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Educational Services
READ ALOUD RESOURCES
This page is a resource hub for educators from preschool to grade two. We understand how busy and hectic the school year can get, so let us make your planning easier! Below is a curation of resources to support "Read Alouds." We've done all the research and activity building for you!
This page, and our Instagram, is updated weekly with new book recommendations so be sure to check-in often. We've got your back this school year!

Sparkles for Sunny A Lunar New Year Story
Sylvia Chen, Thai My Phuong

"The Lao family has four rules:
1. Make what you can yourself.
2. Get good deals.
3. Share extras with others.
4. Never waste anything.
...which means that every year for Lunar New Year, Sunny winds up wearing a hand-me-down qípáo from her sisters. Just once Sunny wants to wear something that's so her and not so one of her sisters! Can Sunny uphold the Lao Family Way while also staying true to herself? " Flamingo Books
Ages: 3-6
Tags: Traditions, identity, family, creativity

Rock and Roll
Ruby Amy Thompson
"Rock and Roll are very different. Rock is strong, and Roll is soft. Rock hates attention. Roll loves it. But hang on...they are both team players, they are able to handle pressure, and they LOVE to get dressed up. Maybe they're not so different after all! This sweet, laugh-out-loud story of friendship reminds readers that first impressions can be deceptive." Tiger Tales
Ages: 3-6
Tags: Friendship, Identity

Love Finds A Way
by Vern Kousky

"Sometimes your best friend is only a tail wag away! Oscar the bird is worried that one day love will find him. After all, there's a scurry of friendly squirrels in the forest who just can't help showering him with affection. Determined to keep it ― and them ― away, he gets a scruffy guard dog and names him Brutus. Brutus quickly learns to growl and bark and chase. And he becomes a very good guard dog. So Oscar gives him a friendly scratch. Then a tasty treat. And soon, growling and barking and chasing aren’t Brutus’s only jobs. There’s also fetching sticks . . . and keeping Oscar company . . And maybe even teaching Oscar a thing or two about love." Roaring Book Press
Ages 3-6 yrs Friendship, Well-Being, and Emotions
Emotion Cards
Little Shoes
David A. Robertson, Maya McKibbin

"Deep in the night, when James should be sleeping, he tosses and turns. He thinks about big questions, like why we don’t feel dizzy when the Earth spins. He looks at the stars outside his bedroom and thinks about the night sky stories his Kōkom has told him. He imagines being a moshom himself. On nights like these, he follows the moonlit path to his mother’s bedroom. They talk and they cuddle, and they fall asleep just like that. One day, James’s Kōkom takes him on a special walk with a big group of people. It’s called a march, and it ends in front of a big pile of things: teddy bears, flowers, tobacco ties and little shoes. Kōkom tells him that this is a memorial in honour of children who had gone to residential school but didn’t come home. He learns that his Kōkom was sent away to one of these schools with her sister, who also didn’t come home.
That night, James can’t sleep so he follows the moonlit path to his mother. She explains to James that at residential school when Kōkom felt alone, she had her sister to cuddle, just like they do. And James falls asleep gathered in his mother’s arms." Tundra Books
Ages 3-6 yrs Literacy, Empathy, Kindness, Well-being

Home for Margaret
Denise Davy and illustrated by Bérengère Delaporte
"One day, when Emma and her mom are hiking through Cherry Hill Forest, they spot a blue tent in the snow — and inside lives a woman named Margaret! Emma wonders why she’s there, until Mom, who is a social worker, explains: “Some people have lost their jobs. Some people have health problems. No one chooses to be homeless."Emma picks out a red hat, a scarf and a pair of mittens to keep Margaret warm, and she and her mom visit Margaret throughout the winter. But in the spring, Margaret is gone! Emma is worried, and wonders what has happened to her. Seasons pass and Emma finally spots a woman downtown wearing red mittens! She is relieved — and she knows that there’s one more thing she and her Mom can do to show Margaret that they care about her." Groundwood
Books
Ages 3-6 yrs Literacy, Empathy, Kindness, Well-being
Educator Kit
The Snowy Day
by Ezra Jack Keats

"One snowy morning, a little boy named Peter puts on his snowsuit and steps out of his house into a winter wonderland. He is captivated by the way the snow has transformed his world, and spends the day making snow angels, building a snowman, sliding down slick mountains, and much more. By the time he comes inside, Peter thinks his adventures in the snow are over. But when he wakes up the next morning, he realizes that new snowfall has covered the earth once more!" Puffin Books
Ages 3-6 yrs Literacy, Numeracy, Seasons
The Missing Mitten Mystery
by Steven Kellogg

