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Skill-Building Book Tips

Turn storytime into skill-building time.

These free, downloadable resources offer tips for building children’s life skills based on classic and diverse children’s books.

With content customized to each book, Book Tips help boost science-driven learning, fun and engagement between children and adults. These resources are available in English and Spanish and designed for three age groups, infants and toddlers, preschoolers and school-age.

Educators can also access Book Tips through a partnership with First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides books and educational materials for educators serving children in need.

Books & Tips that Promote Life Skills

Communicating

Penguin

Infant / Toddler
When Ben receives a penguin as a present, he tries to communicate with him in many different ways. Ben becomes increasingly frustrated when Penguin doesn’t respond. Finally, Penguin responds when Ben needs him most!
Download English
Download Spanish

Focus & Self-Control

The Carrot Seed

Preschool
In this heartwarming story, a boy plants and cares for a carrot seed. He’s certain it will grow into something wonderful, even when those around him have doubts. Available in Spanish.
Download English
Download Spanish

Critical Thinking

Seven Blind Mice

Preschool
One day, a strange Something appears by the pond. Each day, a different blind mouse runs to the pond to learn more and report the findings to the other mice. They disagree, until finally one mouse explores the whole Something and comes back to report the truth. This book is a visual delight and a page-turner. Available in Spanish
Download English
Download Spanish

Perspective Taking

Wonder

School Age
Wonder is the wondrous story of a child, August Pullman, who was born with rare and serious facial deformities. Because he endured 27 surgeries, he was homeschooled until fifth grade when he enrolled in school for the first time. Although he feels like an ordinary ten-year-old, he knows that ordinary kids don’t cause other ordinary children to run away screaming when they see them. Demonstrates diversity/inclusion. Available in Spanish.
Download English
Download Spanish

Critical Thinking

Nate the Great

School Age
Nate the Great is on the case! With dry humor, this classic early chapter book introduces readers to a boy detective tracking clues, interviewing suspects and finding whatever’s missing. It’s a delightful introduction to noir for growing readers.
Download English
Download Spanish

Communicating

Moo, Baa, La La

Infant / Toddler
This rhyming romp is a favorite of countless families. As expressive barnyard animals make the wrong sounds, children delight in correcting them. Along the way, they’ll quack, moo, neigh, baa, meow and giggle! Available in Spanish.
Download English
Download Spanish

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