April: favorite {new-to-me} picture books!

Anyone who knows me, knows I am 100% OBSESSED with picture books. Yes, it helps that I am a teacher {and certified literacy specialist} and use them on a daily basis, but I still can't help picking up a few any time I enter a store that sells them. Seriously, it's a problem.

I've been building my classroom library since I first headed to college to start my teaching career! I knew that I wanted to have a large accumulation of books by the time I graduated, and I certainly have done so! I used to spend quite a bit more money on books back then because I thought all of my books needed to be brand spankin' new. I was wrong.

The first time I brought some of my beloved books into my kindergarten student teaching placement, I left with one, and only one, looking like it did when I entered the classroom. At that moment, I realized that books do not HAVE to be brand-new to work fabulously in your classroom. In fact, I've grown to realize that my "well-loved" books have more of a story to tell! When you find little notes written from classroom teachers to students, stamps of kids' names on the inside, and other little gems {like Patricia Polacco's signature in a few Amazon used books I ordered! Score!}, you begin to realize how meaningful the book was to someone before you.

Although I mainly purchase my books {used} on Amazon, I also wander into Goodwill once in awhile to scour the shelves. I recently helped plan our school's first annual Family Literacy Night, and picked up a few {new-to-me} books from the Scholastic Book Fair!

We will start with a fairly simple picture book I recently picked up at my school's Scholastic Book Fair.

Available on Amazon

Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham and Paul Zelinsky is a wonderful picture book for kiddos learning their ABC's, letter-word association, and for ANYONE looking for a laugh! {Seriously, my husband and I were cracking up at some of the pages.} Zebra is telling the ABC story, and forgets to put Moose in on the 'M' page. You'll have to check this one out to see where Moose ends up in the story!

Another book I picked up at the Scholastic Book Fair was Abe Lincoln's Dream by Lane Smith. I'm a big fan of Lane Smith's illustrations and the way he formats his work with interesting fonts and graphics. This book would be a great historical fiction addition to any classroom! I find that I am drawn to books about Abe Lincoln, {thanks to my friend Ashley + her OBSESSION, most likely!}. 

Available on Amazon

This is a super-sweet {and funny} book about a little girl on a field trip to the White House that tags along with Abe Lincoln's ghost. Check it out! 

Next up is yet another hilarious picture book by Drew Daywalt and the {fabulous} Oliver Jeffers. If you haven't checked out any of Oliver Jeffers' work yet, you are SERIOUSLY missing out. I am slightly obsessed with his illustrations. Seriously.

The Day the Crayons Quit is receiving mega-praise on Amazon, as well as other teaching blogs and such. I CAN SEE WHY! This book couples voice, word choice, humor, and amazing illustrations all in one. Duncan's crayons each write him a letter telling him why they want to quit, each with their own hilarious reasons. Definitely one of my favorite picture books so far this year.

Available on Amazon

Sophie gives The Day the Crayons Quit her full-approval! 

Here's a little excerpt to show you what I mean {this page generally gets the most laughs, but doesn't anything with the word underwear?!}...

"Hey Duncan, it's me, PEACH CRAYON. WHY did you peel off my paper wrapping?? Now I'm NAKED and too embarrassed to leave the crayon box. I don't even have any underwear! How would YOU like to go to school naked?"

Last, but CERTAINLY not least, is Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas. This book is great for any kiddo learning to rhyme, or even just for kids looking for a hilarious read-aloud {are you noticing a trend with my book-selections?!} This was a great find at my local Goodwill!

Available on Amazon

In this book, the dust bunnies: Ed, Ned, Ted, & Bob try to RHYME all the TIME! The only problem is, Bob can never seem to get the rhymes quite right. And yes, this is another book that my husband and I were laughing out loud at. {Am I the only one that tortures, I mean, reads, hilarious picture books to my hubs?!}

Here's an excerpt:

"Hello! We are Ed, Ned, Ted ... and Bob. We rhyme all the time!

Hey! What rhymes with car?

Far! Jar! Tar! Look!

No, Bob ... 'LOOK!' does not rhyme with car!"

*Check it out to see why Bob can't seem to get his rhymes down!

Hopefully these are some new titles you haven't heard before! I will try to post some favorite picture books {and novels} monthly, to incorporate as many of my favs as I can! If you have any recommendations, please let me know in the comments below! :)