"Annie and her dog, Oscar, have had a busy day playing in the snow. Somehow Annie's red mitten has disappeared in all the fun. They look high and low. . . . It's not on the sledding hill, and it's not by the snow castles. Maybe an eagle carried it off to keep its baby's head warm. Or maybe a mouse is using it as a sleeping bag. When the sun goes down, Annie and Oscar have to give up their search and go inside. But when Annie looks out the window, something red catches her eye. . . ." Puffin Books
Ages 3-6 yrs Literacy (Writing), Numeracy, Seasons

If Winter Comes, Tell It I'm Not Here
by Simona Ciraolo
"Nothing is better than summer, with its joys of swimming every day and eating ice cream. One little boy’s older sister tells him he’d better make the most of it, because summer is going to end soon. When winter comes, she assures him, it will be cold and dark, and the icy rain will turn to snow. They’ll be stuck on the sofa for days and won’t even dream of eating ice cream. . . . A celebration of the changing of the seasons, this inviting tale shows how much fun can be found around every sunny—or snowy—corner." Walker Books
Ages 3-6 yrs Literacy (Writing), Well-being, Environment (Nature)

Sometimes I Feel Like A River
Danielle Daniel, Josée Bisaillon
"In each of twelve short poems, a child tells us how or why they feel like the sun, a river, a mountain, a cloud, the rain, a forest and more. Their deeply felt connections and identification with these wonders point to how much we are all part of the natural world. Each poem comes to life through vivid, playful illustrations that show the children immersed in their surroundings. The book serves as a gentle call to action — to notice, appreciate, preserve and protect our environment, while delighting in all its beauty." Groundwood Books
Ages 3-6 yrs Literacy (Writing), Well-being, Environment (Nature)
Winter's Gifts: Indigenous Celebration of Nature
Kaitlin B. Curtice, Gloria Félix

"Winter’s Gifts is the tale of a young Potawatomi girl named Dani whose family celebrates the darkest season of the year by treasuring the slowness that winter brings. Dani’s schoolmates think it’s silly to think that Earth gives us presents, but on a magical snowy day, Creator and her family and give Dani the courage to teach her friends about the gifts of Winter—resting, remembrance, and gratitude. Can Dani help them receive winter’s gifts?" Convergent Books
Ages 3-7 yrs Literacy, Drama, Art
Educator Kit


Snowmen At Night
Caralyn Buehner, Mark Buehner
"Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you've wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all!" Dial Books
Ages 3-7 yrs STEM, Drama
The Old Sleigh
Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey

"On winter nights, an old sleigh delivers firewood, bringing warmth and light to a small town. But small towns get bigger and families grow. When the old sleigh is overwhelmed, a new sled and a new generation carry on the custom and ensure the town is warm and bright.
This enchanting picture book from the creators of the acclaimed The Old Truck celebrates tradition, community, and simple acts of giving." Norton Young Readers
Ages 4-8 yrs Writing, Art, Holiday

Dasher Series
Matt Tavares
The Dasher Series follows the adventures of Dasher the reindeer, who helps guide Santa's sleigh. Each book can be read separately. Find below the Educator Kit with read aloud lesson plans and follow up activities. All free to download for classroom use only.
Ages 4-10 yrs Literacy: Comprehension Skills, Writing, Holiday


Red and Lulu
Matt Tavares

"Red and Lulu make their nest in a particularly beautiful evergreen tree. It shades them in the hot months and keeps them cozy in the cold months, and once a year the people who live nearby string lights on their tree and sing a special song: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree. But one day, something unthinkable happens, and Red and Lulu are separated. It will take a miracle for them to find each other again. Luckily, it’s just the season for miracles." Candlewick
Ages 3-7 yrs Literacy: Predicting, Holiday

How to Catch A Snowman
Adam Wallace, Andy Elkerton
"Our heroes' entry for the snowman contest has magically come to life―and ran away! Can YOU help catch it? Get ready for snow much fun as you travel through a winter wonderland with running, skating, and bouncing through trap after trap to catch the snowman and claim the winning prize. Will the snowman teach our heroes a lesson they'll never forget? Who snows!" Sourcebooks Wonderland
Ages 4-10 yrs Literacy, Problem Solving and Innovation, STEAM
Educator Guide and Videos

