Dr.  Jonita “J” Reynolds, kicked off the GCCSA StoryTime again this school year! 

“Andre Goes to School” – Written by Mikaela Wilson 

The book is about a little boy named André who goes to school for the first time. He faces his fears and discovers that school can be fun and rewarding.  All the children agreed!

OCTOBER GCCSA STORY TIME was read by the Head Start/Early Head Start Director, Tiamoiya Lee. 

“There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves” Written by Lucille Colandro, Illustrated by Jared Lee

This rhyming riddle invited the children to guess why this wacky old lady is really swallowing leaves, a pumpkin, and some hay

The November GCCSA StoryTime featured Houston area author, Mr. Calvin Denson. 

“Mommy Has Eyes in the Back of Her Head”  and “My Dad Says ‘Yes!’” Both written by Calvin Denson

“Mommy Has Eyes in the Back of Her Head” Children met Erielle in this story! Erielle knows that mommy has eyes in the back of her head. No matter what happens, she sees and knows everything. Don’t believe it? Join Erielle for the day and she will show you!

“My Dad Says ‘Yes!’” was about little Henry.  Life is good in the eyes of little Henry and for most of it, it’s good because Henry’s dad is awesome and always spends quality time with him. Yes, moms are cool too but, in this book, little Henry is going to let the world know that his dad loves him and he shows it by saying, ”Yes!”

December StoryTime was presented by GCCSA Head Start/Early Head Start team members:  Naiomi Carrero, Mayra Summers & Natasha Johnson. 

They read following two Holiday books to the children and families. One was read in English and the other in Spanish both with translators.

“Llama Llama Holiday Helper” by Anna Dewdney & JJ Harrison  and “Jingle Bells” (Little Golden Book) by Kathleen N. Daly

In “Llama Llama Holiday Helper” Llama and Mama Llama are just about done with getting ready for the holidays. So Llama decides to help out his friends — hanging wreaths, decorating trees, and baking cookies. Join Llama, Gilroy, Nelly, Euclid, and Luna as they celebrate their favorite time of year.

Popular classic Little Golden Book “Jingle Bells” is about jingly jangly Christmas fun!A bear family takes some of the village animals out for a spin in the sleigh-and ends up helping Santa deliver his toys! 

January StoryTime was presented by GCCSA Finance Controller, Angela Stephens

She read “What is Money?” Written by Kelly Lee & “A Penny in My Pocket” Written by CM Harris

“What is Money?” uses simple words and engaging illustrations to demystify the concept of money. It’s a perfect tool for teaching kids financial literacy, helping them understand the value of saving and prudent money handling. Ideal for parents and educators seeking to lay a strong foundation in financial education from an early age.

In “What is Money?” Children learn:

• What is money?
• Where does money come from?
• What should kids do with it?
• Why should we save?

Extra interesting information and money advice found at the end of the book make it an excellent resource.

“A Penny in My Pocket, is a clever look at money, financing, and making hard decisions on what is more important to purchase.”

“A Penny In My Pocket” is a story about the power of generosity and how even the smallest of gifts can make a big difference. Join young Stevie as he embarks on a journey to the grocery store with his mother and learns the importance of spending, saving, donating, and giving. As Stevie faces hard decisions about what to buy and when to give, he discovers the true value of a penny and the power of small acts of kindness.

“My Family, Your Family” is all about Makayla visiting friends in her neighborhood. She sees how each family is different. Some families have lots of children, but others have none. Some friends live with grandparents or have two dads or have parents who are divorced. How is her own family like the others? What makes each one great? This diverse cast allowed our young scholars to compare and contrast families in multiple ways. 

March StoryTime was presented by GCCSA Community Services Director, Dr. Cimberli Darrough (Dr. D)

She read “We’re Better Together” Written by Eileen Spinelli and Illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan

This story helped children learn that they, no matter how young, can make a difference in the world. “We’re Better Together” instills in children the value of compassion, teamwork and community, encouraging them to feel confident in their abilities and their voices.

Showing that we’re better together when we play, when we make music and when everyone pitches in, this beautifully illustrated kindness book celebrates people coming together to solve problems, support communities and honor differences.

April StoryTime was presented by GCCSA Head Start/Early Head Start Teacher at Raul Yzaguirre, Ms. Celia Bocanegra, better known as ‘Ms. B’

She read “Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story ” by Jayme Sandberg & Illustrated by Kathleen Gadeken

After experiencing the solar eclipse earlier in the month, the children heard about the friendship between the sun and the moon. Through a tale of celestial friendship, ”Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story” explores the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a total solar eclipse and the unexpected ways we shine together.

Ms. B’s class also shared their version of the solar eclipse after the story.  What a great time!

May Storytime was read by GCCSA Early Head Start teachers, Ms. Lenesha Rabsatt and Ms. Briana Sparks.   

They read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and it was written in 1969. It was designed, illustrated, and written by American children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle.

The plot follows a very hungry caterpillar that consumes a variety of foods before pupating and becoming a butterfly. It incorporates elements that contribute to early childhood education, including counting, days of the week, and food. It also incorporates a butterfly’s life cycle.  Ms. Lenesha and Ms. Briana included fun illustrations during their storytelling.