Book A Week
Use these using to explore a Book A Week (or longer!), with all the info and activities you need to make the most of reading these picture books. Pick your favorite or one you have never read before, open, and go!
Chris Burkard’s The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth
Unit Details +
Chris Burkard’s The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth
Adventurer, photographer and author Chris Burkard and esteemed illustrator David McClellan paired up to write a beautiful book about cultivating a loving relationship with the Earth. We curated a collection of activities to pair with the book which prompts readers (both children and adults alike) to explore nature and journal thoughtfully.
What’s Inside:
- Author Introduction
- Illustrator Introduction
- Book Summary
- Story Discussion
- Are You Willing to Make the Journey Outside?
- Send Mail to Chirs Burkard
- Last Words
- Other Suggested Reading
- Other Books by the Author
Level:
- Preschool-2nd grade
Length:
- 1 week
Contributor:
- Merideth Eades
Materials:
- Market Basket
- Mexican Blanket
- Drawing Pencils
- Prismacolor Pencils
- Botanical Line drawing book
Diane Stanley’s Goldie and the Three Bears
Unit Details +
Diane Stanley’s Goldie and the Three Bears
Anna Ingalls brings Diane Stanley's beloved retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears "Goldie" to life with instructions on how to make a "Wonder Box" - a family of painted wooden peg doll characters.
What’s Inside:
- Author Introduction
- Book Summary
- Story Discussion
- Poetry
- Art
- Blocks/Math
- Nourishment
- Nature
- Recommended Products
- Recommended Books
- Other Books by the Author
Level:
- Preschool-Kindergarten
Length:
- 1 week
Contributor:
- Anna Ingalls
Materials:
- Goldie & the Three Bears
- Wood Peg Dolls
- Acrylic Paint
- Clear Coat Spray
- Color Wood Blocks OR Standard Unit Blocks
- Play Silk or clean sheet
- Glass Mason Jar, small
- Journal, optional
- Paint Palette or Plate
- Paintbrushes
- Painting Smock or Old T-shirt
- Rags or Paper Towels
- Sharpie Marker, fine point
- Protective Tablecloth or Butcher
- Paper
- Nourishment Ingredients
Matt De La Pena's Last Stop on Market Street
Unit Details +
Matt De La Pena's Last Stop on Market Street
A Caldecott Honor, Newbery Award, and Coretta Scott King Award winner, Last Stop on Market Street is an extraordinary story that follows a young boy and his grandmother as they ride a bus through the city. They meet many vibrant people along the way as the boy’s grandmother helps him to see the beauty in their city and in the people they meet. Some activities you will find in this unit include a neighborhood walk, city printmaking, and a community project!
What’s Inside:
- Author Introduction
- Book Summary
- Story Discussion
- Poetry Recitation
- Art
- Blocks/Math
- Sensory Activity
- Nourishment
- Nature
- Fine Motor Development
- Journaling
- Group Activities
- Recommended Products
- Recommended Books
- Templates & Recipes
Level:
- Junior K
Length:
- 1 week
Contributor:
- Stacey Coté
Materials:
- Last Stop on Market Street
- Clipboard
- Cardboard, found
- Collage Items in Rainbow Color
- Music Player
- Nourishment Ingredients and Tools
- Towel, damp
- Toy People, Cars, Etc.
- Literature Journal
- Muffin Tin
- Construction Paper
- Crayons
- Glue Stick
- Markers
- Pencil
- Scissors, child
- Standard Unit Blocks
- Tempera Paint
- Tray or Plate
- White Printer Paper
- White Glue
Carson Ellis’s Du Iz Tak?
Unit Details +
Carson Ellis’s Du Iz Tak?
A Caldecott Honor and E.B. White Read Aloud Award winner, "Du Iz Tak?" is an intriguing story set in the miniature insect world. You will get to peek into their delicate lives and wonder about their language. Some activities you will find in this unit include bug forts, ladybug snacks, bug watching, and a sing-along song.
