Choreography by Rae
5 Women’s History Month Books for Kindergarten
"Lucia the Luchadora" by Cynthia Leonor Garza
Lucia zips through the playground in her cape just like the boys, but when they tell her “girls can’t be superheroes,” suddenly she doesn’t feel so mighty. That’s when her beloved abuela reveals a dazzling secret: Lucia comes from a family of luchadoras, the bold and valiant women of the Mexican lucha libre tradition. Cloaked in a flashy new disguise, Lucia returns as a recess sensation! But when she’s confronted with a case of injustice, Lucia must decide if she can stay true to the ways of the luchadora and fight for what is right, even if it means breaking the sacred rule of never revealing the identity behind her mask.
"Beautiful" by stacy McAnulty
Every girl is unique, talented, and lovable. . . .Every girl is BEAUTIFUL. Much more than how one looks on the outside, true beauty is found in conquering challenges, showing kindness, and spreading contagious laughter. Beautiful girls are empowered and smart and strong! BEAUTIFUL breaks barriers by showing girls free to be themselves: splashing in mud, conducting science experiments, and reading books under a flashlight with friends. This book will encourage all girls to embrace who they are and realize their endless potential.
"Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins" by Michelle Meadows
A lyrical picture book biography of Janet Collins, the first African American principal dancer at the Metropolitan Opera House. Janet Collins wanted to be a ballerina in the 1930s and 40s, a time when racial segregation was widespread in the United States. Janet pursued dance with a passion, despite being rejected from discriminatory dance schools. When she was accepted into the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo as a teenager on the condition that she paint her skin white for performances, Janet refused. She continued to go after her dreams, never compromising her values along the way. From her early childhood lessons to the height of her success as the first African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera, Brave Ballerina is the story of a remarkable pioneer as told by Michelle Meadows, with fantastic illustrations from Ebony Glenn.
"Drum Dream Girl" by Margarita Engle, Rafael Lopez
Drum Dream Girl is the story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a mixed race Cuban girl, who defied gender roles in the 1930’s music scene. The girl and her story show the importance of family, teacher, and music-education support to expose and develop our children’s musical talents.
"Rosie Revere, Engineer" by Andrea Beaty
Rosie Revere dreams of becoming a great engineer. She creates wonderful gadgets and gizmos – but only when no one is watching. She’s kept her inventions a secret ever since, when she was very small, her uncle Zookeeper Fred laughed at the special cheese hat she designed him to keep snakes at bay.
6 plus Women’s History Month Books for Kindergarten
"Fast Enough" by Joel Christian Gil
Fast Enough combines an imagined story of Bessie Stringfield as a young girl with historical facts about Bessie as an adult. Bessie Stringfield went on to become the first African-American woman to travel solo across the United States on a motorcycle.
"The Proudest Blue: A story about Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad
With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It’s the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it’s her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab–a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.
"My Name is Not Isabella" by Jenifer Crosberry
From breakfast to bedtime, a young girl imagines being different women who made history, and ends the day empowered to be herself. My Name is Not Isabella is a delightful new picture book by Jennifer Fosberry that introduces children to some of the strongest female figures in history, all seen through the eyes of a little girl.
"This is Sadie " by Sara O'Leary
Sadie is a little girl with a big imagination. She has been a girl who lived under the sea and a boy raised by wolves. She has had adventures in wonderland and visited the world of fairytales. She whispers to the dresses in her closet and talks to birds in the treetops. She has wings that take her anywhere she wants to go, but that always bring her home again. She likes to make things — boats out of boxes and castles out of cushions. But more than anything Sadie likes stories, because you can make them from nothing at all. For Sadie, the world is so full of wonderful possibilities … This is Sadie, and this is her story.
"Delphine Denise and the Mardi Gras prize" by Brittany Mazique
Every year, Delphine Denise Debreaux and her friends ride their bikes together in the New Orleans Mardi Gras parade. But this year, there’s a shiny prize for best float―and Delphine Denise just has to win it. How can her friends remind Delphine Denise what the parade is really all about?
