Sunshine & Stories: 8 of the Best Summer Picture Books for Elementary Classrooms

Summer is a season of exploration, imagination, and growth—making it the perfect backdrop for sharing picture books that capture the magic of long days, new adventures, and emotional discovery. Whether you're wrapping up the school year or planning a summer reading program, these thoughtfully selected picture books will spark curiosity and conversation in your elementary classroom.

Summer Song by Kevin Henkes
This lyrical book celebrates the sights, sounds, and feelings of summer, from the buzzing of bees to the green of grass. It's a sensory delight that encapsulates the season's vibrancy.

The Sandcastle That Lola Built by Megan Maynor
A creative twist on "The House That Jack Built," this story follows Lola as she constructs an elaborate sandcastle, making new friends along the way. It's a charming tale of collaboration and summer fun.

The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli
A humorous story about a crocodile who loves watermelon but fears swallowing a seed. It's a delightful read that captures a common childhood worry with a summer favorite fruit.

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

This 1948 Caldecott Honor book follows young Sal and her mother as they pick blueberries in Maine, paralleling the journey of a bear cub and his mother. It's a charming tale of childhood curiosity and nature's bounty.

And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner

This book captures the anticipation and joy of summer's arrival, highlighting activities like lemonade stands, bike rides, and fireworks. It's a celebration of seasonal traditions.

Hot Dog by Doug Salati

A 2024 Caldecott Medal winner, this book follows a dachshund escaping the city's heat for a beach adventure. With minimal text and expressive illustrations, it captures the essence of a summer day.

Changing Tides by Júlia Moscardó

This beautifully illustrated story delves into family dynamics and the art of building sandcastles, symbolizing the shifting nature of relationships and the passage of time during summer.

When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan

A young girl learns to appreciate unexpected gifts when her grandmother gives her a lemon tree instead of the electronics she wanted. It's a story about patience, care, and the sweet rewards of hard work.

Integrate Reading with Creative Activities

Pairing picture book reading with creative projects can deepen comprehension and make reading more interactive. Activities such as drawing scenes from the story, creating character puppets, or writing alternative endings encourage students to think critically about the text and express their understanding creatively.

Involve Families in the Reading Process

Encouraging families to participate in summer reading can reinforce its importance and create a supportive reading environment at home. Providing families with reading tips, book lists, and discussion questions can facilitate meaningful reading experiences outside the classroom.

Host a Summer Reading Celebration

Organizing a reading celebration at the end of the summer can motivate students to read and recognize their efforts. This event could include sharing favorite books, displaying artwork inspired by readings, or even a small awards ceremony to celebrate reading milestones.

​As summer approaches, elementary educators have a unique opportunity to inspire a love for reading that extends beyond the classroom. By incorporating summer-themed picture books into various activities—such as outdoor reading sessions, creative art projects, and family engagement initiatives—teachers can make reading an enjoyable part of students' summer experiences. These strategies not only help maintain literacy skills but also foster a lifelong appreciation for books. Encouraging students to explore stories that resonate with their interests and experiences can lead to deeper connections and a more meaningful engagement with reading. As educators, your enthusiasm and creativity in presenting these books can leave a lasting impression, motivating students to continue their reading journeys independently. Let's embrace the summer as a season of exploration, imagination, and growth through the pages of captivating picture books. Together, we can cultivate a community of enthusiastic young readers ready to discover the endless adventures that books have to offer.

Inspiring Young Environmentalists: Top 6 Picture Books for Earth Day

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, offers a prime opportunity for educators to instill environmental awareness and stewardship in young learners. Picture books serve as powerful tools to convey these concepts, combining engaging narratives with vivid illustrations to inspire action and empathy toward our planet. Below is a curated selection of impactful picture books suitable for elementary students, each accompanied by thematic insights and classroom activity suggestions.

1. "We Are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade

Inspired by Indigenous-led movements to protect water sources, this beautifully illustrated book emphasizes the sacredness of water and the collective responsibility to safeguard it against pollution.

Themes: Water conservation, Indigenous perspectives, activism.

