Books To Cozy Up With This Winter

As winter settles in and we spend a bit more time huddled inside our homes, it makes perfect sense to gather books to read. Whether our young children snuggle up with us as we read to them, or they’re getting a bit older and find a comfy spot to lose themselves in a book, we have titles here for all ages. From board books to YA (and everything in between), we skipped over the books you probably already know and love in an attempt to share some new ones.

Board Books

Winter Is Here by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Laura Dronzek

Henke’s books are always charming and so appealing to young readers; Winter Is Here is no exception. Along with Dronzenk’s beautiful illustrations, the text celebrates the simple joys of the season.

Winter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Richard Jones

As winter approaches, all the animals have different ways of preparing. Fox doesn’t head south, gather nuts, or change out its coat...so what should it do? We love this sweet tale with a focus on nature.

Picture Books

Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Campher, illustrated by Kenard Pak

Lina can’t wait to wake up and help her grandmother make stuffed grape leaves, but when she gets up, she discovers a blizzard has covered her city with snow. On the walk over, she thinks about how her grandmother can’t see very well, and she tries to listen to the sounds snow can make. This is a story everyone can enjoy and is sprinkled with Lebanese heritage and tradition.

Before Morning by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Beth Krommes

Fans of Krommes’ Caldecott winning The House in the Night will adore this gorgeous book. Some winter mornings feel almost magical, and what could be better than a big snowstorm to keep a traveling parent home a bit longer than expected? Full of rich text and cozy illustrations, this is a perfect book for this time of year.

Under the Snow by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Constance R. Bergum

Some of the best picture books blend masterful storytelling with factual information. Children of this age are eager to learn about their world, and often, especially, about animals. While humans enjoy their time above ground during winter, countless creatures are surviving beneath the surface.

Snow by Uri Shulevitz

Grownups, the radio, and the television all say there won’t be snow, but the boy with the dog knows better. One flake becomes two, then three, then more, as the town transitions from an eerie grey into a beautiful blanket of white. Snow is a Caldecott Honor book.

Early Readers and First Chapter Books

A Snowy Day (Ana & Andrew) by Christine Platt, illustrated by Sharon Sordo

A brother and sister enjoy a wholesome winter day together, filled with bundling up to play outside, making a snowman, eating “snow cream”, having grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch, and imagining how their cousins in Trinidad might enjoy the weather.

Henry And Mudge And The Snowman Plan by Cynthia Rylant, illustrations by Suçie Stevenson

If your child enjoys this book, it is just one in a fantastic series! Henry and his dog Mudge hear about a snowman-building contest at the local park. When Henry runs home to tell his dad about it, he finds him painting a green chair and covered in green paint himself. This is hilarious, but it also gives Henry an idea...

Caterflies and Ice (Zoey and Sassafras) by Asia Citro, illustrations by Marion Lindsay

One book in another great series, Zoey always seems to find herself helping out magical creatures. While caterflies may be completely fictional, the way Zoey approaches her problem-solving is anything but. Readers learn how to think like scientists, ask questions, and learn about real topics.

Juvenile and Middle Grade Fiction

The Reindeer Girl by Holly Webb

Another fantastic fiction title that gives readers factual and interesting information! Young Lotta has always enjoyed her Norwegian great-grandmother’s stories. Somehow, one evening, she finds herself immersed in and actually living one of these stories, and she’s suddenly responsible and caring for reindeer. She always hoped for her own adventures, but never dreamed they would be quite like this.

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Two main characters - Hazel and Jack - have always been best friends. As we all know, growing up means friendships change, and that transformation can be hard. The pair are now eleven years old, and while it’s common for boys and girls to go their own separate ways at this age, Hazel believes there is more to the story. While she searches for the answer, the two find themselves in a world of fantasy and fairy tales.

Young Adult

Into the Blizzard: Heroism at Sea During the Great Blizzard of 1978 [The Young Readers Adaptation] by Michael J. Tougias

In 1978 a massive blizzard struck New England with a force that has been unmatched since. During the storm a large oil tanker found itself in trouble and called for help. The heroes who rushed to meet them marched straight into the storm, and straight into danger. One book in a series of true rescue stories, this title will keep teens on the edge of their seats while teaching them a bit about history and the power of nature.

