Now & Ben can be used in the classroom to spark discussions about inventors, creativity, and problem-solving. Teachers can have students compare modern inventions with Benjamin Franklin‘s ideas, create their own “inventions,” or explore how historical figures impact our world today. It‘s great for history, science, and reading lessons, encouraging critical thinking and creativity.

“And we think about his many inventions- inventions he originated more than two hundred years ago.“

Now & Ben is a fun, engaging book that shows Benjamin Franklin‘s inventions and ideas in a way kids can easily understand and enjoy.

“Skeletons riding bicycles.. skeletons wearing fancy hats“

I would use this to introduce the holiday, Day of the Dead, and use it as a cultural text in my classroom.

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras is clear and easy to understand. The text is appropriate for kids, and the style is engaging. The language is vivid, helping readers imagine Posada‘s lively artwork and learn about the Day of the Dead.

“You don‘t have to know where you come from to know who you are.”

The Barren Grounds can be used in the classroom to explore themes of identity, belonging, and bravery while introducing students to Indigenous culture through discussion and creative activities.

The Barren Grounds is an exciting story about two kids who find a magical world and learn about who they really are. It‘s a great mix of adventure, friendship, and discovering where you belong.

I think I would use this in the classroom not as a book for the whole class. I would just have it in my classroom for students to read to understand that growing up is tough and a lot of people face the same challenges and that everything will be ok!

“The first step is getting you to admit that we need a plan.“

Love? Maybe is a heartwarming story about Piper, a teen learning about friendship, love, and self-discovery as unexpected surprises challenge what she thought she knew about relationships. This is a contemporary realistic book.

“All I can control is saying sorry...“

This is a bright, fun story about confidence, friendship, and being yourself while overcoming challenges.

Let‘s Go Coco is a fun and colorful graphic novel that helps kids think about being brave and true to themselves. The pictures and story work together to show feelings and ideas in a way that‘s easy to understand, even when the themes are bigger and more grown-up. The pictures also portray the story which children are to follow and comprehend what is going on. It was published in 2024.

“What big teeth you have!“ — “The better to eat you with!“

This book would be perfect for Perfect for teaching story elements, character traits, and safety. Use it to compare versions, act out scenes, or talk about what makes a “good choice.“

This classic tale tells of a girl, a wolf, and a lesson about not talking to strangers. It‘s a beast tale because the wolf acts like a person and plays tricks. Kids learn to be careful and make smart choices. It is a caldecott winner retold by Trina Schart Hyman, published in 1984.

“She would ride beside them—free as the wind, no one making her do anything she didn‘t want to do.“

This would be ideal for introducing Native American legends and themes of nature, respect, and identity. I would use it to spark conversations about our connection to animals and to explore traditional storytelling from Indigenous cultures.

This Native American legend tells of a girl who feels a deep connection to wild horses and ultimately becomes one with them. As a legend, it explains a cultural belief in a mystical and symbolic way. The story beautifully honors nature, freedom, and respect for animals. It is a caldecott winner and is written by Paul Goble.

“Saying hello to the sun, letting it know you are there.“

It is a beautiful book about how to start a day and the joy in the beginning moments of each day. This book is perfect for morning meetings or social-emotional learning, this book invites children to reflect on gratitude and mindfulness. Use it to spark discussions about daily routines, global cultures, and how we each choose to start our day with intention.

This poetic pourquoi tale explains how people around the world greet the sun with meaning. It fits the genre by showing why morning rituals matter across cultures. A calm, reflective read that celebrates nature and tradition. It is a Caldecott winner by Byrd Baylor.

“Even Fredinand Magellan looked like his kind of guy“

Caldecott Honor, Published 2021, One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by David Small
A charming story about an unlikely friendship between a shy fox and a lively hummingbird. Through playful adventures and quiet moments, they discover the joy of companionship. Warm, colorful illustrations beautifully capture the heart of friendship and acceptance.

