Children reading books in a colorful library

260 Days of Picture Books

Teacher Guides & Activities for Every Story

Curated picture books with ready-to-use resources for Librarians, Teachers, and Parents

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260

Picture Books

3

Audience Types

100+

Activities

K–5

Grade Range

260 Days of Picture Books

A full school year of read-alouds, each with teacher guides and activities

Strictly No Elephants

K–2

Acceptance

Strictly No Elephants

by Lisa Mantchev

One great way to begin the year is a reminder that inclusion is needed in school classroom. It helps kids reflect on kindness and building that place, like the classroom, as a club where everyone is welcome. Big Idea: Everyone belongs, and small acts of kindness can help build a welcoming community where all people are valued. Discussion Questions Why did the Pet Club refuse the elephant? Was the club's rule fair? Why or why not? How did the boy respond to being excluded? Why did the girl become his friend? What makes the new club different? How does the parade show that everyone belongs? How can our classroom be more welcoming? ACTIVITY: Create Your Own Pet Invent an unusual pet. Describe its Appearance, Personality, Favorite activities, and share why it would make a great friend.

Don't Call Me Fuzzybutt!

K–3

Name calling

Don't Call Me Fuzzybutt!

by Robin Newman

Who doesn't love a great way to say, Name calling is not done here, and this here is a good reason why—with personality, loads of cool characters, sass, and sassy, and a great title to boot! go ahead, read it. I dare you not to find it a great, great, most fabulous read. Big Idea: Our names are part of who we are, but the care, respect, and love we share with others are what truly define us. Discussion Questions Why does the kitten dislike the nickname "Fuzzbutt"? Which name would the kitten have preferred? Why? How do the illustrations help make the story funny? How does the family's behavior show that they care about the kitten? What makes a good name? What lesson does the kitten learn? How would you have solved the kitten's problem? Why do you think the author chose such a funny title? ACTIVITY: My Perfect Name Students imagine giving themselves a new nickname. Students include the new name, why it fits, three personality traits, and an illustration.

Brains! Not Just a Zombie Snack

1–4

Brainpower

Brains! Not Just a Zombie Snack

by Stacy McAnulty

Any book that starts out: "Brains. 78% water, 100% delicious" and features a zombie chef scientist extraordinaire gets my vote, plus this brilliant, brilliant illustrator (take a bow, please, Matthew Rivera) adds so much extra to this story. Your kiddos will be talking gray-matter like it matters for days. And they will remember a lot. Big Idea: Your brain is an incredible organ that helps you think, learn, move, feel, and grow. Taking care of your brain helps you live a healthy, active, and curious life. Discussion Questions Why does the author compare brains with zombie stories? What are three important jobs the brain performs? Which brain fact surprised you the most? Why is the brain considered the body's control center? How do neurons help the brain communicate? Why is it important to wear helmets during certain activities? How does humor make learning easier? What is the author's purpose for writing this book? ACTIVITY: Amazing Brain Poster Create an informational poster showing your favorite Brain: Major brain parts, their functions, interesting facts, illustrations and labels.

Leo: A Ghost Story

K–2

Spooky Friendship

Leo: A Ghost Story

by Mac Barnett

As a Library Director, I often shifted from a Middle School to an Elementary midday and I often found it funny that both schools had those who craved Spooky Stories. But in the Elementary, this book often came to mind. I loved asking littles if they think, based on the cover if this will be a spooky Read. Hans would go up. But... then surprise would wave Hello! Big Idea: When we look beyond appearances and welcome others with kindness, we discover friendship, understanding, and a place where everyone belongs. Discussion Questions Why were the new homeowners afraid of Leo? How is Leo different from the ghosts we often see in stories? Why do you think Jane was able to become Leo's friend? What does Leo learn about friendship? How do the illustrations help show Leo's emotions? Why is imagination important in the story? What lesson does the author want readers to learn? How can we help someone feel like they belong? ACTIVITY: Graphic Friendship Art Draw Leo and Jane on one of their adventures together in six comic panes. Add speech bubbles showing their conversation.

Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger

2–4

Jaw-Saving Job

Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger

by Patricia Newman

This inspiring nonfiction picture book tells the true story of Cristina Zenato, a conservationist, cave diver, and shark advocate who removes fishing hooks from sharks to help them survive. BIG QUESTION BEFORE YOU READ: Would you stick your arm in a shark's mouth to help them? (ASK AGAIN AFTER.) Big Idea: Knowledge, compassion, and responsible action can help protect sharks and preserve healthy oceans for future generations. Discussion Questions Why are many people afraid of sharks? How does Cristina challenge common myths about sharks? Why is it important to remove fishing hooks from sharks? What qualities make Cristina a successful underwater ranger? How do healthy shark populations help the ocean? What did you learn that surprised you? Why do you think the author chose to tell Cristina's story? How can young people help protect marine life? ACTIVITY: Conservation Poster Create a poster encouraging people to protect sharks and ocean habitats. Include Facts, Catchy Slogan, Illustrations and Ways people can help.