Icebound: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World by Andrea Pitzer

William Barents was a sixteenth-century Dutch explorer, who, along with his team, made multiple trips to the Arctic. One of these trips resulted in the crew losing their ship and being forced to spend an entire year attempting to survive on their own in an unforgiving landscape. A perfect pick for lovers of danger and adventure.

Graphic Novels (ages 6-18)

Graphic novels are having a moment. There was a time not long ago when it was easy for most adults to view them as “not real” books. Today we know that couldn’t be further from the truth. Many graphic novels are of very high quality; the plots and characters are well developed, and they are recognized for the important contribution they make to youth literature. They can motivate reluctant readers and increase reading comprehension. And what’s even better? There are great options out there for readers of all ages.

Whether your child is 6 or heading off to college soon, check out our list for suggestions. Many of these are part of a series, so it’s easy to get hooked on one title and feel eager to reach for the next. Suggested ages are listed below each title (but we will fully admit that we loved reading each and every one).

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton

(6-9 years) One day, a narwhal and a jellyfish meet - neither one believing the other is real. They decide to be friends anyway, and embark on many silly adventures, with some amazing science facts sprinkled in. Narwhal and Jelly love to use their imaginations...about as much as they love waffles.

Arlo & Pips: King of the Birds by Ben Clanton

(6-10 years) Arlo, a crow of many talents, meets a tiny yellow bird named Pips. Together, they wander around the city, delighting readers with incredible information about crows (did you know they give gifts to people they like?) and plenty of jokes.

Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of YOU by Rachel Brian

(6-10 years) If we could recommend just one book on this list, it would be this one. The information on these pages is critical for all children to read, and the illustrations and text are presented in such a way that will keep them interested. Sitting and reading this one together with your child will provide opportunity for some important conversations.

Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires

(ages 7-10) Binky is an indoor house cat. He loves the large and small humans that live with him, but he fears for all their safety because he believes there are space aliens just outside the door. The only logical thing to do is to become a certified space cat, build a spaceship, and do everything he can to protect those he loves. This book is fantastically ridiculous.

Noisemakers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices & Changed the World

(8-12 years) From the makers of Kazoo (an amazing magazine for kids), this collection is graphic novel meets Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls. Information on each woman is clear and accessible, and teaches readers about influential women. Included are figures such as fossil hunter Mary Anning, ballerina Maria Tallchief, detective Kate Warne, and explorer Jeanne Baret.

Science Comics: Coral Reefs: Cities of the Ocean by Maris Wicks

(9-13 years) Packed with fascinating information (like radial symmetry, life cycles, animal classification, ocean salinity, reef formation, and the water cycle), science-loving kids will really enjoy this book. Coral reefs, the creatures that live within them, and their effect on other living systems are more complex than one might think. Bright illustrations and a friendly fish narrator keep readers turning the pages.

Seen: True Stories of Marginalized Trailblazers: Rachel Carson By Birdie Willis, Rii Abrego, and Kieran Quigley

(11-16 years) This one might be a little trickier to track down; we found our copy at our local library, but it’s also sold at comic book stores. Definitely worth the extra searching, this book tells the true story of a girl who grew up loving nature and writing, and eventually found a way to put both talents to good use. Rachel Carson changed the way the people looked at the environment, and the role we play in caring for it.

The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

(12-18 years) Morgan is 15, and her life isn’t exactly what she wants it to be. Her parents just got divorced, her little brother is being rude, and she’s hiding a pretty big secret. She’s realized she likes girls, but she doesn’t feel like she can tell anyone until she goes off to college in a few years. Then she accidentally falls into the ocean and is saved by a beautiful girl named Keltie - who turns out to be a selkie with the heart of an environmentalist. Morgan’s summer - and life - is about to change.

Constitution Illustrated illustrated by R. Sikoryak

(13-18 years) Everyone living in the United States should read through the constitution at some point, and with the recent major shifts in our nation, even adolescents are becoming more interested in learning about politics and our history. This book contains the original text...accompanied by some entertaining illustrations. Characters like Calvin and Hobbs, the Peanuts, Spongebob, and senators and congressmen stylized like superheroes grace the pages, making reading the text more relatable to young people.

Run by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, illustrated by L. Fury and Nate Powell

(13-18 years) “First you march, then you run.” Co-authored by former Congressman Lewis and released this past August, Run details what it’s like to work against oppressive systems, and how that work can span decades. Covering some of the most influential moments of the civil rights movement, Lewis emphasizes that those powerful events were the beginning of a long and challenging journey.

