Seeing is believing! Grow an adoration for reading in the youngest students with these enthralling picture books. Masterfully illustrated stories will open doors to culture, history, science, and nature using vivid images and informative narratives. Students will learn from entertaining characters who exhibit courage, love, empathy, curiosity, and much more.
from Simon and Schuster
Interest Level: Grades K-3
Read this inspiring true story of how one man made a big difference in his community. Tony Hillery motivated students from an underfunded school to turn a vacant lot into a functional farm. By getting their hands dirty, these kids turned an abandoned space into something beautiful while learning about collaboration and healthy and sustainable eating.
What’s Inside a Flower? And Other Questions About Science & Nature
from Random House Children’s Books
Interest Level: Grades K-3
This stunning introduction to flowers will nurture the curiosity of budding backyard scientists. Enable young minds to explore the natural world with these flowery showstoppers. From planted seeds to full bloom, learning how flowers grow can help teach kids the building blocks of science and inquiry.
from Sourcebooks
Interest Level: Grades K-3
A heartwarming take on a relatable challenge – facing the jitters on the first day of school! This book reminds us that if we believe in ourselves, even the scariest days can become wonderful adventures. Filled with full-color illustrations and an inspiring message for kids, this timeless story is one you will want to come back to again and again.
from HarperCollins
Interest Level: Grades K-3
This uplifting picture book brings us the story of a young Black schoolboy with big dreams. Nigel imagines himself as an astronaut, a dancer, and a superhero, but struggles to find the courage to share his dreams with classmates. This poignant story shows us how pride in one’s background can bring a shining confidence to young dreamers everywhere.
from Sleeping Bear Press
Interest Level: Grades K-3
How much trouble could one little pig be? When Mr. Jenkins welcomes a pig into his pool, things quickly get out of hand. Before he knows it, there are just too many pigs in the pool! This funny math-based story will have readers laughing along with pigs Percy and Wanda while learning about multiplication and the doubling sequence.
from ABDO Publishing
Interest Level: Grades K-3
The Peace Book delivers positive and hopeful messages about peace in an accessible, child-friendly format. Todd Parr’s trademark bold and bright colors and silly scenes explain important concepts in entertaining ways. Perfect for the youngest readers, this book delivers a timely and timeless message about the importance of friendship, caring, and acceptance.
Make Way for Animals! A World of Wildlife Crossings
from Lerner Publishing
Interest Level: Grades K-3
Around the world, highways and roads have cut through natural spaces, blocking animals from the resources they need. Fortunately, solving this problem has inspired some creative solutions! Take a tour of wildlife crossings around the globe and discover how these inventive pathways have saved animal lives and preserved ecosystems.
from Workman Publishing Group
Interest Level: Grades K-3
A spooky tale about two very different sisters who learn to celebrate their individuality, understanding that love runs deeper than their differences. Using lushly detailed artwork, award-winning illustrator Khoa Le brings to vivid life a heartwarming tale about finding comfort outside of one’s comfort zone.
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
from Penguin Young Readers Group
Interest Level: Grades K-3
A young student receives a family tree assignment in school, but she can only trace back three generations. With grandma’s help, the student learns that her ancestors were stolen and brought to America by slave traders. Before that, her ancestors had a home, a land, and a language. She learns how the people said to “be born on the water” survived.
from Candlewick Press
Interest Level: Grades K-3
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Tama is sent to live in a War Relocation Center. She tries to find peace in the camp’s library, where she meets George. It seems her new friend comes to read many books each day – or does he come to see her? This beautifully illustrated, elegant love story sheds light on a time in our history that continues to resonate.
from HarperCollins Christian
Interest Level: Grades K-3
Literary Critters expands horizons and sparks the imagination as it introduces young readers to iconic authors like William Shakesbear, Beatrix Trotter, Crane Austen, Edgar Talon Crow, Yak Kerouac, and many more while promoting the importance of reading and storytelling in a whimsical and inventive way.
from Crabtree Publishing
Interest Level: Grades K-3
This illustrated collection includes rhyming stories, fairy tales, and family anecdotes about character-building – with a little magic sprinkled in. Charming illustrations of diverse characters draw children into each story and spark readers’ imaginations. Writing prompts extend learning and encourage creative thinking.
from Orca Book Publishers
Interest Level: Grades K-3
Sitting shiva is a seven-day period of mourning for the death of a family member observed in Jewish homes. This picture book is a beautiful, heartfelt story about grief and loss, but also about comfort and community. It shows that no matter what religion you practice, we are all more similar than we are different.
from Rourke Educational Resources
Interest Level: Grades K-3
Find out how you can be friends with a merman, unicorn, or even a gnome! This SEL-based picture book series teaches young readers how to be a good friend through inclusive language and empathy-focused stories. Ever-popular fantasy characters on each page model kindness, acceptance, and support for friends and one’s self.