Special Collections
Back to School (K-3) Read Alouds
Description: Reading aloud can be a powerful way to build community and shared understanding at the beginning of the school year. (Can be a part of your social/emotional learning curriculum.) #teachers
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If You Take a Mouse to School
by Laura Joffe Numeroff and Felicia BondIf you take a mouse to school, he'll ask you for your lunch box. When you give him your lunch box, he'll want a sandwich to go in it. Then he'll need a notebook and some pencils. He'll probably want to share your backpack, too ... The famous mouse from the New York Times #1 best-seller If You Take a Mouse to the Movies and If You give a Mouse a Cookie is back for his first day of school. Only Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond could make school this much fun! Picture descriptions present.
I Got the Rhythm
by Connie Schofield-MorrisonOn a simple trip to the park, the joy of music overtakes a mother and daughter. The little girl hears a rhythm coming from the world around her- from butterflies, to street performers, to ice cream sellers everything is musical! She sniffs, snaps, and shakes her way into the heart of the beat, finally busting out in an impromptu dance, which all the kids join in on! Award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison and Connie Schofield-Morrison, capture the beat of the street, to create a rollicking read that will get any kid in the mood to boogie.
I'm New Here
by Anne Sibley O'BrienThree children from other countries (Somalia. Guatemala, and Korea) struggle to adjust to their new home and school in the United States.
Interrupting Chicken
by David Ezra SteinIt's bedtime for the little red chicken, and papa is going to read her a story. "You're not going to interrupt the story tonight, are you?" asks Papa. "Oh no, Papa. I'll be good," says the little red chicken. But she just can't help herself! Whether it's Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, or Chicken Little, as soon as the story gets going . . . out jumps the little red chicken--right into the story--saving the characters from danger and ending the story early. Will that chicken ever get to sleep?
The Invisible Boy
by Patrice Barton and Trudy LudwigMeet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party . . . until, that is, a new kid comes to class.
When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.
From esteemed author and speaker Trudy Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Patrice Barton, this gentle story shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish.
Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find The Invisible Boy a valuable and important resource.
It's Hard to Be Five
by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura CornellIt's hard to be five. Just yelled at my brother. My mind says do one thing, my mouth says another. * It's fun to be five! Big changes are here! My body's my car, and I'm licensed to steer. * Learning not to hit? Having to wait your turn? Sitting still?! It's definitely hard to be five, but Jamie Lee Curtis's encouraging text and Laura Cornell's playful illustrations make the struggles of self-control a little bit easier, and a lot more fun!
It's Mine!
by Leo LionniThree green frogs learn a lesson about being greedy and the importance of depending upon each other, with the help of a toad who lives on the same island they do. Leo Lionni, has won awards for his artistry in the United States and Worldwide. The scanner has added beautifully detailed descriptions of Leo Lionni's illustrations which will add to a child's enjoyment of this book.
It's Okay To Be Different
by Todd ParrIllustrations and brief text describe all kinds of differences that are "okay," such as "It's okay to be a different color," "It's okay to need some help," "It's okay to be adopted," and "It's okay to have a different nose."
The Kissing Hand
by Audrey Penn and Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. LeakSchool is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary.
Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming book has become a children's classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp. It is widely used by kindergarten teachers on the first day of school. Stickers at the back will help children and their parents keep their Kissing Hand alive.
Leo the Late Bloomer
by Robert KrausLeo isn't reading, or writing, or drawing, or even speaking, and his father is concerned. But Leo's mother isn't. She knows her son will do all those things, and more, when he's ready.
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse
by Kevin HenkesLilly loves everything about school, especially her cool teacher, Mr. Slinger. But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse and its treasures to school and can't wait until sharing time, Mr. Slinger confiscates her prized possessions. Lilly's fury leads to revenge and then to remorse and she sets out to make amends.
Lilly, the star of Chester's Way and Julius, the Baby of the World, is back. And this time she has her name in the title - something she's wanted all along. If you thought Lilly was funny before, you are in for a treat. So hurry up and start reading. Lilly can't wait for you to find out more about her.
The Loud Book!
by Deborah Underwood and Renata LiwskaBANG!CRACKLE!BOO!Just like there are lots of quiets, there are also lots of louds:Good louds(HOORAY!)and bad louds(CRASH!) And louds that make you feel like you arethe center of attention (BURP!).The Loud Book compiles all these kid-friendly noisesfrom morning to night,in a way that is sure to make readersCHEER!
Mommy's Khimar
by Jamilah Thompkins-BigelowA young Muslim girl spends a busy day wrapped up in her mother’s colorful headscarf in this sweet and fanciful picture book from debut author and illustrator Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn.
A khimar is a flowing scarf that my mommy wears. Before she walks out the door each day, she wraps one around her head.
A young girl plays dress up with her mother’s headscarves, feeling her mother’s love with every one she tries on. Charming and vibrant illustrations showcase the beauty of the diverse and welcoming community in this portrait of a young Muslim American girl’s life.
