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A graphic with the words "Inspire Kindness with Ice Cream Books" over the top of a colorful scoop of ice cream

Inspire Kindness with Ice Cream Books

National Ice Cream Month Is a great opportunity to share a sweet treat with the kids in your life. These ice cream-themed picture books will help you share a few sweet life lessons, too. For easy recipes to enjoy while you read, check out our ice cream activities blog. Saffron Ice Cream, by Rashin Kheiriyeh On her first trip to an American beach, a little girl remembers her former home in Iran and wonders what her new home will be like. She

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A graphic that reads "Picture Books for Safety Month" in an octagon the color of a stop sign, with other street signs in the background

Encourage Safety Skills with Fun Picture Books

Communities all over the country recognize National Safety Month each June. Picture books are a fun way to teach personal and community safety skills in ways that make kids laugh and listen. How Do Dinosaurs Stay Safe?, by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague Giant, colorful, feathery, silly dinosaurs learn about everything from safely crossing the street to dialing 9-1-1 in this rhyming story that reminds kids they can always make good choices (and will make them laugh, too.) No Dragons for Tea:

Read More
A graphic featuring small children dressed up like an astronaut, doctor, chef, construction worker and other jobs with the text "Explore Careers With Picture Books"

Explore Careers With Picture Books

In April, we celebrate Take Your Child to Work Day. Inspire kids to think about all the incredible things they can do when they grow up with these fun picture books! And don’t miss a personal Take Your Child to Work Day story from the Imagine Institute’s Marketing and Communications Lead, Devon Allen. Ada Twist, Scientist, by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts Little Ada Marie’s first word is “why?” and she never stops asking questions about the world. Her parents get

Read More
A graphic that shows two girls reading books in the text "Women's History Month: Girl Power Picture Books"

Picture Books about the Power of Girls

Women’s History Month is a wonderful time to share the stories of remarkable women who girls can look up to. But girls also need to hear stories about the amazing things they can do while they’re young. Children of all genders will be inspired by these true stories of incredible girls, too! Malala’s Magic Pencil, by Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Kerascoët Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala’s first picture book shares how she dreamed of making the world a better place as a

Read More
A graphic with the text "Celebrating Black History Month Part Three: Children's Books for Black History Month" with the Image of a Young Black Girl Reading a Book

Children’s Books for Black History Month

Throughout the month of February, we are sharing posts written by Imagine Institute training program assistant Lourdes Flores about Black History Month. This series will follow the long history of Black History Month, Black History in the United States, and how we can all celebrate Black History Month in a way that is supportive, healthy, and, most importantly, empowering. Yesterday, we shared a list of Washington-based Black-owned places to buy books. Today, we have a wonderful list of books for young readers

Read More
A graphic featuring a background of fruit and a plate with an orange slice with the words Books to Enjoy with a Snack

Picture Books to Enjoy With a Snack

Kids love a good story and a good snack! Here are some fun picture books to read out loud during snack time, and snack ideas to go with them. Crocodile Hungry, by Eija Sumner, illustrated by John Marz Kids will giggle as Crocodile causes chaos on his quest for the perfect snack. Make quick and easy mini-pizzas using biscuit dough for your kids and crocodiles with this recipe from Pillsbury. Paletero Man, by Lucky Diaz, illustrated by Micah Player A little boy dreams of

Read More
A graphic with a cartoon image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the words "teach kids about Dr. King and civil rights"

Teach Kids about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Civil Rights

Monday, January 15, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year. Kids are never too young to learn about civil rights and how to treat others with kindness and respect. Here are some resources for teaching kids about this important holiday. Watch In this segment from “Sesame Street,” Elmo, Abby Cadabby and their friends learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and dream. The characters work together to decorate a Peace Treaty showing how they can be part of Dr. King’s

Read More
A graphic featuring pink and purple fireworks in the text "celebrate the new year with picture books"

Welcome 2024 with Picture Books Celebrating New Year’s Traditions

Soon, people around the world will be celebrating the start of a fresh, new year. Count down to 2024 with these fantastic picture books about New Year’s traditions across countries and cultures. Shante Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport, illustrated by Marion Eldridge Shante’s grandmother is out of black-eyed peas — and the family always eats them on New Year’s Day for good luck! As Shante goes out to search for peas, she learns about her neighbors’ traditions and celebrations

Read More
A graphic that has three penguins holding presence and a book with the title Penguin Picture Books for Winter Weather

Stay Warm This Winter With Picture Books About Penguins

Winter snow and ice are on their way. Snuggle up somewhere warm and enjoy these picture books about everyone’s favorite cold-weather bird: penguins! Lost and Found, by Oliver Jeffers When a penguin arrives at a boy’s door, he decides to help it find its way back to the South Pole. On the way, he learns about what really makes a home. The penguin and boy return in Up and Down. Seals are Jerks, by Jared Chapman Lorelei is sure that penguins and

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An image that reads "books to read's cookies and milk" over a background of cookies

Classic Books to Read with Milk and Cookies

Everyone loves a reason to eat dessert — and November is National Cookie Month! Here are some classic cookie-themed picture books to enjoy with your favorite sweet treat. The Cow Loves Cookies, by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Marcellus Hall Every creature in the barnyard has a favorite treat — but the cow wants to share the farmer’s cookies instead of eating hay. Little ones will love to bounce along with the cheerful rhymes in this book. The Duckling Gets a Cookie?!, by

