This is an incredible challenge for me, as it is for all the participants, I'm sure. Although I've been a teacher going on 14 years, this is only my 4th year in a true classroom. Before that, I didn't have much interaction with picture books the way that I do now. I don't have a very large personal library, so I check out most of my books from the school's library or the public library. My 10 books are taken from what I've noticed checking out year after year. Whether it's because the children have enjoyed them, or because I have enjoyed reading them. As I narrowed down my choices, I tended to gravitate toward those books that I will introduce at the beginning of the year. Maybe because that's where my mind is right now. However, many of them are books that can be returned to over and over again. That's what makes them good choices for my list.
1. "Pete the Cat" by Eric Litwin: I'm going to lump all of the Pete the Cat books in together as one pick. They have a great character, they are repetitive for the little ones, and they are just fun. Not to mention, you can download the author reading them (and singing the songs) from the publisher's web site.
2. "Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I don't) by Barbara Bottner: Miss Brooks helps all of the children in Missy's class find books, but Missy just can't find one that she wants to read. Miss Brooks embarks on a quest to find a book for Missy to love. This reminds me that, as a teacher, we all have to search to find that certain something that will reach those hard to reach students.
3. "Jack's Talent" by Maryann Cocca-Leffler: On the first day of school, all of the students in Jack's class are sharing something they are good at, but he doesn't share any of their talents. He's convinced that he doesn't have any special talent. At the end, Jack learns that he does have a special talent, it's just not what he expected. I use this book to illustrate that each of them is an important part of our classroom community and has something special to contribute, no matter how small.
4. "Goldie Socks and the Three Libearians" by Jackie Mims Hopkins: This twist on the classic "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" story is used to illustrate to students how to find "Just Right" books. I find myself coming back to this book throughout the year, reminding students how they can find the books that are right for them, all on their own.
5. "Library Mouse" by Daniel Kirk: This is another pick that is essentially a character series. In "Library Mouse", "Library Mouse: A Friend's Tale," and "Library Mouse: A World to Explore", Sam the mouse who lives in the library, shares his love of reading and writing with the children who come to the library. I love to use this book to show my students that ANYONE can be an author.
6. "Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon" by Patty Lovell: Molly Lou Melon has always been taught to be proud of who she is. When she moves to a new school and is bullied, she continues to be proud and confident in who she is. My students learn, through Molly Lou Melon, that they can do anything if they try their best and believe in themselves. This is definitely one that we revisit throughout the year.
7. "Don't Let the Pigeon..." by Mo Willems: This pick includes all of the books in the Pigeon series. The kids love the humor in the interaction between the Pigeon and the readers. The books follow a pattern and allow them to "read" the stories themselves and feel successful as readers from early on.
8. "The Best Story" by Eileen Spinelli: In this story, the narrator is trying to win a contest for writing the best story. Along the way, she gets advice of what makes the "best" story from various members of her family. When it comes right down to it, the "best" story is one that comes from the heart. I love sharing this with my young writers who think that they have to write the same story as their friends. Not everyone has a story about Angry Birds (the hot topic of last year's class) or Princesses in them.
9. "Wemberly Worried" by Kevin Henkes: This is another one of those beginning-of-the-year books. Wemberly is a worrier and really connects with those first graders who are nervous about coming to school (most of them all-day for the first time) and worry about what to expect. This pick is also serving as a representative of all things Kevin Henkes. Put any Kevin Henkes book in my bag on that island, and I'll be happy.
10. "Miss Nelson is Missing!" by Harry Allard: The kids in Miss Nelson's class are misbehaving and taking advantage of the kindness of their teacher. When Miss Nelson suddenly disappears, their substitute is Miss Viola Swamp, who is the opposite of Miss Nelson. The kids learn to behave and appreciate their teacher. My students enjoy this book year after year. It's also a good jumping off point for classroom rule discussions.
Hi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteWe have many of the same books on our lists! I am going to checkout Jacks Talents and Stand Tall Molly Lou...thanks for sharing your list!
Amy
What a great list of books. I love picture books and knew some of these, but learned of some new-to-me ones too! My daughter starts 1st grade this year, so I now have some new ideas for some books to go look for to give to her!
ReplyDeleteA great list of books - I have "Miss Brooks Loves Books" in my TBR pile now. I want to check out "Jack's Talent" and "Goldie Socks"! Thanks for joining in the conversation!
ReplyDeleteThanks for these recommendations. An interesting blend of newer titles and a few oldies. I'll be looking to purchase Pete the Cat as several people have recommended it.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Tammy
Apples with Many Seeds