“And if you stood outside his house, late at night, you might see him leaning toward his easel, his left hand holding up his right“

Horace‘s life offers strong interest and meaning for children. His story shows how someone can face big challenges, like his war injury and still find creative ways to follow their passion. Kids can connect with his determination, his problem-solving, and his love for art. His life also teaches an important message about not giving up, even when something feels hard.

A Splash of Red is a beautifully illustrated picture book biography that tells the inspiring story of Horace Pippin, an artist who never gave up on his love for painting. After an injury in World War I made it hard for him to use his arm, Horace found creative ways to keep making art, showing incredible determination and resilience.

“Water kept rising. Streets disappeared. Homes floated away.“

The book‘s style is engaging, with dynamic text and illustrations that draw readers into Hurricane Katrina‘s story. The language is vivid and descriptive, helping students visualize the disaster and its impact, making the book both informative and memorable.

Drowned City brings the story of Hurricane Katrina to life with vivid illustrations and clear, engaging text. In the classroom, it can help students understand the real-life impact of natural disasters, explore cause-and-effect relationships, and discuss community resilience and human responses to crisis

“You see, it is a governess‘s job to bring order where once there was chaos, civility where once there was savagery, and knowledge where once there was ignorance.”

In The Mysterious Howling, Maryrose Wood explores the “what if” question of what would happen if children were raised outside of society. The story makes readers think about what truly makes someone human, nature or nurture, and how kindness and understanding can change people. It also questions how society treats those who are different, showing that acceptance matters more than manners or status.

The Mysterious Howling is a great novel to use for teaching character development, inference, and theme. Students can analyze how Miss Penelope Lumley helps the children adapt to society while uncovering the mystery of their past. The story also opens up discussions about acceptance, empathy, and what makes a family.

“Loneliness was like a terminal disease. With every passing day you faded just that little bit more.”

The Cellar follows a girl who wakes up trapped in a mysterious cellar and must rely on her intelligence and courage to survive. The story emphasizes themes of resilience, problem-solving, and facing fears, providing an engaging way for students to explore suspense and character development.

In the classroom, it can be used to teach plot analysis, character development, and suspense techniques, while also encouraging discussions about resilience, problem-solving, and making safe choices in difficult situations. Its fast-paced narrative engages students and supports critical thinking and comprehension skills.

“I think they're pretty cool...“ “yeah, sure, pretty cool for artsy weirdos like Bianca“

This book was published in 2023 and is a graphic novel. The graphic novel uses expressive illustrations, relatable school experiences, and humor to show emotions, social dynamics, and cultural context, allowing younger readers to explore complex ideas without being overwhelmed.

In the classroom, it can be used to teach identity, self-expression, and cultural understanding, while also encouraging discussions about balancing responsibilities, pursuing passions, and reflecting on personal experiences. Its graphic novel format engages students visually and supports literacy skills like comprehension, inference, and empathy.

“Grandmother! What big, hairy ears you have grown!“

Little red riding hood is a caldecott honor fairy tale written in 1983. It retells the classic fairy tale of a young girl who visits her grandmother and encounters a clever and dangerous wolf. The story emphasizes themes of caution, problem-solving, and bravery, providing students with an accessible way to explore traditional storytelling and moral lessons.

In the classroom, it can be used to teach story structure, character analysis, and problem-solving, while also encouraging discussions about safety, making smart choices, and understanding consequences. The detailed illustrations and vivid retelling help students engage with the story and explore traditional fairy tale elements.

“But she did not forget her people“

The girl who loved horses has a Caldecott Medal (1979) Publication Year: 1978 and is a folktale. It tells the story of a young Native American girl who develops a profound connection with a herd of wild horses. The story emphasizes themes of empathy, respect for nature, and understanding the natural world, while also celebrating Indigenous storytelling traditions.

In the classroom, it can be used to teach empathy, respect for animals, and connection to nature, while also exploring Native American culture, storytelling, and descriptive language.

“There they lived a long life, happy and content“

This book was published in 1997 by Paul Zelinsky and is a fairy tale. Rapunzel retells the classic fairy tale of a young girl with extraordinarily long hair, trapped in a tower, and the prince who helps her escape. The story emphasizes themes of courage, resilience, and resourcefulness, while introducing students to traditional storytelling and the elements of fairy tales.

