March is National Reading Month
March is National Reading Month, a time to celebrate and foster one of the most critical skills in our children's development.
For early readers, ages five to seven, this is a foundational period. They are just beginning to decode the world around them, one word at a time.
Research from Scholastic confirms that a strong foundation in early literacy is a key predictor of future academic success, vocabulary development, and, crucially, empathy.
At five, six, and seven, the right book doesn't just teach them to read. It teaches them how to think, how to feel, and how to find joy in discovery.
📚 Cultivating Curiosity: Books for Learning & Knowledge
When your child starts asking "Why?", it's a sign that their world is expanding. These books provide the answers in a way that sparks even more questions.
🌋 Volcanoes by Nell Cross Beckerman
This book answers the question, "What's happening inside the earth?" with lyrical prose and stunning illustrations. It transforms a geology lesson into a poetic experience, fostering a love for the natural world.
🦥 Hello, I'm a Sloth by Haley & John Rocco
A sloth narrates its own life with charming simplicity. "I climb down my tree once a week to poop." Your child will giggle while absorbing fascinating facts about animal biology and behavior.
🌿 Over and Under the Wetland by Kate Messner
Walking with a grandmother and child, readers explore the visible world of a wetland and the hidden ecosystem thriving beneath the water's surface. It's a beautiful introduction to the concept of complex, layered environments.
🍱 This Is Not My Lunch Box! by Jennifer Dupuis
This book turns learning about animal diets into a clever guessing game. Whose lunch box is filled with worms, nuts, and truffles? It encourages deductive reasoning and critical thinking.
🔍 Evidence! How Dr. John Snow Solved the Mystery of Cholera by Deborah Hopkinson
Set in 1854 London, this is the true story of a physician who used observation and data to stop a deadly epidemic. It's a compelling, real-world introduction to the scientific method and problem-solving.
Knowledge isn't about memorization. It's about understanding the story of our world.
😊 Building Empathy: Books for Emotion & Social Skills (SEL)
Navigating big feelings is one of the most challenging parts of childhood. These books provide a mirror for their own experiences and a guide for understanding others.
💛 Big Feelings by Alexandra Penfold
A perfect day of play is disrupted by overwhelming emotions. This book validates the messy, intense feelings kids experience and models how to navigate conflict and reconciliation.
🌋 My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook
For the child who constantly interrupts, this book uses the brilliant metaphor of a volcano to teach self-control and the importance of active listening in a gentle, non-judgmental way.
👜 Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
Lilly adores her teacher, until he confiscates her prized new purse. The story masterfully navigates Lilly's journey through anger, remorse, and apology, offering a nuanced look at emotional regulation.
🎹 The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore
"What if I mess up?" "What if they laugh?" This book gives a name to the anxieties that can paralyze a child before a big event, and provides a cognitive strategy for reframing negative thoughts into positive ones.
🏊 Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari is ready to jump off the high dive. He's passed his swim test. But his feet won't move. This is a powerful story about courage, not the absence of fear, but the act of proceeding despite it.
We can't always explain feelings with words. But a story can make them understood.
😂 Sparking Joy: Books for Humor & Fun
The ultimate goal is to raise a lifelong reader. That journey begins with one simple ingredient: joy.
🪰 Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
A boy has a pet fly. The premise is simple, but the execution is hilarious. With easy, repetitive text and comically exaggerated illustrations, this series builds reading confidence through laughter.
🦭 Narwhal and Jelly by Ben Clanton
A cheerful, optimistic narwhal and a pragmatic, no-nonsense jellyfish navigate friendship. The graphic novel format and witty dialogue make it irresistible, even for reluctant readers.
🩲 Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
Two boys hypnotize their principal into becoming a briefs-wearing superhero. This series is a global phenomenon because it understands exactly what makes kids laugh, turning reading from a chore into a reward.
🍕 Bad Food by Eric Luper
A slice of pizza, a scoop of ice cream, and a tater tot have epic adventures in the school cafeteria. The absurd humor and familiar setting make this an easy and delightful read.
🎮 Press Start! by Thomas Flintham
Structured like a video game, this series follows the adventures of a Super Rabbit. It's the perfect gateway for kids who love gaming, showing them that books can be just as immersive and exciting.
Joy is the most powerful motivator.
✔️ Your Weekly Literacy Playbook
You don't need a grand plan. Small, consistent actions make the biggest impact.
Dedicate 10 minutes of tech-free reading time before bed.
Ask one open-ended question: "What do you think the character will do next?"
Co-create a drawing of your favorite scene from the book.
Celebrate the effort, not perfection. It's okay if they don't finish the book. The goal is positive association.
You're not just raising a reader. You're raising a thinker, a feeler, and a lifelong learner.
That is more than enough.
With warmth,
VI2AZ: Always by your side for your family’s healthy everyday life
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