Picture Books Galore: #pb10for10

Ten picture books I can't live without in my classroom.

Check out other favorite 10 for 10 Picture Book Lists

 @ Reflect and Refine and Enjoy and Embrace Learning

or Jog the Web 10 for 10

Books are like old friends.  Especially the books that you continually go back to, and trust, and rely on for their words, pictures, and messages.  Besides trying to pick only ten books, my other problem this year was that I had to pack up my classroom and all my books at the end of the school year.  They are sitting, waiting patiently, in a new learning space.  Waiting to be picked up, flipped through, and smiled at softly with book love remembrance.  Waiting to be shared with new students.  I'll be able to greet them on Monday.  My old friends.

So, this year, I cheated a bit -- due to lack of book browsing to jog my memory and time, I decided to look back at last year's #pb10for10 post.  This prompted me to visit my Goodreads picture books bookshelf and I was quickly reminded of all those books that I fell in love with this last year.  It's quite sad to delete the picture books I shared last year from my list.  No Elephant and Piggie. No Stellaluna or Something Beautiful or Swimmy. 

This is (almost) a brand new list for 2013.  One author (two books) remained.  

Different books speak to us 

in different seasons of life.

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Here's my list for #pb10for10, in no particular order -- just ten books that I go back to over and over:

Ralph Tells a Story by Abby Hanlon

I fell in love with Ralph. Adorable and true in so many ways.  We all know a Ralph (or even have a little "Ralph" in us) searching for a story to share.  Perfect for Writing Workshop and those days when we are stuck staring at a blank page when we are writing.  

Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip C. Stead

There are many, many bear books.  But this is one bear book that I continue to read over and over and fall in love with it over and over.  I adore the illustrations.  Bear is such a sweet friend, a sleepy, sweet friend with a story to tell, but his friends are busy preparing for winter to arrive and agreed to help.  A story about friendship and patience.

The Wall by Eve Bunting

Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting

I could not take away either of these books. They are both touching stories that lead to many thoughtful questions, wonderings and conversations death, war, and homelessness. 

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

I loved this story.  We all know a Maya.  There's a Maya in each of our classrooms.  There's also a Chloe.  A Chloe who is not an out right bully, but one that does those little things, like ignoring or whispering or laughing, that all add up.  Chloe's teacher, Ms. Albert, shared a lesson about ripples and she learned a BIG lesson about kindness.  It broke my heart that Maya didn't know that, but I'm guessing that was the point Woodson was trying to convey.  Now Chloe can move forward remembering Maya and each kindness.

Ribbit! by Rodrigo Folgueira

A book that I first fell in love with because of the pictures and then the message made me gasp, "Awww." I love this book about an adorable pig just trying to fit in.  A great book to read at the beginning of the year or even when a new student moves in.  Great discussions about acceptance and friendship.  

hello! hello! by Matthew Cordell

We enjoyed reading this book during "Screen Free Week" and connected with the idea of getting disconnected, experiencing the world one leaf at a time.  Powerful illustrations that remind us that there is a world to discover beyond our clicking and swiping on our electronics.  (But don't hesitate to click now to add it to your Amazon basket.)

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

Yes, the crayons quit.  And they let Duncan, their coloring owner, know exactly what their issues were -- well, all except green crayon.  He's happy with his situation.  Each crayon wrote a letter to Duncan expressing their concerns.  Quite amusing from their point of view!  (A great mentor text - Look! I tried it out here!)  Oh, and let's not forget to give props to the illustrator, Oliver Jeffers!

Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal  

 Another *fun* read!  Go on and make your mark in the world!  I love the intro on the front cover: 

"This is a story about an exclamation mark. And this exclamation mark's story is really everyone's story. It's about fitting in . . . and standing out . . . and, with the help of others, finding your way. Because we all have our inner exclamation mark. The question is, how to find it . . ."

(Oh, and don't forget Little Pea, Little Hoot, and Little Oink and . . .)

This Plus That: Life's Little Equations by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Words + Numbers = Life's Little Equations

Picture Books + 10 = #PB10for10

Want more? See my little equations and samples of classroom equations.

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Thanks for checking out my #PB10for10 list!  I look forward to your selections! 

Share a comment about ... one book you will be adding to your bookshelf -- no, let me try that again:

100*(1 book) + bookshelf = happy reader

*The 100 is for the hundred new titles you'll be wanting to add to your wish list!

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Be sure to check out other favorite 10 for 10 picture books at

  Reflect and Refine and Enjoy and Embrace Learning 

Jog the Web compilation

On Twitter: #pb10for10