Animal Books For Lower Elementary Children (and Kindergartners, too!)

It’s no secret that most children of a certain age are completely enamored with animals. This love starts when they are quite young but grows to a fever pitch somewhere between ages five and nine. Luckily, the Montessori curriculum caters to this passion and provides many zoology lessons and activities.

In case your child is experiencing this fantastic phenomenon and you’d like to support that learning at home, we have curated a small list of amazing books you may not have heard of before. Take a trip to your local library or bookstore, or we have provided links here for ordering or more information.

The Frog Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta, illustrated by Ralph Masiello

If your child ends up enjoying this book, know that Pallotta has created many alphabet books on a range of subjects, many of them animal-related. Although alphabet books generally tend to be created with toddlers in mind, these books are most definitely for older children and appeal even to third graders. With beautiful illustrations and interesting factual information, each page highlights a different frog or amphibian, ranging from the ichthyostega (the very first amphibian which is now extinct), to the goliath frog (the world’s largest frog), to the brightly-colored blue-legged strawberry frog. 

Lifetime: The Amazing Numbers in Animal Lives by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

“In one lifetime, this caribou will grow and shed 10 sets of antlers.” “In one lifetime, this alligator will build 22 nests and lay 550 eggs.” “In one lifetime, this female red kangaroo will birth 50 joeys...So many hoppy birthdays!” Schaefer combines elementary-aged children’s love of animals with their simultaneous love of math and numbers in this incredible book. After gathering available data and determining averages, she shares fascinating facts on each page, with more detailed information about the animals and math for interested readers at the end of the book.

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Globe

“There was a girl in the village who loved horses. She would often get up at daybreak when the birds were singing about the rising sun. She led the horses to drink at the river. She spoke softly and they followed. People noticed she understood horses in a special way.” This Caldecott medal winner beautifully honors native American tradition while telling the tale of a girl who was so connected to the horses she loved that she eventually became one of them.

Crab Moon by Ruth Horowitz, illustrated by Kate Kiesler

Horseshoe crabs are ancient creatures that continue to grab the attention of children, adults, and scientists even today. While on a beach vacation with his family, young David’s mother tells him how the horseshoe crabs come ashore each year to lay their eggs, and she promises to wake him in the middle of the night so that he may experience this wonder for himself. This book does such a lovely job of explaining the experience, readers will almost feel like they are right there with the crabs. As with so many wonderful children’s books today, there is additional factual information at the end of the story. As an additional bonus, learning about horseshoe crabs connects nicely with children’s history work in their lower elementary Montessori classroom, especially regarding the Timeline of Life material.

Inky's Amazing Escape: How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home by Sy Montgomery, illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford

This is a true story of an octopus found near reefs in New Zealand. Readers learn a bit about how young octopuses get their start in the world, what may have happened to cause Inky’s injured arms, and how he came to stay at the National Aquarium in Wellington. His caretakers at the aquarium took excellent care of him, and children will delight at hearing about how he enjoyed playing with Legos and Mister Potato Head in his enclosure. Octopuses are curious and adventurous, however, and Inky eventually snuck out of his tank, found his way into the building’s plumbing, and then back into the ocean.  

Andre the Famous Harbor Seal by Fran Hodgkins, illustrated by Yetti Frenkel

Today there are laws that protect the safety of wild seals by prohibiting humans from even touching them without special permits. This was not always the case, however, and this story tells the tale of how one seal became a pet, a famous local performer, an honorary harbormaster, and an ambassador for his species. Over the years, Andre spent time living with a family of humans, swimming in the local waters near his Maine home, wintering at the New England Aquarium in Boston or the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, and spending stretches of time freely roaming the waters along the coast of Massachusetts, New Hamphsire, and Maine. A lovely statue of Andre remains today, overlooking the harbor in Rockport, Maine.  

Frozen Wild: How Animals Survive in the Coldest Places on Earth by Jim Arnosky

Perhaps one of the most interesting elements of this book is the fold-out pages with extended illustrations; children enjoy the novelty and appreciate interacting with the book in a different way. They will learn, through factual text and detailed illustrations, about all sorts of ways animals survive in the cold. Topics range from beavers in the winter, the various animals that call the arctic and antarctic regions home, how animals stay warm in the winter, and more.  

