October in the classroom was brimming with excitement, creativity, and a bit of spooky fun! As the leaves change, picture books are the perfect way to captivate young readers and ignite their imaginations. Whether you’re diving into heartfelt stories of kindness, celebrating cultural traditions, or stirring up some spooky giggles, the power of picture books in engaging kids is unmatched. These treasures encourage empathy, creativity, and a lifelong love for reading.
Let’s explore the books that made October unforgettable in my classroom, and how they can bring magic to yours!
On Account of the Gum by Adam Rex
A hilarious chain of events unfolds when gum gets stuck in a child’s hair. Packed with absurdity and giggles, this book is a hit for discussions about problem-solving and creative thinking.
Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds
A delightfully spooky tale of Jasper Rabbit and his paranoia about the carrots following him. This humorous book is perfect for October fun, with clever illustrations that add to the suspense.
My Name is Sangoel by Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed
Sangoel, a refugee, navigates his new life while holding onto his identity. A powerful story about resilience and the importance of names, sparking meaningful conversations on diversity and inclusion.
Rot, the Cutest in the World by Ben Clanton
Rot, an adorable mutant potato, enters a cute contest with hilarious results. This book delivers an important message about self-confidence and loving who you are.
Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynolds
A heartwarming tale of Amara’s love for bats and her efforts to protect their habitat. It’s a perfect blend of environmental awareness, activism, and a passion for nature.
Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth
This touching story teaches students to find beauty in their surroundings, even when the world seems bleak. It’s a powerful conversation starter about hope and change.
I Want to Read All the Books by Karin Johnston
An inspiring tale of curiosity and determination as a child embarks on a quest to discover every story ever written—a celebration of the joy of reading!
Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard
This beautifully illustrated book addresses bullying and self-acceptance as Lila learns to embrace her unique qualities.
The Snurtch by Sean Ferrell
A humorous yet insightful look at managing emotions, following Ruthie as she battles her mischievous “Snurtch.”
Stacey’s Extraordinary Words by Stacey Abrams
A heartfelt tale of perseverance and the power of words, this book showcases the magic of language and finding your voice.
Why Not? by Mindy B. Holte
A charming tale of endless possibilities, encouraging young minds to embrace creativity and ask questions.
Mr. Fox’s Game of No by Erin McGill
An engaging story about problem-solving and resilience as a group of animals outsmarts a tricky fox.
Monster Hands by Laura Leuck
A playful exploration of monsters and manners, perfect for some lighthearted October fun!
Bonaparte Falls Apart by Margery Cuyler
Bonaparte’s humorous quest to keep himself together (literally!) makes this a favorite for laughter and lessons on friendship.
Ice Boy by David Ezra Stein
A quirky adventure of a rebellious ice cube finding his place in the world.
Creepy Crayons by Aaron Reynolds
A spooky yet silly tale about a mischievous set of crayons that will have students giggling and guessing.
The Yellow Bus by Susan Green
A warm story of adventure and the community built through a daily school bus journey.
Picture Day Jitters by Crystal Allen
Navigating picture day anxieties, this relatable book is full of humor and heart.
I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll
A fun and imaginative twist on the classic monster-under-the-bed story.
Dear Dragon by Josh Funk
This rhyming gem chronicles an unlikely pen-pal friendship between a boy and a dragon.
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
A tender story about small acts of kindness and their ripple effects, perfect for building empathy.
Gustavo, The Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
This sweet tale of a ghost overcoming shyness is a Halloween treat with heart.
Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht
A cozy celebration of pumpkin picking and fall traditions, ideal for seasonal storytelling.
Poultrygeist by Eric Geron
Packed with puns and humor, this ghostly chicken tale brings laughs and a touch of spookiness.
She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lynn Fulton
A fascinating introduction to Mary Shelley’s life and her creation of Frankenstein, inspiring budding writers.
Leila the Perfect Witch by Flavia Z. Drago
Leila learns the value of imperfection in this enchanting story about embracing oneself.
Our Day of the Dead Celebration by Ana Aranda
A vibrant introduction to the Día de los Muertos traditions, celebrating family and remembrance.
These books made October magical for my students—and they can do the same for yours! Each title invites young readers to explore new ideas, relate to diverse experiences, and celebrate the joy of storytelling. Which one will you dive into first?
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