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*Note: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
Today marks the second day of National Family Literacy Month. This is a month that has been designated to bringing attention to getting the whole family involved in bringing literacy to the forefront. Study after study has shown that reading aloud is the most important activity that you can engage in with your children to prepare them for reading on their own and to raising a future reader, opening a plethora of future possibilities.
Reading aloud is best started right from the beginning with infants, giving them the opportunity to listen to your voice as you read stories and looking at illustrations but if you didn’t start reading to your child when they were an infant, there is no better time like the present to begin. Reading aloud to your child will help with vocabulary, writing skills, memory, attention span and builds background knowledge, giving them an understanding of their world and also teaching empathy. Don’t forget to read with feeling and excitement, using different voices when possible. Look at the illustrations together and see if they hold clues to the story, characters and subsequent outcome. Be sure to make it a fun experience that builds curiosity so that children will gain a fondness for books and don’t forget to share books from your childhood as well.
If you aren’t sure what to read, check with your local bookseller, library or check out ourbook lists. Some of our go-to read alouds include:
Remember that National Family Literacy Month includes the entire family and that reading aloud is not enjoyable and beneficial for children alone. Adult children reading to their aging parents, adults reading to other adults and even beginning readers reading to others to gain confidence should all be included this month and beyond. Reading is a gift, meant to be shared.
Happy reading!
-Kate @ BTBL Author
We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 5) for Kate, and two sons (now 2 and 1) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.
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*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
Thoreau’s quote gives us food for thought. We should all be grateful for what we have and teach our children to be thankful each and every day and not just one day a year. This is not to say that we shouldn’t encourage our children to reach higher and strive for a bit more, but we should remember that there is always something in our life to be thankful for and that the experiences we go through in our lives, ultimately make us who we are. So spend some time with loved ones around the table or walking among the leaves and think about all that you are thankful for.
It‘s rather fitting that November is National Sweet Potato Awareness month because that is often the vegetable of choice at Thanksgiving and National Stuffing Day is celebrated with Thanksgiving right around the corner. Try out some new recipes for the holiday but also share your old family favorites. Allow children to help out with the preparation of the family meal and when possible, bring the generations of your family together to build lasting memories. A story to consider might be Sweet Potato Pie by Kathleen D. Lindsey.
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November
National Peanut Butter Lovers, Pepper, Pomegranate, Raisin Bread & Sweet Potato Awareness Month
1st: National Calzone Day
We couldn’t find any storybooks featuring calzones specifically, so we suggest you choose a pizza story to read aloud instead.
1st: National Deep Fried Clam Day
3rd: National Sandwich Day
4th: National Candy Day
6th: National Nachos Day
Nacho’s Nachos: The Story Behind the World’s Favorite Snack by Sandra Nickel
14th: National Pickle Day
21st: National Stuffing Day
4th Thursday: Thanksgiving
Take a look back at our previous blogs, Save a Turkey! Gobble up a good book! and Give Thanks for Books This November!, to see our favorite books to read aloud for Thanksgiving.
26th: National Cake Day
28th: National French Toast Day
Josh Funk's captivating series, Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast, can be read on a number of special days as each title features an entire cast of food characters.
Happy reading and baking!
-Kate @ BTBL Author
We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 5) for Kate, and two sons (now 2 and 1) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children. 
*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
Fall continues in October with National Apple, Caramel, Chili, Cookie, Dessert, Pasta, Pizza, Popcorn Poppin‘, Pork, Pumpkin, Seafood and Tomato month. We in Michigan think of it as the time to head to the farmer‘s market, cider mill and apple orchards as well as the pumpkin patch. Share a non-fiction book about apples, such as Apples for Everyone by Jill Esbaum or Apples by Gail Gibbons, and then consider going apple picking. Search cookbooks for tasty recipes in which to use your apples. Think about making your own applesauce, which you can then use instead of oil in your baked goods. When picking out your pumpkin for Halloween, grab some pie pumpkins as well for baking and share Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie by Jill Esbaum. Now is a great time to also include a book about fall while partaking of one of those delectable desserts that you and your child(ren) have baked or pop some corn out around a bonfire and tell your favorite story.
This is also a great time to use fall and all its natural splendor to enhance home learning through cooking and baking and identification, using the leaves, apples and pumpkins of fall. Cooking and baking utilizes math and reading skills, and you can use the different varieties of apples and leaves for identification. For younger children, count the apples you pick, count the seeds from the pumpkin, measure the circumference of the pumpkin and collect leaves and discuss the different colors and shapes. Search online for craft ideas using leaves, apples, pumpkin seeds etc. Read a fall storybook and then extend the learning with a craft.
