For the Babies — Babies learn by watching and often mirror their caregivers, so let’s play “Coffee” together just like in My First Book of Coffee! With an empty mug, pretend to sip and share your coffee. If your baby is learning to hold things, try giving them a cup of their own. Cheer and clap when they sip and share with you!

For the Littles — Instead of a tea party, how about a coffee date?! Play “Coffee” just like in My First Book of Coffee. Sit together with play cups and plates and pretend food. Siblings and friends (even stuffed ones) can join in, too! Take turns serving food, refilling your drinks, and what to do when oh no! someone accidentally spills their imaginary coffee! Reinforce the way social bonds are formed in our communities by modeling skills like helping, sharing, and using manners.

For the Bigs — In The Perfect Place, Luca does some thinking about what it means to fit in to his community, and in Mango Memories, a little girl struggles to make memories like the ones her family members share with her. Making memories together is one of the ways we build the social bonds of our communities. Write a poem with your child about one of their special memories! Expand the lesson and research different kinds of poems. Then read them aloud in your very own Poetry Slam!