As a primary teacher with over 20 years of classroom experience, I've read thousands of picture books—and these are the ones that truly shine. This carefully selected list is perfect for children ages 4 to 8 and includes hidden gems, timeless favorit...
An enjoyable twist and turn around every tree in the deep, dark wood. What's a Buffalo? Why didn't you know? You will when you find this book! An amazing addition to your child's collection.
The Gruffalo|Paperback
Today, on the last day of school, I was gifted this book. This should be all ages! When your emotions are all jumbled up, it can be hard to think right or act appropriately. With the help of the color monsters, big feelings can get sorted so that you...
The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions|Hardcover
“I’m NOT just a Scribble…” by Diane Alber is a bright, engaging picture book that encourages kids to see the value in their own creativity. With playful art and an empowering message about self-worth, it’s perfect for ages 4–8 who love to draw and im...
I'm NOT just a Scribble.|Hardcover
As the day winds down in a small northern community, a young child gets ready for bed — just like children all across Nunatsiavut. With soothing rhythm and cozy imagery, this bedtime story shares familiar routines and the warmth of family, all set ag...
Bedtime in Nunatsiavut|Hardcover
Kim Smith is one of my Grade One class' favorite authors. Her illustrations capture the children's gaze and fill them with wonder. I mean...what kid doesn't love to build with boxes?
Boxitects|Hardcover
If you are looking to add well written children's literature to your home or school collection you'll have to add The Cook and the King! The King and Wobbly Bob are certainly two characters! A book that teaches you that you'll be surprised if you jus...
The Cook and the King: A Picture Book|Hardcover
The three little pigs are ready to build their own homes — one with straw, one with sticks, and one with bricks. But when a somewhat bad wolf shows up with a big appetite and a bit of attitude, things don’t go quite as expected! This funny, fresh tak...
The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf|Hardcover
You think you know the story of the Three Little Pigs — but you’ve only heard one side. In this clever twist on the classic tale, Alexander T. Wolf (just call him Al) finally gets to share his version of what really happened. According to Al, it all ...
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs|Paperback
Buy this in secret for your child, have their teacher write a little note every year and give it to them on their graduation. You won't be sorry but you will need tissues.
Oh, the Places You'll Go!|Hardcover
These books are a riot. I wasn't sold on them as a teacher...until my students asked me to use them as a real aloud. I'm sold! Love them!
Big Jim Begins (Dog Man Series #13)|BN Exclusive
A hilarious book for bedtime...or any time! Its noisy!!! But it will wear the little ones out!
Start your child off on a reading journey they will find success with! These decodables are sequenced to follow a systematic approach to phonics.
Bob Books - Set 1: Beginning Readers Box Set Decodable ...
Zog is the cutest dragon! Well...he's trying to be a dragon. Will he roar the loudest? Have the best landing? We all have differences and special abilities...wait till you see what Zog gets up to! Then you'll want to find him in other books!
A Gold Star for Zog|Paperback
Three naughty villains — a troll, a ghost, and a witch — are out to prove who's the baddest of them all. But when they try to scare a kind young girl and steal her treasure, they get a surprising lesson in cleverness and courage! A laugh-out-loud tal...
The Baddies (B&N Exclusive Edition)|Paperback
Stick Man lives in the family tree with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three. But when he’s mistaken for just a plain old stick, he’s swept far from home on an unexpected adventure. Will he ever make it back in time for Christmas? A hea...
Stick Man|Paperback
An Epic Legend!
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors|Hardcover
This should be every child's first counting book because it is so much more than a book of numbers! This book sheds light on environmental issues and is based on a true story! I've searched for on little duck myself. The hardcover is a must because i...
10 Little Rubber Ducks|Hardcover
When Wilbur the pig learns he’s destined for the butcher, his wise and gentle friend Charlotte the spider weaves words into her web to save him. Their unlikely friendship transforms the entire barnyard. Charlotte’s Web is a timeless, heartfelt classi...
Charlotte's Web|Paperback
Get a feel for all three series! Break it up and you have three awesome gifts!
Dav Pilkey's Hero Collection: 3-Book Boxed Set (Captain Underpants #1, Dog Man #1, Cat Kid Comic Club #1)|Other Format
Shockingly funny read alouds for littles in an age when we need to relax. The sweetest!
Junie B. Jones First Boxed Set Ever!: Books 1-4|Paperback
Freckle Juice! I loved everything that Judy Blume ever wrote, and this book was one of my absolute favorites.
Between the main character Andrew wanting freckles, and Jan Brady trying to get rid of hers…I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to want them o...