Read Alouds And Resources
This page is for educators from preschool to grade two, we understand how precious your time is so we have done the research for you! Below is a curation of resources to support Read Alouds. New material added weekly/monthly so be sure to bookmark and check in often.​
June Reads
#2
Cooler Than Lemonade:
A Story about Great Ideas and How They Happen
by Harshita Jerath (Author), Chloe Burgett (Illustrator)
"One scorching summer day, Eva comes up with a great idea: a lemonade stand! But when she sees that Jake across the street has his own stand, and he's giving away free cookies, Eva knows she needs another idea to keep people lining up. Eureka―new flavors! Except Jake has ideas too―bigger and better ones, and more customers! Soon Eva is out of ideas, and, she thinks, out of business. But when she takes a moment to be creative again and makes a batch of delicious kulfi ice cream, she discovers fresh inspiration―and a new way to succeed!" Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Ages: 4-8
Tags: Perseverance and Problem Solving
#1
If You Spot a Shell
by Aimée Sicuro (Author)
“A warm summer breeze and the gentle waves of the ocean wash ashore many different types of shells. In this story a girl collects shells and thinks of all the magnificent things they can be turned into with a little creativity. She imagines one shell as a swimming cap for diving into the crashing waves, another as a magical kaleidoscope, one as a rocket ship to take her way up high and another as a submarine for exploring the wonders of the world below. The girl draws inspiration from the unique beauty of each and every shell.” Random House
Ages 4-8
Tags: Literacy, Imagination and Problem-solving
May Reads
#4
My Dear Sea
by André Carrilho (Author, Illustrator)
"On a family beach trip, an excited young swimmer rushes to the water as her dad cautions her to respect the sea. As she swims in the waves and builds sandcastles onshore, she shares valuable lessons on responsibility that she learned from her best friend, the sea. As she explores ancient sea caves and glimpses amazing creatures just beyond the waves, she reminds us all that caring for and respecting the sea also means keeping it clear of trash and pollution. As the day closes on another successful beach adventure, she waves farewell to her friend and promises to return tomorrow." Blue Dot Kids Press
Ages 3-7
Tags: Empathy, Environmental Stewardship, STEAM
#3
The Doll
By Nhung N. Tran-Davies (Authour), Ravy Puth (Illustrator)
"A young girl and her family arrive at an airport in a new country. They are refugees, migrants who have travelled across the world to find safety. Strangers greet them, and one of them gives the little girl a doll. Decades later, that little girl is grown up and she has the chance to welcome a group of refugees who are newly arrived in her adopted country. To the youngest of them, a little girl, she gives a doll, knowing it will help make her feel welcome. Inspired by real events." Second Story Press
Ages 4-9
Tags: Belonging and Well-Being, Kindness, Immigration, New Comers
Click for Invitations!
#2
Moving Day
by Teri Roche Drobnick (Author), Jennifer Black Reinhardt (Illustrator)
“It’s moving day and this Victorian house can’t imagine what it will be like to live in a different San Francisco neighborhood. She feels a lug and a tug as she’s lifted onto a flatbed behind a truck. A police car leads the way, a crowd begins to form on the sidewalks, children follow behind ringing the bells on their bicycles—it’s just like a parade! She teeters and totters as she slowly, slowly begins her journey.
