My favorite back to school activity is reading to my students and getting them hooked on books. You could call me a picture book hoarder, but especially books that have a theme of characters finding joy and fulfillment with reading and books.
Reading aloud to my students is my favorite part of my day. Bringing a book alive, watching kids eyes react, fantastic conversations and questions that happens during the story, and of course I can’t forget the laughter. How can you not read to your class!
We also know as educators the research behind the benefits in reading aloud to beginning readers. But the best part is the applause my class gives to celebrate another great book read to them. You should try this with young learners. It will pull on your heartstrings every time.
We would like to share some of our favorite picture books that could start you off on that journey of getting kids hooked on books at the beginning of the school year.
The Children Who Loved Books by Peter Carnavas - Purchase Link
Angus and Lucy love books so much. They have hundreds of them and ran out of room in their camper. Then one day, all the books are taken away by their parents due to not having any space left, and Angus and Lucy discover they need books more than they ever imagined. A heartwarming celebration of books and the way in which they bring us all together.
The Book Hog by Greg Pizzoli - Purchase Link
The Book Hog loves books. He loves the way they look, the way they feel, the way they smell. He travels every where in hunt of more books. There's only one problem, he can't read! But when a kind and understanding librarian invites him to join her story time at the library. This book loving pig discovers the treasure that books really are. In time he learns to read books on his own.
Look! by Jeff Mack - Only available right now in a Boardbook. Check your local Public Library for a copy.
Using only the same two words in the entire book, this hilarious story about an attention-loving gorilla, a television-loving boy, and a friendship that develops over books. It will leave your students laughing and loving books for their coming school year.
Duncan The Story Dragon by Amanda Driscoll - Purchase Link
Duncan the Dragon loves to read. When he reads a story, his imagination catches fire! Unfortunately, so does his book. Fire breath is great for roasting marshmallows, but it’s not so great for reading. Duncan just wants to get to those two wonderful words, The End. This fun, warm tale about determination, friendship, and a love for books. And even milk shakes! Such a wonderful interactive book for your students during a read aloud session.
Stacey's Remarkable Books by Stacey Abrams - Purchase Link
Thursday is the best day of the week for Stacey, that is when the whole class goes to the library. She gets to lose herself in her beloved books at her favorite place - the library!
Stacey learns that a new student named Julie has trouble reading in English, so Stacey steps in and begins sharing books and stories to practice with her. Soon, more students start to join them. Which develops into a book club at recess.
Books take the students on many adventures, but best of all, they bring them together as friends.
Dragon Was Terrible by Kelly Dipucchio
Kids know dragons can be terrible sometimes, but this one is especially terrible. He scribbles in books. He steals candy from baby unicorns. He even burps in church.
The king, the knights, and the villagers are desperate to capture this beast once and for all. But many important people of the kingdom fail in their attempts. But sometimes it's up to the unlikeliest of heroes and a good book to tame a dragon this terrible.
Baabwaa & Wooliam by David Elliott
Baabwaa is a sheep who loves to knit. Wooliam is a sheep who loves to read. It seems a bit boring, but they both like it very much. Then, quite unexpectedly, a third sheep shows up. A funny-looking sheep ( a wolf) who wears a worn out wool coat. Wooliam, being well-read, sheep reliazes the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing! Which turns into a unexpected friendship between them all.
We could go on and on with so many great titles to promote the love of books and reading. Please feel free to email us and we would love to send our list that continues to grow all year long. Also be watching on social media as we continue to show titles of what we will be reading to our students in the upcoming school year!
Michelle and Heidi
Hookedonbooksabc@gmail.com
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