Welcome to the read aloud classroom where we’re making picture books work for you even with a packed schedule. Hi, I’m Sarah, an educator who believes in the power of read alouds to transform your teaching without adding to our already full plates.
Hey there, amazing teachers! It’s the first Thursday of the month, which means it’s time for one of my absolute favorite episodes – new picture book releases! I don’t know about you, but there’s something so exciting about discovering fresh books that are about to hit the shelves. It’s like getting a sneak peek at all the magical read aloud moments waiting to happen in your classroom.
So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s explore some incredible new books together. Trust me, you’re going to want to add several of these to your wish list!
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The Grumpy Ghost Upstairs by Mamiko Shiotani
Let’s start with something perfect for spooky season – “The Grumpy Ghost Upstairs” by Mamiko Shiotani. Picture this: you’ve got a little ghost who’s perfectly content living alone in his attic, thank you very much. But then this curious little girl shows up and totally disrupts his peace and quiet.
What I love about this one is that it’s the perfect balance of spooky and sweet. You know how some kids love a little scare but nothing too intense? This is exactly that. Plus, there’s such a beautiful message here about being brave enough to open up to others and adapting to change. If you’ve got shy little ones in your classroom, they’re going to see themselves in this grumpy ghost who learns that friendship might actually be worth stepping out of his comfort zone.
I Am Strong by Todd Parr
Next up is “I Am Strong” by Todd Parr, and honestly, we all need this message right now. Todd Parr has this amazing gift for taking big concepts and making them accessible for our youngest learners. This book celebrates all the different ways we show strength – and I’m talking about the real kind of strength.
He includes things like “I am strong because I ask for help when I need it” and “I can get used to change.” Can we just pause and appreciate how perfect this is for our students? You know those moments when kids think asking for help means they’re weak? This book completely flips that script. It’s going to spark such meaningful conversations about what true strength looks like.
The Library in the Woods by Calvin Alexander Ramsey
Now, “The Library in the Woods” by Calvin Alexander Ramsey – this one gave me chills in the best way. It’s 1959, and nine-year-old Junior moves to North Carolina where he discovers something magical: a library in the woods specifically for Black residents.
What makes this even more incredible is that it’s based on a real library the author visited as a child. You already know I’m a sucker for books about the power of libraries and reading, but this one goes so much deeper. It’s about community, resourcefulness, and how books can open up worlds of possibility even in the most challenging circumstances. The illustrations by R. Gregory Christie are absolutely stunning too.
Worthy: The Brave and Capable Life of Joseph Pierce
Speaking of powerful stories, “Worthy” is the true story of Joseph Pierce, a Chinese boy who was sold to an American sea captain in the mid-1800s. This book asks such an important question: “What makes a person worthy?”
This is one of those books that’s going to stick with your students long after story time is over. It’s about resilience, belonging, and recognizing the worth in every person. Given how much we’re focusing on social-emotional learning these days, this biographical picture book is going to be such a valuable addition to your classroom library.
Dragons Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
Okay, let’s lighten things up a bit with “Dragons Love Underpants” by Claire Freedman! If you’re not familiar with the “Underpants” series, you’re missing out on some serious giggles. This one features dragons who are obsessed with wearing bright, bold underpants – until their fiery breath starts burning holes in them!
You know those days when you just need a book that’s going to get your kids laughing and engaged? This is your go-to. Plus, there’s something about books with a little bit of silly humor that just makes kids want to keep reading. It’s part of a series, so once your students fall in love with this one, you’ve got more where that came from.
The Right to Play: How Jane Addams Fought for America’s Playgrounds by Elizabeth Brown
“The Right to Play” tells the story of Jane Addams and how she created the first model playground in the United States. What I love about this book is the personal connection – Jane had a limp as a child that prevented her from playing with other kids, and she never forgot what that felt like.
This is perfect for those conversations about inclusion and making sure everyone gets to participate. Plus, with all the focus on SEL and community building, this book gives you such a natural way to talk about standing up for others and creating spaces where everyone belongs.
CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella
Now, “CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella” is a retelling that’s going to take your breath away. It’s Cinderella, but CeeCee is an enslaved girl on a Maryland plantation, and her rescue doesn’t come from a prince – it comes from the Underground Railroad.