Cheer along with the clapping crowd as the house turns the first corner. Workers remove street signs that are in the way and tree trimmers clip branches that hang too low. When the house comes to a very steep hill, everyone holds their breath until she makes it safely to the bottom. Phew. But it isn’t until she sees her family standing in her new spot that the house realizes it’s right where it belongs—with them." Penguin Random House
Tags 4-8 years
Emotions, Belonging, Problem Solving and Innovation
#1
Once Upon A Sari
Written by: Zenia Wadhwani Illustrated by, Avani Dwivedi
"Avani is having a wonderful time looking at all of her mother's saris, but she soon realizes she's made a big mess. When her mom comes in, Avani expects a scolding, but instead, her mom sits down with her and tells her about the memories associated with each sari: memories of weddings and celebrations, memories of when and where the sari came from. And, in case of one very special sari, memories that were passed down from her parents and grandparents. A beautiful and vibrant reflection on how what we wear connects us to big and small moments in our lives. " Penguin Random House
​Ages: 4-8 years
Tags: Belonging, Family, Storytelling (Oral Language), Story Elements
April Reads
#5
The Sky That Sings
by Anita Sanchez & George Steele
Illustrated by Emily Mendoza
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"Mia and her tía are spending a sunny afternoon at the park bird-listening! Some people enjoy bird-watching but as a blind person, Mia uses her other senses to identify different birds by their unique calls and songs. She calls it bird-listening.Mia loves naming each of the birds that she hears. Sweet! Sweet! Sweet! Is that the chipper call of a yellow warbler? At first Mia’s aunt doesn’t know what to expect, but with Mia’s guidance, she learns to listen and enjoy the bright melodies pouring from the sky. Their adventure will take them past a lively pond, through the hush of the quiet woods, and up a breezy hilltop for a soaring encounter with Mia’s favorite bird of all!" Anita Sanchez & George Steele
Ages 4-8 Yrs. Belonging, Family, Environment/nature, Inquiry
Walking Journal
Educator Guide,
Templates & Inquiry Materials
Exploring Outdoors
Lesson Ideas
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"Clementine doesn’t know what animal she is, she was just born and there is no one like her around. She meets Cricket and Moth, who explain that she is an insect, but they don’t remember which one. She thinks she might be a star because she has light, like the ones they see in the sky.That very same night, a little girl leaves her house to chase the small lights that illuminate the forest. They will meet and become friends. Will the girl be able to help Clementine understand who she is?" nubeOCHO
​Ages 3-7 years: Belonging and Well-Being, Friendship
Clementine's Journey Booklet
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"When Dexter the chipmunk's home is destroyed and his belongings scattered, he comes up with the perfect plan – stuff his most treasured possessions into his cheeks for safe-keeping. But his plan has one major flaw. Dexter can't smile anymore . . . not with all the stuff in his mouth. He can't thank any of his friends for their gifts, their help or their kindness either. One day, Dexter can't take it anymore, and he finally tries to talk, with hilarious – but possibly disastrous – results." Gnome Road Publishing
​Ages 3-7 years: Emotional Literacy, Vocabulary Building, Belonging, Self-Regulation
Ready to Smile Again Extension Activities
#2
The Umbrella
by Beth Ferry (Author), Tom Lichtenheld (Illustrator)
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"In a dreary town where it always rains, a little girl and her dog discover an unexpected way to spread the light. Told with surprise and humor, here is a story of generosity, perseverance, and the way that happiness can be contagious—all it takes is one person and a bright idea." (Harper Collins Canada)
​Ages 4-8 years: Literacy Behaviours, Vocabulary Building,Belonging, Self-Regulation (Perseverance), Problem Solving
Activities Inspired by The Umbrella
#1
A Chest Full Of Words
by Rebecca Gugger (Author), Simon Röthlisberger (Author)
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"Oscar discovers a magnificent treasure chest. When he opens it, he is disappointed at what’s inside: nothing but words. What type of treasure is that?! But when he tosses fluorescent into the bushes, a bright yellow hedgehog runs by! Soon Oscar has created a featherlight backhoe, a docile crocodile, and a monstrous—oops!—adorable beetle. Using new words is fun!Before long Oscar has emptied the chest and is left wordless. He doesn’t know where to find more words, until his neighbor Louise gives him some guidance: you can find words anytime and anywhere. Oscar begins a new hunt for words and learns all sorts of inventive ways to describe the world around him."(NorthSouth Books)
​Ages 4-8 years: Literacy Behaviours, Vocabulary Building, Problem Solving and Innovation
Vocabulary Activities and Templates
March Reads
