Teachers' Favorite Books to Use in the Classroom for Grades PreK-2

This beloved classic features singsong text and textured collages showing what different animals see.

The silly, funny, fantastic story of a boy who didn't wash his hands and the crazy consequences that ensue as he spreads a bit of grossness around.

That lovely old lady has returned just in time for the first day of school. With rhyming text and funny illustrations, this lively version of the classic song will appeal to young readers with every turn of the page.

Being kind can be a little difficult, even for dinosaurs. But with a little practice and some heartfelt humor, our prehistoric pals can develop empathy and compassion for others. Join in the hilarity as the bestselling duo Jane Yolen and Mark Teague teach young readers and dinosaurs that being kind is important and cool!

This heartwarming classic is perfect for helping students deal with anxiety during times of separation and at the start of school, daycare, or camp.

A silly read-aloud story with funny rhymes and hilarious illustrations.

A joyful celebration of kindness and its potential to change the world from Rachel Bright, the bestselling author of The Lion Inside and Love Monster. Chris Chatterton's charming illustrations will draw readers. The Hugasaurus is sure to become a storytime favorite!

This simple counting book brings together—one by one—a remarkably diverse and wonderfully colorful crowd.

This follow-up to It's Okay to Be Different embraces life's happy accidents, the mistakes, and mess-ups that can lead to self discovery.

A girl in a red hat finds the courage to be kind to the new student in class. Her kindness spreads, until her whole community experiences the magical shift that happens when people act on their best impulses!

This inclusive picture book rejoices in the specialness of each person's beauty and ability.

Based on the experiences of athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick, this book will inspire kids to stay true to their identities and advocate for change while celebrating self-discovery.

A perennial favorite that celebrates the love parents have for their children–even when they misbehave.

Beauty is much more than how one looks on the outside. True beauty is found in conquering challenges, showing kindness, and spreading contagious laughter. Beautiful girls are empowered, smart, and really, really strong!

"I like being you," said the reflection in the mirror. "To me, you are perfectly perfect."

This is a story of self-love that teaches children that their physical layer is just that -- one layer -- and below it lies a rich tapestry of attributes that make them unique and wonderful. Through Marc Colagiovanni's powerful text and Peter H. Reynolds's inspirational artwork, this picture book offers readers a wholly original exploration of self-love and self-acceptance.

Brave Dave is the empowering story of bear named Dave, who discovers the importance of simply being himself!

With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.

Cielo loves to skateboard! But when she messes up on a new ramp, she's embarrassed and afraid to fall again in front of so many people. With the help of some new friends, Cielo summons the courage to try again (and again, and again), and learns that falling is not failing - true fierceness isn't about landing the perfect trick, it's about picking yourself back up when you don't.

During the course of the day, Koo straightens his room, feeds his cat and the hungry fish outside, and he bakes a cake to welcome new neighbors. He even helps a family of ducklings to safely cross a street. But still, Koo wonders, how will HE ever save the world? At the end of the day, Uncle Stillwater has the answer....

Rubin loves the beautiful sounds that are played by the orchestra. He wants to learn to play the violin and make his own music. But when Rubin plays, it doesn't sound like he imagines it should. Rubin goes into the forest to practice alone and despite only getting the violin to screech, he finds an unlikely audience that loves his unique style.

Lyrical, affirmational, and bursting with love, We Are Here is a poignant story about Black and brown heritage and community. Full of assurance, tenderness, and triumph, this much-anticipated follow-up to the New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter offers an equally inspirational and arresting ode to all of the Black women and men throughout history who have made momentous contributions from the beginning of time.

Told through creative language play, and with depth and whimsy, this picture book reminds readers of their own agency and the power they have to direct their own path. 

Families come in many different shapes and forms -- but they all teach you how to be strong and show you how loved you are.

This heartfelt celebration of love follows Poppy and Little One as they discuss all the things they need in life like a really good pillow or a roof over their heads but most important of all, love. Despite the challenges they face as a storm sweeps away their home, this duo never lose their optimism because in the end they know that all they truly need is love . . . and each other.

