Everyone loves a good throwback sometimes. In this case, we will head back to new books: April 2023 and explore the amazing stories! Hopefully, this exploration will help you find the perfect ones for your collection.
I’m sharing all of these books on video as well! Check out the Picture Books: April 2023 on my Youtube channel.
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Naming Ceremony by Seina Wedlick
This is a sweet sibling story that really highlights the importance of family traditions!
In this new picture book, it is time for the baby sister’s naming ceremony. The big sister, Amira, is so excited for the day to finally arrive! As her family and friends arrive, they all have these beautiful names to share with amazing meanings behind each one. This causes Amira to wonder if the selected name is special enough for her little sister.
Students will be on the edge of their seats while they wait to see what happens!
Take a Chance by Sujean Rim
Bob is an anxious little red bird who recently learned how to fly. So, he is eager to visit all of his friends. The friends want to teach Bob something new on each adventure, like sitting on a perch or swimming. However, Bob is not sure he wants to try all of these adventures. So, he comes up with excuses to fly away from friends. Quickly, he begins to get tired of flying away from these new adventures. Thankfully, a new acquaintance helps Bob work through his fears.
The Girl Who Heard The Music by Marni Fogelson
This is the true story of an award-winning piano player and environmental activist named Mahani Teave. She grew up on Easter Island, one of the most remote islands in the world. As she traveled the world, her mind always wandered back to her home. She kept thinking about how she wanted to take care of this land. So, she set up a music school on Easter Island, which helped create a sustainable future!
Ode to a Bad Day by Chelsea Lin Wallace
Students learn all about what it’s like to have a bad day! Honestly, this is perfect for those
kids who sometimes feel like those small disappointments are really much bigger than they are. Readers will find humor, compassion, and understanding in knowing tomorrow can always be a better day.
Plátanos are Love by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris
Honestly, this book shares so many important aspects! Students learn to celebrate community, family, and culture with the help of a little girl and her abuela. While in the kitchen together, she learns all about Plátanos, her history, culture, and love of her family.
Today I am a River by Kate Coombs
This one inspires readers to celebrate the natural world through imagination, movement, and play. It even lets students get up and move during the read aloud! Additionally, it empowers kids to imagine the world from a different perspective. Your listeners will gain much appreciation for nature with this new book!
How to Write a Poem by Kwame Alexander
When selecting new books: April 2023, this is definitely a winner! The story celebrates the magic of discovering your own poetry. Additionally, it encourages readers to listen, feel, and discover the world around them. Personally, I can’t wait to use this one to kick off National Poetry Month to help spark imagination in students!
Enough Is… by Jessica Whipple
Sadly, students experience so much pressure each day. Thankfully, this is the perfect story for students encountering pressure to fit in with others. It inspires students to be content with what they have versus counting the number of friends and toys they have. On top of this, it addresses needs versus wants!
Chef Edna by Melvina Noel
I love picture books with delicious illustrations! Students learn about the life of African-American culinary Legend Edna Lewis. While growing up in Virginia, she learned the value of fresh, local food from her mom. She even brought her cooking talents to New York City! Your budding chefs will love this story.
Light Speaks by Christine Layton
There are gorgeous illustrations in this book! Students will explore them as they listen to the mysterious messages of light. This includes light we get from the sun, fire we get from lightning, and stunning fireworks. Students will learn where these components come from as they explore the science of life. This is the perfect read aloud to add to science lessons!
How Do You Spell Unfair? by Carole Boston Weatherford
This is the story of a young spelling bee champion, MacNolia Cox. She is the first African American child to win the spelling bee in Akron, Ohio! Since she won, she gets to take an exciting trip to Washington, DC, to represent her school in the National Spelling Bee. Sadly, she experiences discrimination and prejudice as she travels. MacNolia shares an inspiring story with students to stand proud and represent their community.
When selecting new books: April 2023, this true story is such an inspirational, heartfelt selection!
I love seeing all the new picture books released each month. I hope you love these new books: April 2023 and add some to your classroom!
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Save this Book List!
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