The Squirrels Who Squabbled by Rachel Bright
Prompt to promote a class discussion:
A humorous read featuring two greedy squirrels who learn that “sometimes it is essential to work together”. The illustrations in this book are absolutely gorgeous too!
I Am Darn Tough by Licia Morelli
Prompt to promote a class discussion: Can you think of a time when you refused to quit and what that felt like?
This is the perfect read aloud to illustrate what it means to be resilient. The story is simple, but has an empowering message. Anyone who is a runner or who has every challenged themselves by entering a race knows first hand the obstacles and self-doubt one experiences when trying to make it to the finish line.
Pair with Unbeatable Betty: The First Female Olympic Track & Field Gold Medalist by Allison Crotzer Kimmel, The Hugging Tree: A Story about Resilience by Jill Neimark, Resilience by Jayneen Sanders, I’m Gonna Push Through by Jasmyn Wright, Be Strong: A Hero’s Guide to Being Resilient by Elsie Olson.
Chocolate Milk, Por Favor by Maria Dismondy
Prompt to promote a class discussion: What might you do to welcome a new student that doesn’t speak English?
Pair this book with The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig and The Sandwich Swap by Rania-Queen, consort of Abdullah II, King of Jordan.
Why Do Cats Meow? by Lily Snowden-Fine
This book could be used as a mentor text at the beginning of an inquiry cycle: 1) Find a topic you are passionate about; 2) What kinds of questions might be worth researching; 3) Example of an interesting narrative-nonfiction format.
I absolutely adored reading this book and learning new information about cats. I hope you enjoy reading it too and that it inspires you to be curious and ask questions about a topic you are passionate about!
Pair with I Have an Idea by Hervé Tullet.
My Pencil and Me by Sara Varon
Prompt to promote a class discussion: What strategies do you have when you are stuck when writing a story?
Mindset – Open and positive view towards learning/SEL 
Pair with The Panda Problem by Deborah Underwood, This is a Good Story by Adam Lehrhaupt, Idea Jar by Adam Lehrhaupt and Any Questions by Marie-Louise Gay.
Rain Boy by Dylan Glynn
Prompt to promote a class discussion: “Play was better together.”
The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates
Prompt to promote a class discussion: “Some people worry that there won’t be enough room under the big umbrella,” the narrator warns. “But the amazing thing is…there is.”
Pair Rain Boy and The Big Umbrella with Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller or One by Kathryn Otoshi
The Circle of Caring and Sharing by Theresa Larsen-Jonasson
Prompt to promote a class discussion: “The animals took turns passing the stick to speak. Some gave a loud roar, and others a squeak.
The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore
Prompt to promote a class discussion: “Do you ever have good Whatifs?”
Pair with the Worrysaurus by Rachel Bright, Mindful Bea and the Worry Tree by Gail Silver, I’m Worried by Michael Ian Black and Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival.
Speak Up, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
Prompt to promote a class discussion: “Speak up for anyone who might need help.”
A FEW MORE FANTASTIC NEW PICTURE BOOK READ ALOUDS!
ASIJ ES LIBRARY 