You can only have so many mugs saying #1 Teacher, but you can never have enough books! Stories have the power to inspire, entertain, and help open up important conversations, making them the perfect gifts for teachers!
Get your child involved in the gift giving process by creating their own bookmark to go along with the book!
After a lot of contemplation, I’ve put together a list of books that are a mix of fun read alouds, engaging stories with curricular connections, and empowering books to inspire students to be their best selves.
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Lila Greer, Teacher of the Year by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
It’s hard to find a better series than the Questioneers and the latest tale beautifully captures the difficulty of coping with anxiety while also demonstrating the magnificent power a kind teacher can have in changing a child’s life.
As a child, Lila Greer suffered from the “What Ifs” constantly fearing different negative scenarios that could happen. She especially struggled when moving to a new school, but luckily her second-grade teacher took the time to help Lila talk through her feelings. Her teacher helped her realize she could turn her “What Ifs” into positive ponderings instead. The lesson stayed with her through life and even inspired Lila Greer to overcome her fear and become a warm welcoming teacher herself.
The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination by Brad Montague, illustrated by Brand and Kristi Montague, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
Readers are introduced to Sparky, a very special creature called a figment who delivers mail for the Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. While Sparky writes many poems, he is too nervous to share his words with the world. When one of the departments, the cave of untold stories, is on the verge of collapsing, however, Sparky must overcome his fear. He bravely writes a poem pleading with humans to share their stories to save the Bureau.
Filled with tons of engaging details, this entertaining story is a perfect way for inspiring children to access their imaginations to create. The end papers even invite children to make their own Fantastic Bureau of Imagination Badge and accept their mission to dream and do great things.
Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo
(Ages 5 and up)
This ridiculously quirky story is without a doubt my children’s favorite book of the year so far. When a group of children start school for the first time, they walk in to find the room empty except for a sandwich at the teacher’s desk. After much debate, they ultimately decide that the sandwich must be their teacher. What ensues is an abundance of comical events ending with a giant surprise.
The Big Cheese by Jory John, illustrated by Pete Oswald, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
After continuously winning every competition he enters, The Big Cheese has a little bit of a big head! Full of confidence, he boasts and brags every chance he gets. When Wedge moves into town, however, and becomes the new champ, The Big Cheese must learn how to process losing. With a new perspective, he learns about empathy, humility, and the joy of participating in a variety of activities even ones he’s not very good at.
Full of humorous puns, this fantastic lesson in social emotional learning is perfect for classroom and home libraries!
Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin, illustrated by Kate Messner, 2023
This book eloquently captures the transformative power of books. Frustrated with the cold day outside, Alice turns to a book for escape. She becomes immersed in the pages, traveling from place to place with the flip of a page.
Caldecott-Honoree Grace Lin’s impressive illustrations are a real showstopper. Alice’s dress is covered with words and when she steps into each page, her dress blends into backgrounds creating a striking effect. Cover to cover, the book is filled with dazzling details that make this story a joy to pour over again and again.
The Brilliant Ms. Bangle by Cara Devins, illustrated K-Fai Steele
(Ages 4 and up)
Devastated that their beloved school librarian Ms. Stack retired, the kids at Belford Elementary are determined not to like her replacement Ms. Bangle. When she arrives, however, the eccentric Ms. Bangle has a trick or two up her sleeve to engage the kids. This humorous story has a ton of fun details that had my kids chuckling as they poured over the illustrations.
The Boo-Boos of Bluebell Elementary by Chelsea Lin Wallace, illustrated by Alison Farrell, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
This joyous ode to school nurses is a complete delight! From loose teeth, to hurt feelings, to runny noses, Miss Peatree sees it all and treats each student in Bluebell Elementary with the care and concern they need!
Brimming with rollicking rhymes, charming illustrations, and an all-too-familiar cast of students needing a little medical attention and a lot of love from their favorite nurse, this comical story is sure to be a hit in school and home libraries.
Our School is a Family by Shannon Olsen, illustrated by Sandie Sonke
(Ages 4 and up)
This inclusive and heartfelt story introduces children to the myriad of people who work in a school and the various ways they care for the students. I love how this cheerful book gives children a glimpse of all the inner workings of a school to give them a better understanding of the exciting things to look forward to while attending school.
We also love Our Class is a Family and A Letter From your Teacher.
I’m From by Gary R. Gray Junior, Illustrated by Oge Mora, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
The concept of where one is from may conjure a simple street address, a state, or like in this fabulous new book, a collage of small moments that make up a childhood.“I come from early morning wake-ups, handcrafted blankets knitted with memories.” Through the span of one day, readers gain a glimpse into a young boy’s life from his delicious meals, to his positive and negative experiences at school, and, most importantly, the love and support given by his family. All of these things blend together to shape where he is from.
