Picture Books

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual February event in which citizens collect data about wild birds. To participate, simply tally the number and kinds of birds you see within a 15-minute period. This is a great way to get children involved in learning about birds and, to encourage further study of birds, we […]

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Each compilation has its own theme, providing a straightforward way to introduce children to many great Black Americans. All titles listed were either an award nominee or honor/winner book.              28 Days: moments in Black history that changed the world  By: Charles R. Smith Illustrated by: Shane Evans A look […]

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Any person can be an activist, even young children. Creating a classroom library or home bookshelf with books about various activists or causes can peak a child’s interest in how he or she can impact the world. Below are 10 books to help build your activism collection. Contributed by: Elizabeth Bridges         […]

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Traditions, some passed down through many generations, are cherished around the Christmas season. Enjoy this collection of 12 titles that provide a glimpse into Christmas traditions with some providing a unique twist.                   Advent Elf By: Paivi Stalder Illustrated by: Barbara Korthues On the first night of […]

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These picture books are ideal for sharing laughs and enjoying time together around the Christmas tree.               The 12 Days of Christmas By: Greg Pizzoli An elephant parent has to take responsibility for caring for all the gifts that arrive in this newly illustrated version of the traditional song. […]

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Cat lovers prepare yourself for 9 fun picture books featuring your favorite pet.                         Cat Secrets By: Jef Czekaj Important secrets about how best to live a cat’s life will be revealed only to those who can prove that they are genuine cats. Fuddles […]

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What goes well with Hanukkah gifts? Hanukkah stories! We are sharing 16 Hanukkah stories, 2 for each night. A perfect pairing for gift time or bedtime.                     The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes By: Linda Glaser Illustrated by: Nancy Cote A young girl finds a way to include […]

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Our list of picture books reflecting Native American themes feature family, animals, school, space exploration, and Thanksgiving.                     Black Bear Red Fox By: Julie Flett A book demonstrating colors in English as well as in Cree, along with the pronunciation. The Christmas Coat: Memories of My […]

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A fractured fairy tale is a story that is based on a fairy tale you know with changes to some part of the story, such as character, setting, or point or view. Sometimes even part of the plot is changed. Let’s say it presents a new twist to the original tale. Our list of 20 unique retellings of classic […]

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Our celebration of our diverse world includes books that take a peek at places around the globe and also books that show multicultural characters displaying bravery. Suggested age range and month of publication is included with each entry. Be sure to use the links provided to find similar books to those shown.                   […]

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After reviewing hundreds of upcoming titles featuring female characters, we decided to hone our Fall Fiction List to include books with female characters involved in problem-solving, acts of bravery, or adjusting to a new normal. Each title was chosen to fill a spot on your shelf to encourage not only girls, but all students who find themselves in these situations. Suggested age […]

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Bilingual picture books provide a unique way for students to learn basic words and conversational phrases in other languages. The books listed below present simple words and phrases great for beginning bilingual learners. Please note that most of the books on this list are bilingual Spanish/English in response to the higher percentage of Spanish/English learners in American classrooms. […]

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You can go around the world without leaving the country. How? By reading books, of course. This list of fiction and nonfiction books takes readers on a global adventure. Whether finding out what other children are doing around the world at a specific time or falling in love in another country, this list is sure to give […]

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Twenty great picture books that make fun storytime reads. Many have repetition, rhyme, and provide plenty of opportunity for listener engagement.                 Are You My Mother? By: P.D. Eastman A classic read aloud about a baby bird that is born while his mother is away. He sets out to look […]

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When we think about the 4th of July we not only think of America’s independence, but we also think of parades, fireworks, and picnics with family and friends. This reading list covers the meaning of Independence Day, the many types of things we do to celebrate the holiday, and a few chapter books with July 4th settings for our chapter book readers.   […]

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Here’s a baker’s dozen of cookie themed picture books.                         Sugar Cookies: sweet little lessons on love By: Amy Krouse Rosenthal Baking cookies teaches us many lessons about life and love. Includes a recipe for sugar cookies. Who Put the Cookies in the Cookie Jar? […]

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Beautiful sandy beaches, luaus, and plenty of sun and culture provide a luxurious setting for these 10 stories with Hawaii as their settings. This list includes picture books for the younger readers and chapter books for older readers up to 16 years old             To Hawaii, With Love By: Michael P. Spradlin […]

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Learn about the invention of ice cream and how it’s made. Then, step inside a few ‘ice cream’ featured stories. Plenty to read to cool you off on a hot summer day.                     How Did That Get to My Table?: Ice Cream  By: Pam Rosenberg Follows the process of […]

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In honor of National Father-Daughter Take a Walk Day we are browsing through 14 books focused on father-daughter interactions and relationships. Includes picture and YA books.             A Photo for Greta By: Anna Alter Greta’s father is a professional photographer who is often away from home, but when he and Greta are […]

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“Won’t you be my neighbor” is the familiar line from Mr. Rogers’ opening song on his popular television series. Many children live in neighborhoods and have interactions with those in their communities. This list focuses on how neighbors help each other in diverse ways to build each other up or improve their community. We’ve also thrown in […]

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