Read Aloud Recommendations

You must NEVER EVER trust fish! Why?? 1) They spend all their time in the water where we can't see them. 2) Some are as big as a bus--that is not okay. 3) We don't know what they're teaching in their "schools." 4) They are likely plotting our doom. This hilarious nature "guide" with a definitely unbiased narrator plots out all the reasons we should never trust fish. This silly readaloud prompts lots of audience participation and is a great addition to a PreK-2nd Grade storytime!

Fall is for new things -- cooler weather, a new school year -- but sometimes, change can be hard. When Ravi's meets his new classmate, Ellie, who is certain they'll become fast friends, he's not so sure he's ready to try new things this fall. Ellie joins Ravi and his best friend Joe at lunch, plays with them at recess, and even becomes the third part of their ice cream cone costume at the annual Halloween Party. With some help from his sister, Ravi comes to see that new beginnings might feel challenging, but they can lead to even more fun when we keep an open mind. With a strong narrative arc and detailed, colorful illustrations, this story is a perfect choice for the start of a new school year. Highly recommended for reading aloud with Grades 1 through 3.

In this next installment of the Day the Crayons Quit series, Duncan's colorful crew find some new friends. FEach crayon, including Esteban (formerly known as Pea Green Crayon), write Duncan letters detailing all of the adventures that they've had! From kitchen utensils to long-lost relatives, the crayons made all sorts of new buddies! Perfect for fans of the series and new readers alike! Try it out for a color- or friendship-themed read aloud, especially for grades PreK-1st.

"I'm afraid, said the leaf. You're not alone, said the tree." In this gentle meditation on connection and community, animals, plants, fungi, and other natural elements share the ways they support one another. The rock shelters the shy turtle, the wind lifts the nervous bird skyward, and the cycle of symbiotic existence continues. Muted, but colorful, illustrations are paired with brief text in a call and response format. For younger readers in Pre-K and Kindergarten, this short and soothing read is a fantastic choice for a calming read aloud. For older readers in Grades 1 through 3, the story might spur a discussion ways students see connection and mutual support in nature and in their communities. A perfect pick for sharing the interconnectedness of nature as we begin the fall season.