The lyrical language is such a joy to read aloud and, as always, Oge Mora’s signature illustrations shine making this an excellent addition to All About Me units in schools or as a mentor text for using poems to frame one’s identity.
The World’s Best Class Plant by Audrey Vernick and Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao
(Ages 4 and up)
Room 109 longs for a class pet like the other classes, but must settle for a plant. When the name Jerry is bestowed upon the plant, however, he seems to take on a whole new personality. Soon everyone wants to get to know Jerry and have their own class plant!
Our Classroom Rules! by Kallie George, illustrated by Jack Fleck
(Ages 3 and up)
This vibrant book is perfect for setting up classroom expectations for new students. From being on time and ready to learn to giving new things a chance and always trying their best, a group of adorable animals clearly demonstrate the many ways to have a successful and thriving classroom.
A Year of Good News by Martin Smatana, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
With so many truly terrible moments constantly appearing on the news, this book is a breath of fresh air. Cheerful illustrations created with used fabrics represent 52 feel-good international news stories. It is truly heartwarming to learn of the many good deeds and random acts of kindness performed to make our world a better place.
We Don’t Lose Our Class Goldfish by Ryan T. Higgins
(Ages 5 and up)
The lovable Penelope T. Rex is back in a new adventure where she has to face her greatest fear, Walter the class goldfish! Walter might appear harmless, but Penelope knows better. With his unblinking eyes, menacing fins and bitey teeth, she worries this dinosaur is no match for a goldfish. When she is tasked with taking Walter home for the weekend, she cautiously plays with him until she lets her imagination get the best of her. But then Walter goes missing! Penelope must confront her fear to find him and realizes along the way that there’s more to Walter than his chomping jaws.
Once again, Ryan T. Higgins mixes the perfect amount of humor with an engaging story that reassures children that they are not alone in their big feelings. This book had my kids laughing out loud and begging to read the entire series again. I also highly recommend the first book We Don’t Eat Our Classmates.
What’s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon? by Rachel Ignotofsky, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
Stunning illustrations fill the pages of this gorgeous book that compares and contrasts butterflies and moths. Both informative and entertaining, this one is a must for little nature lovers!
Thank You, Teacher! by Cate Berry, illustrated by Sara Varon
(Ages 4 and up)
While this is technically an end-of-school story, the upbeat rhymes and colorful pictures demonstrating all the fun that one class had during the school year helps build excitement for a new year as well.
You Stole My Name by Dennis McGregor, 2023
Prepare to feast your eyes on this absolutely gorgeous gem that introduces children to a group of animals with unlikely shared names. From spider monkeys to cat fish and elephant seals, a myriad of creatures are represented through clever poems and stunning artwork.
The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice, illustrated by Erika Lynne Jones
(Ages 4 and up)
This book is so much fun! Penelope knows she will make the perfect student-librarian except for one thing. She cannot control the volume level of her voice, which constantly causes problems in the library. With some out-of-the box thinking, she finds the perfect way to share her love of books with others. With its amusing storyline and bright, colorful illustrations, this book is as much fun to read aloud as it is to listen to!
Lupe Lopez Reading Rock Star! by e.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Joe Cepeda
(Ages 5 and up)
Learning to read can be extremely intimidating to children and I love how this book shows that when the main character struggles to read, she faces her frustration and celebrates her effort. This is one that many children will relate to. Lupe Lopez is not only a fun character, but a great model of resilience.
A Llama is Not an Alpaca: And Other Mistaken Animal Identities by Karen Jameson, Lorna Scobie, 2023
(Ages 3 and up)
Rolling rhymes introduce a variety of animals that look alike and invite readers to guess what they are. Each subsequent page confirms the answer and includes additional facts about the animals. My kids love the interactive element of this engaging story and I love that my kids learned fun facts about animals!
The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name by Sandhya Parappukkaran, illustrated by Michelle Pereira, 2023
(Ages 5 and up)
Full of similes and other impressive figurative language, this enchanting story follows a young boy who shortens his name to make it easier for his classmates to say. When he meets a new friend, however, she teaches him to skateboard as he slowly shows her how to say his full name.
This powerful story emboldens children to own who they are and to not change themselves in order to fit in with others.
Welcome to Preschool by Maria Carluccio
(Ages 2 and up)
This interactive gem invites readers to move six of the new students through different activities in preschool including storytime, art, singing, and playing. This book is both engaging and a fun way to introduce children to things they will do in their own school.
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