Teacher Idea Factory

Teacher Idea Factory

THOSE MUST HAVE PICTURE BOOKS

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I love books – the feel, the smell . . . how my heart speeds up just a bit when I crack a new story for the very first time.  I got my first library card at 5 years old.  I have a distant memory of my grandmother picking me up so that I could sign my name on that line.  It wasn’t pretty (my name was mostly capital letters and took up the whole card), but the library took me in just the same 🙂 Needless to say, books hold an extra special place in my heart.   

This little walk down memory lane leads me right into my post . . . Lindsey over at The Teacher Wife has the coolest book linky going.  What’s the focus you ask?  Well, it’s all about our Must Have Picture Books.  There is nothing more magical than having all of your little cuties silently sitting all wide-eyed on your carpet as you read a little tale. 

It took me a moment to narrow it down to just a handful of stories (and I may just change my mind at the last minute).  There are so many picture books that I love, but here’s my short list at the moment . . . in no particular order . . . 

ONE
SYLVESTER & THE MAGIC PEBBLE
This tale came to mind immediately.  My grandmother used to read it to me when I was little and I love sharing it with my classes.  As an added bonus, most of them haven’t heard it . . . I love getting to be the one to introduce them to a new story.

TWO
THE SNOWY DAY
I don’t think this one needs much explaining.  I love the simplicity of this book and it is perfect for a winter time retell or prediction activity!  My kids always get a kick out of his pointy hat.

THREE
WHO WILL CARVE THE TURKEY THIS THANKSGIVING?
You will see a pattern start to form from now on in my selections.  My favorite picture books are those that get my kiddos giggling. This story is so full of silly imagination and the pictures are truly amazing.  It also lends itself to the creation of a perfect Thanksgiving-themed class book.  I will post about this in November for sure!
FOUR
THE HALLO-WIENER
I know.  I know.  Crazy selection, right??  Halloween is my all-time favorite holiday and Dav Pilkey does it up right in this little ditty.  I mean, we are talking a giant hot dog costume on a wiener dog . . . my life was complete when I found this book!  I always have to read it multiple times to my classes during the spooky season – they beg for it and the contagious belly laughs are just as hearty the third time as they are the first 🙂
FIVE
THERE’S A BIRD ON YOUR HEAD
Mo Willems is an absolute hero in my book.  All of his stories are so full of life and fun.  It was so hard to narrow it down and showcase only one of his tales, but this one always kills the babes and me – last year I had two kids with tears streaming down their faces because they couldn’t stop laughing (now that’s what I call a successful story time).  His Elephant & Piggie books are perfect for teaching punctuation and inflection.  

Well, friends, those are the stories that came to mind while I was writing this post today . . . I am sure if you caught me on another day, 5 different books might just come to mind.  What can I say??  I love my books 🙂  My library is already overflowing, but I am always looking to add to those packed shelves.  I am itchin’ to try Deedee Wills’ Clever School Teacher Shop . . . so won’t you link up with The Teacher Wife and share your favorite children’s books with us?  Just click the button below to join in the fun.   

Before I exit today, one of my favorite ladies on the planet is hosting a giveaway.  Vickie from Mrs. Plants Press reached 500 followers and is doing it up right.  You can win some UH-MAY-ZING items from Mrs. Wills’ Kindergarten, First Grade Blue Skies, Primary Graffiti, Sprinkles to Kindergarten, and little old me.  Just click her button below to enter.  Vickie is an absolute delight . . . hop on over there and show her a little bloggy love today!  You will be glad ya did 🙂

Alright folks, I am off to put the finishing touches on my football unit.  I think I can.  I think I can.  I think I can . . . come on, Dolling!  Thanks so much for visiting today.  I’ll see you soon.    

Comments

  4. Sandy says

    I remember reading both Sylvester & the Magic Pebble and the Snowy Day.

    Well have to check out the other books as well. Can never have too many books.

    Football- I can't believe training for football camp is right around the corner. That means back to school is also right around the corner.

    Ms. Fiorini’s Stadium

  7. Barbara says

    I remember SO vividly being disappointed when that snowball isn't in his pocket anymore on the Snowy Day. Like it was yesterday even though it was probably forty-plus years ago. I'm glad you threw in some oldies but goodies into your picks!

    Barbara
    The Corner On Character

  9. Vickie says

    You are so awesome! Thank you so much for the shout out!! I can't wait to see that football pack…hubby and I are already counting down the days until kick-off! We just hope little miss comes on a weekday (or that our birthing room has a big screen!!).
    Vickie

    • teacherideafactory says

      Bwahahahahahaha! It would definitely give you something to focus on . . . especially if your team is doing poorly 🙂 Glad I could help in the giveaway department. I am so excited to be a part of it my friend! Hugs 🙂

  10. Mrs. Cypher says

    I did a read aloud with "Who Will Carve the Turkey This Thanksgiving?" when I had TWO classes in my room once. BOTH classes were glued to it!

    I have awarded you TWO awards. 🙂 You may have already gotten them before, but I want to give them to you anyway! Come over to my blog to check them out!

    Amanda
    Sweeties In Second

    • teacherideafactory says

      Uh . . . no . . . YOU ARE WONDERFUL (in shouty capitals)!!! You are on my short list of lovely lady bloggers to still meet one day. I am a huge fan 🙂 Thanks so much for makin' my day!

  14. Donna Dillard says

    Hi Kelley, I have recently started following your blogs and I love reading your posts, regardless of the subject………
    I am going to look up a couple of the books that you mentioned. Thanks so much!
    Donna (my maiden name was Kelley, I do not see the "ey" very often. 🙂
    working5to9math.blogspot.com

    • teacherideafactory says

      Yay . . . Hi, Kate. You actually got to see Jerry Pallotta read??!! That's so super rad. Just by the "voice" that he uses in his books, you can tell that he probably a crack up in person (so glad you confirmed my suspicions). Thanks for sharing . . . and for visiting again 🙂

  16. Heather's Heart says

    I love Sylvester! It is always fun to go on a pebble hunt after reading the book. I love to put out the glass gems for them to find…hehehe, I am tricky! It is hilarious. The stories they then write are precious. =)

    Heather
    Heather's Heart

  18. Courtney Long says

    Such great choices! We took my kiddos to see "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" this year at the theater and they loved it. Enjoyed reading your list.

    Make sure to stop by and enter my giveaway
    -Courtney
    2ndgradesnapshots.blogspot.com

  19. Stephanie says

    I LOVE that there is a book called The Hallo- Weiner!!! This title makes me giggle all day long! On a less giggly note, I am also a big fan of Sylvester and The Magic Pebble. It's a classic and a fav of mine.

    ❤ -Stephanie
    Falling Into First

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