The Crayons Go Back to School

K–3

National Crayon Day

The Crayons Go Back to School

by Drew Daywalt

Part of the Crayons Celebrate series, this book sketches out the excitement crayons have for their return to school, classroom, and friends. Big Idea: Just as every crayon adds a unique color to a picture, every student brings valuable talents and ideas that help create a welcoming classroom. Discussion Questions Which crayon did you relate to the most? Why? How are the crayons similar to students? What challenges did the crayons face at school? How did they solve their problems? What makes each crayon unique? Why is teamwork important in a classroom? What lesson does the story teach about learning? How do the illustrations add to the humor? ACTIVITY: If I Were a Crayon... Write from the point of view of a crayon. What's Your color, personality, favorite school subject, and how you help classmates?

Light as a Feather: Fifteen Phenomenal North American Birds

K–3

ODE TO BIRDS

Light as a Feather: Fifteen Phenomenal North American Birds

by Will Hillenbrand

Meet North America's most fascinating birds like nature's drummers (the woodpecker) to its most dynamic dancers (the sandhill crane) and flashiest fliers (the blue jay), niftiest nester (the oriole) and the science behind the skill! Explore the bird's habitats and experience every part of the birds' world! Gamify this Read: Ask Students the Question, "Why are Feathers so Light? Let the guess. Three ideas. Then, read the opening paragraph on each spread. Big Idea: How does understanding wildlife helps people appreciate and protect the natural world and encourage students to become "bird watchers" by observing and recording birds? After Reading Discussion: Which bird surprised you the most? Why? What adaptations help birds survive? How do feathers serve different purposes? Which bird would you most like to observe in nature? Why is it important to protect bird habitats? ACTIVITY: Be A Bird Detective Assign each student one bird from the book. Students research what makes each bird unique: Habitat, Diet, Special skills, Interesting things they do!

If You Went to the Bottom of the Ocean

1–4

Portal to Other Worlds

If You Went to the Bottom of the Ocean

by Brooke McIntyre

A deep-dive into second-person text and vibrant illustrations takes you on an adventure to the bottom of the ocean — exploring each zone, the creatures that live there, and the science behind what you'd experience.

Milton Makes A Move

K–2

Being Brave

Milton Makes A Move

by Jonathan Graziano

When Milton finds out he's moving to a new home, he packs his tiny suitcase and does his best to be brave. When he meets his new human, he's surprised his human seems nervous too!

Stuck! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits

2–5

What is a Tar Pit?

Stuck! The Story of La Brea Tar Pits

by Joyce Uglow

A brilliant, creative nonfiction and poetical exploration surrounding the history and little-known origins of the Ice Age and La Brea Tar Pits — including what scientists are learning about climate change.

The Boy Who Grew A Forest

1–4

Making A Difference

The Boy Who Grew A Forest

by Sophia Gholz

When Jadav Payeng noticed a barren piece of land with hints of struggling wildlife, he started planting bamboo. Every day, he sowed new seeds while a forest grew to come alive with animals.

Penguin Flies Home

K–3

Achieve Dreams

Penguin Flies Home

by Lita Judge

A little Penguin who loves everything about flying — the wind beneath his wings, the song that rises from his belly — embraces courage and allows his "soul of an eagle" to carry him home.

13 Ways to Eat a Fly

1–4

Appreciating Small

13 Ways to Eat a Fly

by Sue Heavenrich

Is a fly just a fly — or is a fly an important part of an ecosystem that supports all living creatures? Let's explore every creature's role, no matter how small.

¡Mistaco! A Tale of Tragedy y Tortillas

K–3

Delicious Mistakes

¡Mistaco! A Tale of Tragedy y Tortillas

by Eliza Kinkz

When Izzy has a terrible day at school, it's tortilla-day with Lito. When Izzy shares her mistakes, Lito starts cooking them into a tortilla so they can eat "mistacos." A love letter to embracing oopses.

Don't Trust Fish

K–3

Fact, Fiction — or Fishy?

Don't Trust Fish

by Neil Sharpson

Fish hooks readers with the question: should we trust fish? Ordinary facts are turned into hilarious "evidence" that fish must be up to something. A perfect lesson in critical thinking.

Worm Makes A Sandwich

K–2

Composting Cookout

Worm Makes A Sandwich

by Brianne Farley

Worm wants to make you a sandwich. But he's a worm — and worms don't have hands! A funny, informative science adventure about composting, soil, and the tiny helpers that make our food possible.

