Experience books from the inside out! Each program in this 8-part series blends the animated pages of a popular children's book with extensions that explore the book's key themes and dive deeper into cross-curricular topics.

Each book comes to life as the original illustrations are animated and the story is narrated. Then students take a more in depth look by taking field trips or watching interviews with the authors and illustrators.

1.) Honk!

A ballet-smitten swan drives everyone crazy practicing plies and grand jetes. Visit a ballet studio and explore the nature of collaboration through a chat with author Pamela Duncan Edwards and illustrator Henry Cole.

2.) Freedom River

This ALA Notable Children’s Book tells the true story of ex-slave John Parker. Integrate the book into lessons with a segment on the Underground Railroad. Author: Doreen Rappaport, Illustrator: Bryan Collier

3.) The Web Files
In this parody of TV’s classic detective shows, Ducktective Web must “quack” the case of the purple almost-pickled peppers. An interview with author Margie Palatini and a trip to meet a real detective extend the lesson. Illustrator: Richard Egielski.

4.) Float Like A Butterfly

Trace the remarkable life journey of boxing champion Muhammad Ali. Integrate Ali’s story into lessons with an author interview and an inspiring field trip. Author: Ntozake Shange, Illustrator: Edel Rodriguez

5.) Under The Lemon Moon

Who is the night man? Why has he taken Rosalinda’s beautiful lemons and left her tree to suffer? A young girl in the rural Mexican countryside finds a way to save her ailing arbolita – and offers hope and redemption to someone in need. Meet the author and learn about the rewards of helping others. Author: Edith Hope, Illustrator: Rene King Moreno

6.) I Love Saturdays y Domingos

Her paternal grandparents are of European descent; her maternal grandparents are Mexican-American. One lucky little girl enjoys their love. Sit in on an interview with educator and author Alma Flor Ada. Illustrator: Elivia Savadier.

7.) Visiting Langston

It’s a special day when a little girl and her father go to visit the house where the great poet Langston Hughes lived. Take a field trip to Harlem and enjoy a chat with author Willie Perdomo and illustrator Bryan Collier.

8.) Henry’s First Moon Birthday

A Chinese-American family is about to celebrate baby Henry’s First Moon. Join author Lenore Look and illustrator Yumi Heo for a revealing chat about this award-winning book, then take a fun field trip to explore Chinese cultural traditions.