7 Great Books to Brighten Your Day!
Fall 2021 • Our Favorite Things
Looking for a fun way to start your day? No matter what you want to learn, we have the perfect books to suit your passions.
1. Looking for a classic?
We suggest the Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Follow eleven-year-old orphan Anne Shirley, as she is mistakenly sent to live with elderly siblings, Matthew and Marilla. With her fiery spirit and vivid imagination, Anne instantly makes an impression on everyone she meets. This classic is one of our absolute favorites and teaches us to believe in ourselves and to make the best of every situation.
To listen to Alana's reading, click HERE.
To download our Lesson Plan, click HERE.
2. If you’re interested in Muppeteering…
In his spotlight, Bruce Lanoil shares behind-the-scenes stories from the cast of The Muppets. For more on Muppeteering, Bruce suggests Imagination Illustrated: The Jim Henson Journal, by Karen Falk.
The workbook, based on Jim Henson’s own diary, includes rare sketches, personal and production photographs, storyboards, doodles, and more. You’ll also learn about all of Henson’s work, from The Muppets to Sesame Street, as well as Henson’s life and artistic process.
For more on Muppeteer Bruce Lenoil, check out his Spotlight HERE.
3. For a younger audience…
We suggest The Monster at the End of this Book: Starring Lovable, Furry Old Grover, by Jon Stone.
Grover needs your help! In this interactive story, Grover is fearful to find the monster at the end of the book. He begs readers not to turn the pages but together, he faces his fears, learning a valuable lesson along the way. This is a great read for kids from preschool to second grade!
4. If you’re interested in Technology…
In her spotlight, Connie Guglielmo shares her journey towards becoming Editor-in-Chief of CNET. Inspired by Connie? Here’s a great activity book to get you started!
The Technology Activity Book, written by Catherine Bruzzone and designed by Vicky Barker, introduces kids to technology with simple explanations and illustrated activities. Work together on mazes, puzzles, quizzes, and more. This book is the perfect way to start a lifelong passion, and show boys and girls alike, that technology is not so scary after all. Perfect for ages 6-10 years or for those at second to third grade level.
For more on tech journalist Connie Guglielmo, check out her Spotlight HERE.
5. If you’re interested in Arts and Crafts…
Aside from her work at CNET, Connie Guglielmo’s motto is to learn something new every year. This year, Connie is making Pin Loom animals!
With Adorable Beasts: 30 Pin Loom Animals + 4 Playscapes by Margaret Stump, allows you to think outside of the box with adorable animals, including a giraffe, hedgehog, elephant, hippo, sea turtle, and more. All you need is a 2” x 2” and 4” x 4” loom and some yarn, and you’re ready to get started in this fun and decorative craft!
6. If you’re interested in Coding…
In his Expert Advice, Mike Tholfsen tells us about being Principal Group Product Manager at Microsoft Education and gives his best tips for surviving the school year.
Everything You Need to Ace Computer Science and Coding in One Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide uses key concepts, mnemonic devices, definitions, diagrams, and doodles to help middle schoolers understand computer science. You’ll learn about computing systems, binary code, algorithms, computational thinking, and more!
For more on Mike Tholfsen, check out his Expert Advice HERE.
7. If you’re interested in Science Fiction…
Growing up, Mike Tholfsen loved to read science fiction works, like Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451.
Long regarded as a classic of world literature, this dystopian novel is set in a world where printed books are illegal. The protagonist, Guy Montag, is a fireman with one big responsibility: to destroy all printed books, along with the houses in which they are hidden. Fahrenheit 451, written for ages 14 and up, carries an increasingly relevant message. We strongly recommend giving this book a chance!
