20 Picture Books We Love

For more on each book, click on the link to view it on Amazon. If you make a purchase through one of the links we may earn a small commission. 

Opening the Road: Victor Hugo and His Green Book by Kella V. Dawson

A picture book for our older students, all of whom will benefit from learning about Victor Hugo Green and his innovation.

Trees Make Perfect Pets by Paul Czajak

Could a tree make a perfect pet? Abigail thinks so, and that is why she wants one for her birthday. 

Benny Doesn’t Like to Be Hugged by Zetta Elliott

As you build community, this book will help encourage your students to accept each other just the way they are. 

Thank You, Earth by April Pulley Sayre

A great book to celebrate the Earth by sharing this beautifully illustrated poem.

Seeds by Carme Lemniscates

This book moves us from the magic of seeds and the transformations they undergo to the importance of the most important seeds we plant . . . kindness.

All That Trash by Meghan McCarthy

This book will help students think a little more reflectively about all we throw away and what happens to it afterwards. A good lesson for today and everyday!

If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall

This book beautifully celebrates all the great things about earth, and touches a bit on the not so great. You’ll love it if you are looking for something that celebrates how unique we all are.

Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller

When they get home from the farmer’s market, Sophie won’t let her mom cook the squash. She names it Bernice and takes it everywhere with her. But a squash doesn’t stay the same forever.

One Little Bag by Henry Cole

This beautifully done, three-generation family story is a must add to our wordless picture book tub.

What We’ll Build by Oliver Jeffers

This father/daughter story is poignant and very moving.

The Perfect Seat by Minh Le & Gus Gordon

This book would be a perfect read aloud when introducing Daily 5, especially on choosing a successful/comfortable spot.

It’s All About Me-ow by Hudson Talbott

Cat lovers will especially appreciate the humor and solid facts that mesh perfectly in this book.

The Crayon Man by Natascha Biebow

This is a fascinating and fun read about the man behind the crayons we’ve probably all used (and loved).

Emmanuel’s Dream by Laurie Ann Thompson

Want to be inspired? Read the true story of Emmanuel, who bicycled 400 miles across Ghana even though he only had one leg.

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

This is a great book to challenge the social norms of gender expression or identity, and could launch a conversation about society-influenced biases in your learning community. Get the Lit Lesson!

48 Grasshopper Estates by Sara de Waal

This is a wonderful story about the joy of making things, sharing them, and making new friends.

Twenty-One Steps by Jeff Gottesfeld

If you’re like us, you may tear up on page one. This book is stunning, important, and the text is exquisite. It is a good one to share around Veteran's Day.

Water is Water by Miranda Paul

Through fantastic illustrations and simple text, this picture book makes a big concept easily accessible.

Your Place in the Universe by Jason Chin

This is one of those books that proves picture books are for everybody. Don’t be surprised if you find it in the book box of your intermediate students. 

Hair Twins by Raakhee Mirchandani

The relationship between this father and daughter is pure delight; even more so when we discover they were based on the author’s family. 

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