Explore the Chronicles

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

My Favorite Picture Books!

The Teacher Wife

I'm linking up with The Teacher Wife and her fun linky party about picture books. Even though I'm in 5th grade, I still utilize picture books. They can be very powerful mentor texts for writing and reading. My kids even enjoy gathering around on the carpet for a fun read aloud. The shortest books can lead to the best discussions!

Chester, Chester's Masterpiece, and Chester's Back!


The Chester books are absolutely hilarious. The cat, Chester, is having an open conversation with the author Melanie about who actually wrote the story. There are three books about Chester and I recommend buying each one. They will crack up your kids and YOU while reading!



I was introduced to Leo Lionni's book in college during my science course. My professor read it aloud and led us into a discussion about how each of us have a different schema and perception of ideas. I used this story with my scientists this year when we talked about what a scientist is. It is a fun one to read!

The Lemonade Club (or any Patricia Polacco book)


The Lemonade Club is an absolutely beautiful story. Like most of the Polacco's books, there is a personal connection to this heartbreaking but triumphant story. I have goosebumps thinking about it. 



Actual Size by Steve Jenkins is an awesome nonfiction book. Each page is filled with images of ..well.. you can imagine the actual size of animals. My second AND fifth graders absolutely loved it. They were always picking Jenkins' books off the shelf to read in their free time. 


Faith Ringgold is another one of my favorite authors. Her books are very powerful and lead to great discussions. This particular book is about a dream a little girl has about her Aunt Harriet Tubman. It's a great introduction to talking about what the Underground Railroad was and how important it is in our history.

What are YOUR favorite picture books to read with your students? 

11 comments:

  1. Ohmigoodness, I found Chester at the library last year and my kids LOVED him!!

    Just found your blog :)

    Susan
    T.G.I.F. (Thank God it's First Grade!)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Chester looks great! I'm adding him to my list.
    ~Heather
    http://themeekmoose.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I agree. Picture books can and should be used with older kiddos. I'm so intrigued by the Harriet Tubman book. We read an article about her each year and I always do an inference lesson with a poem about her, so that looks like the perfect thing to add to my Harriet Tubman collection. Awesome!

    Amanda
    The Teaching Thief

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Faith Ringgold has SEVERAL really great books. She has another on Martin Luther King Jr. as well. She's phenomenal.

      Delete
  4. LOVE books. Use picture books in 5th grade too.
    I will admit that I have never read the first four. Adding them to my list now!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I came across your blog recently, and I love your writer's notebook ideas. I teach 4th grade writing in Texas, and I will be stealing some of them! Thanks for the inspiration... I've nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Please stop by my blog to pick it up!

    - Sarah
    writeonfourthgrade.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've never read the Lemonade Club. Thanks for posting about it!

    The Dalton Gang

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love "Actual Size!" My kids are just astounded by it! They are always passing it around having their friends check it out!

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

    ReplyDelete
  8. What great ideas for my classroom this fall!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Actual Size-a must for any classroom! Thanks for your recommendations! Smiles and stop by anytime!

    ReplyDelete