"superheroes are Everywhere" by Kamala Harris
In this empowering and joyful picture-book memoir that speaks directly to kids, Kamala Harris takes readers through her life and shows them that the power to make the world a better place is inside all of us. And with fun and engaging art by Mechal Renee Roe, as well as a guide to being a superhero at the end, this book is sure to have kids taking up the superhero mantle (cape and mask optional).
6 Women’s History Month Books for Kindergarten
"Big Red Lollipop" by Rukhsana Khan
The book deals with sibling relations, specifically how older children cope with accommodating younger siblings and the pain the parents unwittingly subject them to while trying to teach them to share and include their little sister or brother. Rubina is excited to receive her first invitation to a birthday party.
"Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun" By Maria Dismondy
Lucy is teased by a boy at school because she is different. She has the courage to be true to herself and to make the right choice when that same boy needs her help.
"Ho'Onani Hula Warrior!" by Heather Gale
Based on a true story, Ho’onani: Hula Warrior is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and an empowering story of a girl who learns to lead and learns to accept who she really is–and in doing so, gains the respect of all those around her.
"Ruth Bader Ginsburg" by Shana Corey
The book deals with sibling relations, specifically how older children cope with accommodating younger siblings and the pain the parents unwittingly subject them to while trying to teach them to share and include their little sister or brother. Rubina is excited to receive her first invitation to a birthday party.
"lali's Feather" by Farahan Zia
Lali finds a little feather in the field. Is it lost? Lali sets out to find feather a home, but one bird after another rejects it. The feather is too small for Rooster, too slow for Crow, and too plain for Peacock. Once Lali decides to keep the little feather and discovers all the things she can do with it, the other birds begin to recognize its value.
"Maya Lin: Artist-architect of Lights and Lines" by Jeanne Walker Harvey
Maya grew up with art and learned to think with her hands as well as her mind. From her first experiments with light and lines to the height of her success nationwide, this is the story of an inspiring American artist: the visionary artist-architect who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Funny Books to Read Aloud for Kindergarteners
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When her dog disappears into the gutter of the book, Bella calls for help. But when the helpers disappear too, Bella realizes it will take more than a tug on the leash to put things right. Cleverly using the physicality of the book, This book just ate my dog! It is inventive, ingenious, and just pure kid-friendly fun!
Ernestine is beyond excited to go camping. She follows the packing list carefully (new sleeping bag! new flashlight! special trail mix made with Dad!) so she knows she is ready when the weekend arrives. But she quickly realizes that nothing could have prepared her for how hard it is to set up a tent, never mind fall asleep in it, or that swimming in a lake means that there will be fish — eep! Will Ernestine be able to enjoy the wilderness, or will it prove to be a bit too far out of her comfort zone? In an energetic illustrated story about a first sleepover under the stars, acclaimed author-illustrator Jennifer K. Mann reminds us that opening your mind to new experiences, no matter how challenging, can lead to great memories (and a newfound taste for s’mores).
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Wombats are cuddly-looking, slow-moving Australian animals. Their favorite activities are eating, sleeping, and digging holes. Here, in the words of one unusually articulate wombat, is the tongue-in-cheek account of a busy week; eating, sleeping, digging holes . . . and training its new neighbors, a family of humans, to produce treats on demand. This entertaining book, with its brief, humorous text and hilarious illustrations, will endear the wombat to young children, who may recognize in the determined furry creature some qualities that they share!
Today is the day Nanette gets to get the baguette! Is she set? YOU BET! Mo Willems’ hilarious new picture book, Nanette’s Baguette, follows our plucky heroine on her first big solo trip to the bakery. But . . . will Nanette get the baguette from baker Juliette? Or will Nanette soon be beset with regret? Set in a meticulously handcrafted-paper-modeled French village, the uniquely vibrant laugh-out-loud world of Nanette’s Baguette may be Mo’s best creation yet. Get set to crack into an irresistible tale you won’t soon forget!
