friday's five -- back to school edition

Sadly, my picture book reading with Red and Pudge has taken a severe blow with my recent return to work. We still read every night before bed, of course, but that's about it, at least during the week.

However, since my work day consists of hanging with eighteen three and four year olds, picture books are still a HUGE part of my day. It's my plan for friday's five to continue to run, with a split focus on books I've read this week in the classroom, in addition to what the kids and I are reading at home.

This week, it was all about acclimating ourselves to classroom life, and these five picture books certainly helped set the stage for a great new school year.

1. Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney -- Oh, this book really hit home for me this week, with two children in my class missing their parents BIG time. I love the Llama Llama books for the realness of the tone. That little llama is the every-preschooler, if I've ever seen him, and these stories strongly resonate with young children for that very reason. If you have a toddler or a preschooler, these are books that simply need to be on your bookshelf at home.

2. If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond --Who doesn't already know the cookie-loving mouse? Well, in this adventure, he climbs into the boy's backpack and heads off to school. You gotta love his spirit as he explores the classroom, finding ways to participate in every subject and building one heck of a fabulous mouse house out of unit blocks. (And yes, I LOVE that they're actual unit blocks in the illustrations!) This is a sure-fire hit with young children every time.

3. I am NOT Going to School Today by Robie H. Harris and illustrated by Jan Ormerod -- Though the parent in me has to question the never-budging calm that the little boy's parents display in this story, the teacher in me appreciates the message given toward the child who's anxious to start school. "You don't know anything!" is his main worry. Thankfully, his stuffed pal offers some comfort, in a way that I see played out in real life on a regular basis.

4. Matthew A.B.C. by Peter Catalanotto -- Hands down, the funniest back-to-school story that I've ever read to a group. Serious big hit. Mrs. Tuttle has 25 students... and all of them are named Matthew. The ways in which she tells them apart all revolve around their, um, unique personality traits and quirks. Funny stuff. I recommend this one highly to any young reader, and the adults reading it will get some giggles, as well.

5. Bailey by Harry Bliss -- Our final back to school book brings a cute doggy to the classroom in the form of Bailey, a classmate to human elementary school students. Read my full review of Bailey over on 5 Minutes for Mom, where you can also enter to win a copy of the new book, along with a $25 Visa gift card!



Always up for a picture book, in the classroom or at home,