P&K Picks

Lights Out, Night’s Out

By William Boniface

Perfect for any little night owl, this book brings nightlife to life. Your child will learn what animals are out and about under the moon from fireflies to jaguars. Fun little facts at the end of the book make it a fun read, with just the right amount of spookiness.

Did you know? If you count crickets’ chirps for 15 seconds, then add 40, the total will tell you the air temperature in Fahrenheit!

($17.99, Accord Publishing, www.accordpublishing.com)

Chester Raccoon and the Acorn Full of Memories

By Audrey Penn

From the author of NY Times #1 bestseller, “The Kissing Hand,” this beautifully illustrated book walks children through another hard-to-explain concept. Many young children must face the loss of a loved one. The sweet story of Chester helps children understand how “making memories” can provide cheer and comfort during sad times.

($19.95, Tanglewood Books, www.tanglewoodbooks.com)

101 Games and Activities for Children with Autism Spectrum and Sensory Disorders

By Tara Delaney, M.S., OTR

A fantastic book specifically intended for kids on the autism spectrum that is overflowing with parent-tested and expert-approved ways to help children connect with the world around them. Written by a pediatric occupational therapist, activities are meant to help improve motor functions, social skills, and cognitive development.

Game 71: Bigger, Better Letters

Supplies:

• Chalk
• Spray bottle filled with water

Draw different letters on the ground using chalk

Have child use the spray bottle to clean up the chalk letters

Purpose:

Letter recognition: Any activity that immerses the child in forming letters, especially while moving, will increase letter recognition.

Motor understanding of letter formation: By using gross motor movement to form letters, the body develops increased understanding of proper formation.

($16.95, McGraw-Hill, www.mcgraw-hill.com)

A Light in the Attic: Special Edition

Poems and drawings by Shel Silverstein

What could make a classic better? How about 12 never before published poems and a new YouTube channel with animated videos of some of Shel’s most treasured poems? A Light in the Attic debuted in 1981 and stayed on the New York Times Bestseller List for 182 weeks. My son adores this book as much as I did when I was a child.

BATTY

The baby bat

Screamed out in fright,

“Turn on the dark,

I’m afraid of the light.”

($18.99, HarperCollins, www.harpercollinschildrens.com)