What’s Inside:
- Author Introduction
- Book Summary
- Story Discussion
- Poetry Recitation
- Art
- Blocks/Math
- Sensory Activity
- Nourishment
- Nature
- Fine Motor Development
- Journaling
- Group Activities
- Recommended Products
- Recommended Books
- Templates & Recipes
Level:
- Junior K
Length:
- 1 week
Contributor:
- Stacey Coté
Materials:
- Du Iz Tak?
- Bird Seed
- Craft Stick with notches
- Insect Figurines
- Blanket, to sit on
- Clipboard
- Cookie Cutter
- Flour
- Gelatin, unflavored, or vegan option
- Honey
- Hot Glue Gun
- Hot Glue Sticks
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Bowls
- Nourishment Ingredients and Tools
- Oil
- Plastic Spider, small
- Straw
- String
- Towel, small
- Wax Paper
- Wooden Building Items, small
- Literature Journal
- Colored Pencils
- Glue Stick
- Jar of Water
- Paintbrush
- Pencil
- Tempera Paints
- Scissors, child
- Sharpie Markers
- Standard Unit Blocks
- Tray or Plate
- White Glue
- White Printer Paper
- Yarn
Masako Matsuno’s A Pair of Red Clogs
Unit Details +
Masako Matsuno’s A Pair of Red Clogs
One day, Masako Matsuno found herself walking in her clogs again to hear the familiar sounds they made on the pavement. This book grew out of that event and her wish to share the sound and the experience with American children. Some activities in this unit include chopstick pom poms, graphing, weather tracking, and making Japanese rice balls.
What’s Inside:
- Author Introduction
- Book Summary
- Story Discussion
- Poetry Recitation
- Art
- Blocks/Math
- Sensory Activity
- Nourishment
- Nature
- Fine Motor Development
- Journaling
- Group Activities
- Recommended Products
- Recommended Books
- Templates & Recipes
Level:
- Kindergarten
Length:
- 1 week
Contributor:
- Mary Knudson
Materials:
- A Red Pair of Clogs
- Chopsticks
- Furikake
- Nori
- Coffee Filters, White
- Colored Pompoms, from assorted collage kit
- Dot Stickers, or similar
- Mixing Bowl
- Muffin Tin
- November Calendar Page, can be printed
- Rice, 10-20 pounds and uncooked
- Rubber Band
- Salt
- Shoe, or clog
- Sushi Rice, cooked
- Literature Journal
- Utility Tub
- Cookie Sheet or Tray
- Construction Paper
- Paintbrushes
- Paint Tray or Paper Plate
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Scissors, child
- Small Jar of Water
- Tempera Paint
- Washable Markers
- White Paper
- Yarn or String
Vera B. Williams' A Chair For My Mother
Unit Details +
Vera B. Williams' A Chair For My Mother
After a fire at their previous home destroyed everything Rosa, her mother, and her grandmother had, they saved their coins in a big jar in hopes of purchasing a “wonderful, beautiful, fat, soft armchair.” Their new apartment had many things that were generously donated to them after the fire, but they didn’t have a cozy and comfortable place for Rosa’s mother to sit after a long day of work at the Blue Tile Diner. Will they be able to save enough to buy the new chair? This unit includes activities such as building mini armchairs, creating a piggy bank or coin drop, and going on a bus ride.