YOU are your ancestors' wildest dreams. How will you express YOUR greatness? Perfect for fans of I Am Every Good Thing, Little Legends, and All Because You Matter.

These funny and empowering short stories about Princess Truly promote believing in yourself, building confidence, and having a positive self-image, and foster imagination and curiosity. With full-color artwork and easy-to-read rhyming text throughout, this series is perfect for new readers!

This hilarious installment in Ross Burach"s Very Impatient Caterpillar series playfully encourages readers to love who they are, while also illuminating the importance of pollinators to our ecosystem.

An inspiring picture book authored by creator of the More Than Peach Project which aims to offer a wide array of skin-toned crayon colors with every kid in mind.

Civil rights icon, Ambassador Andrew Young and his daughter, Paula Young Shelton, deliver a powerful oral history about a special day in Andrew's childhood that changed him forever. This story of race relations in the 1930s South is illustrated by bestselling Caldecott Honor winner Gordon C. James.

Best friends Unicorn and Yeti have lots of fun in these sparkly, laugh-out-loud stories. With full-color artwork, speech bubbles, and easy-to-read text throughout, this adorable book is perfect for new readers!

It's a special week at Treetop Elementary because it's time to choose a class president! Eva is excited because she loves to make choices and vote for things! Who will win the big vote to become president of the class?

Some kids have dogs and some kids have cats, but Buzz has a pet fly! 

A not-to-be missed story for the less-than-perfect part of everyone!

Baron von Bubbles,a.k.a "Bub," is the self-proclaimed cutest pug on the planet! Things he loves: fashion,peanut butter,and his human,Bella. Things he does NOT love: Nutz the squirrel,baths,and the rain. When Bella enters the Inventor Challenge,Bub helps her craft the best project ever - a rocket. But what happens when Nutz gets on Bub's nerves and makes him ruin Bella's project? If Bub wants to make it up to Bella,he'll have to stand up to Nutz - and the rain - once and for all. 

Feelings are a normal part of life for children as well as adults, believes author Janan Cain, who wanted kids both to understand the concept of emotions and be able to express their feelings with words.

At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful, and straight from the heart.

Little ones will giggle with delight as they anticipate the arrival of the terrible troll in this hilarious twist on a timeless favorite.

Acclaimed author and artist Dav Pilkey celebrates the beauty found in silence and the peace that comes from being with a beloved friend in this newly remastered edition of his timeless, Caldecott Honor-winning picture book.

Each of CJ's questions is met with an encouraging answer from Grandma, who helps him see the beauty and fun in their routine and the world around them.

The kids in Room 207 were the worst-behaved class in the whole school—that is until Miss Viola Swamp shows up. This iconic picture book from James Marshall deserves a spot on every classroom library shelf.

Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit!

Acclaimed author/illustrator Vera Williams tells of a young girl who, along with her waitress mother, saves coins in a big jar in hopes that they can someday buy a big, new, comfortable chair for their apartment, the kind of chair her mother deserves after being on her feet all day at the Blue Tile Diner.

A powerful vulture named Thorn is using dark magic to destroy the land of Perodia! It is up to Tag, a small owl, and his best friend, Skyla, to save their home. But they will need the last firehawk's help.

Jovita dreamed of wearing pants! She hated the big skirts Abuela made her wear. She wanted to scale the tallest mesquite tree on her rancho, ride her horse, and feel the wind curl her face into a smile!

Piggy has returned, and his newest plot is his most diabolical yet. WHAT other new villains are on the horizon? WHERE are they all coming from? And WHO will step forward to save the city when scoundrels sabotage our Supa Buddies?

The Cat Kid Comic Club is in crisis! After learning that one of their comics will be published, the baby frogs are filled with anxiety and doubt. How will they get their creative groove back? Will Naomi or Melvin emerge as a leader? Will Flippy convince them to finally straighten up and fly right?

Branches books help boost reading confidence and stamina with easy-to-read text, high-interest content, and illustrations on every page. "A nice stepping stone to more advanced chapter books."-Booklist

This boy visits friends in 13 different countries spanning all six populated continents. Along the way, he introduces readers to each friend's environment and customs. Each country has a dedicated spread with a small map that shows geography, letting readers imagine they are traveling too.