November Monthly Activities

• A Birthday Basket for Tia by Pat Mora
• A Chair for My Mother by Vera Williams
• A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza
• Abuela by Arthur Dorros
• Apple Pie 4th of July by Janet S. Wong
• Bebe Goes to the Beach
• Bee-bim Bop by Linda Sue Park
• Big Sister, Little Sister by Leuyen Pham
• Black is Brown is Tan by Arnold Adoff
• Daddy Makes the Best Spaghetti by Anna Hines
• I Love My Daddy by Sebastien Braun
• In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall by Javaka Steptoe
• In My Family/En mi familia by Carmen Lomas Garza
• Just Grandma and Me by Mercer Mayer
• Just Grandpa and Me by Mercer Mayer
• Just Like Daddy by Frank Asch
• Just Us Women by Jeannette Caines
• Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present by Charlotte Zolotow
• My Family by Sheila Kinkade
• Olivia by Ian Falconer
• Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats
• Please, Louise! by Frieda Wishinsky
• Princess Penelope by Todd Mack
• Sisters by David McPhail
• Sunday Week by Dinah Johnson and Tyrone Geter
• The Daddy Mountain by Jules Feiffer
• The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster
• The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant
• Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen
• What Grandmas Do Best by Laura Joffe Numeroff
• What Mommies Do Best/What Daddies Do Best by Laura Numeroff
• Whose Mouse are You? by Robert Kraus
• Whose Mouse Are You? by Robert Kraus

Original artwork by Helen Correll

Check out Festivals and Events happening in November around the state.

• Penn Center Heritage Days Celebration showcases the unique cultural legacy of the Gullah people and history of Penn School on St. Helena Island.
• Carolina Foothills Heritage Fair – Fair Play (Oconee County)
• Fall Harvest Festival – Greenville
• Harvest Fest – Charleston

• The Gullah Culture

  The term “Gullah” (or “Gee-chee” in Georgia) describes communities of people who live on the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia. The unique blend of the West African culture, combined with European and Native American influences, resulted in the distinct culture that is known as Gullah. Gullah traditions are the customs, beliefs, and ways of life that have been passed down among Sea Island families. Making sweetgrass baskets, quilting, and knitting fishing nets are a few of the crafts that parents and grandparents teach children.

  Folklore, stories, and songs have also been handed down over the years. In June, the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival highlights the unique artistry of over 100 basket makers over the two day celebration. Local residents perform a variety of entertainment consisting of Gullah/Geechee culture songs, dance, storytelling, and skits. Artists and crafters showcase their paintings and handmade crafts. Local restaurants and food vendors provide an assortment of authentic Lowcountry foods throughout the festival.

• Ronald and Natalie Daise

  Storyteller and author Ronald Daise and his wife Natalie perform around the country with their Sea Island Montage performances, which include singing, dancing, and storytelling focused on Gullah heritage. Natalie and Ronald also starred in the award winning Nick Jr. show, "Gullah Gullah Island" and continue to share the joy of learning about the Gullah culture through books, music, and crafts. They live in Beaufort, South Carolina with their children.

• Get Set4K.org: November - Check out this month by month guide to school readiness.
• Reading is Fundamental Monthly Activity Calendar: November - This monthly activity calendar provides engaging reading and writing activity suggestions to last a month! (Also available in Spanish)

• Children’s Storybooks Online - This collection of online stories is perfect for beginning readers through young adults.
• Reading Is Fundamental - The Literary Resource section offers a wealth of support and information about reading and children. You can search for activities, explore booklists, read articles, and check out the special multicultural section.