What’s Inside:
- Author Introduction
- Book Summary
- Story Discussion
- Poetry Recitation
- Art
- Blocks/Math
- Sensory Activity
- Nourishment
- Nature
- Fine Motor Development
- Journaling
- Group Activities
- Recommended Products
- Recommended Books
- Templates & Recipes
Level:
- Kindergarten
Length:
- 1 week
Contributor:
- Mary Knudson
Materials:
- A Chair For My Mother
- Colored tissue paper
- Glass jars with coin slot
- 5 Small Containers
- Access to Printer
- Bowl, soup-size
- City Bus Schedule
- Clipboard
- Coins, a variety of real coins
- Nourishment Ingredients and
Tools - Playdough Ingredients, included
- Scavenger Hunt List, included
- Timer
- Literature Journal
- Crayons
- Markers
- Paintbrush
- Pencil
- Protective Tablecloth
- Tray or Cookie Sheet
- White Printer Paper
- White School Glue
Carol Talley's Papa Piccolo
Unit Details +
Carol Talley's Papa Piccolo
Piccolo, a carefree tomcat, who lived along the canals of Venice, thoroughly enjoyed his independence. One day as he was out exploring the canals, he discovered two young abandoned kittens. Although he knew they needed care, he certainly did not want to be the one caring for them. That is, until he discovered his own tender heart. In this heartwarming book-a-week unit you'll find directions for painting with spaghetti, making homemade mini pizzas, and drawing a cat.
What’s Inside:
- Author Introduction
- Book Summary
- Story Discussion
- Poetry Recitation
- Art
- Blocks/Math
- Sensory Activity
- Nourishment
- Nature
- Fine Motor Development
- Journaling
- Group Activities
- Recommended Products
- Recommended Books
- Templates & Recipes
Level:
- Kindergarten
Length:
- 1 week
Contributor:
- Mary Knudson
Materials:
- Papa Piccolo
- Water beads
- Rubber Bands
- 1 pkg uncooked spaghetti
- Mixing Bowl, optional
- Water Utility Tub
- Black Sharpie Marker
- Cardstock
- Glue stick
- Journal
- Nourishment Ingredients
- Nature Items: sticks, leaves, grass, flowers, dirt, rocks, etc.
- Scissors, child size
- Tempera Paint
- Tray or Plate for Paint
- Vinyl Tablecloth
- Watercolor Paint
Tomie dePaola's Pancakes for Breakfast
Unit Details +
Tomie dePaola's Pancakes for Breakfast
In this wordless picture book classic by dearly beloved Tomie dePaola, a little old lady is determined to prepare pancakes for breakfast despite her lack of ingredients and her misbehaving pets. These problems create one comical complication after another. In this unit, you will find activities such as making maple candy, creating circle paintings, and hosting a pajama pancake party.
What’s Inside:
- Author Introduction
- Book Summary
- Story Discussion
- Poetry Recitation
- Art
- Blocks/Math
- Sensory Activity
- Nourishment
- Nature
- Fine Motor Development
- Journaling
- Group Activities
- Recommended Products
- Recommended Books
- Templates & Recipes
Level:
- Kindergarten
Length:
- 1 week
Contributor:
- Mary Knudson
Materials:
- Pancakes for Breakfast
- Baking Dish, square
- Candy thermometer
- Twine
- Flour, 8 cups
- Food Coloring, brown or other option
- Glass or Plastic Cup
- Maple Syrup, 100% pure
- Measuring Scoops and Spoons
- Mixing Bowl and Spoon
- Oil
- Pancake Griddle
- Pancake Recipe and Ingredients
- Poetry Basket and Props
- Sauce Pot
- Small Dish of Water, Snow, or crushed ice
- Stick/Branch
- Tablespoon Measure
- Wax Paper
- Eye Dropper, from fine motor kit
- Literature Journal
- Utility Tub
- Cardstock
- Glue Stick
- Paintbrush
- Paper Plate
- Protective Tablecloth
- Tempera Paint
- Tray or Cookie Sheet
- Watercolor Paints
Robert McCloskey's Lentil
Unit Details +
Robert McCloskey's Lentil
A young boy named Lentil loves music, but he can’t sing or whistle. He saves his pennies, heads to the store, and buys himself a harmonica. He plays all over; he even plays through the streets of Alto, Ohio. Everyone loves it, except for Old Sneep. In the end, Lentil’s harmonica playing saves the day in spite of Old Sneep’s effort to spoil it. In this unit, you will find activities to bring this well-known classic to life, such as playing with pennies, music in the bathtub, and whittling soap.
