2014 Favorite Books for The Classroom

The following selections by Natalie from 2014

Hi-Koo: A Year of Season, by Jon J. Muth
Introduce kiddos to Haiku poetry through this collection. The poems are told through the eyes of the main character, a Panda named Koo, and of his daily adventures throughout the seasons of the year. Small children and parents will find the poems and illustrations charming, and educators will love using it in their poetry lessons in class.

Animalium (Welcome to the Museum) by Jenny Broom

This book gives kids a ticket to an intricate museum tour of the animal kingdom in great detail. The illustrations themselves are beautiful and have that old Audubone feel to them. Each page is formatted to look like a gallery wall, and will fascinate animal lovers big and small.

A Home for Mr. Emerson, by Barbara Kerley 

This mini biography teaches students about Ralph Waldo Emerson's life, accomplishments, passions, and works. The book has weaved throughout it pieces and bits of Emerson's own writing as well. A nice addition to a child's library on historical figures, aimed at ages 8-12. I personally love how the authors introduce kids to some big life lessons and values (such as hospitality, friendship, life-long-learning) that we as teachers and parents can expand upon with our children with the added activities in the back. 

The Madeline Treasury: The Original Stories, by Ludwig Bemelmans

I grew up to the rhymes of the "12 little girls who lived in the house covered in vines... the smallest was Madeline." The stories of the little, French adventurer have become classics, and this year Scholastic has compiled the originals in this beautiful collection to be enjoyed for generations to come for the first time.

President Taft is Stuck in The Bath, by Mac Barnette

This hilarious picture book brings to life the story of the time President Taft got stuck in the White House bathtub, leading to a specially made tub for the heavy-set man. Its become a legend as differing accounts tell the story differently, but regardless, this book will have students giggling.

The Book with No Pictures, by B. J. Novak

I love how The Book with No Pictures can be a spring board to introduce children to the joy in reading without pictures; an excellent transition into chapter books from picture books. The book is hilarious and should only be read with great animation to hook in your little readers, as author B. J. Novak does so in this video here.

Kid Sheriff and The Terrible Toad, by Bob Shea
This slap-happy western is for the readers who enjoy a classic fighting off crime and saving the day story. Make sure to read in your best cowboy or cowgirl tone!

Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes, by Nicola Davies

Readers explore the tiniest of creatures and their important roles in our ecosystems through this new non-fiction book. The author does a great job at presenting the topic in a lively, engaging way to readers that other texts do do dryly. A must-have science resource for both the classroom and the home.

The Grimm Conclusion, by Adam Gidwitz

Adam Gidwitz re-teaches us that "once upon a time... fairy tales were awesome." And they were weird. Really weird. Gidwitz concluding book in his Grimm trilogy delivers humor and adventure; the perfect fractured fairy tale series for the older elementary readers.

Poor Doreen: A Fishy Tale, by Sally Lloyd Jones

The youngest of readers will be delighted by this tale of Doreen who swims to visit her cousins, but unfortunately bad luck keeps getting in the way. Doreen learns an important lesson about persevering with a positive attitude in the end. For first-time readers there are letters hidden in the illustrations as well to be found in a game of "I Spy."

This is The World: A Global Treasury, by Miroslav Sasek

Journey through the famous cities of the world like Sydney, London, and Hong Kong through Sasek's treasury. A travelouge that will get kids excited about geography, culture, and adventures.

Rutherford B. Hayes: Who Was He? : Poems About Our Presidents, by Marilyn Singer

A poem for each American President and their passion. This one is for both the history and poetry lover. The book is filled with wit, rich illustrations, and a great way to learn about the nation's leaders. At the end of the book there's a brief paragraph dedicated to each man's accomplishments while in the White House, an illustrated timeline, and further resources for parents and teachers.