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"In this evocative picture book, a child wanders through nature with one question: what makes a bird a bird? Is it feathers? What about a beak? Could it be wings? With each possible answer, more questions arise. If laying eggs makes a bird a bird, what about turtles, snakes, or fish? If flying is the thing, are penguins still birds? Ultimately, the narrator concludes that a bird is a bird, with or without feathers, beaks, or the ability to fly!" (OWL Kids)
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​​​​Ages: 4-8 years
Environmental Stewardship, Science, Problem Solving, Writing (Non-Fiction)
Educator Guide
KWL
Charts
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Exploring the Outdoors: Birds
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"A girl wakes up from a dream she can't shake. Her head is full of clouds. When she goes outside, the things she normally doesn't pay much attention to suddenly reveal their beauty: the plants growing in the cracks of the sidewalk, the shimmering puddles, the notes from a violin drifting in the air. She revels in this strangeness of the familiar, and eventually her dream comes back to her in all its surrealness.When she meets a friend, she feels solid and connected again, part of the world — but she doesn't lose the gifts that this strange morning gave her: the quietly profound wonder of the everyday and the joy of being present." (Tundra Books)
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Ages: 4-7 years
Tags: Imagination, Friendship, Creativity, Environment
Art Ideas Inspired by text
#2
Plant Attack!: The Fascinating Ways Flora Defends Itself
by Erin Silver (Author), Julie McLaughlin (Illustrator)
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"Just like people and animals, plants need to defend themselves. They can't scream or run away from danger, but many have developed surprisingly cool and courageous ways to keep themselves safe from pesky bugs, hungry animals and even large-clawed crabs. Plants can stab, poison, drown and even suffocate their predators. Discover the corpse flower, which smells like a combination of rotting wounds, garlic, cheese and sour sweat. Then there is the touch-me-not balsam that explodes, flinging anything that touches it through the air. Plant Attack! The Fascinating Ways Flora Defend Themselves explores 15 different plants and the unique, and sometimes bizarre, ways they defend themselves from predators, including us."
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​Ages: 3-6
Environment/Nature, Inquiry
Wonder Chart
Learning Story Template 1
Learning Story Template 2
#1
Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse
by Marcy Campbell (Author) and Corinna Luyken (Illustrator)
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"Adrian Simcox tells anyone who will listen that he has a horse--the best and most beautiful horse anywhere. But Chloe does NOT believe him. Adrian Simcox lives in a tiny house. Where would he keep a horse? He has holes in his shoes. How would he pay for a horse? The more Adrian talks about his horse, the angrier Chloe gets. But when she calls him out at school and even complains about him to her mom, Chloe doesn't get the vindication she craves. She gets something far more important."
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Ages: 3-6
SEL, Empathy, Friendship, Kindness
Emotion Timeline Template
CSPAR and Story Plan
Random Acts of Kindness
February Reads
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"Esther and her mom are supposed to bake cupcakes after school this afternoon for tomorrow’s Literacy Feast.
But when Esther arrives home, her mom is still at work, and she finds Grandpa snoozing in his favorite reading chair. “Grandpa! Wake up!” Grandpa reassures a doubtful Esther that he does in fact know how to bake, a skill he learned from Esther’s late grandmother. Grandpa and Esther bake, dance, and sing, filling the kitchen, and their hearts, with Grandma’s special ingredient—love." Page Education Foundation
Ages: 3-6 years
Tags: Relationships, Family, SEL, Grieving
Visual Recipe Card: Chocolate Cupcakes
CSPAR
Template
Learning Invitation Card for Display
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"Kamara loves being strong. She can give piggybacks to her older brother and she can run and swim super fast. This year she’s determined to beat Benji in the Big Race at Sports Day. But when her classmates say she’s showing off, her excitement about Sports Day fizzles out. Maybe she shouldn’t join in. But Auntie Lynda says that Kamara’s friends will shine in their own way. She mustn’t dim her own light to please them. And besides, there is more than one way to be strong. Which Kamara proves on Sports Day... " Puffin/Random House
Ages: 3-6 years
Tags: identity, friendship, diversity
Read Aloud Plan:
Strong Like Me
Emotion Timeline for Strong Like Me
CSPAR
Template
Drawing Template
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"No one knows maps like Nikki — but can she get her family to Grandma's house in time?
Nikki’s family is preparing for a long road trip from Toronto to the Bronx to attend Uncle Travis's wedding. They pack their suitcases, boxes of Jamaican black cake, and most importantly to Nikki, the big map book!
Nikki loves geography and enjoys tracing the routes to all the places her relatives live — her Grandpa in Florida, her cousins in Atlanta, DC, and Boston. She daydreams of England, where other family lives, and Jamaica and Africa, where her roots run deep.
