Develop your little ones early literacy skills with story time at home! Early literacy refers to the foundational skills that our little ones learn about reading and writing before they formally learn to read and write. By focusing on these five aspects of early literacy – reading, writing, singing, talking, and playing – you can develop your little one’s early literacy skills.
On a trip to the park with her mother, a young girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her and begins to move to the beat, finally beginning an impromptu dance in which other children join her.This is a highly interactive book and is a great way to introduce elements of movement and play into your story times at home.
When reading the book, ask the your little one to complete an action with each sequence of the story:
THINK, THINK (find your head) – BEAT, BEAT (find your ears) – BLINK, BLINK (find your eyes) – SNIFF, SNIFF (find your nose) – CLAP, CLAP (clap hands along to the beat) – SNAP, SNAP (snap or wiggle your fingers) – SHAKE, SHAKE (shake your hips) – KNOCK, KNOCK (find your knees) – STOMP, STOMP (stomp your feet) -TIP, TAP (tap your toes)
Read each page more than once to encourage your little one to participate in the action.
This book has limited text on each page. Ways to extend your reading can include describing the city scenes outlined on pages or asking questions about the illustrations. How many friends do we see playing in the park?
Is one of our friends chewing bubble gum?
Point out the radio, the skateboard, the bench.
Talk about the blue skies and the green grass and trees.
Movement and action in story time increases your little ones engagement, attention, and comprehension.
If you’re reading this story to a baby you can show baby the action that goes along with the story and tickle the corresponding body part on baby.
Easy Readers Sir Ladybug by Corey R. Tabor Sir Ladybug is a gentle knight who, along with his friends, is called on a quest to rescue a caterpillar from being eaten by a hungry chickadee. This funny story offers a good start for young readers.
Princess in Black and Mermaid Princess by Shannon Hale The Princess in Black and her friends are enjoying a day of sun and sea on the royal boat when a real, live mermaid Princess emerges from the waves. She needs their help protecting her sea goats from being eaten by a greedy kraken.
Max and the Midknights: Tower of Time no. 3 by Lincoln Peirce Max’s twin sister Mary is public enemy number one and has gone missing. It’s up to Max and the Midknights to find her and avoid crossing paths with trolls, pirates, and ruthless Kings.
Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game by Chris Grabenstein A 13 year-old boy named Luigi Lemoncello dreams of being a showman. He gets his chance when a carnival comes to town and a famous barker offers him a summer job involving a puzzle and treasure hunt.
Pilar Ramirez and the Escape from Zafa by Julian Randall While researching her documentary about her missing cousin, 12 yearold Pilar is transported to the magical island of Zafa. Here Dominican myths and legends come to life and her cousin is being held captive in a prison.
Different Kinds of Fruit Kyle Lukoff Annabelle enters the 6th grade and makes friends with Bailey, the new nonbinary kid in town. Then she discovers that her father has something in common with Bailey and she begins to see herself and her family in a whole new light.
Board books Hello, Beautiful You! by Andrea Davis Pinkey This sweet book celebrates just how beautiful your little one is! Perfect to read while snuggling up together, this book is filled with rhythmic text and delightful illustrations that celebrate your little one.
Tummy Time Your little one will love this interactive, double-sided book that engages their senses. Filled with vivid images, a mirror, as well as instructions parents can do with their little ones. It’s exactly as the name suggests, taken up to new heights.
Picture books Beauty Woke by NoNieqa Ramos Beauty – who is of Taino Indian, African and Boricua heritage is raised by her loving family to have pride in who she is and where she comes from. But hatred toward people who look like her bruises her heart.
Out of a Jar by Deborah Marcero Llewellyn, a little bunny overwhelmed by his emotions, hides away his feelings in glass jars. Then he discovers it’s not good to bottle up your feelings and life is more colorful when he sets his emotions free.
The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson A brother and sister are stuck inside on a rainy day. Bored, they are told by their wise grandmother to use their minds. Using their imaginations, they are able to fly high above the city
Eyes that Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho A young Asian boy notices that his eyes look different from his peers’. His father tells him that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, & glimpse trails of light from those who came before.
Teen Nothing More to Tell by Karen M. McManus Four years ago, Brynn left St. Ambrose School following the shocking murder of her favorite teacher. The story made headlines after the teacher’s body was found by three students in the woods behind the school.
Kingdom of the Feared by Kerri Maniscalo Emilia is determined to clear her sister’s name when she is implicated in the murder of a high-ranking member of a rival demon court. Her investigation forces her to face the demons of her own past and challenge the Prince of Wrath.
Never Coming Home by Kate Williams Ten teen influencers arrive on Unknown Island expecting to find a tropical paradise, but instead they discover a deserted resort, poisonous snakes, and secrets worth killing for. Will anyone survive?
Once Upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho Instead of going to prom, 17 year-old Elena wants to spend her time saving the local community center. Then, her childhood best friend, now a Kpop superstar, returns to make good on their old pact to attend prom together.
This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi A romance between two main characters with roots in Persian mythology. The story follows Alizeh, heir to the Jinn crown, forced to seek refuge as a servant girl to evade those who would have her killed.
The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow Set against the backdrop of a wealthy oceanside town, this story follows two teenage girls – rich and popular Alice and her less popular, less rich tutor, Iris – as they work together to solve the murder of Alice’s exbest friend.
The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes Avery’s fortune, life, and loves are on the line in the game that everyone will be talking about. To inherit billions, all Avery has to do is survive a few more weeks living in Hawthorne House, but the paparazzi are dogging her.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston Chloe moves to Alabama and discovers she is the only student at her Catholic high school who is openly queer. She makes it her goal to become valedictorian, but must compete with the most popular girl at school.
Gallant by V.E. Schwab This atmospheric tale follows the story of Olivia, a young girl living at Merilance School for Girls. Her mother disappeared and she has spent her days bring taunted by girls at school. Then, she is sent to live at Gallant, the family estate.
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 