What’s Inside:
- Author Introduction
- Book Summary
- Story Discussion
- Poetry Recitation
- Art
- Blocks/Math
- Sensory Activity
- Nourishment
- Nature
- Fine Motor Development
- Journaling
- Group Activities
- Recommended Products
- Recommended Books
- Templates & Recipes
Level:
- Kindergarten
Length:
- 1 week
Contributor:
- Mary Knudson
Materials:
- Lentil
- Citrus juicer
- Harmonica
- Number Chart
- Pointy Wood Skewers
- Access to Photocopier
- Bag or Basket
- Bar of White Soap
- Butter Knife
- Clothing Iron, or a way to heat
- Coins for Blocks/Math
- Flour
- Hot Water
- Lemon Juice
- Lemons, 3-5
- Measuring Cups
- Mug
- Paintbrush
- Paper Plates
- Salt
- Sensory Materials
- Sharpie Marker
- Small Bowl
- Spoon
- Towel
- Water
- Literature Journal
- Cardstock
- Colored Pencils
- Glue Stick
- Paintbrush
- Paper Plate
- Protective Tablecloth
- Tray or Cookie Sheet
- Yarn
Audrey Wood's King Bidgood's in the Bathtub
Unit Details +
Audrey Wood's King Bidgood's in the Bathtub
This is a humorous tale where a stubborn king refuses to get out of his bubble filled tub. His page, along with other members of his court, try to persuade him out with ideas such as battling, feasting, fishing, and dancing. But, to their surprise, none of the ideas succeed. It isn’t until the plug is pulled by the page that the king finally finds his way out of the tub. In this unit, you will find activities such as making ribbon wands, having lunch in the tub, and making bubble art.
What’s Inside:
- Author Introduction
- Book Summary
- Story Discussion
- Poetry Recitation
- Art
- Blocks/Math
- Sensory Activity
- Nourishment
- Nature
- Fine Motor Development
- Journaling
- Group Activities
- Recommended Products
- Recommended Books
- Templates & Recipes
Level:
- Kindergarten
Length:
- 1 week
Contributor:
- Mary Knudson
Materials:
- King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub
- Satin Ribbon
- Pattern Blocks
- Bath Tub Appliques
- Bubble Bath
- Bubble Solution
- Bubble Wand
- Dish Soap or Tear Free Bubble Bath
- Electric Hand Mixer
- Eyedropper
- Food Platter
- Hot Glue or Super Glue
- Lunch Foods for Nutrition Activity
- Portable Chair
- Small Bowl(s)
- Wooden Dowels
- Literature Journal
- Utility Tub
- Cardstock
- Colored Pencils
- Cookie Sheet or Tray
- Food Coloring
- Glue Stick
- Masking/Painter’s Tape
- Scissors
- Vinyl Tablecloth
- Water
Jon J Muth's Stone Soup
Unit Details +
Jon J Muth's Stone Soup
In this beautifully worded and illustrated version of the tale of “Stone Soup,” three Chinese monks are on a journey to understand what makes a person happy. The monks visit a mountain village where the villagers are guarded and unwelcoming. Cleverly, they build a fire and begin making a soup made from stones. From this experience, the curious villagers all learn to open their hearts and to give as they come together and contribute to the stone soup. In this unit, you will find fun activities to pair with this beloved book, such as building stone patterns, making sensory rocks, and eating with chopsticks.
