Read to Fuel Children's Hearts, Words, Minds & Bodies
Reading together is one of the most important gifts parents/caregivers can give their children. It supports cognitive development; improves language and reasoning skills; helps children and their grown-ups develop trusting relationships; and much more. In honor of Read Across America Week, Sparkler and Read to Grow — in partnership — are releasing a lineup of stories read by the authors and illustrators who created them. In Sparkler’s app or from this web page, find the stories and related activities. The BIG idea: read together, play together, learn together!
I'm Sorry You Got Mad — A Story About Saying Sorry
Play along in the Sparkler mobile app: You Help Me, I Help You for 3-5 year olds, Let’s Help for toddlers, and Feel Better, Stuffy for babies.
About the Story and Author
Join Newbery Honor-winner Kyle Lukoff, as he reads one of his books, “I’m Sorry You Got Mad.” It’s a story about learning how to say “I’m sorry” — and mean it. Kyle Lukoff is the author of many books for young readers. His debut middle-grade novel, “Too Bright To See,” received a Newbery honor, the Stonewall award, and was a National Book Award finalist. His picture book “When Aidan Became A Brother” also won the Stonewall, and his book “Call Me Max” has been banned in schools across the country. He has forthcoming books about history, unicycles, breakups, and lots of other topics. While becoming a writer he worked as a bookseller for ten years, and then nine more years as a school librarian.
Stories Build Skills
This story will help families learn about something that’s hard for many children (and grown-ups): Saying Sorry! This is an important social and emotional skill that many children practice throughout early childhood.
Three Pockets Full — A Story About Family & Traditions
Play along in the Sparkler mobile app: Family Book for 3-5 year olds, Family Charades for toddlers, and What do We Wear? for babies.
About the Story and Author/Illustrator
Cindy L. Rodriguez is a senior editor for an educational publisher and an award-winning author of children’s books. Cindy, who is of Puerto Rican and Brazilian descent, is also a former journalist and public school teacher. When she’s not working or writing, she is hanging out with her family and two dogs in Connecticut. She is represented by Tricia Lawrence from the Erin Murphy Literary Agency, and she’s a big fan of the three Cs: coffee, chocolate, and coconut. Visit her online at www.cindylrodriguez.com
Stories Build Skills
This story helps children focus on identity: Who am I! Who are we?
I Love Insects — A Story About Collecting Bugs
Play along in the Sparkler mobile app: Bug Hunt for 3-5 year olds, Paint a Beetle for 1.5+, and Fly Baby Beetle for babies.
About the Story and Author/Illustrator
“I Love Insects” brings you into the garden and under the dirt to get a closer look at these fascinating creatures, who live all around us. It’s written and illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell, whose artwork can be seen in picture books, magazines, and games. She studied art and art history at Connecticut College, and drawing and illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Lizzy is the illustrator of over 25 children’s books by a variety of authors including her mother, Anne Rockwell. She is the author/illustrator of eleven books including The All-Together Quilt, Plants Feed Me, How Do You Feel?, Good Enough to Eat: A Kid’s Guide to Food and Nutrition, and The Busy Body Book: A Kid’s Guide to Fitness. Lizzy has two grown sons, and lives and works in Bridgeport, CT with her husband, Ken Alcorn, a high school social studies teacher. Lizzy likes to quilt, cook, hike, paddle, and grow things in her garden.
Stories Build Skills
This is a science book that will help children build curiosity about the world that surrounds them.
The Night is Yours — A Story About Feeling Great in Your Own Skin
Watch in Spanish.
Play along in the Sparkler mobile app: Moon Craters for 1-5 year olds, Goodnight to the Moon for babies, Color Match for 18 months+, Tell Me My Story for babies, toddlers, and littles.
About the Story and Author/Illustrator
This is a story about an evening game of hide and seek with the moon — with a moral about feeling great in your own skin. It’s written by by Abdul-Razak Zachariah and illusrated by Keturah A. Bobo.
Stories Build Skills
This is a story about curiosity and identity — and will help children build self-confidence as they listen to the young narrator.
Jabari Jumps — A Story About Overcoming Your Fears
Watch in Spanish.
Play along in the Sparkler mobile app: Feelings Memory for 18 months+ and Scared Face, Brave Face for babies.
About the Story and Author/Illustrator
Gaia Cornwall loves to make books for kids. She is the author-illustrator of Jabari Jumps, her debut picture book (a Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book and an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, among other accolades), as well as its follow-up, Jabari Tries, and The Best Bed for Me. Fairy Walk, from Candlewick Press, comes out in April. Gaia lives in Connecticut with her family: a husband, two kiddos, and two dogs, who we suspect are real, live, muppets.
Stories Build Skills
Following the example of the little boy in this story will help children learn about the feelings and learn to persevere.