Even More Lesser Spotted Animals by Martin Brown

A follow-up to the original Lesser Spotted Animals, this great book aims to highlight some of the animals we don’t hear about all the time. Lions, giraffes, and grey squirrels are great, but have you ever heard of the dingiso, rufous sengi, tamandua, or altai argali? Humor peppers every page, along with relatable size descriptions (“about the size of a one-year-old toddler with a tail”), what we know about each animal, where they live, what their current status is, and any other information that kids will find amazing and interesting. With a goal of encouraging conservation and preservation, Brown believes that to care about saving animals people need to know about them, and this includes the underdogs we don’t often hear about.

What other books has your animal-loving child enjoyed that you think other families should know about? Feel free to share your recommendations with us!

Books That Celebrate Asian Heritage and Culture

Over the past several months, there has been a disturbing increase in hateful actions toward people of Asian descent. Most of us watch the news in horror, and while we disagree with what’s happening, it can be hard to know what actions to take.

We believe one of the most powerful social justice actions parents can take is to instill positive values in our children. Kids are never too young to learn about acceptance, equity, and the beauty in humanity’s differences.

This is why we would like to share this very special book list: A Celebration of Asian Heritage and Culture. Children’s books should be both a reflection of who they are and their life experiences, but also an illuminating peek into the lives and experiences of others. No one explains this better than children’s author Grace Lin.

Hush! A Thai Lullaby by Minfong Ho, illustrated by Holly Meade

A Thai mother and her gentle exasperation plead with various animals to please stay quiet as her baby sleeps. They stomp and shriek past her home, and she meets each one in turn asking them to hush. Finally, as the moon rises above them, she falls asleep with her head resting on the windowsill, with (of course) her smiling and wide-awake baby beside her.

Round is a Mooncake: A Book of Shapes by Roseanne Thong, illustrated by Grace Lin

Round, square, rectangle...young children love to notice shapes around them in their everyday lives. The main character in this book is no exception. A beautiful blending of her family’s heritage and their modern life, she notices shapes in traditional Asian items as well as everyday ones that we are all familiar with.

We Are Inspiring: The Stories of 32 Inspirational Asian American Women by Angel Trazo

Author/illustrator Angel Trazo created this book to celebrate Asian heritage while being accessible to multiple age groups. Perfect for upper elementary students to read on their own, it can also be used as a read aloud book for younger children.

Suki's Kimono by Chieri Uegaki, illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch 

Suki is so excited to wear her new kimono on the first day of school. It was given to her by her obāchan and she has such fantastic memories attached to it! Besides, it’s beautiful and it shows who she is. With her sisters admonishing her choice of attire and pretending they don’t know her the whole way to school, and with some of her classmates teasing her, Suki holds her head high and takes an opportunity to tell the story of her kimono. Her bravery and strength pay off in the end, and Suki dances her way home after school.

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

Unhei and her family have just moved to the United States from Korea. After an embarrassing moment on the schoolbus involving a boy making fun of her name, she tells her classmates that she doesn’t have a name and needs to choose one. They all get to work helping her decide on one, until one girl discovers Unhei’s real name. The class works together to learn to pronounce it correctly, and Unhei is finally able to feel comfortable as her true self.

The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin

A perfect book for upper elementary-aged children, The Year of the Dog is the first in a three-book series that follows Pacy, a Chinese American girl. She navigates many typical coming-of-age events that are faced by most children, while simultaneously figuring out her identity that is often stretched between two worlds.

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord

Young Bandit lives in China with her mother, cousins, grandmother, aunts, and uncles. The only one missing is her father, who has traveled abroad to seek out his fortune. One day, he sends for Bandit and her mother, who leave the family behind and make the long journey to Brooklyn. Before leaving, Bandit is asked to choose a name, and she chooses to call herself Shirley Temple. In Brooklyn, she can’t speak English and feels lost and out of place - until she discovers Jackie Robinson. Her new hero doesn’t exactly fit in either, but he inspires her to thrive in her new home.

Green Lantern: Legacy by Minh Le, illustrated by Andie Tong

This is a great option for graphic novel lovers! There are elements of adventure, superheroes, honoring ancestors, and figuring out one’s place in the world. What could be more perfect for upper elementary and early middle schoolers?