In One Cool Friend, the vibrant colors highlight the growing friendship between the shy fox and the playful hummingbird. Bright, warm tones bring energy and joy to their adventures, while softer hues show moments of calm and trust. The colors help readers feel the emotions and warmth of their bond throughout the story.

“And he had done what he was supposed to“

Caldecott Honor, Published 1941, The Paddle to the Sea by Holling C. Holling
A captivating tale following a carved wooden paddle‘s journey from a small lake in Canada through the Great Lakes to the sea. The paddle‘s colorful markings guide the story, linking diverse landscapes and cultures along the way. Educational, adventurous, and richly illustrated.

in Finding Winnie, the paddle‘s colors guide the journey and emotions throughout the story. Each color shift reflects changes in mood and setting, helping readers connect visually to the adventure and the warmth of Winnie‘s story. They create a gentle rhythm that supports the narrative‘s flow.

“Sometimes the best stores are“

Caldecott Honor, Published 2015, Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World‘s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
A touching, true story about the real bear who inspired Winnie-the-Pooh. Through beautiful illustrations and heartfelt narrative, it explores friendship, adventure, and the bonds between a mother, son, and a special bear. Warm, gentle, and unforgettable.

The illustrations in this book are amazing and very detailed. It seems as though the colors are muted which helps explain the mood of the story even more.

“We forget it's grandpa dancing, and all we can hear is the slivery tap of two feet“

Caldecott Winner, Published 1988, Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman, illustrated by Stephen Gammell
A nostalgic and heartwarming story of a grandfather who brings the magic of vaudeville to life for his grandchildren. With a twirl of his hat and a soft-shoe shuffle, he bridges generations through joy, music, and memories. Energetic, tender, and vividly illustrated.

The colors in this book showcase all of the colors in the rainbow. These colors really depict joy in the reader and make it exciting to turn to the next page.

Caldecott Honor, Published 1969, Goggles! by Ezra Jack Keats
Peter and his friend Archie find a pair of cool goggles—only to be confronted by older boys who want them. A story of courage and quick thinking, set against Keats‘s signature urban backdrop. Bold, textured illustrations and a timeless message about standing up for yourself.

This book has mostly darker and warmer colors which describe the story very well. However, the illustrator did a wonderful job incorporating the main aspect of the story and made them yellow to stand out, which are the goggles.

“Do you know how many stars there are? Neither do I, but she knows them all“

Caldecott Winner, Published 2005, The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster, illustrated by Chris Raschka. A joyful celebration of childhood, family, and imagination. Told from a child‘s perspective, the story centers on visits to her grandparents‘ house and the magical kitchen window that frames each hello and goodbye. Warm, expressive, and full of love.

This book is one of the most colorful books I have seen so far. The bright colors really showcase the story and enhance the storytelling.

“But it turned out she could. And she did.“

Caldecott Honor, Published 2012, Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen. A magical tale of generosity and transformation. When Annabelle finds a box of never-ending yarn, she knits life and color into her drab town—until a greedy archduke tries to take it. Subtle, enchanting, and beautifully illustrated.

The colors in this book are very subtle but still very bright. The trees are very contrasting from the house which makes them pop.

“and together they did the unimaginable“

Caldecott Winner, Published 2014, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat. A whimsical tale of friendship and belonging. Beekle, an imaginary friend waiting to be imagined, sets off on a brave journey to the real world. Vibrant, imaginative, and heartfelt—a story that celebrates courage, connection, and being seen.

The color used in this book with the images are just amazing. Each page goes fro light colors to darker colors. It really shows the mood of the book in great detail.

“Poor Kitten! She was wet and sad and tired and hungry.“

Caldecott Winner, Published 2004, Kitten‘s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
A sweet and gentle story about a curious kitten who mistakes the full moon for a bowl of milk. Her determined journey is filled with charm and innocence. Simple, expressive illustrations and timeless storytelling make this a cozy classic.

The illustrations in this book are absolutely wonderful, they truly do tell the story and puts words into pictures. The dark colors really show how it is the evening time and how it is so late that the moon is out.