Ten Favorite Picture Books I Love to Read to My Students

Around Valentine's Day I think about the people I love, and I also think about things I love.  When I think about things I love, I think about reading to children, which is, without a doubt, my favorite thing about teaching. 

My next installment of 10 is a list of children's books I love to read.  This is just a small portion of my favorites, but they're so much fun!

1.  Family Farm by Thomas Locker  I discovered Thomas Locker about ten years ago, and pretty much buy anything I find by him.  He is primarily an illustrator.  Going through one of his books is as good as visiting an Art museum.  His illustrations are amazing!  Family Farm is one of my favorite Thomas Locker books, since it's a piece of Americana.
2.  Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes  I always read this at the beginning of the school year.  So many of the kids can connect to the little girl who wants to be good, but can't.  I think it shows them it's OK to make a mistake.
3.  Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian  If you haven't seen this yet, it's adorable!  Buy a copy or two, your students will love it!
4.  Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag  This was the book I wanted read to me over and over when I was a child.  I think I loved the repetition.  My students still chant along with me when I read it!
5.  Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel  This is another book with a repetitive phrase, which kids love.  It also is a nice taste of Asian history and tradition.
6. Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli  This book is adorable (and perfect for Valentine's Day!)  Poor Mr. Hatch lives a lonely life until he thinks someone loves him.  Then his whole personality changes. 
 7.  Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina  Yes, this is another book with a repetitive phrase.  It's also one where the whole class not only chants along, but physically becomes part of the story.  A book with monkeys... gotta love it!
8.  The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch  Robert Munsch really knows what makes kids laugh.  I love all his books, but this is my favorite.  It's not a typical fairy tale, it's about a smart princess!
9.  For the Love of Autumn by Patricia Polacco  This book will warm your heart!  Autumn is an adorable kitten of a young schoolteacher.  Very, very sweet!
10.  Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss  Seriously, this isn't just for kids.  I gave this to my daughter when she graduated from high school.  But the kids love it, too!


I'd love to hear about your favorite picture books!

Sally