Plenty of Pancakes

PreK–2

Abundance

Plenty of Pancakes

by Carrie Finison

Spring has arrived, and Topsy the opossum prepares a special "Welcome Spring!" breakfast for Bear. Five pancakes... that go missing. Not once. Twice. A cozy mystery with a sweet, cuddly surprise.

You And I Are Stars And Night

K–3

Comparisons

You And I Are Stars And Night

by Kate Hosford

A mother and child fork and spoon, ebb and flow, hide and seek — as the whole world of a day darkens to bright stars at night and the promise it will begin again. All connected.

Pizzasaurus

K–2

Dino-sized Differences

Pizzasaurus

by Tammi Sauer

Meet Pizzasaurus — he's all about pizza! When Pizzasaurus focuses only on his favorite food, his friends feel left out. A prehistoric pizza party teaches the best lesson of all: sharing.

The Whale's Tale and the Otter's Side of the Story

2–5

Two Sides, U-Choose

The Whale's Tale and the Otter's Side of the Story

by Kate Messner

Read front to back and Whale makes the case for whales. Turn around and read back to front — suddenly Otter uses those same words to make a completely different argument. Which side is right?

See Marcus Grow

K–3

Abundance

See Marcus Grow

by Marcus Bridgewater

A joyful story about seeds, community, and all the ways people grow! Share multigenerational joy and embrace the unexpected surprises that make life grand.

To Dogs, with Love

K–3

For the Love of Dogs

To Dogs, with Love

by Maria Gianferrari

Writing a letter to the dogs we love is such a great way to share a book about dogs. Pick your favorite ways to celebrate dogs — Library Listeners might be one you can talk your librarian into testing out live!

Gigantic

K–3

Personal Growth

Gigantic

by Rob Biddulph

The largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth comes as the smallest whale named Gigantic. Who could pass up reading about this little guy? A story about kindness, courage, and believing in yourself.

Papilio

K–2

Fun, Funny Reads

Papilio

by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor & Andy Chou Musser

This book writes behind the back of the text — the kids see what is really happening, exactly what dear Ootheca cannot see or know. A three-part story about change, patience, and the magic of metamorphosis.

Ten Beautiful Things

K–3

Listing Beauty

Ten Beautiful Things

by Molly Beth Griffin

Lily searches for ten beautiful things as she and Grandma drive to Iowa, their new home. At first, Lily sees nothing but slush and cloudy skies — but soon finds beauty in unexpected places.

Once A Wasteland, from Toxic Dump to National Park

2–5

Toxic Turnaround

Once A Wasteland, from Toxic Dump to National Park

by Diane Muldrow

The Cuyahoga River was so polluted it even caught fire! After a full-scale cleanup of nearly 400,000 tons of tainted soil, the land was healed. Now it's part of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Just One Oak

K–3

Just A Tree?

Just One Oak

by Maria Gianferrari

An oak tree, from leafy crown to roots underground, supports animals, plants, and habitat where it lives. This book brings that ecosystem to life — showing how even one tree can create a home for wildlife.

My Grandparents Were Dinosaurs

1–4

Going on a Fossil Hunt

My Grandparents Were Dinosaurs

by Anne and Steve Brusatte

One plucky chicken discovers her roarsome secret: she is descended from dinosaurs! Readers who dare travel through time uncover the unlikely truth of how the humble hen is related to the terrifying T-Rex.

I Want to Read All the Books

K–3

Celebrating Reads

I Want to Read All the Books

by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

Hana wants to know everything. She starts asking questions, and her mother gives her a book. She learns so much, she has even more questions! So she goes where she can read all the books — every single one.

The Plant Rescuer

K–3

Leaf it to Me

The Plant Rescuer

by Matthew Rivera

Manny was the son of the greatest gardener, his Granddad. When his very own plant wilts, he turns to a trusted friend — the library — and learns and lifts and grows his amigo until he can say: I am a gardener.

Moldilocks and the Three Scares

K–3

Collaboration

Moldilocks and the Three Scares

by Lynne Marie

Inside a haunted house, Papa, Mama, and Baby Scare are making finger sandwiches when in walks a zombie, dear Moldilocks, looking for food, a chair, and a bed that's just right. A frightfully-delightful fractured fairy tale!

Whale, That Was Unexpected

K–3

Unexpected

Whale, That Was Unexpected

by Casey Lyall

Maude and her dog Claude head out to fish as they have done many days — but this time they get swallowed by a whale. What does one do? Throw a farewell party, of course, as more and more guests keep arriving.

