This August is unlike any August before, but if there is one thing I know about picture books, it’s that they help us connect, empathize, and grow community with students in ways that go deeper than many other activities we do in classrooms. Because of that, and the unique situations educators are finding themselves in this year, I wanted to continue participating in Cathy & Mandy’s #pb10for10 event celebrating picture books and providing many fabulous #classroombookaday choices. I inevitably end up with a longer wish list and shopping cart and a maxed out hold list at my library after reading all of the posts. So get ready, and then go check out other educators’ lists today at Enjoy and Embrace Learning!
I am often asked what books I recommend for that first week back with students. This year, it seems even more important to hit the right note from the start, after the uncertainty of the last five months and looking ahead to living within this pandemic schooling uncertainty for awhile yet. I already shared my #BuildYourStack lists of Ten Must-Share Picture Books of 2020 and I posted a list of 37 Back-to-School 2020 Recommendations recently. But beyond that, I wanted to focus this year’s Picture Book 10 for 10 on titles that I think are going to be especially needed and important for this time right now as we head back to school in a variety of ways.
I chose titles that will welcome students back and support them in looking ahead, along with showing them they are cared for and have a place in the community being built. These are my recommendations for Ten Picture Books for Right Now that I hope will meet the unique needs of classrooms at this time and build a base for the future.
