday season, consider adding some new traditions for your family that will make meaningful memories and strengthen foundations for reading and learning success. [In English and Spanish] | | | For Teachers Semantic gradients are a great way to deepen children's nuanced understanding of related words. Go inside Cathy Doyle's second grade classroom to observe how a recent class read-aloud, The Seed Is Sleepy, becomes the springboard for a lively discussion about words that describe the (massive vs. gigantic and tiny vs. microscopic). Additional strategies: | | | | For Parents This holiday season, will you be hanging out in the kitchen with your kids? Get inspired with our collection of great fiction and nonfiction books about food and cooking, hands-on activities (make a chef's hat!), simple writing prompts (share a favorite family recipe), and more. [From Start with a Book] | | | For Teachers Help your students get the most out of informational text. Text features include everything but the main body of text, including the table of contents, index, glossary, headings, bold words, sidebars, pictures, captions, and labeled diagrams. A text feature walk can build background knowledge and frontload vocabulary and concepts that will be important in the main body of the text. | | | | For Parents Sharing lots of different kinds — or genres — of books with your child exposes him to different words, different kinds of images, and whole new worlds. This tip sheet suggests some genres to try with your young reader that complement 'traditional' fiction. [In English and Spanish] | | | For Teachers Literacy expert and Reading Rockets blogger Tim Shanahan shares his "gold standard" list of charities that help improve children's literacy and language and make books available to kids. Please consider donating to any of these charities — they all do terrific work and could use your help during this season of giving! | | | | | |