We all recognize the joy of Sam who has money to spend any way he chooses. Sam has to make a difficult decision as he browses the toy store and the bakery. This book will spark a discussion about feeling lucky with what we have and helping others in creative...
by Marcus Pfister
A literature guide for parents, teachers, and group leaders to accompany the reading of this picture book. The guide below provides before, during, and after-reading discussion questions. Choose from activities and discussion questions to build children's understanding of generosity, community, and service to others.
Spanish Version Attached.
A young seal pup becomes separated from his mother in heavy surf and ends up on a beach in Maine. Orphaned, cold, and scared, the seal is rescued by the scientists at the New England Aquarium. This touching story follows Howler’s story as he is cared for,...
Whether or not you are a middle child, you can probably identify with the feelings of Nora as she watches her parents attend to her older sister and younger brother and feels left out. This story provides beautiful evidence of busy families loving, caring for, and supporting each other. This...
Fairy tales are great stories that illustratea complicated moral issues in a make-believe context. The Cinderella story has a universal theme of an under-appreciated, kind, and honest child who finally gets what she deserves. Found in countries all around the...
What is our responsibility in the world? To Alice Rumphius, her responsibility was to do something to make the world more beautiful. But what does that mean to her and what does it mean to you? Making the world a more beautiful place may seem like a big task, but small simple gestures may...
This classic children’s tale, The Lorax, is a timeless call to protect and preserve our natural resources. The Lorax explores the interconnected world of nature and the possible damage if we don’t act responsibly. This book demonstrates the all-too-real consequences for careless...
In this story, Kate and her thoroughly modern parents yearn for a dog after the loss of a beloved cat. They visit an animal shelter and find Dave, who is “everything that a pup could be.” But they are sad to leave behind an older dog named Rosy who tugs at...
The quote at the beginning of "Just a Dream" says, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” –Pogo. We are responsible for our future selves because we are responsible for the needs of our earth and its precious resources. This book initiates an important discussion of...
Younger children may often be the center of attention in the perspective of an older child, or younger children may feel left out when older children get to do things because they are more capable. No one’s life is perfect, and sometimes it takes an outsider to call...