In the classroom, it can be used to teach story structure, character development, and problem-solving, while also encouraging discussions about bravery, creativity, and overcoming challenges.

“Young man, where did this penguin come from?“

David Small uses pen, ink, and watercolor, creating lively, expressive characters and settings. The illustrations effectively convey emotions, personalities, and the humorous interactions between Otto and the dog, reinforcing the story‘s themes visually.

In the classroom, it can be used to teach friendship, empathy, and social skills, while also encouraging discussions about differences, inclusivity, and how unexpected connections can lead to meaningful relationships.

“And although Hare and Bear learned to live happily as neighbors, they never became business partners again!“

Janet Stevens uses vibrant pen-and-ink with watercolor, giving the illustrations a lively, expressive quality. The artwork emphasizes character expressions and movement, reinforcing the humor and cleverness of the story. The books layout is also vertical making it a fun pick for children.

In the classroom, it can be used to teach problem-solving, critical thinking, and resourcefulness, while also encouraging discussions about cooperation, fairness, and creative solutions to challenges.

“But theres only one Hello, Goodbye Window and its right where you need it“

Chris Raschka uses watercolor and ink, with loose, playful lines and soft colors that convey warmth, movement, and emotion. The illustrations reflect the child‘s perspective, emphasizing wonder and curiosity while supporting comprehension of the story‘s emotional core.

In the classroom, it can be used to teach observation skills, family connections, and mindfulness, while also encouraging discussions about appreciating everyday moments and noticing the small details in life.

“Then Ill knit one for everyone, Annabell said, so they wont have to turn around.“

Jon Klassen uses digital illustration with subtle textures and muted colors, which highlight the bright, magical yarn as it transforms the town. The contrast draws attention to the impact of Annabelle‘s actions, reinforcing the story‘s central message visually.

In the classroom, it can be used to teach creativity, generosity, and problem-solving, while also encouraging discussions about sharing, community, and how small actions can have a big impact.

“We sit on one of Grandmas woolen blankets, clap our hands, and call out, Yay Grandpa!“

Stephen Gammell uses watercolor and pencil, creating lively, detailed illustrations with rich textures and expressive gestures. He also creates shadows with his pencils. The artwork captures movement, humor, and emotion, allowing readers to visualize the performance and feel the excitement.

In the classroom, it can be used to teach storytelling, family traditions, and the joy of performing arts, while also encouraging discussions about imagination, intergenerational connections, and sharing cultural experiences.

“and there was a great big bowl of milk on the porch, just waiting for her“

Kevin Henkes uses ink and watercolor in black-and-white with subtle shades of gray, creating a soft, nighttime atmosphere. The illustrations highlight the kitten‘s emotions and movements while keeping the focus on the moon, supporting both comprehension and emotional connection.

In the classroom, it can be used to teach observation, problem-solving, and perseverance, while also encouraging discussions about curiosity, imaginative thinking, and exploring the natural world.

“And together they did the unimaginable.“

Dan Santat uses digital illustration with watercolor-style textures, combining vibrant colors with expressive characters and imaginative settings. His artwork conveys emotion, movement, and the whimsical nature of the imaginary world, enhancing the storytelling for young readers.

In the classroom, it can be used to teach friendship, empathy, creativity, and perseverance, while also encouraging discussions about imagination, feelings, and the value of forming meaningful connections.

“Jasper‘s underwear was glowing! Glowing! Glowing!”

Peter Brown uses digital illustrations with vibrant colors and expressive character designs to amplify humor and suspense. The exaggerated facial expressions and dynamic layouts highlight the tension and fun in Jasper‘s adventure.

In the classroom, this story is a fun way to teach narrative structure, problem-solving, and the balance between humor and suspense.

The illustrations use watercolor and pencil, with soft, expressive images that highlight the character‘s emotions. The warm tones around the lunchbox and family scenes contrast with the cooler tones of the school setting, visually reinforcing the theme of home as a place of safety.

In the classroom, this story can support lessons on diversity, empathy, and cultural understanding, helping students appreciate differences and discuss ways to make everyone feel included.