Top 10 Picture Books for Kindergarten

This is my first year participating in the #PB10for10 challenge. It’s a Twitter and blogging challenge created by @mandyrobek and @CathyMere. The idea is to create and share lists of your top 10 picture books.

I’ve noticed many people have gotten creative with lists like “Top 10 wordless Picture Books”, “Top 10 Picture Books used by University Professors”, “Top 10 New Picture Books, etc.

 I’ve decided to include my 10 Favourite Picture Books to Share with K’s.

These are the books that make them giggle uncontrollably. The books they can’t help reading along with. The books that make all of us tear up a little. They are the books that make us wonder and question. Characters we fall in love with. The books that they ask for over and over!

Here it is (not in order):

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse By Kevin Henkes

I remember the first time I read this book with students and the exact moment where they identify with Lily and making a big mistake. I love how Kevin Henkes shows the anger in her eyes. I think my favourite part is when she reads the note from her teacher that says, “Tomorrow will be a better day.” I can only hope that I give my students the same respect and grace.

The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle

Eric Carle’s books are always favourites in my classroom. The Tiny Seed Book though is a must read. It is beautiful to watch my students root for the Tiny Seed to survive all of the challenges it faces. Great curricular connections but even more awesome is the message of perseverance.

Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers

It was hard to choose a favourite book by Oliver Jeffers because my students love them all! In this particular book I loved watching the students show empathy for the little penguin. Their faces almost broke my heart!

Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems

I just couldn’t choose a favourite Elephant and Piggie book. They are all SO funny! I love how Mo Willems uses font size and speech bubbles to express the emotions of the characters. The simplicity of the text begs for students to read along, and with so much expression! We often have to close our classroom door because the students are laughing, shouting, and reading so loud!

The Dot – By Peter Reynolds

My students sit so quietly and intently when I read his books. They empathize with his characters and are inspired to be just like them. After reading this book, without even saying a word, I notice students working with pride on their masterpieces and signing each one.  I have to mention that Peter Reynolds is an awesome person to connect with on Twitter. Throughout the year we sent him pictures of many of our Dot and Ish creations. He always replies and students love interacting with a real author and illustrator through Twitter. I can’t wait to participate in International Dot Day this year!

Spoon by Amy Krause Rosenthal

I love the simplicity of her books. The white backgrounds and little faces on the characters are just too cute! My students and I absolutely love the humor in these books.

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

I cannot say enough about this book and also This Is NotMy Hat. The students are drawn in from the very first page. They gasp, they giggle, they point! They are transported into the book! I have read this book to students from Kindergarten to grade 5 and absolutely adore watching their different reactions to it. My students ask for these books over and over again! Jon Klassen is also fantastic at responding to tweets from students!

Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni

This has been one of my favourites since I was in Kindergarten. I love the story of friendship almost as much as the beautiful simple illustrations. Also a great inspiration for little writers and illustrators.

Unlovable – By Dan Yaccarino

Oh boy, this one makes us all cry.  How could such a cute little puppy feel so unlovable. Sadly, many of my students can relate to feeling this way.  I love watching their little faces when the dog finally finds a friend.

Where the Wild Things Are – By Maurice Sendak

Another picture book I’ve loved since I was a child. This book is timeless and just plain magical!

I am sure that throughout the upcoming year I will come across many more books that could have made this list. In fact, I think I’ll have my students help me create the list next year. Maybe even their own…

If you would like to find more lists and great book suggestions, follow the hashtag #pb10for10 on Twitter.

What are your favourite picture books? Please add the titles in the comments. I'm always looking for new and wonderful books to share with students.