“But what does being the best... really mean?”

This is a good book on teaching a lesson that you don‘t have to be “the best.” You should just be the best version of yourself and be a best friend by being there for your friends. This is also a good lesson to explain that not everything has to be a competition and that we don‘t have to be better than anyone else in order to be the best versions of ourselves.

This is a book about two best friends, Pizza and Taco. One day they argue about who is the best. When they can't come to an agreement, they decide they need to take a vote. Voting doesn't work either. Now they have to prove who is the best. You follow along on their journey to decide the ultimate pick; Pizza or Taco?

“KA-ZOWIE! Wow! That was very fun, Scones.”

This is a good story about being honest, even when we make mistakes. This could also be a good lesson on how everything is not always as it seems.

This is a cute story about Styx and Scones. Scones finds a magic “stick.” Styx explains to Scones that he is not messing with a magic stick, it‘s a wand! Scones uses the “stick” and finds all kinds of ways to use it. This is all kinds of fun until a big mistake is made. Now what will they do?

“Over the snow I glide, a full moon lights my path to supper, under the snow a chipmunk wakes for a meal. His house under my feet”

This book could inspire a fun classroom assignment where students explore the hidden world of animals in winter. After reading the book, students could research an animal that hibernates or lives under the snow.

This book explores the hidden world of animals in a snowy forest. You see the beauty of the winter landscape as the characters discover and listen to the animals beneath the snow. The snow scenes enhance the magical setting, reflecting both the animals' quiet lives and the dreams of the main character.

“And while you sleep, our beautiful blue Earth and seven other plants circle the sun“

The Universe and You would be an excellent introduction to a lesson on space. Students could work in groups to explore the characteristics of different planets in our solar system. Each group would then present their findings to the class, making it an engaging and interactive way for everyone to discover new facts about the universe together.

This is a fascinating and informative book about the mysteries of outer space and the unseen regions beyond our view. The illustrations capture the colors of the universe and its planets, bringing the cosmos to life. Through the character‘s reflections, the book offers a perspective on the unexplored wonders of space.

“Every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. “ Genesis 6: 13-22

For our school's cultural day, I‘d use “Animals of the Bible“ to introduce students to Christian cultural insights. Each day would explore a different worldview, with this book offering a look at biblical stories. It will help students understand Christian beliefs.

Through detailed illustrations of animals and carefully selected Bible quotes, this book not only educates but also immerses children in the culture.

“And that night, someone else was changed. That is how it happens. “

I would use Because by Mo Willems in my classroom to help students explore their interests and find inspiration from the past. For example, if a student enjoys art, they would research influential artists.

This story celebrates the power of music and inspiration and reflects on how past musicians‘ achievements motivated her to create her music. The illustrations capture her growth, making her journey feel inspiring. Through her music, the story encourages readers to find their inspiration and pursue their passions.

“She put her beach ball on the car, and she stuck it on tight with chocolate marshmallow fudge delight “

After reading the book, students could write about a time they helped fix something at home, like repairing a broken chair or cooking dinner together.

This book tells the story of a determined family who never gives up, working together to fix every broken part of their quirky car. Despite the car's problems “it couldn‘t make it fast and couldn‘t make it far“ the family shows resilience by using their lake toys to patch it up and keep going. The simple yet colorful illustrations capture their positive attitude.

“So Lex came home, the books came back, the land was filled with laughter, the fairy found a job, and all read happily ever after.“

I like this book because it didn't remind me of a story I've read before. This book is a bit on the longer side, so keep that in mind when picking who will be reading it.

This story is about Lex, a girl who loves to read at all times of the day. Her whole bedroom is filled with books. One morning she wakes up, and all of her books are gone! Throughout the story, you learn about what happened to the books and how she can get them back.

“The sun dipped below the horizon, and the day grew darker still.“

In this story, Little Toot gets separated from Big Toot. This could be a good opportunity to talk about being brave or courageous even when things are tough or we are scared.

In this book, you learn about Little Toot and how he rides the ocean waves. Little Toot lives in the middle of the New York Harbor. He wants to explore new places so him and his dad decide to take a trip. You tag along on the trip with them and discover a new place, the lighthouse.

Then the teacher announced, “Lunchtime! Please have your lunch money ready. And remember, no shoving in line.“

This would be a good book to read when children are first starting school. There may be students in your classroom that are worried about going to lunch and this story may help them feel better.

This book is about Clyde and his worries for the lunch room. His older brother torments him about his lunch. “You better hope they don't have soup!“ he said. Clyde got all worried about having soup for lunch because he thought he would spill it all over the place. He had dreams about the lunch ladies coming up behind him to clean up the mess. The next day when he was at school, he had a great experience at lunch just like his mom said he would.

“A little chipmunk puts a hickory nut in her mouth and scurries through the leaves.“

This book has very colorful illustrations! I think the illustrations could draw students into the story more.

This story is about a girl and her family hiking up Hickory Hill. You go with them throughout their journey up the hill. They find different types of trees, animals, and plants. This would be a good book to introduce when talking about the different things we can find in the wilderness.

“George was curious. What would happen if he rang the bell?“

I always loved Curious George books as a kid so I hope my students do too! A good connection you could make with this lesson is to go over fire safety and it's importance with your class.

I really like this book! I think it would be a good one to read when talking about future careers or learning about what first responders are. Throughout the book, you learn about different parts of the fire station and how important it is to know about fire safety.

“The sooner we're ready, the sooner we'll leave - The sooner we'll find Miss Genevieve.“

Each page in the book is illustrated with all black and yellow!

This is a very long book, but there are not many words on each page. Although the sentences aren't very long, I would recommend this for older elementary grades. There are tricky words throughout the book which is why I wouldn't recommend it for very young readers.

“The inchworm measured the neck of the flamingo.“

This book sort of reminded me of the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

This would be a good book for younger grades. There are not many words on each page and the words are easy to understand, other than a few. The illustrations fill up most of the page.

“Wishes, on their way to coming true, will not be rushed.“

I find it neat that there are lots of stories all in one book!

Each page in the book is a new story. This would be good to break up and read one page daily. If the students are reading it on their own, I would recommend this book for older grades because it has lots of words on each page.

“The windows and shutters were fixed and once again they painted her a lovely shade of pink.“

I love how you saw the same picture but in different seasons throughout the year! My favorite was the picture of the fall.

This is a very cute book. I loved the illustrations. It is definitely on the longer side, so for younger grades you might have to break it up into parts.

“Trees make the woods. They make everything beautiful.“

I am unsure if every copy of this book is like this, but I liked how the book is tall like the trees they described.