Book of The Week

'Dear Sweet Pea' by Julie Murphy

by Lesa Smith March 31, 2021

In this endearing book about a bright and articulate young girl trying to find her way through the many changes she wouldn’t have wished for and can’t control, the author addresses the issues of divorce as well as homophobia as learning opportunities for acceptance, self-love, inclusion and understanding.

'The One and Only Ivan' by Katherine Applegate

by Lesa Smith March 24, 2021

The 2013 Newbury Medal award winner from acclaimed author Katherine Applegate, The One and Only Ivan is a classic and beloved novel inspired by a true story. This unforgettable book celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendship. It's the sort of timeless tale that will engage elementary school readers, middle school readers, and even adults! If you haven’t read The One and Only Ivan treat yourself to this memorable book. It will touch your emotions and linger in your heart for years to come.

Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Pena, illus. by Christian Robinson

by Lesa Smith March 02, 2021

The dream team of Matt de la Pena and Christian Robinson have produced another beautiful story that you will love reading and re-reading. The lyri...

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'You Matter' by Christian Robinson

by Lesa Smith February 18, 2021

In a simple and heartfelt message 'You Matter' reminds us of all the ways we are connected and make a difference in one another’s lives. Robinson’s sweet text of inclusivity is reinforced by his expansive and colorful illustrations in a timeless message that will be appreciated by all who read it. With the cadence of a lullaby or mantra, this book's message is clear and vital: no matter who you are, what you feel, and even if everyone is too busy to help - You Matter!

Posted in book of the week

Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Pena, illus. Christian Robinson

by Lesa Smith February 05, 2021

From the acclaimed author and illustrator of New York Times bestsellers “Carmela Full of Wishes” and “Last Stop on Market Street”, Matt de la Pena and Christian Robinson, comes a uniquely touching and poignant picture book following a young boy’s Sunday subway ride with his sister. To pass the time, Milo sketches pictures of the colorful characters he sees coming and going at each stop and imagines what their lives are like based on their appearance. In this highly original and beautifully illustrated story, Milo’s surprising ‘A-ha’ moment reminds readers of every age to examine the assumptions we make about others as we move through the world.

Posted in book of the week, picture book

'It's a Great Big Colorful World' by Tom Schamp

by Sarah-Beth November 25, 2020

Step inside the over-sized cover of 'It's a Great Big Colorful World' and meet Otto the cat, who wakes up on a dreary winter morning. "Why is everything so gray today?" he sighs. Luckily, when you turn the page, you meet Leon the chameleon. Join the pair as they take an amazing journey into all the beautiful colors in the world. Gray, white, black, yellow, orange, red, pink, blue, green and brown; Schamp explores all of them! From giant Bengal tiger to a humble pair of blue jeans, there is so much to discover on every page that you won't read this book the same way twice.

'All Are Welcome' by Alexandra Penfold, illus. Suzanne Kaufman

by Sarah-Beth November 10, 2020

Have you read this beautiful #1 New York Times bestselling picture book, celebrating diversity, acceptance, and inclusivity? Reading 'All Are Welcome' felt like getting a big hug! Follow along ast families of all different nationalities, religions, and traditions learn together and from one another. While they have many difference, they all come together to read together, eat together, and play together.

'Goodnight San Luis Obispo' by Jennifer Kirn, ills. Gay Melody Sullivan

by Sarah-Beth November 03, 2020

Let's give this book some SLOCAL love!

Take a trip through the sights of San Luis Obispo, from the gooey Bumble Gum alley, to the beautiful San Simeon Pier. Whether you are a born and raised Slocal, a Cal Poly Grad, or someone who has enjoyed vacationing on our beaches, you are sure to love this beautiful tribute to San Luis Obispo. Written and illustrated by SLO locals, Jennifer Kirn and Gay Melody Sullivan, this story captures the beauty and diversity on the central coast. This book has quickly become a best-seller for us at Whiz Kids and it is easy to see why!

'The Dad Lab' by Sergei Urban

by Lesa Smith October 20, 2020

Urban is on a mission to inspire parents to spend more quality times with their kids by sharing his own journeys into play, art and science! In his latest book, experimenting dad Sergei Urban shares his top fifty science projects, including some that he's never shared before. I love how easy it is to just flip to a page and start a project. Make the most of your time together with these fun kid-friendly, S.T.EM. projects that will inspire families to work, play, and learn together while they explore the secrets of the world around us.

'Touch and Explore: Animals at Night' by Pascale Hédelin, Emmanuel Ristord

by Sarah-Beth October 13, 2020

Feel the soft feathers of the owl, the bumpy skin of the toad, the delicate antennae of the moth, and much more as you make your way through the multisensory journey of 'Touch and Explore: Animals at Night'. The newest addition to the critically acclaimed 'Touch and Explore' series is equal parts education and entertaining! The world of nighttime creatures is just a flip of the page away with this adorable and engaging bedtime favorite!

Posted in animals, board book, educational, fox, night, nocturnal, owl, preschool, sensory, story time, toddler

'The Forest Feast For Kids' by Erin Gleeson

by Sarah-Beth October 06, 2020

"Have you ever wanted to crawl into a cookbook and live in its world? That’s how I feel when I page through Erin Gleeson’s gorgeous The Forest Feast for Kids."

If you are trying to get your kids excited about adding vegetables to their diet, look no farther than 'The Forest Feast For Kids'. The first Children's book from New York Times bestselling author Erin Gleeson is so beautiful and colorful that you will be running to the closest farmers market to get started. "To be tasty, recipes don't need to be complicated," says Gleeson, "My goal is for you to have fun..., be creative, (and) try some new ingredients".

'The Constitution Decoded' by Katie Kennedy

by Sarah-Beth September 29, 2020

Author Katie Kennedy has brought us a guide book that empowers young readers (and even adults who could use a refresher) to be educated and engaged citizens. 'The Constitution Decoded' takes each article of the constitution and breaks it down into language even I can understand! Learn the vocabulary, amendments, and even historical context that makes our constitution the amazing document that it is. With election season in full swing and so many turning to distance learning and homeschooling, the timing is perfect to add a civics lesson to your curriculum! Add 'The Constitution Decoded' to your home library!

Posted in american history, civics, constitution, education, election, history, learning, non fiction, usa