Back to School with PICTURE BOOKS!!!

It’s back to school time and I am once again playing in my library. I love this time of year…the library is perfectly set-up, the kids and staff are excited to be in school once again, and I am itchy to find new books for my kiddos.That’s my thing…getting kids to read! I work with a fabulous group of teachers and they do an amazing job in getting the kids the tools they need to grow as readers. My job is to get them to LOVE reading! I want them to find books that not only they can read, but books that spark an interest and a life-long love of reading. In theory, it sounds pretty easy, in the real world…well some days are better than others! 🙂

One of my favorite ways to get kids (K-4) to enjoy reading is by having wonderful picture books in my library. Picture books come in a variety of reading levels, interests, and they are quick to read…they are PERFECT! They can be used in so many different and unique ways. I am always on the search for good ones to share not only with the kids but with teachers as well. Here are a few picture books that I found over  summer break at our public library. I hope you find them as special as I do.

1. The Green Bath by Margaret Mahy/ illustrated by Steven Kellogg. This book is so much fun! All about a little boy and his magic bath tub! I am a huge fan of this author and illustrator! Whenever I see a new book by this pair it just makes me smile. It could be the memories of reading with my own son, but I think they are just that good!

2. This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen. This is the winner of the Caldecott Medal for 2013…yeah it’s good! A fish has stolen a hat, but will he get a way with it? Simple story with simple illustrations…perfect in every way.

3. The Dark by Lemony Snicket. Yes, Lemony Snicket has ventured into picture books. This is a sweet simple story about a little boy overcoming his fear of the dark. The dark is actually a main character in the book. Very nicely done, Mr. Snicket!

4. Ribbit! by Rodrigo Folgueira/Illustarted by Poly Bernatene. Wonderful book about a little pig who ribbits. None of the other animals can figure out why the little pig is doing this?  It turns out he just wants a friend. All about the power of friendship and what we will do to make a new friend. Great lesson for all of us.

5. How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans by David LaRochelle/illustated by Mark Fearing. Doesn’t the title just say it all? This is a must read for every picky eater!

6. Friends by Miles van Hout. Illustrations are very simple and child like and there is only one word per page. However, this is a wonderful “feelings” book for kiddos of all ages.

7. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt/illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. EVERY art teacher needs this book in their collection. Duncan just wants to color but his crayons have other ideas. Each color has a request/demand for Duncan. How in the world will he make them happy once again? Very cute story on being creative and looking outside the box…the crayon box that is.

8. Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper. This by far, is my favorite! This is a touching book about a little boy and his grandfather. Max always misses his grandpa after he leaves from a visit. Grandpa reminds Max that they share the same moon and it will always follow Max home. When the sky darkens and Max loses sight of the moon he worries that the moon didn’t follow him home after all. The illustrations are beautiful and the words are simple yet inspiring. Wonderful book for all ages…even adults.

I hope you find something in this list to share with your own children, grandchildren, or your students. They are all wonderful stories that need to be shared with those we love.

Happy reading!!!