What’s Inside:
- Author Introduction
- Book Summary
- Story Discussion
- Poetry Recitation
- Art
- Blocks/Math
- Sensory Activity
- Nourishment
- Nature
- Fine Motor Development
- Journaling
- Group Activities
- Recommended Products
- Recommended Books
- Templates & Recipes
Level:
- Jr. Kindergarten
Length:
- 1 week
Contributor:
- Stacey Coté
Materials:
- Stone Soup
- Chopsticks
- Rocks & Minerals book
- Smooth Stones or Rocks
- Basket or Bag
- Clear Tape
- Cups
- Flower and Foliage
- Nourishment Ingredients and Tools
- Paint Palette or Plate
- Stapler
- Stick, 10-12 inches
- Water
- Watercolor Paper, or cardstock
- Literature Journal
- Muffin Tin
- Sorting Tray
- Utility Tub
- Construction Paper
- Jar of Water
- Paintbrushes
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Scissors, child
- Sharpie Marker
- Tempera Paint
- Watercolor Paint
- White School Glue
- Yarn
Robert McCloskey's Blueberries for Sal
Unit Details +
Robert McCloskey's Blueberries for Sal
"Blueberries for Sal" is about two mamas and their little ones setting out to pick blueberries. What a shock the characters receive when the two mamas discover their children have absentmindedly followed the wrong mama—Sal’s mother has been followed by Baby Bear, and Mama Bear has been followed by Little Sal! In this unit you will find activities to pair with the story, such as making a blueberry patch sensory bin, painting with blueberries, and learning some facts about bears.
What’s Inside:
- Author Introduction
- Book Summary
- Story Discussion
- Poetry Recitation
- Art
- Blocks/Math
- Sensory Activity
- Nourishment
- Nature
- Fine Motor Development
- Journaling
- Group Activities
- Recommended Products
- Recommended Books
- Templates & Recipes
Level:
- Jr. Kindergarten
Length:
- 1 week
Contributor:
- Julie Larsen
Materials:
- Blueberries for Sal
- Blue pompoms
- Clear Contact Paper
- Green Sharpie Marker
- Blueberries
- Blueberry Jam Ingredients and Tools (recipe included)
- Fork
- Pail
- Puffy Paint (recipe included)
- Sensory Ingredients and Tools
- Fine Motor Tongs
- Journal
- Plastic Tub
- Colorful Wood Blocks
- Construction Paper
- Crayons
- Glass Bowl
- Masking Tape/Painter’s Tape
- Paintbrush (optional)
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Standard Unit Blocks
- Tray for Paint
- Water
Minfong Ho's Hush!
Unit Details +
Minfong Ho's Hush!
"Hush!" is a Thai lullaby about a mother who tirelessly tries to quiet the many jungle creatures who live around them so they won’t wake her baby. Be sure to watch the baby in the background as the mama tries to keep everybody quiet. The story is full of interesting animals and beautiful illustrations of the Thai countryside. In this book-a-week unit, you will find activities such as building a block jungle, making a sling hammock, and making Thai elephant art.
What’s Inside:
- Author Introduction
- Book Summary
- Story Discussion
- Poetry Recitation
- Art
- Blocks/Math
- Sensory Activity
- Nourishment
- Nature
- Fine Motor Development
- Journaling
- Group Activities
- Recommended Products
- Recommended Books
- Templates & Recipes
Level:
- Jr. Kindergarten
Length:
- 1 week
Contributor:
- Stacey Coté
Materials:
- Hush!
- Bag of Rice
- Toy Jungle Animals
- Straw
- Toy Mouse
- Wooden Bowls
- Wooden Peg Dolls
- Bananas
- Fabric
- Flat Bedsheet, old
- Knife, child-safe
- Measuring Scoops and Spoons
- Nut/Seed Spread
- String
- Sturdy Table, for hammock
- Literature Journal
- Utility Bin
- Colored Pencils
- Construction Paper
- Crayons
- Glue Stick
- Jar
- Paintbrush
- Pencil
- Protective Tablecloth
- Scissors, adult and child
- Sharpie Marker
- Standard Unit Blocks
- Tempera Paint, black
- White Paper
- White School Glue