As we start another month, I’m excited to share some incredible new picture book releases that caught my attention. We know how challenging it can be to stay current with all the amazing books hitting the shelves while managing everything else on our teaching plates. That’s why I love curating these monthly roundups—to help you discover your next favorite read aloud without the time-consuming research.
These books offer wonderful opportunities to spark meaningful discussions, support your curriculum, and create those magical classroom moments that remind us why we fell in love with teaching in the first place.
The Bear Who Wanted to Dance by Stephanie Stansbie
This stunning picture book follows Rita the bear, who has always dreamed of becoming a ballerina. Rita takes ballet classes with Monsieur le Fox and practices every chance she gets alongside her best friend Wanda. When auditions for the studio’s prima ballerina are announced, Rita faces a challenging question: how can she be the prima ballerina when she doesn’t look like the other ballet dancers in her class?
What makes this book particularly powerful is its celebration of hard work, determination, and body positivity. The story provides a beautiful foundation for classroom discussions about following your dreams regardless of what others might expect. Students will connect with Rita’s passion and perseverance, making this an excellent choice for units on goal-setting or character education.
I’m Very Busy: A (Nearly Forgotten) Birthday Book by Oliver Jeffers
From the internationally acclaimed creator of “Here We Are” and “Begin Again,” this poignant story addresses something we all recognize in our busy world. When it’s Bridget’s birthday, she hopes to spend the day with friends, but everyone seems too busy—Royal has places to go, Rodney has to see a man about a dog, and Pearl has an endless list of tasks to complete.
This book offers a perfect opportunity to discuss priorities and the importance of making time for the people who matter most. Oliver Jeffers’ signature bold artwork pairs beautifully with a story that will resonate with both children and adults in our fast-paced society.
I am Not Happy! by Caroline L. Perry
Despite their ever-present smile, this adorable quokka wants everyone to know that appearances can be deceiving. Just like everyone else, he can feel sulky, sorry, or sad, but you’d never know from looking at his naturally cheerful face. This creates a delightful predicament as he tries to help other animals understand that you can’t judge how someone feels based on their appearance.
This book serves as an excellent tool for teaching emotional literacy and empathy. It helps children understand that feelings are complex and that we shouldn’t make assumptions about others’ emotional states. The humor and charm make it an engaging way to introduce these important social-emotional learning concepts.
The Gift of Words by Peter H. Reynolds
This inspirational follow-up to the beloved “The Word Collector” finds Jerome searching for words of hope, love, and joy to share during the holiday season. However, he discovers that inspirational words can be harder to find than expected. Through his journey, Jerome learns about the power of words to connect communities and share meaningful gifts with others.
If you’ve had success with “The Word Collector” in your classroom, this book provides a natural extension that emphasizes the importance of positive communication and community building. It’s particularly timely for holiday discussions about giving and the impact our words can have on others.
Soup’s On Around the World by Denyse Waissbluth
This vibrant addition to the “Taste the World” series takes readers on a flavorful journey exploring soups and soup traditions from across the globe. Each soup tells its own story, revealing fascinating facts like how Wonton Soup is over 1,000 years old, or how French Onion Soup may have been invented by a king.
The book combines beautiful illustrations with engaging facts, making it perfect for cultural studies units or geography lessons. Consider these classroom extensions:
- Create a classroom soup recipe collection from different cultures
- Map the countries where featured soups originated
- Host a soup tasting event featuring recipes from the book
- Research family soup traditions and create a class cookbook
I am the Sun by Janessa Parker
This groundbreaking picture book portrays modern life for the Diné (Navajo) people, capturing both the beauty of their traditions and the challenges they face. The story celebrates their sheep raising, jewelry crafting, rug weaving, and other cultural practices while acknowledging that many still lack basic amenities like running water or electricity.
Written by Janessa Parker, whose Navajo father grew up on the reservation, and illustrated by Navajo artist Beverly Blacksheep, this book offers authentic representation that helps build understanding and appreciation for Native American cultures. It’s an important addition to any classroom library focused on diverse voices and contemporary Native American experiences.
And They Walk On by Kevin Maillard
From the award-winning author of “Fry Bread” comes this tender exploration of loss and hope. When a young boy’s grandmother “walks on,” he struggles to understand where she’s gone while finding new ways to maintain their connection. The story beautifully illustrates how love continues even after someone is no longer physically present.
Illustrated by renowned artist Rafael López, this book provides a gentle, culturally sensitive way to help children process grief and understand that memories and love remain even when someone dies. It’s particularly valuable for students who have experienced the loss of a grandparent or other loved one.
The Quilt of Our Memories by Desiree Acevedo
This moving story follows generations of women in one family who maintain a beautiful tradition of leaving their essence embroidered on a family quilt. Each generation—mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, and granddaughters—contributes to this unique fabric forged from love and memories.
The book celebrates family traditions and the special bonds that connect generations. It opens wonderful opportunities for students to share their own family traditions and creates natural writing prompts about the special objects or customs that connect them to their heritage.
I’m Going to Eat a Polar Bear by Karl Newson
This hilariously suspenseful story follows a little penguin who’s tired of eating fish and wants to try something new—specifically, a fluffy creature called a “bolar pear” (polar bear). The penguin’s adventurous mission to the North Pole sets up a delightfully tense situation as a hungry polar bear follows behind, completely unnoticed.
Children will love shouting warnings to the oblivious penguin in this perfectly crafted story that builds suspense while delivering plenty of laughs. It’s an excellent choice when you want to add pure joy and excitement to your read aloud time.
Books That Celebrate Nature’s Wonder
Moon Song by Michaela Goade
This Caldecott Medalist brings us a celebration of winter and the wonders of nature’s light. Set on an island at the edge of a silvery sea, the story follows a girl who spins tales of moonlight, bioluminescence, and northern lights to comfort her worried cousin during the dark winter nights.
As a companion to Goade’s Caldecott Honor-winning “Berry Song,” this book invites readers to discover wonder and comfort in winter’s beauty. The stunning illustrations and poetic text make it perfect for creating those quiet, contemplative moments that help students appreciate the natural world around them.
Making These Books Work in Your Classroom
Each of these titles offers unique opportunities to enhance your curriculum while creating meaningful connections with your students. Consider how they might support your current units of study or address specific needs in your classroom community.
Whether you’re looking for books that build emotional intelligence, celebrate diverse cultures, or simply bring joy to your read aloud time, this month’s releases offer something special for every classroom. Remember, the magic happens not just in the reading, but in the conversations and connections these stories inspire.
What’s Next
I’d love to hear which of these books resonates most with you and your teaching goals. Have you discovered any other new releases that would be perfect for elementary classrooms?
And speaking of what’s next—our upcoming episode will be extra special as we celebrate the 50th episode of The Read Aloud Classroom podcast! I’ll be sharing my all-time favorite picture book read alouds that never fail to captivate students and create those magical classroom moments we treasure. It’s going to be a celebration of the books that have shaped our teaching journeys together.
Listen on the Podcast
Looking for more picture book recommendations and read aloud strategies? Connect with me on Instagram @thecolorfulapple for daily inspiration and classroom-tested ideas that make literature come alive for your students.