In this hilarious and clever “how-to,” a little girl and a know-it-all narrator are thwarted by a cat who refuses to take a bath. The perfect read-aloud for fans of Snappsy the Alligator and Interrupting Chicken. Seems simple, right? One problem: the cat has no intention of doing ANY of these things! Watch as the steps keep changing, the cat keeps escaping, the girl keeps eating cookies and the mess keeps escalating. Soon it’s not just the cat who needs a bath–it’s the whole house! This spoof on an instruction manual features an increasingly bewildered human, a nonchalant cat and a know-it-all narrator . . . who really doesn’t know it all. How DO you give a cat a bath? Read on to find out!
It isn’t always easy working from home. Luckily, Mom’s little one is a natural boss at keeping her organized, leading meetings, and making calls—or so it seems. But when Mom starts looking frazzled, will her helper know what to do? Diana Murray’s rollicking rhyme paired with Cori Doerrfeld’s energetic illustrations will bring parent and child together after a long workday at home.
Best friends Cake and Ice Cream love having fun and going to parties! But when Ice Cream tries to get his way by being bossy and loud, he feels all alone. With Cake’s help, he has an important realization which changes his bossy ways…and becomes his sweet, soft self again!
Why would a camel want to be a unicorn? Did she eat too many unicorn cupcakes? What could possibly be the problem? Come along on this fun and silly adventure and find out just why My Camel Wants To Be a Unicorn. You might be surprised….
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Zoey knows you don’t need to go to the shore to have the perfect beach day…but you do need a great imagination and a treasure map! Will Zoey lead her barnyard pals to buried treasure? Chicken on Vacation is a Level One I Can Read, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts of Level One books support success for children eager to start reading on their own.
The story begins with the troubles that Leprechauns are known to impose like glitter and green toilets. Then we follow the Leprechaun to various homes where he reveals different traps, but he’s too quick to be caught. In the end, the Leprechaun admits that one day, one brilliant child will design a perfect trap!
Frog truly believes he is a unicorn. He has a rainbow-colored (clip on) tail, a pretty horn (party hat), and he can fly, too (on the swings). Goat keeps telling Frog he is NOT a unicorn. But when you truly believe—POOF, sometimes magic happens. Read this adventurous book to find out what happens on his curious journey!
It’s showtime on Old Mac Donald’s Farm! The barnyard animals are putting on a play—a farm version of “The House That Jack Built”— but other animals keep taking the stage and interrupting the production. First some rambunctious monkeys, then breakdancing kangaroos . . . there’s even a pair of singing elephants. Everyone knows that monkeys, kangaroos, and elephants do NOT belong on a farm . . . so what to do?
We all know dragons are terrible, but this one is especially terrible. He scribbles in books. He steals candy from baby unicorns. He even burps in church. Seriously, who does that? Dragon, that’s who. The king, the knights, and the villagers are desperate to take down this beast once and for all. But sometimes it’s up to the unlikeliest of heroes to tame a dragon this terrible.
He’s back, and bigger than ever! My humongous hamster heads to school in this sequel, and hilarity ensues. He eats all the packed lunches; he twirls in dance class; he plays hopscotch and takes a turn on the slide. But at the end of the day, he’s tired, and so he shrinks back to normal hamster size . . . until the next time he’s humongously hungry!
6 more Women’s History Month Books for Kindergarten
"Malala's Magic Pencil" by Malala Yousafzai
As a child in Pakistan, Malala made a wish for a magic pencil that she could use to redraw reality. She would use it for good; to give gifts to her family, to erase the smell from the rubbish dump near her house. (And to sleep an extra hour in the morning.)
"Dancing Hands" by Margarita Engle and Rafael Lopez
In soaring words and stunning illustrations, Margarita Engle and Rafael López tell the story of Teresa Carreño, a child prodigy who played piano for Abraham Lincoln. As a little girl, Teresa Carreño loved to let her hands dance across the beautiful keys of the piano.
"Luchadora and the Million masks!" by Cynthia Leonor Garza
Lucía’s little sister Gemma wants to be a luchadora like her big sister, but she is more bumble and splat than pizzazz and seems to find trouble wherever she goes. When Gemma makes a ginormous hole in Lucía’s special silver mask, Lucía is incredulous and exasperated at how her little sister seems to get away with everything. But Lucía’s grandmother, Abu, has an idea: a trip to the mercado to get Gemma her very own lucha libre mask.