This book does something so important – it takes a familiar story structure and uses it to share a crucial piece of American history. The illustrations by Laura Freeman are absolutely gorgeous, and this is definitely one of those books that’s going to generate deep discussions in your classroom.
Giving Thanks with Halmoni: Celebrating Chuseok, the Korean Harvest Festival by Kathleen Choi
With all the focus on cultural responsiveness in our classrooms, “Giving Thanks with Halmoni” is such a treasure. Su-Jin wants to share the Korean holiday of Chuseok with her friends, and we get to learn right alongside them.
What I especially love is how this book bridges cultures – the friends learn about Chuseok while planning to share American Thanksgiving traditions with Halmoni. It’s exactly the kind of book that helps all our students see themselves represented while learning about different cultures.
Itty Bitty Betty Blob Makes a Splash by Constance Lombardo
“Itty Bitty Betty Blob Makes a Splash” is the sequel we’ve all been waiting for! Betty is trying out for the Devil Divers, but the coach wants her to be fierce and make big splashes – and that’s just not who Betty is.
This book is perfect for those conversations about authenticity and following your heart. You know how we’re always telling our students to be themselves? Betty shows them exactly what that looks like, even when others want you to be different.
Princess Battle Royale by Phaea Crede
Get ready for something completely different with “Princess Battle Royale”! This is basically WWE meets fairy tales, and it’s as amazing as it sounds. All our favorite princesses are competing in a wrestling tournament, trying to defeat the reigning champion, Swan Princess.
The puns in this book are absolutely delightful, and it’s such a fun twist on familiar characters. Plus, Little Red Riding Hood saves the day, which is just perfect. Your students are going to eat this up!
Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe by Amy S Hansen
“Wanda Hears the Stars” is the inspiring true story of astrophysicist Wanda Díaz Merced, who lost her sight in college but found a way to continue studying the stars through sound. She learned to “hear” the stars using sonification, which converts data into sounds.
This book is incredible for STEM connections, but it’s also such a powerful story about perseverance and finding creative solutions. The message “Never give up!” is one our students need to hear, especially when they’re facing their own challenges.
Can I Keep It, Please? by Jessica Gibson
From the author of “Kitten and the Night Watchman” comes “Can I Keep It, Please?” Evie loves her cat Sasha, but when she sees her friends’ more exotic pets, she starts wondering if there might be something better out there.
This is such a relatable story about appreciating what we have and understanding that love is what makes something special. It’s perfect for those conversations about gratitude and recognizing the good things already in our lives.
The Everything Trail by Meg Fleming
“The Everything Trail” takes us on a journey through the forest with young explorers discovering all the wonders nature has to offer. From giant redwoods to tiny saplings, this book celebrates the big and small marvels all around us.
This is going to be perfect for your nature studies or when you’re trying to encourage observation skills. The lyrical text makes it a joy to read aloud, and it’s definitely going to inspire some outdoor exploration.
Perla and the Pirate by Isabel Allende
Finally, we have “Perla and the Pirate,” the second children’s book from acclaimed author Isabel Allende. Perla is a mighty dog with two superpowers – making people love her and roaring like a lion. When her human brother Nico Rico gets lost on the way home from school, Perla knows she has to help.
This continues the series about the bond between a child and a beloved pet, and if you loved the first book, this one is going to be just as charming.
Closing
Wow, what an incredible lineup of new releases! I’m already mentally organizing these by the different ways I could use them in the classroom. Whether you need something for character education, STEM connections, cultural celebrations, or just pure reading joy, there’s something here for every classroom.
Remember, you don’t have to choose just one – these books are going to serve different purposes throughout your year. Maybe add a few to your wish list, or if you’re feeling ambitious, see if your school library can order some of these titles.
Outro
Thanks for joining me today in the read aloud classroom. If you found value in this episode, I’d be grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a positive five star review. This helps spread the word to other teachers, just like you. Come connect with me on Instagram @thecolorfulapple and find all the links and resources mentioned today at thecolorfulapple.com. I can’t wait to see you next week in the read aloud classroom.