The Littlest Christmas Tree
Jane Chapman
"Cubby the bear cub is out with Daddy one day to find the perfect Christmas tree. They find one and dig it up, and when they get home, they give it the perfect spot in the living room and decorate it. Cubby is thrilled to have Little Tree in their house and treats the tree like a member of the family. But when Christmas is over, it's time to take down the decorations--including Little Tree. Cubby doesn't want to lose a friend--but Daddy has a clever idea of how to be sure that they have Little Tree with them every Christmas." Tiger Tales
Ages 4-7yrs Literacy, Environment, Art, Holiday
Educator Guide and Videos

The Perfect Tree
Corinne Demas, Penelope Dullaghan
"Bunny is looking for the perfect Christmas tree. Her forest friends tell her that the perfect tree is one that is just her size, bushy as Squirrel’s tail, perfectly pointy on top for a star, the greenest green, and smells like Christmas. But sometimes the perfect tree is the one surrounded by friends." Abrams Books for Young Readers
Ages 4-8 yrs Literacy, Friendship, Art, Holiday
Educator Guide and Videos

Night Walk
Sara O'Leary, Ellie Arscott
"When a little girl can’t sleep one night, her dad asks if she’d like to go for a walk. They tiptoe through the silent house and step out into the dark.
It’s strange and exciting to be out so late. Walking down the street, the girl can see inside the lit-up windows of apartment buildings and houses where people’s lives are unfolding. Kids are having a pillow fight in one house, while a family has gathered for a festive meal in another. She and her dad reach the still-busy shopping area, walking past restaurants and enticing store windows, then stop for a tranquil moment in the park before returning home." Groundwood Books
Ages 3-7 yrs Literacy, Community, and Belonging

Winter Is Coming
Tony Johnston, Jim LaMarche
"Day after day, a girl goes to her favorite place in the woods and quietly watches from her tree house as the chipmunks, the doe, the rabbits prepare for the winter. As the temperature drops, sunset comes earlier and a new season begins. Silently she observes the world around her as it reveals its secrets. It takes time and patience to see the changes as, slowly but surely, winter comes." Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Ages 3-7 yrs Literacy, Seasons, Environment,

The Wishing Leaf
Kallie George, Paola Zakimi
"As the seasons change from fall to winter, Bear eagerly waits for the last leaf to fall so that he can make a wish. A story of patience, friendship, and awe, The Wishing Leaf is a picture book full of wonder for the changing seasons, with a perfectly cozy ending. Bear knows that when the last leaf falls in the forest, whatever wish you make is sure to come true! Although it’s almost time to sleep, Mama allows Bear to watch and wait with his friends. But it seems like the leaf is never going to fall, so one by one, the other animals grow impatient and start to head home. Bear, however, finds active ways to wait, all the while wondering what to wish for—until finally, he’s the only one left, and he’s growing tired. Will Bear see the last leaf fall? And if so, what wish will he make?" Abrams Books
Ages 4-8 yrs Literacy, Well-being,

Sharing one of our favourites from last December
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter
Kenard Pak
"Join a brother and sister as they explore nature and take a stroll through their twinkling town, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the setting sun to curious deer, they say goodbye to autumn and welcome the glorious first snow of winter." Kenard Pak
Ages 3-7, Nature, Siblings, Seasons (Science/Well-being)
The Giving Flower: The Story of the Poinsettia
by Alda P. Dobbs, Emily Mendoza
"A lyrical picture book about the Poinsettia flower and the holiday traditions it has inspired. First, the flower grew wild―a yellow blossom with bracts that turn brilliant red in winter. The ancient Nahuas cultivated it; then it inspired Mexico's most famous Christmas legend. After the flower caught the eye of Mexico's first US ambassador, it became known as the Poinsettia. Yet it has many more names and traditions―and even more colours!" Sourcebooks
Ages: 4-7 years old
Themes: Traditions, Christmas, Plants, Art (Creativity)


Picture Books by Indigenous Authors
Collaboration Picks
Pebble & Pond is collaborating with PhD candidate Sarah Perry, our local environmental & indigenous historian, to bring you a selection of picture books to support themes of environmental stewardship, belonging and contributing, and beginning conversations about residential schools.
All resources/activities are free to download!
*FOR CLASSROOM USE ONLY. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR SALE.
Back To School Resource
LESSON PLANNING MADE EASY
Our team has curated a selection of picture books for you to start the school year off right. From building community, to emotional literacy skills, to social emotional strategies we've got you covered! Each of our professionally vetted books are sure to spark discussion in your classroom.Download our guide* today and save time building your lesson plan.
*FOR CLASSROOM USE ONLY. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR SALE.
















































