I look forward to newly released picture books every month! Honestly, I cannot wait to see all the fantastic new options. As I read them, I instantly think about how to use them in the classroom. Since staying on top of new books can be challenging with the lack of time teachers have, I loved sharing a few. So, let’s explore some new August books that are great for your read aloud collection and classroom libraries.
I’m sharing all of these books on video as well! Check out the Picture Books: August 2023 on my Youtube channel.
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One More Jar of Jam by Michelle Sumovich
This story is about love, loss, renewal, and something very personal: jam. It tells the story of a young girl who climbs a mulberry tree in her backyard. The pages tell how she gathers berries and works with her dad to make the jam. Honestly, this shares the crucial message that the sweetest things in life are worth waiting for.
Fiona Builds A Fairy House by Kristen Dickson
Students love following Fiona on her journey as she forages for supplies to build a fairy house! She even scouts the best locations and recruits some of her magical friends for help. Fiona reminds students that our adventures may not always be easy, but they are definitely worth it.
Personally, I love how this book provides so many STEM connections! Students can use ordinary resources to create something new. Then, the class can share their new creations!
A Family Like Ours by Frank Murphy
This is another favorite from a wonderful series! If you’ve heard of A Boy Like You and A Girl Like You, this book is from the same series. It follows the same format and explains how everyone’s family is unique. So, it addresses extended families, adopted families, and our chosen families.
I love how it reminds students that it is okay for families to look different and each one deserves celebration. Ultimately, our families are a place for growth, support, and inspiration. Whether sharing this book around Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or any time of the year, it is a great message for students.
LoLo’s Sari-Sari Store by Sophia N. Lee
For the young girl in the book, summers used to mean helping Lolo out at his sorry, sorry store. Students love to see this means there is a good variety! While at the store, Lolo explains that people must seek ways to help their community. Now that the young girl is far from home, she misses Lolo but remembers the important work. So, she looks for her own connections within her brand-new community. This is an excellent book showcasing community in Filipino culture.
The Brand New Never Used Perfect Crayons by Leanne Hatch
Out of all the new August books, I definitely connected with this one!
Violet is ecstatic when she earns her jumbo box of crayons. There are 84 perfectly sharpened crayons in the box! Honestly, I get super excited even as an adult when I get that brand new perfect box of crayons! So, Violet can’t stop imagining all of the amazing things she will make.
However, when it’s time to take them out of the box, she realizes she can’t do it. She doesn’t want to mess up that perfection. She wants to keep all of the crayons perfect. So, her sister steps in to help. This book is about the joy of sharing and creating while letting go of that perfectionism. This is such an important message for students to hear!
Empanadas For Everyone by Jackie Azua Kramer
Karina loves visiting her Tia Mimi every Saturday to help her make empanadas. They work together, and the kitchen smells amazing. However, this Saturday, they’re visiting the neighborhood food center. While there, Karina understands what connects the community and brings it together. This is a nourishing tale about food, community, and connections.
The Kid With The Big Big Ideas by Britney Winn Lee
Thankfully, new August books help kids know their voice matters!
This book is about a non-binary child who has ideas that are so big that adults start to dismiss them. For example, there are ideas about teaching pets to talk and turning into mermaids and swimming to school. Additionally, there are ideas about making the world safe and inclusive for everyone.
This book shows students that their ideas might just be the ticket to progress in our world. This is such a powerful and inspiring story!
From My Head To My Toes, I Say What Goes by Charlotte Barkla
When selecting new August books, including ones with important life messages is crucial. Thankfully, this book does exactly that! It discusses consent and control for the younger audience. Additionally, it celebrates individualism, inclusivity, and empathy. It shares such an important message for students in a fun and lively story.
Dancing The Tinikling by Bobbie Peyton
In this story, Lola invites JoJo to dance with her. However, as JoJo whirls, twirls, and sings, he trips. After a bit, he can finally spin and twirl to his own life’s rhythm. This is a great story about self-confidence and having fun.
Night Owl Night by Susan Edwards Richmond
This is one of my favorite new August books about conservation.
It is the story of a mother-daughter bond about owls. Soba’s mom is a scientist who studies owls. So, they go out into the woods every night to research. During this time, they show what it means to be patient and persistent. Best of all, it shows how amazing scientific research is!
This book is great for tying in science concepts and sparking interest in your nature and science kids.
I hope you get some great ideas with these new August books! Students will love hearing an exciting new story as they have the best year yet. If you do not want to miss any of the upcoming lessons, join my email list to be notified of all the interactive lessons coming up!
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