Refer back to our previous blogs to find fall book recommendations:
Fall Into Books! Autumn is almost here! Good-bye Summer, Hello Fall!
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October
National Apple, Caramel, Chili, Cookbook, Cookie, Dessert, Pasta, Pizza, Popcorn Poppin‘, Pork, Pumpkin, Seafood & Tomato Month
National Apple Month
Ten Apples Up On Top! by Theo. LeSieg (Dr. Seuss)
Use this book as part of a math lesson: -Count from 1 - 10 by ones -Count by tens -Practice Addition You can also draw, color or cut out apples from red paper and stack them just as the animals do (dot markers would also fun to use). Expand this into a science lesson by attempting to stack real apples, whether on a table top or your head!
National Chili Month
Armadilly Chili by Heather Ketteman
National Cookbook Month
The Bake-A-Cake Book by Marie Meijer
"Come bake a cake with the cake-bakers!" We found this title at a used book sale some time ago and it has been a favorite ever since. Truthfully, we have not actually made the cake that the two bakers in the book make, but we have used this book countless times during imaginative play in my daughter's little kitchen. She gathers all of the utensils, tools and ingredients together and then carefully follows each step as the little bakers create a most scrumptious looking cake. It is a wonderful learning through play experience!
For even more cookbook recommendations, take a look at our list:
Baking, Cooking, Gardening and Food Related Books
National Cookie Month
National Pizza Month
National Popcorn Poppin' Month
National Pumpkin Month
National Tomato Month
1st: National Homemade Cookie Day
Refer to 'National Cookie Month' above.
4th: National Taco Day
4th: National Pumpkin Seed Day
Refer to 'National Pumpkin Month' above.
6th: National Noodle Day
8th: National Pierogi Day
Every Culture Has a Pierogi by Lorraine Krusinski
9th: World Egg Day
10th: National Cake Decorating Day
Decorate Cakes, Cupcakes and Cookies with Kids by Autumn Carpenter
12th: National Farmer's Day
For more information on farmers and farming, refer back to our previous blogs:
Celebrate National Farmers Market Week! How Does Your Garden Grow?
17th: National Pasta Day
18th: National Chocolate Cupcake Day
22nd: National Nut Day
24th: National Food Day
26th: National Pumpkin Day
Refer to 'National Pumpkin Month' above.
27th: National Breadstick Day
28th: National Chocolate Day
29th: National Oatmeal Day
30th: National Candy Corn Day
Julius's Candy Corn by Kevin Henkes
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“The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.”
A quote from Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor and philosopher who lived from 121 AD to 180 AD yet the sentiment still applies today. Let’s do our best to keep our thoughts positive as we go through these challenging times and teach our children to favor others with kindness and respect as we are surrounded by the beautiful colors of fall.
Happy fall!
-Kate @ BTBL Author
We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 5) for Kate, and two sons (now 2 and 10 months) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children. 
*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
Fall, with its beautiful colors and crisp apples is also known as the time for back to school and packed lunches. This year the back to school season may be looking a little different than we are all used to. Whether attending in-person, virtually or embarking on a homeschool journey, books can help make the experience one to remember and to learn and grow from!
Now, this time of year is also of great significance to the farmers as it signals the beginning of harvest season. National Farm Safety & Health Week this month celebrates the contributions of farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers who work tirelessly to feed our nation. Frequent your local farmers market to include fresh produce in your child‘s lunch, as well as for snacks and meals at home. Celebrate National Johnny Appleseed Day with a visit to an apple orchard. Pick an apple and enjoy it under the tree and read Johnny Appleseed by Jane Yolen, Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh or another title about American John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. Make some applesauce with your child(ren) or an apple pie and pair the kitchen adventure with How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman or The Apple Pie that Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson. You might also consider making some blackberry jam in honor of National Blackberry Day.
The uncertainty that plagued us earlier this year still remains strong in our thoughts and these uncertain times often come with unpredictable changes and children are most affected by these changes, especially to the school year. Don’t forget to reassure them and keep things as normal as possible. Keep routines or start new ones such as reading to them each night before bed and spend family time together with game nights, nature walks and time spent in the kitchen using fresh farm fruit and veggies.