Her attention comes back to the road trip when it’s clear that Daddy’s taken a wrong turn. “I can help!” says Nikki, who proves to be an excellent navigator. She guides them back to the Bronx Expressway, under the elevated subway tracks, onto a street of brown row houses and safely to Grandma’s." Groundwood Books
Ages: 3-6 years
Tags: Family, Problem solving, self-esteem
Coding Unplugged Template
#1
Fresh Juice
By Robert Liu-Trujillo (Author, Illustrator)
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When Art’s father can’t get over a cold, Art knows exactly
what his daddy needs: some delicious sick-fighting
juice! After looking through the fridge and cupboards,
they discover they’re missing a key ingredient–ginger.
But finding some ginger will take them downtown, to
the farmers’ market, to the food co-op, to the West
African grocery...to an unexpected encounter that brings
everyone together, and results in a tasty celebration."Robert Liu-Trujillo
Ages: 4-7 years
Tags: Family, Well-Being, Community, Empathy, Diversity
Fresh Juice: Read Aloud Plan
Fresh Juice Writing Template #1
Fresh Juice Writing Template #2 & 3
Fresh Juice:
Math Activity
P&P's January Reads
#4
Mai's Áo Dài
By Thai Nguyen and Monique Truong Illustrated by Dung Ho
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"It’s the morning of Tet, and Mai can’t wait to celebrate at her beloved grandmother’s home. With the perfect dress: a poofy, sparkly Cinderella dress that makes Mai look like the movie star she dreams of being! But when Mai’s father suggests that she wears an áo dài, a traditional Vietnamese outfit, to her Ba Noi’s party, Mai is disappointed. Stars don’t wear áo dài, she thinks. Then Ba tells her the story of a true star, her very own Ba Noi, who sewed beautiful, highly sought-after áo dài in Vietnam and brought her magic with her when she immigrated to the United States. So maybe stars wear áo dài after all! But how can Ba Noi know what Mai’s wearing when Ba Noi is losing her eyesight? Ba tells her every áo dài is sewn with love, and the beauty of love is that you don’t need to see it to know it’s here." By Thai Nguyen and Monique Truong Illustrated by Dung Ho
Ages: 4-7 years
Tags: Family, Lunar New Year, Cultural Celebrations
Happy New Year Card Template
Craft Ideas
#3
Cocoa Magic
Written by Sandra Bradley and Illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard
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"Eight-year-old Daniel cherishes the hour he spends every morning helping his Great-Uncle Lewis in his chocolate shop. They mix, temper, pour, and mold. “It’s magic, my boy,” Uncle Lewis says. And Daniel agrees. When a new girl named Sarah joins his class, Daniel sees how lonely she is and begins sneaking chocolates into her desk. Seeing Sarah light up after each treat is wonderful…but then Daniel starts noticing other classmates with troubles. Soon he is hiding more and more chocolates until the exciting day when everyone in class receives one, even the teacher! The best part is, no one knows it’s him.
But then, when Daniel is the one feeling sad and alone, who will know to comfort him?"
Author: Sandra Bradley
Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard
Ages: 4-7 years
Tags: Empathy, Belonging and Contributing
Cocoa Magic Read Aloud Lesson
Writing Template
Visual Recipe for Hot Chocolate/Cocoa and Template
Math Activities
#2
Fighting Words
Written by: Leonarda Carrvanza
Illustrated by: Erika Medina
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"When Ali’s cousin rips his favorite book, angry words explode out of him. The words are so angry, they come to life! They tease Ama, wreak havoc on their abuelita’s home, and crash through the neighborhood. Ali didn’t mean to hurt anyone, but now that the words are on the loose, it’s up to him to catch them—and to repair the damage they’ve done."
Author: Leonarda Carrvanza
Illustrator: Erika Medina
Ages: 3-7 years
Tags: self-regualtion, vocabulary, social emotional literacy, social skills
Vocabulary Activity Template Gr.1/2
#1
Snow is...