Classroom Activity: Conduct a water conservation experiment where students track their daily water usage and brainstorm ways to reduce waste.

2. "Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa" by Jeanette Winter

This true story recounts the efforts of Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel laureate, who led a movement to reforest her country, empowering women and restoring ecosystems.

Themes: Reforestation, women's empowerment, environmental activism.

Classroom Activity: Host a discussion on global environmental challenges and encourage students to research and present on environmental heroes from diverse cultures.

3. "The Great Kapok Tree" by Lynne Cherry

Set in the Amazon rainforest, this story illustrates the interdependence of living organisms as various animals plead with a man to spare their home, highlighting the importance of preserving natural habitats.

Themes: Biodiversity, conservation, interconnectedness.

Classroom Activity: Create a rainforest mural showcasing the diverse species discussed in the book, emphasizing the concept of biodiversity.

4. "One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia" by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

This inspiring tale follows Isatou Ceesay, who initiated a recycling movement in her Gambian community to address the plastic waste problem, transforming litter into useful items.

Themes: Recycling, community action, innovation.

Classroom Activity: Organize a recycled art project where students create artworks using plastic waste, promoting creativity and environmental consciousness.

5. "Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay" by Susan Hood, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport

This narrative tells the story of children living in a Paraguayan slum who, with the help of a music teacher, create an orchestra using instruments made from recycled materials, showcasing resilience and ingenuity.

Themes: Recycling, music, resilience.

Classroom Activity: Encourage students to craft simple musical instruments from recycled materials and explore creating music as a form of expression.

6. "The Water Princess" by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Based on the childhood experience of Georgie Badiel, this story highlights the challenges faced by those without access to clean water and underscores the importance of this vital resource.

Themes: Water scarcity, perseverance, global issues.

Classroom Activity: Initiate a discussion on global water issues and involve students in a fundraiser to support clean water initiatives.

Integrating Picture Books into Earth Day Lessons

Incorporating these picture books into Earth Day lessons can enhance students' understanding and empathy toward environmental issues. Here are some strategies to effectively integrate these resources:

1. Thematic Read-Alouds:

Select books that align with specific environmental themes you wish to address, such as conservation, recycling, or biodiversity. Reading aloud can spark discussions and personal connections to the material.

2. Cross-Curricular Activities:

Use the stories as a springboard for activities across subjects. For example, after reading "Ada's Violin," students can explore the science of sound in physics or the cultural significance of music in social studies.

3. Creative Projects:

Encourage students to express their understanding through art, writing, or drama. Creating posters, writing letters, or performing skits based on the books can reinforce the messages and inspire action.

4. Community Engagement:

Extend the lessons beyond the classroom by involving the community. Organize a tree-planting event inspired by "Wangari's Trees of Peace" or a recycling drive after reading "One Plastic Bag."

5. Reflective Discussions:

Facilitate conversations that allow students to share their thoughts and feelings about the stories. This reflection can deepen their understanding

Top 10 middle grade chapter books to get you through the year

  As elementary school teachers, fostering a love for reading among our students is one of the most rewarding aspects of our job. Middle-grade books are particularly special as they cater to readers between the ages of 8 and 12, a period when children's imaginations are vivid, and their thirst for knowledge is immense. These books not only entertain but also teach valuable life lessons and help in the development of empathy and critical thinking skills. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best middle-grade books to share with your students throughout the school year.

Middle-grade books are written with a focus on the experiences, challenges, and adventures that resonate with younger readers. These books often tackle themes of friendship, family, courage, and self-discovery, making them relatable and impactful for children. They serve as both mirrors and windows—mirrors that reflect the readers' own lives and windows that offer glimpses into the lives and experiences of others.

Here are some exceptional middle-grade books that can enrich your classroom library and captivate your students.

1. "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio
   "Wonder" tells the story of August Pullman, a boy with a facial difference who enters a mainstream school for the first time. The book explores themes of kindness, acceptance, and the power of empathy. It encourages students to look beyond appearances and appreciate the inner qualities of people.

2. "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate
   Based on a true story, this book is about a silverback gorilla named Ivan who lives in a shopping mall. The story is told from Ivan's perspective and delves into themes of freedom, friendship, and hope. It’s a wonderful choice for discussions on animal rights and the importance of compassion.

