Books about gratitude.
Just in Time for New Year’s
by Karen Gray Ruelle
THE SCOOP
Siblings Emily and Harry have a grand idea for New Year’s Eve! They’ll stay up until midnight to actually ring in the New Year with their parents. As the countdown to the big day draws near, Emily and Harry brainstorm a slew of silly yet imaginative ways to stay awake as time seems to be moving slowly. Will these siblings make it? Enjoy this festive read to find out!
STORYTIME EXTENSION
Emily and Harry spend a lot of time “practicing” staying up late to gear up for New Year’s Eve. Ask your child if they’ve ever had to practice something before. Explain that practicing means we might not get something easily the very first time! It’s easy for young children to get frustrated when something doesn’t come easily; practice verbal instructions, modeling the activity, and letting your child fail, and try, try again!
BONUS: practice your silly snoring sounds with Harry & Emily as you read!
The Night Before New Years
by Natasha Wing
THE SCOOP
This playful rhyme book details a busy New Year’s eve as one family endeavors to stay up until midnight. As they move between a host of fun activities — dining out, playing checkers and charades, to looking through old photos and practicing their New Year’s countdown — the suspense of whether they’ll be able to stay awake is quite entertaining.
STORYTIME EXTENSION
This book is a rhyming-couplet take on ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. See if older children can anticipate the rhyme scheme and say the words with you as you read together! This book is also all about different ways to celebrate; ask your child what kinds of things they do, see, eat, or even hear at a celebration!
P. Bears New Years Party
by Paul Owen Lewis
THE SCOOP
A dashing polar bear hosts a New Year’s party and invites all of his best animal friends. As the likes of one whale, two horses, three dairy cows,etc. file in one after another, everyone celebrates the New Year as the clock strikes midnight with the arrival of 12 penguins! With graphic black and white illustrations accompanied by a small clock to tell the time, little ones will enjoy this celebratory counting book!
STORYTIME EXTENSION
This educational book creates lots of opportunities to practice counting! Practice counting up sequentially with your child and counting down – just like at midnight on New Year’s Eve!
Squirrels New Years Resolution
by Pat Miller
THE SCOOP
Squirrel is excited to make her New Year’s resolution, but has a hard time getting started. She’s not even sure she fully understands what a resolution is supposed to be! Several serendipitous visits to her forest friends leads Squirrel to her resolution and boy is it a great one!
STORYTIME EXTENSION
Make a resolution with your little one! The book explains that a New Year’s resolution is a promise to youself to help improve yourself or help others.
BONUS: Squirrel opens up a brand year calendar for the near year. Make or decorate your own calendar with your kiddies and write a new resolution for each month.