Written by Laura Gehl
Illustrated by Sonia Sanchez
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“It’s dawn and there is snow all around. The wonder of winter’s first snowfall brings the magic of changing seasons and sees a family sharing the perfect snow day with coziness and togetherness from dawn to dusk.” Written by Laura Gehl\ Illustrated by Sonia Sanchez
Simon and Schuster Publisher
Ages: 3-7
Tags: Family, Belonging, Nature, Seasons, Health and Physical Education
Read Aloud Plan: Snow Is...
Extending Learning Activities
Writing Templates
P&P's December 2024 Reads
The Littlest Christmas Tree
by Jane Chapman
“Cubby and Daddy find the perfect Christmas tree out in the woods. Cubby sings it songs and reads it stories, as if it is a new friend. But when Christmas is over, Little Tree has to go back outside which is SO SAD!
Luckily, Daddy has the perfect solution: Little Tree will live right outside in the garden until next winter, when the Christmas magic can start all over again.” Jane Chapman
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Ages 3-7
Easy Craft/Art Ideas
Goodbye Autumn,
Hello Winter
by 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
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Ages 3-7, Nature, Siblings, Seasons (Science/Well-being)
Read Aloud Plan
Vocabulary Activity
SK/Gr.1 and 2
A Picture Day to Remember
by Natalia Paruzel-Gibson (Author),
Nynke Boelens (Illustrator)
"It’s picture day at school! All the kids come dressed and ready for it! But not Lola. Lola hides under a big red hat. She is just too self-conscious about her freckles- she has always been! But her classmate Nassim has a clever solution, and in no time, her friends rally behind Lola. Surely enough, the hat comes off and Lola feels confident to celebrate her uniquely, beautiful freckles." Natalia Paruzel-Gibson
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Ages: 4-8
Concepts: friendship, self-confidence, belonging
Previous P&P Reads
I Walk With Vanessa
by: Kerascoët
"Inspired by real events, I Walk with Vanessa explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly, and shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help. By choosing only pictures to tell their story, the creators underscore the idea that someone can be an ally without having to say a word." Kerascoët
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Concepts: kindness, emotional literacy, vocabulary (inserted)
Click to access emotion card sets and timeline chart
Jabari Jumps
by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. Gaia Cornwall
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Ages: 4-8
Concepts: Resiliency, fear/courage, Emotional literacy opportunities
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Big Umbrella
by Amy June Bates
Juniper Jones
"By the door there is an umbrella. It is big. It is so big that when it starts to rain there is room for everyone underneath. It doesn’t matter if you are tall. Or plaid. Or hairy. It doesn’t matter how many legs you have. Don’t worry that there won’t be enough room under the umbrella. Because there will always be room." June Bates (Author)
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Ages 4-8
Concepts: Belonging, (inclusion), empathy
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My Shadow is Pink
by Scott Stuart
My Shadow is Pink is a beautifully written rhyming story that touches on the subjects of gender identity, self acceptance, equality and diversity. (https://scottstuart.co/books/)
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Ages: 5-7
Concepts: Belonging, Empathy, Emotional Literacy
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The Hockey Jersey
by Jael Richardson and Eva Perron
It’s the day of the first hockey game and Kareema is about to take a big step into the locker room and into the world of hockey. Overwhelmed and unsure of what’s ahead, she enters the locker room and meets her new teammates—a group of young players who are also wondering if they will fit in with the team and find their place in the game. After their coach arrives with a bag full of brand new uniforms and hands each player their jersey, Kareema and her teammates discover something special while they get dressed for the game. As they take to the ice in their new uniforms, ready to play for the first time, Kareema realizes something unique about the game of hockey while her biggest fans cheer them on.(https://www.scotiabank.com/content/dam/scotiabank/canada/hockey/the-jersey-book/media-centre/)
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Ages: 3-10
Concepts: Belonging, Self-regulation
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Walking Together
by Elder Albert D. Marshall and Louise Zimanyi and Illustrated by
Emily Kewageshig
"This innovative picture book introduces readers to the concept of Etuaptmumk—or Two-Eyed Seeing, the gift of multiple perspectives in the Mi’kmaw language—as we follow a group of young children connecting to nature as their teacher." https://www.edcan.ca/experts/albert-marshall/
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Ages: 4-7
Concepts: stewardship, belonging
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