Fun titles for children and pets to enjoy this holiday season

by Shuyler Clark

With the frigid winter settling in and kids out of school for the holidays, parents may want a distraction for their children during slow days. Reading to pets is a perfect activity to pass the time and has many benefits, including boosting fluency and confidence according to educator Jodie Rodriguez. Kids can cuddle up with the family pet and enjoy these fun, animal-themed picture books this winter.

Can Cat and Bird be Friends? by Coll Muir

Can they? That is a good question—one for the reader to find out. Alternating dialogue, black for Cat and white for Bird, makes this title the perfect fit for siblings looking to roleplay the characters. Muir’s delightful art is a pleasant backdrop for the polite yet amusing dialogue taking place in its pages. Who knows…maybe the cats listening in will learn to befriend wild birds too.

Bird Count by Susan Edwards Richmond

Join Ava, her mother, and their friend Big Al as they brave the winter cold for the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count. Featuring an index of the species included, this book is a great introduction to birds of New England, many of which can be found here in Michigan; it is also a terrific overview of the rules and traditions of bird counts and citizen scientists.  If Ava’s adventure sounds appealing, consider joining a citizen birding group for the annual Christmas Bird Count.

This Old Dog by Martha Brockenbrough

The old dog wants to take things slow, but with the arrival of a new baby, things are going a little too fast for his liking. This Old Dog is an homage to the bonds between animals and their human companions, inspired by Brockenbrough’s own dog and daughter duo. With its emotive art and heartwarming narration, this title will strike a chord with parents, children, and dogs alike.

Rabbit Moon by Jean Kim

Inspired by a Korean folktale, Rabbit Moon considers the possibility of what the rabbit in the moon does when he is not busy making wishes come true. Soft colors, imaginative illustrations, and a simple-yet-charming rhyme scheme build upon the folktale aesthetic. Young readers will appreciate Rabbit’s adventures as he searches for friends to help achieve his own dreams too.

Source:

“How Reading Aloud to Animals Can Boost Kids’ Literacy Skills.” Jodie Rodriguez. www.scholastic.com. December 14, 2017.

Shuyler Clark is a graduate of Stockbridge High School and Lansing Community College. When she is not reading or writing, she can be found snuggling with her birds.