"All the Way to Top" by Annette by Pimental
The book deals with sibling relations, specifically how older children cope with accommodating younger siblings and the pain the parents unwittingly subject them to while trying to teach them to share and include their little sister or brother. Rubina is excited to receive her first invitation to a birthday party.unwittingly subject them to while trying to teach them to share and include their little sister or brother. Rubina is excited to receive her first invitation to a birthday party.
"Sofia Valdez, Future Prez" by Andrea Beaty
In SOFIA VALDEZ, FUTURE PREZ, young Sofia is prompted to take action to clean up a local landfill when her loving abuelo is hurt while they’re out helping their neighbors. She decides to turn the dump into a park, but when she visits City Hall, everyone tells her she can’t get that done because she’s just a kid. Sofia refuses to take no for an answer and shows the world that second-graders should be taken seriously when they talk, especially when they say they want to make a difference in the world.
"Shark Lady" by Jess Keating
This is the story of a woman who dared to dive, defy, discover, and inspire. This is the story of Shark Lady. Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn’t imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures.
Blog Demo
At Choreography by Rae, we read books to kids ages 4-6 five days a week during Storytime Adventures.
The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann is another book I learned of courtesy of A Might Girl
Our kids love reading about animal adventures in the forests, but being a global class it came as no surprise that many of our kids had never been camping. Growing up my camping trips were few and far between: a Girl Scout trip that I was invited on even though I wasn’t a Girl Scout, 6th grade science sleepaway camp, and a camp counselor stint in High School. I think that equals 3 maybe 4 times that I’ve donned a sleeping bag and slept under the stars. My spouse on the other hand has less than fun memories of being the Boy Scouts, trying to start a fire and eating raw food. Pretty sure the food wasn’t supposed to be raw. It’s the lack of experience in camping which makes this books so awesome.
Jennifer K. Mann does a great job showing how the “idea” of camping can be different from the reality and that different is okay. Every kiddo in our class could relate to having a home made forte of some sort (blankets, connecting sticks, magna tiles) and the process of building a homemade forte is a breeze compared to setting up a real tent in the woods. Our main character Ernestine quickly learns that the many adventures that nature holds aren’t that different from things she would do living in the city.
Lessons to Share
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1) Try something new.
Kids can be resistant to trying new foods, a new teacher, and even being the first person to “go” in Simon Says. As Ernestine tries new things, she discovers that many of those new things aren’t as bad as she thought they might. She even discovers a few that she loves! Like eating S’mores.
2) It’s okay to be different.
As a vegan, I’m no stranger to the weird looks you get when someone dines with you and learns that you don’t eat meat. I always warn guests that I’m cooking for what’s on the menu, and I do wonder if Aunt Jackie gave Ernestine a heads up about mealtime, but honestly Ernestine is a kid and probably either forgot how Aunt Jackie cooks or never paid attention. Either way, I was tickled to see cousin Samantha announce that “tofu dogs” are her favorite. I remember giving Tofu dogs to my own niece when she was a kid.
The difference in eating is handled wonderfully in The Camping Trip. No long explanations or justifications, just a simple, this is dinner and this is different.
Also bonus points for hearing one our kids shout, “I love tofu dogs!”
3) It’s okay to be afraid.
Let’s face it, when kids get afraid, most grown ups are quick to soothe those fears. As a teacher, I deal with navigating kid fears daily. I like that Aunt Jackie doesn’t go into a long conversation with Ernestine on how she’s feeling. Instead Aunt Jackie invites the kids to take a moment to look at the stars. This allows Ernestine to navigate her own emotions and find her own grounding. Aunt Jackie is a pretty smart cookie.
I also like that cousin Samantha offers to hold hands when jumping in the water together. Because let’s face it, somethings feel less scary when you know you have a partner.
4) It’s okay to miss our loved ones.
Ernestine quickly learns that just because she’s not with Daddy, doesn’t mean that she is loved any less.
Representation Shout Out!
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