It’s back to school season. You know what that means? It’s back to “reading, writing and arithmetic” (it’s the math part that I am not a fan of). Does anyone call it arithmetic anymore? Or is it “common core?”
It’s never too early to give your child a head start with their reading.
If you would like to encourage your child to start reading, or practice reading, here are some excellent choices from the publishing company, Simon and Schuster.
Class Mom
Written by Margaret McNamara and Illustrated by Mike Gordon
ISBN13: 9781665931465
Grade Level: P-1 / Ages 4-6
Nia volunteers her mother (unbeknown to her) to arrange a party for Mrs. Connor’s class. Nia’s mom doesn’t speak English well, so when she finds out she is very nervous about it. Can Nia and her mom pull off the perfect party?
This is an easy reader, great for young readers. As a class mom myself over the years, I know all too well about being volunteered to do things without my kids letting me know upfront.
On the Night Before Kindergarten
Written and Illustrated by Rosemary Wells.
ISBN13: 9781665924894
Grade Level P-3 / Ages 4-8
I’ve always loved Rosemary Wells books and illustrations.
Milo is going to start kindergarten and he is very nervous about it. He worries about everything going wrong. He really wants his mom and dad to be there with him, but they can’t. Milo must face kindergarten alone. Milo soon learns that kindergarten is nothing something to worry about. In fact, it’s fun!
This book is perfect for any child who is starting kindergarten (even Pre-K) and might be fearful of the unknowns.
Together Tree
Written by Aisha Saeed and Illustrated by Leuyen Pham
ISBN13: 9781534462960
Grade Level P-3 / Ages 4-8
Rumi is new to his school, and things are not going well for him. He gets bullied by others for wearing bright colored shoes. To escape, he hides under a shady willow tree on the playground. There he can freely dream about being accepted by his peers and making friends.
One day someone steps up and defends him against the bullies. Rumi also realizes that under the willow tree, where he hides, it open to everyone and he makes them all feel accepted, even though they didn’t initially make him feel that way.
As someone who has been bullied in school, I can totally relate to the feelings Rumi has about wanting to be accepted. I think at some point mostly everyone feels that way, young and old.
This is a good book about acceptance and not bullying others for being different. This is a great book to open up a dialogue about these subjects with your child.
Playful Pigs from A to Z
Written and Illustrated by Anita Lobel
ISBN13: 9781534495036
Grade Level P-3 / Ages 4-8
This is a super cute book to help children learn their alphabet.
Join these adorable little piggies as they go on an adventure utilizing letters of the alphabet.
Smart
Written by Amy E. Herman with Heather Maclean
ISBN13: 9781665901215
Grade Level 4-8 / Ages 9-13
I honestly have not had the opportunity to read this book (yet). There for I have to rely on Amazon’s description of the book for you.
What would you say if I told you that looking at art could give you the confidence you need to speak up in class? Or that learning the history of donuts could help you think like a super spy and train like the CIA?
smART teaches readers how to process information using paintings, sculptures, and photographs using methods that instantly translate to real world situations and are also fun!
With three simple steps (1) How to SEE, (2) How to THINK about what you see, and (3) How to TALK about what you see, readers learn how to think critically and creatively, a skill that only requires you to open your eyes and actively engage your brain.
This book sounded very interesting, and I think that young or old, it’s important to constantly engage your brain.
From what I can tell from this book. older children (even adults) can certainly learn from it.
These are just a few of the new books from Simon and Schuster that are ideal for back to school season, and beyond.
To learn more about these and other books from Simon and Schuster, visit SimonandSchuster.com. Don’t forget to follow them on social media to learn about new titles.
Kimberly
*I received free samples in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.