December is all about the power of building community here at Gymboree Play & Music. For children, community involvement and engagement produces long-term benefits that provide a sense of belonging and is crucial to their early childhood identity.
This month’s book recommendations inspire the importance of strengthening community bonds and developing relationships between your littles, family, and teachers.
Happy Reading!
Maybe Something Beautiful By F. Isabel Campoy & Theresa Howell
Based on the true story of the Urban Art Trail in San Diego, California, “Maybe Something Beautiful” shows how people living in a gray city bring a little color into their world. Citizens come together to create a work of art more beautiful than they could have ever imagined on their own, and it all starts with one little artist!
What a Wonderful World By Bob Thiele, George David Weiss & Tim Hopgood. As sung by Louis Armstrong
“And I think to myself, ‘What a wonderful world!” There is so much beauty to behold in the world around us. This brightly illustrated book adopts Louis Armstrong’s famous song lyrics to promote love for your community and your “world.”
The Secret Sky Garden By Linda Sarah & Fiona Lumbers
Funni loves spending time at the old car park playing her recorder and flying her kite…. but something is missing. So Funni decides to create a garden in the space. A little boy sees her garden out the window of an airplane and decides to try and find it. As Funni’s flowers bloom, a special friendship blossoms too.
All Are Welcome By Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman
Read all about a school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yarmulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. These students grow and learn from each other’s cultural traditions, and the whole community comes together to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Rabbit’s Gift By George Shannon & Laura Dronzek
Winter is here and the snow will be falling soon. Luckily, Rabbit finds a turnip… and another one! Does Rabbit hide his extra turnip away for the long winter? Not Rabbit. He decides to share his turnip amongst his forest friends, setting off a heartwarming wave of generosity.
Visit your local Gymboree Play & Music today!