Read More
A graphic with the words "Inspire Kindness with Ice Cream Books" over the top of a colorful scoop of ice cream

Inspire Kindness with Ice Cream Books

National Ice Cream Month Is a great opportunity to share a sweet treat with the kids in your life. These ice cream-themed picture books will help you share a few sweet life lessons, too. For easy recipes to enjoy while you read, check out our ice cream activities blog. Saffron Ice Cream, by Rashin Kheiriyeh On her first trip to an American beach, a little girl remembers her former home in Iran and wonders what her new home will be like. She

Read More
A graphic that reads "Picture Books for Safety Month" in an octagon the color of a stop sign, with other street signs in the background

Encourage Safety Skills with Fun Picture Books

Communities all over the country recognize National Safety Month each June. Picture books are a fun way to teach personal and community safety skills in ways that make kids laugh and listen. How Do Dinosaurs Stay Safe?, by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague Giant, colorful, feathery, silly dinosaurs learn about everything from safely crossing the street to dialing 9-1-1 in this rhyming story that reminds kids they can always make good choices (and will make them laugh, too.) No Dragons for Tea:

Read More
A graphic featuring small children dressed up like an astronaut, doctor, chef, construction worker and other jobs with the text "Explore Careers With Picture Books"

Explore Careers With Picture Books

In April, we celebrate Take Your Child to Work Day. Inspire kids to think about all the incredible things they can do when they grow up with these fun picture books! And don’t miss a personal Take Your Child to Work Day story from the Imagine Institute’s Marketing and Communications Lead, Devon Allen. Ada Twist, Scientist, by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts Little Ada Marie’s first word is “why?” and she never stops asking questions about the world. Her parents get

Read More
A graphic that shows two girls reading books in the text "Women's History Month: Girl Power Picture Books"

Picture Books about the Power of Girls

Women’s History Month is a wonderful time to share the stories of remarkable women who girls can look up to. But girls also need to hear stories about the amazing things they can do while they’re young. Children of all genders will be inspired by these true stories of incredible girls, too! Malala’s Magic Pencil, by Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Kerascoët Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala’s first picture book shares how she dreamed of making the world a better place as a

Read More
A graphic with the text "Celebrating Black History Month Part Three: Children's Books for Black History Month" with the Image of a Young Black Girl Reading a Book

Children’s Books for Black History Month

Throughout the month of February, we are sharing posts written by Imagine Institute training program assistant Lourdes Flores about Black History Month. This series will follow the long history of Black History Month, Black History in the United States, and how we can all celebrate Black History Month in a way that is supportive, healthy, and, most importantly, empowering. Yesterday, we shared a list of Washington-based Black-owned places to buy books. Today, we have a wonderful list of books for young readers

Read More
A graphic featuring a background of fruit and a plate with an orange slice with the words Books to Enjoy with a Snack

Picture Books to Enjoy With a Snack

Kids love a good story and a good snack! Here are some fun picture books to read out loud during snack time, and snack ideas to go with them. Crocodile Hungry, by Eija Sumner, illustrated by John Marz Kids will giggle as Crocodile causes chaos on his quest for the perfect snack. Make quick and easy mini-pizzas using biscuit dough for your kids and crocodiles with this recipe from Pillsbury. Paletero Man, by Lucky Diaz, illustrated by Micah Player A little boy dreams of

Read More
A graphic with a cartoon image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the words "teach kids about Dr. King and civil rights"

Teach Kids about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Civil Rights

Monday, January 15, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year. Kids are never too young to learn about civil rights and how to treat others with kindness and respect. Here are some resources for teaching kids about this important holiday. Watch In this segment from “Sesame Street,” Elmo, Abby Cadabby and their friends learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and dream. The characters work together to decorate a Peace Treaty showing how they can be part of Dr. King’s

Read More
A graphic featuring pink and purple fireworks in the text "celebrate the new year with picture books"

Welcome 2024 with Picture Books Celebrating New Year’s Traditions

Soon, people around the world will be celebrating the start of a fresh, new year. Count down to 2024 with these fantastic picture books about New Year’s traditions across countries and cultures. Shante Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport, illustrated by Marion Eldridge Shante’s grandmother is out of black-eyed peas — and the family always eats them on New Year’s Day for good luck! As Shante goes out to search for peas, she learns about her neighbors’ traditions and celebrations

Read More
A graphic that has three penguins holding presence and a book with the title Penguin Picture Books for Winter Weather

Stay Warm This Winter With Picture Books About Penguins

Winter snow and ice are on their way. Snuggle up somewhere warm and enjoy these picture books about everyone’s favorite cold-weather bird: penguins! Lost and Found, by Oliver Jeffers When a penguin arrives at a boy’s door, he decides to help it find its way back to the South Pole. On the way, he learns about what really makes a home. The penguin and boy return in Up and Down. Seals are Jerks, by Jared Chapman Lorelei is sure that penguins and

Read More
An image that reads "books to read's cookies and milk" over a background of cookies

Classic Books to Read with Milk and Cookies

Everyone loves a reason to eat dessert — and November is National Cookie Month! Here are some classic cookie-themed picture books to enjoy with your favorite sweet treat. The Cow Loves Cookies, by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Marcellus Hall Every creature in the barnyard has a favorite treat — but the cow wants to share the farmer’s cookies instead of eating hay. Little ones will love to bounce along with the cheerful rhymes in this book. The Duckling Gets a Cookie?!, by

Read More