Reading aloud to kids is one of my favorite things. I just love picture books! Below are 10 that I can’t wait to read every December.
1. The Winter Wish
This is a sweet story about a mouse who accidentally breaks his grandfather’s special snow globe. Conversations can be had about taking responsibility and forgiveness.
2. Red and Lulu
This book was new to me this year, but apparently it was published in 2017! Red and Lulu are two cardinals that live together in an evergreen tree. One day the tree is cut down and the bird are separated! The pictures in this book are absolutely beautiful, and thank goodness for happy endings 😉
3. Tractor Mac Saves Christmas
I love stories where simple characters become the heroes. And Tractor Mac is the cutest hero! This story is perfect for reviewing problem and solution.
4. Night Tree
I like to start this read aloud with a mini-lesson on predicting. Before even reading one page, we predict what the story will be about by studying the cover. Students will likely think the family is planning to cut the tree down for themselves, but in reality, they are decorating it with berries and seeds for the animals in the forest. This makes for a great discussion about revising predictions, as well!
5. If You Take a Mouse to the Movies
This modern day classic is perfect for reviewing cause and effect in a fun way. Students can retell what happens and even journal write about how they would have reacted to each cause. If the snow make you cold, do you want a blanket? Or maybe a cup of hot chocolate? A warm bath?
6. A New Coat for Anna
This one is a tearjerker! Taking place in post-World War II hard times, Anna needs a new winter coat. The shops are empty so her mother trades the few treasures she has to make a coat for Anna. This true story tugs on all the heartstrings.
7. Over and Under
This book takes readers on a journey to visit animals that live both over and under the snow. I love the balance of beauty and facts in this nonfiction book! It’s a great one for animal lovers.
8. The Nutcracker
This book follows the New York City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. The pictures are absolutely darling and somehow the perfect balance of simple and detailed.
9. Snow
This Caldecott Honor book is close to my heart. As a lover of snow, I relate so much to this sweet boy that is thrilled by even the very first flurries (despite the indifference of those around him!)
10. Winter Dance
I love this story of a fox asking his animal friends what he should do to get ready for the snow that’s coming. Each animal answers in a way that is true to their instincts, and the ending is magical as readers learn what foxes do in snow!