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhà Lai

Told in gorgeous lyrical poetry, Inside Out and Back Again is based on Thanhhà Lai’s own childhood. She and her family lived in Vietnam during the war, and were eventually forced to flee, moving across the world to Alabama in the United States. But being in a new country, with her father missing in action, is the type of challenge no child should have to face. Sadly, it is the tale of many refugees around the world and throughout history, and an important story for us all to learn from. A National Book Award Winner and a Newbery Honor book, both upper elementary and middle school students would appreciate reading this.  

The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

Lucy is a Chinese American girl who is headed into the sixth grade and loves basketball. With her sister Regina heading off to college soon, Lucy is eagerly anticipating the day she can have a room to herself...until it doesn’t quite work out that way. Regina (who speaks perfect Chinese and adores every aspect of her family's customs) does leave, but their grandmother’s friend comes for an extended stay - in Lucy’s room. She expects her year to be completely ruined, but readers can expect a few surprises.

10 Titles That Support the Montessori Biology Curriculum

Kids love animals. They are fascinated with domesticated and wild ones alike, and they soak up everything they can possibly learn about them. That’s why we know it’s important to teach our young children about biology; they are already craving the information, after all. Why wait to start until they’re in high school?

In Montessori primary classrooms, children learn all about the differences between living and nonliving things. They learn about vertebrates and invertebrates, and about animals in different biomes around the world. They explore the basics of caring for plants and often enjoy gardening. During the elementary years this work explodes, including classification of living things with a focus on the five classes of vertebrates, as well as an in-depth study of botany. As Montessori students progress through the levels, the study continues to deepen.

Books are an excellent way to support children’s interests, and this includes the study of biology. Today we share a wide variety of titles for kids of all ages. We hope you and your family find something to enjoy together!

About... Vertebrates Set by Cathryn Sill, illustrated by John Sill

Very simple sentences will appeal to younger children and emerging readers. This set includes one book each for fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals and factual information such as: “Baby mammals drink milk from their mothers.”

Pollination Set by Candice Ransom and Jennifer Boothroyd

This set is very similar to the above set about vertebrates. There are five books in total, and titles include Parts of a Flower, Self-Pollination, Cross-Pollination, Insect Pollinators, and Animal Pollinators. Children in the primary grades through approximately first grade would enjoy exploring these books.

Nature Anatomy by Julia Rothman and John Niekrasz

This fantastic reference book echoes the experience of Montessori nomenclature cards. The pages cover a wide variety of living things with gorgeous illustrations that are carefully labeled. The information inside goes hand in hand with the Montessori curriculum, and children will pour over each page.

Bones by Steve Jenkins

This Caldecott Award winner is just plain fun. Pull-out pages with large skeletal drawings, detailed illustrations of many different types of bones, and fascinating, kid-friendly text make it a favorite among elementary-aged children.

From Lava to Life: The Universe Tells Our Earth Story by Jennifer Morgan, illustrated by Dana Lynne Andersen

This second in a trilogy, and the continuation of the beloved book Born With a Bang, From Lava to Life tells about the beginning of life on earth and the evolution of many organisms on our planet. Narrated by the universe, it fits perfectly alongside the Montessori cosmic education curriculum and the great lessons.

Mammals Who Morph: The Universe Tells Our Evolution Story by Jennifer Morgan, illustrated by Dana Lynne Andersen

Following From Lava to Life, Mammals Who Morph is the final book in Morgan’s trilogy. An excellent addition to any lower or upper elementary child’s personal library, in this tale the universe teaches readers about the evolution of mammals - including humans.

Wildflowers Fandex

While this fandex isn’t a traditional book, sometimes it can be fun to switch things up. Just because reading comes in different formats, that doesn’t make it any less valuable! This portable field guide-style reference tool is fun for children of all ages, whether they read it inside on a cold day or take it along on a nature walk to identify the flowers they find.

Life Cycles: Everything From Start to Finish

Another great text for lower elementary-aged children, each two-page spread illustrates and describes the life cycle of different living things. There are also pages early in the book that discuss the important ‘life cycles’ of certain non-living things, such as the creation of the universe and the formation of Earth’s physical features.

Super Simple Biology: The Ultimate Bitesize Study Guide

We tend to think you can’t lose when it comes to DK nonfiction books, and this one is no exception. Best for adolescents, its in-depth yet simple explanations about biology will help those who are learning, or delight those who are already interested. Charts, diagrams, and accurate illustrations help highlight the information the text aims to teach.

