THOSE MUST HAVE PICTURE BOOKS

I love books - the feel, the smell . . . how my heart speeds up just a bit when I crack a new story for the very first time.  I got my first library card at 5 years old.  I have a distant memory of my grandmother picking me up so that I could sign my name on that line.  It wasn't pretty (my name was mostly capital letters and took up the whole card), but the library took me in just the same :) Needless to say, books hold an extra special place in my heart.   


This little walk down memory lane leads me right into my post . . . Lindsey over at The Teacher Wife has the coolest book linky going.  What's the focus you ask?  Well, it's all about our Must Have Picture Books.  There is nothing more magical than having all of your little cuties silently sitting all wide-eyed on your carpet as you read a little tale. 

It took me a moment to narrow it down to just a handful of stories (and I may just change my mind at the last minute).  There are so many picture books that I love, but here's my short list at the moment . . . in no particular order . . . 

ONE

SYLVESTER & THE MAGIC PEBBLE
This tale came to mind immediately.  My grandmother used to read it to me when I was little and I love sharing it with my classes.  As an added bonus, most of them haven't heard it . . . I love getting to be the one to introduce them to a new story.

TWO

THE SNOWY DAY
I don't think this one needs much explaining.  I love the simplicity of this book and it is perfect for a winter time retell or prediction activity!  My kids always get a kick out of his pointy hat.

THREE

WHO WILL CARVE THE TURKEY THIS THANKSGIVING?
You will see a pattern start to form from now on in my selections.  My favorite picture books are those that get my kiddos giggling. This story is so full of silly imagination and the pictures are truly amazing.  It also lends itself to the creation of a perfect Thanksgiving-themed class book.  I will post about this in November for sure!

FOUR

THE HALLO-WIENER
I know.  I know.  Crazy selection, right??  Halloween is my all-time favorite holiday and Dav Pilkey does it up right in this little ditty.  I mean, we are talking a giant hot dog costume on a wiener dog . . . my life was complete when I found this book!  I always have to read it multiple times to my classes during the spooky season - they beg for it and the contagious belly laughs are just as hearty the third time as they are the first :)

FIVE

THERE'S A BIRD ON YOUR HEAD

Mo Willems is an absolute hero in my book.  All of his stories are so full of life and fun.  It was so hard to narrow it down and showcase only one of his tales, but this one always kills the babes and me - last year I had two kids with tears streaming down their faces because they couldn't stop laughing (now that's what I call a successful story time).  His Elephant & Piggie books are perfect for teaching punctuation and inflection.  

Well, friends, those are the stories that came to mind while I was writing this post today . . . I am sure if you caught me on another day, 5 different books might just come to mind.  What can I say??  I love my books :)  My library is already overflowing, but I am always looking to add to those packed shelves.  I am itchin' to try Deedee Wills' Clever School Teacher Shop . . . so won't you link up with The Teacher Wife and share your favorite children's books with us?  Just click the button below to join in the fun.   

Before I exit today, one of my favorite ladies on the planet is hosting a giveaway.  Vickie from Mrs. Plants Press reached 500 followers and is doing it up right.  You can win some UH-MAY-ZING items from Mrs. Wills' Kindergarten, First Grade Blue Skies, Primary Graffiti, Sprinkles to Kindergarten, and little old me.  Just click her button below to enter.  Vickie is an absolute delight . . . hop on over there and show her a little bloggy love today!  You will be glad ya did :)

Alright folks, I am off to put the finishing touches on my football unit.  I think I can.  I think I can.  I think I can . . . come on, Dolling!  Thanks so much for visiting today.  I'll see you soon.