February is rich with opportunities for meaningful reading and cross-curricular learning. As a teacher, you can use this month to celebrate Black History Month, explore friendship and kindness, enjoy seasonal themes like winter and Groundhog Day, and highlight Presidents’ Day and leadership. Picture books are powerful tools to spark curiosity, empathy, and classroom conversations.
Below is a list of engaging picture books perfect for February, paired with teaching ideas, discussion questions, and activity suggestions that support literacy, social–emotional learning, and content knowledge.
🌟 Celebrating Black History Month
Black History Month provides an opportunity to highlight stories of resilience, joy, courage, and contributions from Black authors, illustrators, and historical figures.
1. Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed (illus. Stasia Burrington)
Why it’s great: A lyrical, inspiring story based on Mae Jemison’s childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut.
Teaching ideas:
Before reading: Ask students, “What is your biggest dream? What might help you reach it?”
Discussion: Talk about how Mae’s family supported her. What role can encouragement play in reaching goals?
Activity:
Have students write a “dream statement” and illustrate themselves in that future role.
2. The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Why it’s great: This true story celebrates determination; Mary Walker learned to read at age 116.
Teaching ideas:
Discussion: What does this book teach about lifelong learning?
Writing: Students write about something new they want to learn and the steps they’ll take.
3. I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes (illus. Gordon C. James)
Why it’s great: A powerful affirmation of self-worth for all students.
Teaching ideas:
Close reading: Identify descriptive words used to describe the main character. What do they tell us about him?
Group work: Create a class chart of positive traits from the book.
Activity:
Students write five “I am…” statements about themselves and share with a partner.
4. Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race (Young Readers’ Edition) by Margot Lee Shetterly
Why it’s great: Share history with compelling narrative and accessible text.
Teaching ideas:
Connect to science: What did these women help NASA do?
Discussion: Why were these women’s contributions overlooked for so long?
🌤️ Groundhog Day Picture Books
Groundhog Day on February 2nd is a favorite for elementary students — not just because of the groundhog, but because it blends tradition, prediction, science, and humor. Picture books provide a perfect entry point for inquiry-based learning.
5. Substitute Groundhog by Pat Miller
Why it works:
A creative story about problem-solving and responsibility when Groundhog goes missing.
Teaching ideas:
Talk about what makes someone a good substitute.
Discuss problem-solving strategies used in the story.
6. Groundhog Weather School by Joan Holub
Why it works:
This nonfiction-style picture book explains weather concepts in kid-friendly language.
Cross-curricular connections:
Vocabulary: forecast, meteorologist, prediction
Compare Groundhog’s method to modern weather tools
7. Go to Sleep, Groundhog! by Judy Cox
Why it works:
A playful story introducing hibernation and animal behavior.
Science extension:
Compare animals that hibernate with those that migrate.
Create a class hibernation chart.
❤️ Books About Kindness, Friendship & Love
February is also about relationships — building kindness, empathy, and appreciation for others.
8. The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
Why it’s great: A comforting story about connection — perfect for developing emotional understanding.
Discussion questions:
What is the “invisible string”? How can it help us feel connected?
How can we show someone they matter?
Activity:
Students write letters to someone they love, describing their own “invisible string” connection.
9. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson (illus. E. B. Lewis)
Why it’s great: A reflective book about the impact of kindness — and the regret of missed opportunities.
Teaching ideas:
Role play: Scenarios that show kind and unkind actions.
Journal: What is one kind thing you wish you did? What’s one you will do tomorrow?
10. The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
Why it’s great: A gentle book about empathy and listening when a friend is upset.
Teaching ideas:
Think–pair–share: “When someone is sad, what can you do?”
Create a “kindness wall” with student ideas for supporting peers.
11. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead (illus. Erin E. Stead)
Why it’s great: A cozy tale about friendship and caring for others.
Activity:
Students make “kindness coupons” for acts of help or friendship.
❄️ Seasonal Winter Books
Winter in February can still be chilly — and a chance for science, weather, and fun stories.
12. Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner (illus. Mark Buehner)
Why it’s great: Imaginative and playful — students love the nocturnal world of snowmen.
Activity:
Creative writing: What do you think your snowman does at night?
Art: Draw your own snowmen scenes.
13. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Why it’s great: A classic celebration of winter wonder.
Teaching ideas:
Sensory writing: What do you hear, feel, and see in snow?
Comparison: What would winter be like in a place without snow?
14. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen (illus. John Schoenherr)
Why it’s great: A quiet, beautiful story about a child and parent walking in the snow at night.
Teaching ideas:
Setting focus: How does the author make you feel the cold?
Create a “winter senses” anchor chart.
🇺🇸 Books for Presidents’ Day and Leadership
Presidents’ Day offers a chance to explore history and leadership — even with picture books.
15. Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio (illus. LeUyen Pham)
Why it’s great: An election story that teaches how government works and kids can lead.
Teaching ideas:
Mock election: Students vote on classroom issues.
Civics writing: What qualities make a good leader?
16. If I Ran for President by Catherine Stier (illus. David Walker)
Why it’s great: Encourages students to think about the change they want to see.
Activity:
Campaign posters: Students create posters about something they’d improve at school.
17. Who Was Abraham Lincoln? (Picture book adaptation)
Why it’s great: A child-friendly biography for Presidents’ Day.
Teaching ideas:
Compare leadership traits: Lincoln vs. other presidents students know.
Timeline: Create a classroom Lincoln timeline.
February is a month full of learning opportunities that extend beyond the calendar. The books above celebrate diversity, kindness, leadership, and the joy of reading itself. Choosing culturally responsive and emotionally intelligent books helps build a classroom where all students feel seen, valued, and inspired.
Picture books aren’t just for read-aloud time — they are springboards for deep thinking, creative expression, and building a warm and connected classroom community.
Happy reading! 📚❤️