3. "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan
   This fantasy series opener introduces Percy Jackson, a modern-day demigod who embarks on thrilling adventures inspired by Greek mythology. It’s an excellent book for sparking an interest in ancient myths and legends while providing a fast-paced and entertaining read.

4. "The Tale of Despereaux" by Kate DiCamillo
   This Newbery Medal-winning book tells the story of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse with big dreams. Themes of bravery, love, and forgiveness are woven into a fairy tale-like narrative that will captivate young readers and provoke meaningful discussions.

5. "Front Desk" by Kelly Yang
   "Front Desk" is about a young girl named Mia Tang who helps run a motel while her parents work as housekeepers. The story addresses issues such as immigration, poverty, and resilience, offering students a glimpse into the challenges faced by immigrant families.

6. "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds
   This book follows Castle Cranshaw, a boy with a troubled past who discovers his talent for running. "Ghost" is the first in the "Track" series and deals with themes of perseverance, identity, and personal growth. It’s an inspiring read for students who enjoy sports and stories of overcoming adversity.

7. "The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown
   In this unique story, a robot named Roz wakes up on an island and must learn to survive in the wild. The book explores themes of nature, technology, and community. It’s an excellent choice for discussions on environmental stewardship and adaptation.

8. "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
   This book is about Ally, a girl who struggles with dyslexia but discovers her strengths with the help of a supportive teacher. "Fish in a Tree" highlights the importance of understanding and embracing learning differences, making it a valuable tool for promoting empathy and inclusivity.

9. "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle
   This classic science fiction novel follows Meg Murry and her friends as they travel through time and space to rescue her father. The book challenges readers to think about complex concepts such as time travel, individuality, and the battle between good and evil.

10. "New Kid" by Jerry Craft
    This graphic novel tells the story of Jordan Banks, an African-American boy navigating life at a prestigious private school. "New Kid" addresses themes of diversity, racism, and self-identity, offering a visually engaging way to discuss important social issues with students.

A diverse classroom library ensures that all students see themselves reflected in the books they read and are exposed to different cultures, experiences, and perspectives. When selecting middle-grade books, aim for a balance of genres, authors, and protagonists from various backgrounds. This diversity not only enriches your curriculum but also promotes inclusivity and empathy among students.

Introducing your students to a variety of middle-grade books can spark their imagination, build their empathy, and enhance their critical thinking skills. The books listed in this post offer rich narratives and valuable lessons that can leave a lasting impact on young readers. By creating an engaging and diverse reading environment, you can help your students develop a lifelong love for reading.

6 Engaging Books for Elementary Teachers to Wrap up the School Year

   As the school year nears its end, elementary teachers find themselves seeking creative and captivating ways to engage their students. Picture books are a wonderful resource that can not only entertain but also foster a love for reading and learning in young minds. By selecting the right picture books, teachers can create memorable and meaningful experiences for their students during this crucial time of the academic year. In this blog post, we present a carefully curated list of engaging picture books, perfect for wrapping up the school year with enthusiasm and excitement.

    "The Dot" tells the inspiring story of Vashti, a young girl who initially doubts her artistic abilities. When her teacher encourages her to simply make a mark on her paper, Vashti starts with a simple dot. Soon, her imagination takes flight, and she begins to explore the limitless possibilities of her creativity. This book is an excellent choice to encourage self-expression, self-confidence, and the joy of discovering hidden talents in students as the year concludes.

    Roald Dahl's "Matilda" is a delightful tale of a brilliant and precocious young girl who possesses extraordinary powers. Despite facing adversity at home and school, Matilda finds solace and escape in books. Her intellect and courage inspire readers to embrace their uniqueness and face challenges head-on. This humorous and heartwarming story will resonate with students, reminding them that knowledge is a powerful tool.

    This delightful picture book follows the adventures of a group of school supplies left behind on the last day of school, worried about the upcoming summer break. As the students say goodbye, the supplies form a plan to ensure their teacher has a great summer too. "Last Day Blues" offers a heartwarming and humorous perspective on the bonds between students and teachers and is a fantastic way to bid farewell to the school year on a cheerful note.

