May is bursting with celebration, inspiration, and imagination! From National Fitness Day to Smile Day, each date offers a unique way to bring learning to life in your elementary classroom. What better way to celebrate than with engaging picture books that connect perfectly with these special days? Below, you’ll find book recommendations, brief summaries, and tips for classroom use. Let’s make May magical—one book at a time!
May 1 📚 Girl Running by Annette Bay Pimentel
This biography tells the inspiring story of Bobbi Gibb, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. Her perseverance and determination shine through the pages.
Perfect for classroom discussions on goals, breaking barriers, and believing in yourself.
May 2 📚 When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan
A boy learns that the best gifts aren’t always flashy and electronic—they’re the ones that help you grow. The book weaves humor with a deeper message about gratitude.
Great for writing activities about surprising gifts or connecting with family.
May 3 📚 I Am Peace by Susan Verde
This calming book gently introduces children to mindfulness, breathing, and inner peace. It encourages kids to slow down and find balance.
Use it during quiet time or SEL lessons to promote mental wellness.
May 4 📚 A Teacher Like You by Frank Murphy
This heartfelt tribute celebrates teachers who guide, inspire, and care. It’s a reminder of the impact educators make every day.
Perfect for a classroom read-aloud that honors YOU and your students’ favorite teachers.
May 5 📚 Letters From Space by Clayton Anderson
Written by a real astronaut, this book offers a fun, firsthand look at life in space through engaging “letters” home.
Ideal for space-themed units or writing “letters from” different places.
May 6 📚 Clara and Davie by Patricia Polacco
This touching biography of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, highlights her childhood struggles and compassionate heart.
Pairs beautifully with lessons on kindness, perseverance, and service roles.
May 7 📚 A Bike Like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts
When Ruben finds money on the ground, he faces a tough decision about honesty and wants. This relatable story blends empathy with moral growth.
A strong read for character education and class discussions on choices.
May 10 📚 Too Many Toys by David Shannon
Spencer has toys overflowing from every corner—but which ones will he keep? This hilarious book will have your class laughing and thinking.
Use it to launch a classroom clean-up day or persuasive writing about favorites.
May 11 📚 Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
A young girl cherishes wearing her mother’s headscarf, feeling wrapped in love and culture. The story radiates warmth and identity.
A gentle way to discuss family traditions and cultural diversity.
May 15 📚 How the Cookie Crumbled by Gilbert Ford
Learn the fascinating (and tasty!) history of chocolate chip cookies, complete with quirky storytelling and historical twists.
Great for STEM/history tie-ins or a cookie-themed classroom celebration
May 27 📚 The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle by Anne Renaud
This biography of Frank Epperson shows how curiosity and creativity led to a frozen favorite. Kids will be fascinated by this chilly invention.
Perfect for a summer kickoff and encouraging invention-themed writing.
May 31 📚 Sharing a Smile by Nicki Kramar
During a difficult time, a girl and her grandmother find a way to brighten their neighborhood—with simple acts of kindness.
Great for SEL lessons, gratitude journals, or end-of-year kindness projects.
Bring the Magic of May Into Your Classroom or Home 🎉
If you’re ready to make May your most joyful and stress-free month yet, I’ve got just the thing for you! 🎉 My brand-new May National Days Picture Book Calendar is designed to save you time and add instant excitement to your mornings. It features a colorful, ready-to-use presentation with video links to each book, plus thoughtfully crafted morning meeting prompts and turn-and-talk questions you can use with any class starting May 1st. ✨ Whether you’re building classroom community, celebrating reading, or just looking to bring more spark into your daily routine, this resource does it all—so you can focus on what you love: connecting with your students! Grab your copy [here] and get ready to celebrate learning, one special day at a time! 📚
There’s something so special about using books to bring celebration into everyday learning. Whether you’re a teacher planning May read-alouds or a parent looking to add meaning to after-school moments, these picture books help you connect the dots between fun and learning—with heart, humor, and a whole lot of color!
So grab your favorite pastel highlighter, sprinkle in a little confetti joy, and start planning your May reading lineup! 📚✨ Don’t forget to tag me @RamonaRecommends on Instagram if you share any of these read-alouds—I love seeing how you bring picture book magic into your world. Let’s keep spreading the joy, one beautiful book at a time! 🌸