My Mouth is a Volcano
by Julia CookAll of Louis thoughts are very important to him. In fact, his thoughts are so important to him that when he has something to say, his words begin to wiggle, and then they do the jiggle, then his tongue pushes all of his important words up against his teeth and he erupts, or interrupts others. His mouth is a volcano! My Mouth Is A Volcano takes an empathetic approach to the habit of interrupting and teaches children a witty technique to capture their rambunctious thoughts and words for expression at an appropriate time. Told from Louis perspective, this story provides parents, teachers, and counselors with an entertaining way to teach children the value of respecting others by listening and waiting for their turn to speak.
The Name Jar
by Yangsook ChoiThe new kid in school needs a new name! Or does she? Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning. On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it--Yoon-Hey. From the Hardcover edition.
Nasreen's Secret School
by Jeanette WinterBased on a true story. After her parents are taken away by the Taliban, young Nasreen stops speaking. But as she spends time in a secret school, she slowly breaks out of her shell.
Officer Buckle and Gloria
by Peggy RathmannOfficer Buckle is dedicated to teaching schoolchildren important safety tips, such as never put anything in your ear and never stand on a swivel chair. The problem is, Officer Buckle's school assemblies are dull, dull, dull, and the children of Napville just sleep, sleep, sleep. That is, until Gloria the police dog is invited along!
The Old Woman Who Named Things
by Cynthia RylantHow does an old woman who has outlived all her friends keep from being lonely? By naming the things in her life she knows she will never outlive—like her house, Franklin, and her bed, Roxanne. When a shy brown puppy appears at her front gate, the old woman won&’t name it, because it might not outlive her. Tender watercolors capture the charm of this heartwarming story of an old woman who doesn&’t know she&’s lonely until she meets a plucky puppy who needs a name—and someone to love. &“Rylant and Brown together create with affection and lovingly humorous touches a glimpse of old age lived with relish.&” —Booklist
Pigs Make Me Sneeze! (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
by Mo WillemsMeet Elephant Gerald and Piggie Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can. Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to. Gerald and Piggie are best friends. In Pigs Make Me Sneeze! Gerald believes that he is allergic to his best friend! Will he have to stay away from Piggie forever?
The Quiet Book
by Deborah UnderwoodThere are many kinds of quiet: Quiet can be delicate. Quiet can be thundering! Quiet can be sweet and cozy, and can most definitely help you fall asleep. This gentle picture book explores all the different quiets that can fill a child's day from morning to night.
The Rainbow Fish
by Marcus PfisterWhen the little blue fish asks the rainbow fish for just one of his beautiful, shiny scales, the rainbow fish says no and is quite grumpy about it. Word gets out, and soon no one will play with the rainbow fish. Will the great octopus be able to help?
Rain School
by James RumfordIt is the first day of school in Chad, Africa. Children are filling the road. "Will they give us a notebook?" Thomas asks. "Will they give us a pencil?” "Will I learn to read?" But when he and the other children arrive at the schoolyard, they find no classroom, no desks. Just a teacher. "We will build our school," she says. "This is our first lesson. " James Rumford, who lived in Chad as a Peace Corps volunteer, fills these pages with the vibrant colors of Africa and the spare words of a poet to show how important learning is in a country where only a few children are able to go to school.
The Recess Queen
by Alexis O'Neill and Laura Huliska-BeithA fresh and original twist on the common issue of bullying.
Mean Jean was Recess Queen and nobody said any different. Nobody swung until Mean Jean swung. Nobody kicked until Mean Jean kicked. Nobody bounced until Mean Jean bounced. If kids ever crossed her, she'd push 'em and smoosh 'em lollapaloosh 'em, hammer 'em, slammer 'em kitz and kajammer 'em.
Until a new kid came to school! With her irrepressible spirit, the new girl dethrones the reigning recess bully by becoming her friend in this infectious playground romp.
Ruby the Copycat
by Peggy RathmannIt's the first day of school, and Ruby is new. When her classmate Angela wears a red bow in her hair, Ruby comes back from lunch wearing a red bow, too. When Angela wears a flowered dress, suddenly Ruby's wearing one, too. Fortunately, Ruby's teacher knows a better way to help Ruby fit in--by showing how much fun it is to be herself!
School for Bandits
by Hannah ShawRalph Raccoon looks perfectly normal. But he doesn't act normal at all. He's disturbingly well behaved, clean and tidy, shockingly polite, and he even brushes his teeth! Mr. and Mrs. Raccoon are worried--how will Ralph ever become a great raccoon bandit like Grandpa Cutlass or Uncle Whiskers? It's time Ralph learned some bad manners . . . at Bandit School.Ralph has no chance of winning the "Best Bandit in School" competition--he's not very bandit-like at all. But sometimes good manners can be useful, and Ralph just might surprise everyone--including himself.From the Hardcover edition.