School! (and a nod to Father's Day)

Openers:
Oh Hey, Oh Hi!

Papa, Do You Love Me (Barbara Joosse) 3-5
In the beautiful style of Mama Do You Love Me by the same author, Ms. Joosse portrays the strong, sure, and protective love of a father.  Set to the spectacular backdrop of Africa and the Maasai culture, this story reminds us that a father's love is universal.
Song: Love Grows
Chant: Deep Down in Africa

Owen (Kevin Henkes) 3-5
A fun book about tackling the sometimes frightening challenge of growing up by taking bits of your childhood with you--no matter what Mrs. Tweezers says...
Song: The Sneezing Song

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Bill Martin) 2-4
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom has joined that revered list of children's classics.  Few little ones will face learning the alphabet without the drumming and jaunty cadence of Martin's coconut tree characters.
Song:  ABC's, of course!










Mouse Views (Bruce McMillan) 2-4
Take a peek at a classroom from the eyes of a mouse.  Close-up views followed by reveal pages challenge children to guess what the mouse is seeing.  This is always a fun story to help demystify a school classroom for pre-k's just entering their kindergarten year.

FB: Monkey in the Coconut Tree
Closer:  Wave Goodbye


Other School-Themed Books:
School Bus (Donal Crews)
Wow! School!  (Robert Neubecker)
Minerva Louise at School (Morgan Stoeke)

Garden

Openers
Oh Hey, Oh HI!
I Am a Tree!

In the Garden:  Who's Been There? (Lindsay Barrett George) 4-6
This absolutely gorgeous book with child's point-of-view illustrations is as beautiful as it is factual. Children and their dog examine the evidence of garden visitors and wonder, "Who's Been Here?"  A flip of the page reveals startlingly life-sized answers.  Have fun with this memorable natural history lesson gleaned from the garden.
FP:  Where are All the Bees?


My Garden (Kevin Henkes) 2-5
In a fun departure from her mother's run-of-the-mill garden, a young green thumb imagines some fantastic variations (like a jellybean bush).  After reading this story, have fun planting your own imaginary gardens!  What will you grow in yours?
Song: Sticky, Sticky Bubblegum






Up Down and Around  (Katherine Ayres) 2-4
Rhyming text and colorful, jubilant illustrations help children explore the idea that somethings grow up, some grow down, and others grow....all around, of course!


Glove Finger Play:  Six Bumble Bees
Glove Finger Play:  Five Sunflowers

Felt Board: Five Seed Packets

Other Books:

A Hand Full of Sunshine (Melanie Eclare)

Tops and Bottoms

Lenny in the Garden (Ken Wilson-Max)

Planting a Rainbow (Lois Ehlert)