Read to Fuel Children's Hearts, Words, Minds & Bodies
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!
"The Table," Read by Author Winsome Bingham
About The Table: In this story, Winsome Bingham reads one of her books, “The Table.” It’s a story about two families — both filled with love, both encountering hardship and joy, both living in the same place — and the one simple table that connects them all.
About Winsome Bingham: Winsome Bingham is the award-winning author of books for kids. She wrote one of The New York Times Best Books of the Year & The Connecticut Book Award medal winner, Soul Food Sunday, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree & Bronx artist C. G. Esperanza. Her book, The Table, co-written with Wiley Blevins & illustrated by Jason Griffin celebrates the American experience through the lens of a beloved kitchen table.” Her books center family, community, military life, and give voice to underrepresented communities.
"Got Your Nose!" Read by Author Alan Katz
About “Got Your Nose!” This hilarious picture book by New York Times bestselling author Alan Katz and Alex Willan imagines what happens when a good-natured game of “got your nose” goes too far — and one little girl’s nose runs free.
About Alan Katz: Alan Katz has written 50+ highly acclaimed books for kids, including Take Me Out of the Bathtub (now in its 25th year!), Got Your Nose!, Oops!, Zooloween, The Funniest Joke Book Ever for Kids, and The Funniest Animal Joke Book Ever for Kids. Alan is also a six-time Emmy-nominated writer for TV series including The Rosie O’Donnell Show, the Grammy Awards and the Tony Awards, animated shows including Taz-Mania, Pinkalicious and Goof Troop, numerous trading card sets, theme park shows, and network specials. He and his journalist wife (and co-author of an upcoming poetry book!) Rose Horowitz live in Connecticut.
"Mi Casa Is My Home" Read by Author Laurenne Sala
About “Mi Casa Is My Home” Bienvenidos to Lucía’s home. Lucía lives in her casa with her big, loud, beautiful familia, and she’s going to show you around! From la puerta, where Abuela likes to wave to the neighbors and wait for packages from Puerto Rico or Spain, to la cocina, where Lucía watches her Mamá turn empty pots into soups and arroces, to el patio, where Lucia and her cousins (and her cousin’s cousins!) put on magic shows, Lucía loves her busy and cozy casa. With warmth and joy, author Laurenne Sala and illustrator Zara González Hoang celebrate home in this bilingual picture book that feels like an abrazo from your most favorite people, your familia.
About Laurenne Sala: Laurenne Sala is an author, poet, mom of three, and expert somersaulter. Her first picture book You Made Me a Mother made moms everywhere shed tears. The best-selling sequel You Made Me a Dad did the trick for dads too. Her bilingual picture book Mi Casa Is My Home will soon be followed by Mi Escuela Is My School in the fall of 2026. Harry the Hairiest and An Altar for Abuelo are to follow shortly after. She lives on a mountain in Mexico with her family.
"Mason's Big Hair Adventure" Read by Author Malik Champlain
About “Mason’s Big Hair Adventure” Step into Mason’s world, where lively curls and big dreams collide! When his wild hair resists all attempts to be tamed, Mason’s dad decides it’s time for a special trip to the barbershop. There, Mason discovers more than just a fresh haircut—he learns the value of self-care, family traditions, and the pride that comes with wearing his crown. With rhythmic storytelling and vibrant moments of father-son bonding, Mason’s Big Hair Adventure is a heartwarming tale that celebrates confidence, family, and community. This story will inspire early readers and more to embrace their uniqueness and step boldly into their own adventures!
About Malik Champlain: Malik Champlain is an educator, author, and father based in Connecticut. He is the author of Mason’s Big Hair Adventure, a children’s book inspired by his son and rooted in the belief that literacy builds confidence, identity, and connection. Through his work with Dad Reads To Me – Building Bonds Through Books, Malik champions family engagement, joyful reading experiences, and positive representations of children of color. He frequently partners with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to promote early literacy and strengthen relationships between parents and children.
"Plátanos Are Love" Read by Author Alyssa Reynoso-Morris
Storytime: Plátanos Are Love by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris In this story, Alyssa Reynoso-Morris reads “Plátanos Are Love.” It’s a delicious picture book about the ways plantains shape Latinx culture, community, and family, told through a young girl’s experiences in the kitchen with her abuela.
About the Author, Alyssa Reynoso-Morris: Alyssa Reynoso-Morris is a queer Afro-Latine/x and Indigenous (Taino) award-winning storyteller, author, and motivational speaker with Dominican and Puerto Rican roots. She is also a mother and community organizer. During the day, she works with community members, non-profit organizations, and government officials to make the world a better place. Then she puts on her writer’s hat to craft heartfelt stories. Alyssa was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, and currently lives in Philadelphia, PA, with her family. She is the author of Plátanos Are Love & Los plátanos son amor (a NCTE Charlotte Huck Recommended Read); The Bronx Is My Home; Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book & Gloriana Presente: De la República Dominicana al Bronx; Bold, Brilliant and Latine: Meet 52 Latine and Hispanic Heroes from Past and Present; and Pieces of Home. She hopes you enjoy her stories. You can learn more about her at alyssaauthor.com