If you’re at home with some elementary level readers in need of entertainment and education (or if you’re trying to educate and entertain from afar), we’re here to help. Each of these lively and award-winning picture books has activities, discussion questions, and more for your readers to engage with. Get more out of your read-aloud times with this great group of books!

Izzy Gizmo

Izzy Gizmo
Written by Pip Jones
Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie

A feisty tale of determination, ingenuity, and friendship, Izzy Gizmo is sure to inspire some imaginative young inventors to get tinkering.

Channel your inner inventor with these activities, or simply get inventing with whatever you have at home!

Ebenezer Has a Word for Everything

Ebenezer Has a Word for Everything
Written by Chelsea H. Rowe
Illustrated by Frank Dormer

Need some help with vocabulary building? Ebenezer (and his great friend Fitzgerald) are on the job! Chelsea H. Rowe’s offbeat story about friendship, collaboration, and a love for both language and stories is perfectly depicted by Frank Dormer’s quirky illustrations. (This book also includes a list of words and definitions in the back.)

Have some word-filled fun with these activity sheets!

Three Hens and a Peacock

Three Hens and a Peacock
Written by Lester L. Laminack
Illustrated by Henry Cole

This is one you’ll definitely want to read aloud. Lester Laminack has created a comical look at what happens when we underestimate the value of others’ work in Three Hens and a Peacock. Henry Cole’s delightful illustrations heighten the story’s humor and will have readers of all ages laughing out loud.

Keep the farmyard fun going with this teacher’s guide.

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog
Written and illustrated by Lisa Papp

For readers who aren’t so certain about reading, Madeline Finn and the Library Dog might just be the encouragement they need. With truly adorable illustrations (no one can resist the big fluffy Bonnie), Lisa Papp brings an inspiring and comforting book to all new readers who just need a little confidence to overcome their fears.

Share these activities with your four-legged pal!

Going Down Home with Daddy

Going Down Home with Daddy
Written by Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrated by Daniel Minter

Many of us are spending a little more time than usual with our families, so why not learn to celebrate one another? In this rich and moving celebration of history, culture, and ritual, Kelly Starling Lyons’ eloquent text explores the power of family traditions. Stunning illustrations by Coretta Scott King Honor-winner Daniel Minter reveal the motion and connections in a large, multi-generational family.

Dive deeper into this beautiful story with these discussion questions.

Little Red

Little Red
Written and illustrated by Bethan Woollvin

For some pure fun, don’t miss this updated fairy tale with a mischievous twist. Bethan Woollvin uses sly humor, striking visuals, and dark irreverence to turn a familiar tale on its head.

Check out these Little Red-themed crafts!