Three Picture Books About Fall and Friendship

 
Now that we’re a month or so into school, the kids in my class are beginning to make friendships. When I’m planning books to read in October, I try to include books that give my students opportunities to discuss different aspects of friendship wrapped in the warmth of cozy fall settings.

 

THE SWEATER: A Story of Community, written by Larissa Theule and illustrated by Teagan White, published by Viking Books for Young Readers

This touching story of a community of animals caring for a bird is lovely for helping kids think about kindness and caring for each other. There are also fun opportunities for STEAM activities in making tiny houses or items for each other.

 

A VERY BIG FALL, written and illustrated by Emmy Kastner, published by Clarion Books.

I love how the three different leaf characters in this book show different reactions to the same situation. This book also includes different types of leaves, which I can connect to leaf-tracing activities for art.

 

LITTLE GHOST MAKES A FRIEND, written and illustrated by Maggie Edkins Willis, published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Sometimes making friends requires a little bit of bravery before you make a bond where you can be yourself. I love how this book shares some worries related to making a friend. I’m sure this one will inspire lots of storytelling.

I’m excited to see how these choices will encourage my students to open up and discuss their feelings about making friends.

Three Picture Books I’m Using to Talk About Feelings This September

One of the best things about back to school planning is choosing which books I’m going to read aloud to my class! September is so busy with getting to know each other, learning routines and procedures, adjusting to our schedule, starting curriculum. It’s a lot. I make sure every day has at least one read aloud to spark discussion about feelings and emotional problem solving. 

The Cloud That Stuck, written by Karen Krossing, illustrated by Dorothy Leung, and published by Charlesbridge.

Not all problems are easily solved and feelings don’t always go away quickly. I’m hoping this book will help my students understand that it’s okay to feel their feelings and there are ways to manage them.

 

Waffles & Julius, written and illustrated by Ed Vere, published by Balzer & Bray.

Books that share important messages in a humorous way are so helpful! I will be sharing lots of different books about the importance of giving others space, including physical space.

 

I’m Sorry, written by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi, published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Kids need to know its okay—and important—to use the word sorry. I love how this book emphasizes talking and sharing feelings. I think this book will spark a lot of discussion.

So excited to share these books with my new class!