???? FESTIVAL OF THE ELVES: THE MAGIC AROUND YOU by Holly Figgyworth and Mai S. Kemble

In “Festival of the Elves: The Magic Around You,” siblings Holly and Noel embark on a magical adventure inspired by their Grandpa Figgyworth’s tradition of spreading joy through notes and gifts during December. They introduce this festive custom to the Puddington family, creating special themed days that foster connection and gratitude, ultimately demonstrating that the magic of the season is created through kindness and shared experiences. The story emphasizes that the magic around us is a reflection of the joy we create and share with others.

❄️ CELEBRATING A CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTMAS: by Emily Belle Freeman, David Butler and Ryan Jeppesen

In the lesson “Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas,” Ani shares the story of Jesus’ birth, emphasizing the importance of making room for Him in our hearts during the holiday season. Through the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, the joy of the angels, and the visits from shepherds and wise men, the lesson highlights the significance of giving and sharing love, encouraging readers to reflect on how they can honor Jesus this Christmas. Ultimately, it inspires a deeper understanding of the true meaning of Christmas as a time for love, kindness, and celebration of Jesus as the greatest gift.

???? Kids Book Read Aloud: SPIKE THE PENGUIN WITH RAINBOW HAIR by S. Cullen, C. Ellis, and Z. Svobodova

In today’s lesson, we read about Spike the Penguin, a unique little penguin with rainbow-colored hair who initially felt shy and wanted to fit in with his peers. Throughout his adventures, Spike tried various ways to change his appearance but ultimately learned to embrace his uniqueness and love himself just as he is. The story teaches us that being different is what makes each of us special and encourages self-acceptance.

????️ Kids Book Read Aloud: JASPER AND THE YETI by Grant Olsen and Mike Carpenter

In the story “Jasper and the Yeti,” we follow the brave young explorer Jasper McPhee on his adventurous quest to find the elusive Yeti in the Himalayan mountains. Despite facing challenges like losing his glasses and misinterpreting his surroundings, Jasper’s determination leads him to a surprising discovery when he later finds evidence of the Yeti in the photos he took during his journey. The lesson emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the idea that sometimes, the adventure itself is just as valuable as the goal.

???? Kids Book Read Aloud: NOBODY LIKES UNICORNS by Karen Kilpatrick and Germán Blanco

In the read-aloud story “Nobody Likes Unicorns,” the narrator, Ani, introduces young readers to the whimsical world of unicorns and llamas, highlighting their unique traits and characteristics. While some believe unicorns are less liked due to their singular color and pointy horns, the story reveals their magical qualities and the joy they can bring, ultimately leading to a newfound appreciation for both unicorns and llamas. The lesson emphasizes the importance of embracing differences and finding magic in unexpected places.

❤️ Kids Book Read Aloud: I LOVE MY DRAGON by Jodi Moore and Howard McWilliam

In the lesson “I Love My Dragon,” Ani introduces young readers to a delightful story about a boy and his dragon best friend, highlighting their adventures and the joy of friendship. The narrative emphasizes the importance of love, kindness, and imagination, as the boy and his dragon share fun experiences and take care of his baby brother together. Through this engaging tale, children are encouraged to explore their creativity and cherish the special bonds they have with loved ones.

???? True and the Rainbow Kingdom TRUE’S BIRTHDAY PARTY Book Read Aloud

In “True and the Rainbow Kingdom: True’s Birthday Party,” True’s birthday celebration takes an unexpected turn when mishaps occur while preparing for the party. With the help of her friends and three magical wishes from the Wishing Tree, True manages to resolve the chaos and even ends up with a delightful surprise when cupcakes rain down from the sky, making her birthday unforgettable. Ultimately, True learns that the best part of her special day is spending time with her friends, regardless of the challenges they face.

???? Kids Book Read Aloud: THE NAPPING HOUSE by Audrey Wood and Don Wood

In the lesson, Ani reads the delightful children’s book “The Napping House,” where a cozy house filled with sleeping characters—a granny, child, dog, cat, and mouse—experiences a humorous disruption caused by a wakeful flea. The story illustrates how one small action can lead to a big commotion, ultimately waking everyone up from their peaceful slumber. It’s a fun exploration of napping and the unexpected surprises that can arise in a seemingly tranquil setting.

Awnie’s Kitchen FRUIT LOOP RAINBOWS with Blake and Callie

In today’s lesson, we had a delightful time creating colorful Fruit Loop Rainbows using white pipe cleaners, powdered sugar donuts, and Fruit Loops cereal. We started by sorting the Fruit Loops by color and then strung them onto the pipe cleaners to form our rainbows, allowing for creativity in the arrangement. The lesson concluded with a celebration of our colorful creations and a special shout-out to friends from various locations, fostering a sense of community and fun.

???? Kids Book Read Aloud: FINNEGAN’S LEPRECHAUN LUCK by Janelle Thompson and Liesl Francom

In “Finnegan’s Leprechaun Luck,” we follow a boy named Finnegan McPhee, who is skilled at finding lost items but yearns to discover a leprechaun. After a rainy adventure leads him to a leprechaun’s cave, Finnegan is challenged to find a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, only to realize he has been tricked when the rainbow disappears, leaving him with a four-leaf clover instead. Ultimately, Finnegan learns that even without the gold, he has gained a bit of luck and a memorable experience.