10 Noteworthy Books for Children’s Book Week

We all know the power of a book; the ability for pieces of paper and words to whisk us away and allow us to build imaginary castles.  Most of us have a special story, or a go-to book that our students love. It is a treasured book, not only for the teachable morals, but for something bigger: our love of the story.

Celebrating its 100 year anniversary, Children’s Book Week will celebrate past, present and future children’s books. Join us in celebrating Children’s Book Week with our top 10, teacher-picked stories.

The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors

by Drew Daywalt

In a test of strength, intelligence and agility, who will emerge victorious? Dewalt’s book will have your students rolling around in laughter while exploring the antics of the three “warriors” who make up the popular game of rock, paper, scissors.

I would recommend ‘The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors’. This is a fun and engaging book for kids that also covers a wide variety of literacy skills! – Lindsay Sauer from @SweetNSauerFirsties

Philomena’s New Glasses

by Brenna Maloney

Philomena needs glasses and her sisters want them too! In a story full of sisterhood and the idea that we all have different needs, your students will be having “great discussions and light-bulb moments!”

This is an adorable story about Philomena and her sisters! Every time one of them gets something, the competition among them begins… and they ALL feel that they need to one-up each other! The kids can SO relate to the competition part of the story, as well as the fact that Philomena needs glasses and her sisters want glasses! – Diane Romo from @One_Giggle

Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners

by Laurie Keller

Not only is ‘Do Unto Otters’ a fantastic book that reminds us of the Golden Rule, it is also connected to Common Core Standards.

‘Do Unto Otters’ is an excellent, funny and engaging picture book to use for teaching that golden rule to your students: Treat others the way you want to be treated. This book teaches manners and respect through a story of rabbits learning to get along with their new neighbors, otters! Full of great illustrations and funny speech bubbles, this is the perfect class meeting book for reminders of how we should treat each other! – Kristin Jones from @LiveLoveAndTeach

What Should Danny Do?

by Adir and Ganit Levy

Even superheroes need to go to school! In this 9 in 1 storybook, your students will have to make choices for Danny.

My class LOVES the school day edition of this book! We have read it at least 5 times. Danny is learning all about the power of choice and how his decisions can change his day. As you read the book, there are decisions to make that guide the story. It’s really eye opening and an age appropriate way to show cause/effect and how important our actions are. We all have the power to make our day however we want. – Casey Boehm from @OrganizeAndEducate

Stellaluna

by Janell Cannon

A popular storybook, ‘Stellaluna’ is sure to be a classroom delight.  Not only are the visuals stunning, the book includes some great information on one of the most mysterious animals: bats!

This book has a beautiful lesson about being proud of who one is. The illustrations are remarkable, and the theme/s are significant to any age level. – Kim Crouch from @English_Oh_My

The Gardener

by Sarah Stewart

I would recommend the book ‘The Gardener’ by Sarah Stewart. It’s an absolutely beautiful story about a little girl Lydia and her journey to a new country to live with her uncle. Her uncle has lived alone his whole life and is not used to having company around. Lydia makes it her personal mission to get her uncle to smile. Through the process of trying to bring happiness to her uncle, she learns a lot about herself and is slowly bringing her favorite things she misses from home into her new world with her uncle. – Theresa Eckler from @TheLimitlessClassroom

Not Quite Narwhal

by Jessie Sima

With stunning visuals, ‘Not Quite Narwhal’ is a perfect way to get students to understand our differences can strengthen our family bonds.

It’s a cute story about the character discovering he’s not quite who he thinks he is, but is still accepted by his friends. Great read aloud for discussion about being kind and accepting to everyone. – Corinna Gandara from @SurfinThroughSecond

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

by William Steig

Coupled with award-winning watercolors, William Steig’s book brings us through the repercussions of unexpected of wishes.  Sylvester, beginning the book as a donkey is transformed into a rock and begins to miss his family. This book not only packs a powerful moral story, but ends on a happy note, with Sylvester’s reunification with his beloved family.

I love ‘Sylvester and the Magic Pebble’ because it teaches us about the importance of being grateful for what we have and how family is at the center of it all! – Marine Freibrun from @TalesFromAVeryBusyTeacher

Ish

by Peter H. Reynolds

Looking for a book to help students understand growth mindset? Look no further! ‘Ish’ is a perfectly lovely book that shows that even when things go “wrong”, we can power through and still create!

‘Ish’ by Peter H. Reynolds, my students LOVE this book, because it is relatable for all students while still fun! The message is one that stands. –Kate Oleson from@FourthGradeInRoom210

Not Your Typical Dragon

by Dan Bar-el and Tim Bowers

With a story that starts with a dragon going to breathe fire and breathes whipped cream instead, you know you and your students are in for a wild, humour-filled story!

‘Not Your Typical Dragon’ is a fun way to show kids that they can be unique and bring something special to the table. They laugh throughout the entire thing, but the lesson is unforgettable! When we are done reading it we always discuss why we are not typical! – Hannah Wilde from @FriendlyTeacher

While we hope you have some of these amazing books, we realize you might be working on extending your classroom library! Have a book-tastic week!