???? Kids Book Read Aloud: HOW I MET MY MONSTER by Amanda Noll and Howard McWilliam

In the story “How I Met My Monster” by Amanda Noll, Ethan discovers a group of monsters under his bed while searching for his toy truck. As he meets various monsters, he learns about their silly attempts to scare him, ultimately finding the perfect match in Gabe, who becomes his friend and helps him feel safe at bedtime. The lesson emphasizes the importance of friendship and overcoming fears in a lighthearted and imaginative way.

???? Kids Book Read Aloud: BOO STEW by Donna L. Washington and Jeffery Ebbeler

In the story “Boo Stew” by Donna L. Washington, we meet Curly Locks, a girl from Toad Suck Swamp who loves to cook unique dishes despite the townspeople’s disapproval. When mysterious scares disrupt the mayor’s kitchen, Curly Locks decides to cook for them, creating a special Boo Stew that not only satisfies the scares but also brings peace to the town. Through her cooking, Curly Locks finds acceptance and joy, proving that following one’s passion can lead to unexpected friendships.

???? Kids Book Read Aloud: AMARA’S FARM by JaNay Brown-Wood and Samara Hardy

In today’s story time, we read “Amara’s Farm” by JaNay Brown-Wood, where Amara searches for her pumpkins for a special autumn potluck. Through engaging questions and descriptions, we learned about pumpkins and helped Amara identify them among other fruits and vegetables. The lesson emphasized teamwork and the joy of reading together, celebrating the connections we share with friends near and far.

???? Kids Book Read Aloud: TOO CUTE TO SPOOK by Diana Aleksandrova and Alicia Young

In the story “Too Cute to Spook,” we meet Lori, a little monster who desperately wants to be scary like his great-grandparents but struggles because he is just too cute. Despite his attempts to frighten others, he discovers that his cuteness actually scares away bigger monsters, leading him to embrace his unique charm. The lesson highlights that being different can be a strength, and sometimes, what makes us unique can be more powerful than traditional notions of fear.

???? Kids Book Read Aloud: POP! by Karen Kilpatrick and Germán Blanco

In the story “POP!” by Karen Kilpatrick and Germán Blanco, we follow Otto, a popcorn kernel, as he eagerly anticipates his turn to pop on Happy Pop Day. However, when he doesn’t pop like his friends, he initially feels sad but soon discovers that he can still have fun outside the jar, enjoying adventures like rolling in cheese and soaking in chocolate. Ultimately, Otto learns that whether you pop or not, the joy of the experience is what truly matters, leading him to celebrate “Happy Pop or Not Day” to encourage others to embrace their own unique journeys.

???? Kids Book Read Aloud: THE UNIVERSE IS ROOTING FOR YOU! by Dan Sadlowski and Allison Pierce

In the lesson “The Universe is Rooting for You,” children are introduced to a little lump who feels sad but learns that the universe is cheering for him. Through a heartfelt conversation with the universe, he discovers that nature and celestial bodies are supportive and encouraging, reminding him of his worth and beauty. The story emphasizes the importance of self-love and the interconnectedness of all beings, inspiring children to appreciate both themselves and the world around them.

???? Kids Book Read Aloud: A LITTLE THANKSGIVING SPOT by Diane Alber

In this lesson, we explore the importance of gratitude, emphasizing that being thankful should extend beyond just Thanksgiving Day. Through the character Thankful Spot, children are encouraged to create a daily thankful list and recognize the joy that comes from expressing gratitude for the little things in life. The lesson concludes with a reminder that sharing thanks not only uplifts ourselves but also brings happiness to others.

???? Kids Book Read Aloud: IT’S NOT EASY BEING SANTA by Pragya Tomar, Ramona Mclean, and Michela Fiori

In “It’s Not Easy Being Santa,” a little bug who loves Christmas embarks on an adventure to deliver letters to Santa after they scatter in the snow. After wishing to be Santa, he experiences the challenges of delivering gifts and learns that the true spirit of Christmas lies in friendship and making others feel loved. Ultimately, he brings joy to his friend Nikki by offering her companionship, realizing that the best gift is the gift of friendship.

???????? Kids Book Read Aloud: SANTA’S ELEVEN MONTHS OFF by Mike Reiss and Michael G. Montgomery

In this lesson, we explore the exciting year-long adventures of Santa Claus during his time off from Christmas duties. Each month highlights a different activity, from trying to be healthier in January to dressing up for Halloween in October, showcasing Santa’s playful spirit and the joy he brings to others. Ultimately, the lesson emphasizes that while Santa works hard in December, he also deserves to have fun and relax throughout the rest of the year.

???????? Kids Book Read Aloud: THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Clement C. Moore and Tomie dePaola

In this lesson, we explored the enchanting Christmas classic “The Night Before Christmas,” which captures the magic of Christmas Eve as Santa Claus prepares to deliver gifts. The story unfolds with a peaceful household, the excitement of Santa’s arrival, and the joy he brings as he fills stockings with toys before flying off into the night. Through this tale, we celebrate the spirit of Christmas and the joy of storytelling.