The Biology Coloring Book by Robert D. Griffin, illustrated by Cinthea Vadala

This is exactly the type of learning material used by high school and college biology students, making it perfect for older Montessori students. Filled with interesting and helpful information, readers use different colors to help remember the various parts and systems of living things.

Book List: Help Me Do It Myself

“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”

— Dr. Maria Montessori

One of the most critical values of Montessori education is the fostering of independence. Our children need our support, but we are tasked with the gradual release of this support. Doing so is a challenge, for no two children are exactly alike and we are required to observe carefully and be flexible in each moment.

Today, we share some books that may help parents in their journey to foster their children’s ever-expanding independence. We hope you (and your children) will enjoy them!

For toilet learning: Potty by Leslie Patricelli

Simple text, colorful, sweet illustrations, and a clear message: everybody has bodily waste, and there is a time to start using the toilet instead of going in a diaper. In this book, the child observes what their pets do, then decides to try and use the potty. After a long time of sitting and waiting, they finally find success! The story ends with a proud baby and parents, and the introduction of many fun pairs of undies.

For brushing teeth: Brush, Brush, Brush by Alicia Padron

Ideal for reading to infants and toddlers who are just learning about brushing for the first time, this book covers the basics using few words that get straight to the point. The illustrations are charming and children will appreciate them; we love the diversity represented.

For tying shoes: Red Lace, Yellow Lace by Mike Casey

We love this book in part because it mirrors a classic Montessori material in a way that makes it accessible for the home. Our primary classrooms have dressing frames that teach children how to complete all sorts of clothing fastening techniques. This book, written in a catchy rhyming style, includes actual colored laces for children to practice on.

For cleaning the house: Dust Everywhere by Robert Rosen, illustrated by Chiara Fiorentino

Zoe and Zak attempt to clean the house, but in the beginning, Zak makes more mess than they started with. A frustrated but patient Zoe helps him vacuum, sweep, and mop, and they work together until the house is sparkling.

For doing laundry: Henry Helps with Laundry by Beth Bracken, illustrated by Ailie Busby

Henry lives with his mom, dad, and little sister Penny. They all wear clothes, and those clothes tend to get dirty. One day, Henry’s mom asks him for help with the laundry, he happily agrees. He gets to work sorting, putting the clothes in the washing machine, and rescuing a nearly-forgotten pair of pajamas.

For cooking: Cooking Class by Deanna F. Cook

Ideal for elementary-aged children, this book contains lots of appealing recipes with step-by-step directions and photographs. Winner of the Parent’s Choice Award, this book also teaches children about how to safely use kitchen tools and the importance of cleaning up.

For woodworking: Wonderful Woodworking for Children by Susan Scheibenzuber

Scheibenzuber is a Montessori teacher, so this book was created with Montessori children specifically in mind. She emphasizes the use of real tools, child-appropriate projects, and uses photos to illustrate each step of the process. Can you imagine the pride and self-confidence a child might feel after making their own table and chair?

For caring for pets: Dog Training for Kids by Vanessa Estrada Marin, illustrated by Alisa Harris and Complete Cat Care Manual by Dr. Andrew Edney

Caring for pets is a big responsibility, and many parents have agreed to take one on only to discover themselves doing most of the work several months later. If your child shows genuine interest in getting a cat or a dog (or any other pet for that matter), this wonderful opportunity should be taken seriously, and a book or two can help them learn the basics. While they will still need help, children can do so much in terms of feeding, walking, grooming, training, and cleaning up after their furry friends.

For managing money: Finance 101 for Kids: Money Lessons Children Cannot Afford to Miss by Walter Andal

During their younger years, practical life activities consist of tasks like learning to sweep and dress oneself. While we may stop using the term practical life as children age, it never really goes away and just continues to morph into different skills. This book teaches older children everything they need to know about money and finances, from how the concept of money originated to how to make money, save money, invest money, and how credit works.

For learning to drive: The Driving Book: Everything New Drivers Need to Know but Don’t Know to Ask by Karen Gravell, illustrated by Helen Flook

While nothing can replace the hours of practice behind the wheel, having a book or two to learn all the important nuances about being a driver can be helpful, too! This book isn’t so much a how-to drive guide as it is a great reference. It includes information about caring for a car, getting gas, driving in various types of weather, what it means to be driving impaired, and what to do in case of accidents and breakdowns.