Some of Our Favorite Kids' Books

Family Fun in Massachusetts, Cape Ann Kids Summer Guide

Finding the right book for your kid can be a challenge but if you keep new ones coming, you may be on your way to raising a lifelong reader.

Here we've highlighted a few books for different ages - some exceptional titles could be the perfect thing to spark your kid's interest, introduce your reader to a new author, or rediscover an old favorite.

[amazon 0803736800 full]

by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri, a hilarious picture book that warns of the dangers of serving dragons their favorite food topped with spicy salsa. It will make them breathe fire, and they could burn your house down. It's silly fun from start to finish, with dragons of every size, shape, and color and heaps and heaps of tacos on its entertaining spreads. This one could become a classic.

[amazon 0062114689 full]

This touching, sweet, beautiful kids book shows both kids and adults how to visit their dreams and make them come true through wonderful illustration and narration. A simple, great story that gives kids the freedom to have passion, ideas and dreams.

[amazon 0374400156 full]

About a young girl who finds a lost baby bear on Broadway in NYC who is looking for his mama. There are certain things you should do when you meet a bear in Manhattan and one of them is to stick your gloved hand out (after you "suck in your breath") and say, "Stop there, Little Bear!" The book will charm young kids because of the bear's infantlike talk when interacting with the little girl who has found him. "How does your mama sing, Little Bear?", she asks.  Little Bear responds, "Oh! Sings like mama!". The cuteness continues to the very end.

This is an adorable book that has a beautiful flow (Amy Hest), from the first past to the last. The illustration (Elivia Savadier) and whimsical watercolors are a treasure.

The book opens up the opportunity to discuss what your little one should do in case they ever lose their Mama when they are out in public and, of course, have that never ending discussion about "strangers." This is a quaint little story you and your little one are going to enjoy.

[amazon 1423103009 full]

This wonderful story, written by Mo Willems, that's easy to follow and is filled with beautiful watercolors depicting the story as it progresses through Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and into the following Spring.

City Dog's life changed when he made to the country and had a chance meeting with a frog in a pond.  Their friendship develops through the seasonal life cycle of the frog and eventually ends when winter arrives.  The dogs spends the winter thinking of his friend, and mourns his loss. The following Spring brings renewed spirit to the dog as he implements what he learned from the frog during the previous year. 

[amazon 9780375851193 full]

The Harry books are great for language development because the names of the dinosaurs play a big role in the story line, plus there's a train. What could be better than dinosaurs and trains (ahem - Dinosaur Train)?

The underlying theme is that sometimes the best adventures don't necessarily require a brand new toy or game.  Sometimes the imagination just needs a little nudge by spending some quality time with something old and broken.  I can see myself using a Harry as a point of reference many times as we move forward with our own adventures into the future.

[amazon 9780670063154 full]

Follow the mini stories of Officer Mike, Officer Jan and Officer Carl as they are dispatched to different emergencies by Sargent Santole.  By the end of the first reading, your child will have a baseline of facts about what police officers do, how to identify them and where to find them.  With colorful illustrations and repetitive rhyming story telling, this will quickly become a favorite with your little one.

[amazon 078681988X full]

This is a book you read over and over and have great fun while doing it. With feathers flying and eyeballs popping, Pigeon is unflinching and hilarious in his determination to drive the bus. The genius of this book is that the very young will actually recognize themselves in it.

[amazon 1416948643 full]

Chicken Cheeks is sure to keep them laughing as all the different kinds of animal butts pile atop one another. From beginning to "end" this story is filled with visual jokes and amusing details. It helps to reinforce several concepts too including initial consonant sounds, rhyming pairs, and synonyms. This darling book is a must-have for any early elementary student.

[amazon 1445465817 full]

Little donkey on the hill, standing there so very still. Making faces at the skies, Little donkey close your eyes. A magical story from the hidden treasures of Margaret Wise Brown, perfect for sharing. This book is a marvelous bedtime story

Find these books online at Amazon or at one of the local bookstores here on the North Shore:

 

 

A Landmark Summer Experience at Landmark School in Beverly Massachusetts prepare students for success in the fall and beyond.

Music Together - Wednesday

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
9:30 am to 11:15 am

Wednesday, January 22

Dungeons & Dragons Club at Essex Library

The Essex Massachusetts Library hosts a Dungeons and Dragons club for local kids.
Enjoy a the role playing game Dungeons and Dragons on Mondays, 5:30-7pm with Student Dungeon Master, Gus Hall. Spaces are limited, register early!
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Thursday, January 23

LEGO Club at Danvers Library

LEGO club at Danvers Library Massachusetts
Peabody Institute Library - Danvers invites kids to an afternoon of building and fun! Activities will include free build, themes and instructional design. All structures will remain on display in the Children’s Room till the following weeks's session
3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Friday, January 24

Music Together - Friday

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
10:30 am to 11:15 am

Kidleidoscope at Breakheart Reservation

Kidleidoscope is a program designed for preschoolers at Bradley Palmer State Park
Come join our park interpreter for a story time and nature walk! Complete a small craft and explore the woods! Walks are gently paced and approximately 1 mile, though not accessible for strollers. Appropriate for families with children 3-5 years old. Meet at the Visitor Center.
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Drop-In Family LEGO at HWPL

Wednesdays are LEGO Build Days at the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library
Put your imagination and building skills to the test at this self-directed drop-in program. All ages are welcome with a caregiver.
3:15 pm to 4:15 pm

Saturday, January 25

Music Together - Saturday

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45 minutes...
9:15 am to 11:15 am

Guided Tour | When Granite Was King!

Find out the story behind the history of granite quarrying at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport, Massachusetts!
Halibut Point State Park is also a granite quarry with a history that goes back billions of years! Over one hundred years ago, the Rockport Granite Company quarried granite stone here.
11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Befriend the Barnyard

Befriend the Barnyard is a hands-on barnyard experience at the Trustees of Reservations' Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts
Discover our special barnyard animals! Our Angora rabbits Violet, Mabel, Oiver and Charles; Nubian goats Maeve, Morgana, and Mordred; dairy cows Gray, Jasmine, their calves Gigi and Joanie and our friendly flock of heritage chickens will take center stage as we learn about what makes them so unique...
11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Dungeons & Dragons Club at Essex Library

The Essex Massachusetts Library hosts a Dungeons and Dragons club for local kids.
Enjoy a the role playing game Dungeons and Dragons on Mondays, 5:30-7pm with Student Dungeon Master, Gus Hall. Spaces are limited, register early!
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Nice n' Easy Hike at Breakheart Reservation

Nice and Easy winter hike at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus Massachusetts
Join the Park Interpreter for this weekly guided hike! Each trip will highlight natural and historic features unique to Breakheart. Hikes are moderately paced and range from 2-3 miles over sometimes uneven and rocky terrain. Best for ages 8 years and up. Meet at the Visitor Center.
9:30 pm to 11:30 pm