September
National Biscuit, Chicken, Food Safety, Hazelnut, Honey, Mushroom, Potato & Rice Month
National Chicken Month
National Hazelnut Month
Who Stole the Hazelnuts? by Marcus Pfister
National Honey Month
National Rice Month
1st Full Week: National Waffle Week
Woodpecker Wants a Waffle by Steve Breen
3rd Week: National Farm Safety & Health Week
Dinosaur Farm by Frann Preston-Gannon
This story follows a farmer as he goes about his daily routine of caring for the animals and plants in his charge, but there is something a little bit different about this particular farm. Instead of the typical barnyard livestock of cows, pigs and chickens, readers will find the illustrations brimming with prehistoric creatures! You won't want to miss any of the laugh-out-loud fun as you read this one, so be sure to take your time looking over the illustrations.
2nd: International Bacon Day
Everyone Loves Bacon by Kelly DiPucchio
7th: National Acorn Squash Day
11th: National Hot Cross Buns Day
Hot Cross Buns and Other Old Street Cries by John Langstaff
12th: National Blackberry Day
13th: National Chocolate Day
Chocolate: The Consuming Passion by Sandra Boynton While this title is actually intended for adults, it is filled with the kind of witty text and comical illustrations expected of the incomparable Sandra Boynton and is sure to bring delight to chocolate enthusiasts of every age!
13th: National Peanut Day
18th: National Cheeseburger Day
Spiders Don't Eat Cheeseburgers by Kat Brancato
22nd: National White Chocolate Day
23rd: National Pot Pie Day
26th: National Johnny Appleseed Day
*Additional titles referenced toward the beginning of this post. 
Johnny Appleseed: The Story of a Legend by Will Moses
26th: National Dumpling Day
26th: National Pancake Day
27th: National Chocolate Milk Day
One last thing...September is also Library Card Sign-up Month, so visit your local library (if they are open), get a card and check out some of the titles we have mentioned in this post!
Happy reading! -Kate @ BTBL Author
We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 5) for Kate, and two sons (now 2 and 10 months) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.  *Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts. The last month of fall is the month in which we give thanks for all that we’ve been blessed with. Consider yourself very fortunate indeed if you can read. Pass on this skill along with a love and appreciation of books to your children. Thanksgiving titles to read include ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey, Arthur’s Thanksgiving by Marc Brown, A Snowman Named Just Bob by Mark Kimball Moulton and the classic Over the River and Through the Wood by Lydia Maria Child.
“Never let the things you want make you forget the things you have.” |
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What's happening in November?
1st: National Family Literacy Day - Find time now and throughout the year to sit down as a family and read together.
First Tuesday (after the first Monday) is Election Day - Teach your children the importance of being informed and exercising their right to vote. Fun books to consider include Monster Needs Your Vote by Paul Czajak and Madame President by Lane Smith.
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First Saturday is Book Lovers Day - Another celebration for those who love to read. Choose a favorite book, get cozy and read aloud with those you love.
11th: Veterans Day - Honor our military veterans by reading with a Vet or donating a book to a Veteran’s organization. Consider reading with your child H is for Honor: A Military Family Alphabet by Devin Scillian, Hero Mom or Hero Dad by Melinda Harden and Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood by Valerie Pfundstein.
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15th: Author Marc Brown’s Birthday - Introduce your child to the famous aardvark Arthur. There are numerous books from picture books to chapter books as well as a PBS series.
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29th: Author Louisa May Alcott’s Birthday - Author of the well-known books Little Women and Little Men. Introduce your child to the classics by reading them aloud (you judge the age of appreciation.) Remember that listening comprehension is greater than reading comprehension.
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Author Jon Klassen’s Birthday - Get out your favorite hat or make one and read I Want My Hat Back, This is Not My Hat or We Found a Hat.
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Fourth Thursday is Thanksgiving - Give thanks for books this holiday by sharing a Thanksgiving story from our list of Holiday Books. Also, take a look at our previous blog: Save a turkey! Gobble up a good book!.
30th: Author L. M. Montgomery - Another classic that was once a staple of every child’s literary education was Anne of Green Gables. Be sure to include classics in your child’s reading library.
Be grateful and read!
-Kate @ BTBL
-Kate @ BTBL
Author
We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 4) for Kate, and two sons (now 1 and a newborn) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.
Author
We are mom Sandra and daughters Amanda and Kate, all with backgrounds in literacy and education, who want to share our philosophy of taking the basics of life; books, simple toys that encourage play, imagination and creativity, and using cooking and baking to teach math and real life skills to raise happy, inquisitive children. Join us in exploring the old and the new and sifting through the myriad of research to consider what is best for our children.
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