    A true literary gem, "Charlotte's Web" weaves a heartwarming tale of friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte. As Wilbur faces the possibility of being slaughtered, Charlotte comes up with a clever plan to save him. This beloved classic explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the beauty of simple acts of kindness. It is sure to touch the hearts of your students and spark meaningful discussions about compassion and the circle of life.

    In this fun and imaginative take on Clement Moore's classic poem, "The Night Before Summer Vacation" follows a family's hilarious antics as they prepare for their long-awaited summer vacation. Students will relate to the excitement of leaving school behind for weeks of adventure, making this book a perfect read-aloud for the last day of school, creating a sense of anticipation for the upcoming break.

    Unlock the world of imagination with "Where the Sidewalk Ends," a delightful collection of poems by Shel Silverstein. This book celebrates creativity, whimsy, and the power of storytelling in the lives of children. Each poem is accompanied by Silverstein's charming illustrations, making it a visual delight for readers. Use this book to encourage your students to explore their own creativity and experiment with writing poetry.

As the school year draws to a close, sharing these enchanting books with your students will create lasting memories and foster a love for reading that will stay with them for years to come. Each book on this list explores different themes, encourages empathy, and celebrates the power of imagination. From magical gardens to hidden worlds and heartfelt friendships, these captivating reads will take your students on unforgettable literary journeys.

Remember, the end of the school year is not just a time to wrap up academics; it's an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on your students and inspire them to explore the wonders of literature throughout their lives. So, gather your students around, take them on these captivating adventures, and let the magic of storytelling ignite their imaginations as they venture into the summer break and beyond.

Happy reading and happy end-of-school-year celebrations!

My 5 Favorite Picture Books to Celebrate America in the Classroom

  Picture books are a great way to introduce topics in your classroom. They are also an excellent way to celebrate holidays. My students adore it when I bring new books into the classroom to share with them. Today I am going to share some of our favorite picture books for celebrating America. 

    The first book on the list is Our 50 States by Lynne Cheney. This book is perfect for learning about the states of our country. It follows a family going on a summer vacation and they are visiting all 50 states. The book shares interesting regional and historical facts about each state as the family travels through them. This book is ideal to read all at once or in small chunks as you study the different states. 

     The next book on the list is Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus. This book is written in verse and has beautiful, bright pictures. It shares different images of our nation that make our country so special. It starts with the imagery of the American flag and goes all the way to a spacecraft taking off in Cape Canaveral. The book is set up as two-page spreads and shares important landmarks on the pages. This book highlights ideas about our country that are new and old and go from sea to shining sea. 

     The next book on the list is My America, the Beautiful by Katherine Lee Bates. This book is wonderful for younger students. It is a board book, so it is great for little hands. This book uses the lyrics from the treasured song America the Beautiful and pairs it with delightful illustrations that are bright and colorful. There is a fuzzy, touch-and-feel path through the pages that helps children and grown ups alike remember the thread that ties us all together. 

     The next book on the list is We Came to America by Faith Ringgold. This book celebrates the diversity of the people who have come to this great country. The story features the determination and grit of the people who have come. It also celebrates their stories and their culture. This book teaches how ideas from the people before us have helped to forever shape the country that we all call home. 

     The last book on the list is Lady Liberty’s Holiday by Jen Arena. This is a really fun story about the Statue of Liberty getting tired of having to stand in one place for so long. She decides that it’s time to go and see the rest of the country that our people call home. She takes off and visits everywhere from the beaches of Cape Cod, all the way to the coast of California. Along the way she visits the wheat fields of Kansas, and the Grand Canyon. She has so much fun visiting all these places in America, but will she make it back to New York City to welcome in the Fourth Of July? This is a fun story that shares different places around our country, and shows it in a fun way with Lady Liberty doing the visiting. 

     There are so many wonderful picture books about America. Fourth of July is always a fun time to share these types of stories, but our students will enjoy them any time of the year. What are some of your favorite books about America? Let me know in the comments so I can share them with my stud