BroomMates, A Brewing Boundary Battle

K–3

Boundary Battles

BroomMates, A Brewing Boundary Battle

by Lynne Marie & Brenda Reeve Sturgis

Witchy sisters Mathilda and Malin share a broom and a room! One's bright and airy, the other dark and scary. Their disagreement spells disaster — will they ever find a sweep up and meet in the middle?

Mogie: The Heart of the House

K–3

Failure for the Win!

Mogie: The Heart of the House

by Kathi Appelt

How is Mogie different from the other puppies? What clues show that Mogie notices how people feel? A story about finding your purpose through kindness, empathy, and careful attention.

One Word from Sophia

K–3

Words Matter

One Word from Sophia

by Jim Averbeck

Sophia wants a giraffe for her birthday more than anything. She tries to persuade each family member by changing her argument to match their interests — until she discovers that one simple word may be the most powerful argument of all.

Unicorn (and Horse)

K–3

Compare-Contrast

Unicorn (and Horse)

by David Miles

Horse feels jealous of Unicorn, but when Unicorn needs help, Horse must set aside all sorts of expressive feelings and decide what kind of friend he wants to be. A story about envy, strengths, and unexpected friendship.

The New Kid Has Fleas

K–3

Acceptance

The New Kid Has Fleas

by Ame Dyckman

When a new student arrives, rumors make classmates unsure about her. After the narrator is paired with her for a project, shared experiences reveal that the new kid is clever, capable, and fun.

Shark Lady

2–5

Ways of Seeing

Shark Lady

by Jess Keating

From childhood aquarium visits to groundbreaking ocean research, Eugenie Clark followed her fascination with sharks. She used evidence to challenge fearful myths and became the ocean's most fearless scientist.

The Whole HOLE Story

K–2

Creative Imagination

The Whole HOLE Story

by Vivian McInerny

Zia's playful possibilities turn one small hole into a whole adventure. As the hole grows, her imagination grows too — catching elephants, tunneling to the other side of the world, and beyond.

Wolfie the Bunny

K–2

Surprise!

Wolfie the Bunny

by Ame Dyckman

When the Bunny family finds a baby wolf on their doorstep, Mama and Papa welcome him as their son. Dot is sure Wolfie will cause trouble — but when danger appears, Dot discovers that family love can grow in surprising ways.

A Dinosaur Named Ruth

2–5

Fossil Finds

A Dinosaur Named Ruth

by Julia Lyon

South Dakota farm girl Ruth Mason noticed unusual rocks and bones in the land around her. For years, few people understood what she had found. Her persistence eventually helped paleontologists uncover thousands of dinosaur fossils.

Magic in a Drop of Water

2–5

What Holds Water

Magic in a Drop of Water

by Julie Winterbottom

As a child, Ruth Patrick loved exploring streams and viewing tiny organisms through a microscope. She became a scientist who showed that the variety of living things in water can reveal pollution and measure a stream's health.

Life After Whale

2–5

Food Webs

Life After Whale

by Lynn Brunelle

When a whale dies and sinks to the deep seafloor, it becomes a whale fall. Over many years, its body provides food, shelter, and energy for an extraordinary community — a long-lasting deep-sea ecosystem.

Winged Wonders: Solving the Monarch Migration Mystery

2–5

Citizen Scientists

Winged Wonders: Solving the Monarch Migration Mystery

by Meeg Pincus

For decades, people wondered where monarch butterflies went each winter. Fred and Norah Urquhart developed tiny tags and invited volunteers to track them — teamwork that solved one of nature's great mysteries.

HAIKU, EW! Celebrating the Disgusting Side of Nature

1–4

Grossology

HAIKU, EW! Celebrating the Disgusting Side of Nature

by Lynn Brunelle

Nature is beautiful and wonderfully gross! Fourteen funny haiku introduce animals and fungi with surprising habits, body processes, and adaptations — and explain the science behind each "ew!"

The Blue Jays That Grew A Forest

1–4

Smallest Foresters

The Blue Jays That Grew A Forest

by Lynn Street

After the last great glaciers retreated, oak trees needed help spreading north. Blue jays carried acorns and buried them in small caches — and those forgotten seeds sprouted into new oak forests.

Building a Beak

1–4

Building Beaks

Building a Beak

by Becca McMurdie

In Costa Rica, a rescued toucan named Grecia needed help. Veterinarians, designers, engineers, and 3D-printing experts joined forces — and through observation, prototypes, and revision, created a prosthetic beak.

Brave Girl: Clara Lemlich and the Shirtwaist Makers

2–5

Determination

Brave Girl: Clara Lemlich and the Shirtwaist Makers

by Michelle Markel

Clara Lemlich worked long hours in a crowded New York garment factory. She learned English, joined a union, and spoke out for change. In 1909, her courageous call helped launch the Uprising of the 20,000.

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