April in my classroom is nothing short of magical! After the excitement of our March Madness Picture Book Challenge (which, by the way, was an absolute blast — more on that here), I was thrilled to jump back into our regular monthly read-alouds.
This month was filled with unforgettable stories that made us laugh, think, and grow. I truly believe picture books have the power to captivate kids of ALL ages — and this month’s lineup was no exception. If you’re a teacher, parent, or simply someone who loves kids, you need these books in your life! 💛 Let’s dive in!
Week One: Full of Heart and Humor
Echo by Adam Rex
This clever book weaves together an imaginative story that kept my students guessing — and laughing — until the very end!
Nellie’s Big Splash by Cori Doerrfeld
Nellie’s story teaches an uplifting lesson about finding your place and feeling confident, no matter how big or small your “splash” might be.
Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey
Packed with humor and a big dose of heart, Thelma reminds us that being ourselves is the real magic.
Clovis Keeps His Cool by Katelyn Aronson
Clovis the bull tackles anger management in the most charming and relatable way — a must for every classroom social-emotional library.
A Normal Pig by K-Fai Steele
This sweet and funny story helps kids explore what it really means to be “normal” — and how awesome it is to be YOU.
Week Two: Sweet, Silly, and Inspiring
Escargot by Dashka Slater
Our favorite little French snail won every heart in the room! Escargot’s charm and humor make this read-aloud an instant favorite.
Bravest Man in the World by Patricia Polacco
Polacco’s powerful storytelling brings Captain Carlsen’s bravery to life in a way that gave us all chills — and sparked some deep, meaningful conversations.
Why The Banana Split by Rick Walton
This hilarious, pun-filled adventure had the kids rolling with laughter and begging for more. (Perfect for a fun Friday read!)
Hi, Koo! by Jon J Muth
A gentle and beautiful introduction to haiku poetry, this book helped students slow down, notice the little things, and appreciate peaceful moments.
It Started with a P by Brittany Pomales
A clever mystery that kept my class guessing until the very end — it’s packed with surprising twists and adorable illustrations!
Week Three: Birthday Fun! 🎂🎈
(Spoiler alert: this was my birthday week! If you want to peek at how we celebrated, click here. It was unforgettable!)
The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller
This wacky, laugh-out-loud story about the 50 states switching places brought tons of giggles — and some sneaky geography review too!
Hike by Pete Oswald
With no words, just stunning illustrations, this book showed the beauty of nature and adventure — and sparked wonderful, quiet conversations.
Happy Birthday, Cupcake! by Terry Border
Cupcake’s hilarious birthday planning disasters made for a delightful read. The kids loved spotting all the food characters in each scene!
The Baker’s Dozen (Traditional tale)
This classic folktale about generosity left everyone feeling warm and thoughtful — a perfect balance to the birthday sweets.
Birthday Rules by Billy B.**
An energetic and hilarious guide to birthday party “rules” that had us all laughing out loud — and relating way too much!
Week Four: Imagination, Kindness, and Courage
Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea by Tony Johnston
This clever tall tale about Levi Strauss and blue jeans is as imaginative as it is fun — and a great conversation starter about American history.
Princess Pigtoria and the Pea by Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole
A hilarious twist on the classic fairytale, this one is full of alliteration and lots of laughs. (Perfect for a phonics mini-lesson, too!)
Chester’s Way by Kevin Henkes
This heartwarming classic about friendship and flexibility never fails to make my students smile — and think about how they welcome new people.
Ravi’s Roar by Tom Percival
This gorgeous social-emotional book helps kids recognize anger — and find ways to manage it with compassion and understanding.
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan
A charming story that shows kids the beauty of patience, gratitude, and making the best out of unexpected gifts!
Why April’s Books Mattered
Each book we read this month opened up big conversations — about courage, creativity, feelings, friendship, and finding your place in the world. It’s amazing how even in 5th grade (or maybe especially in 5th grade!), kids crave stories that help them connect with themselves and each other.
If you’re looking to fill your shelves with books that spark joy and deep thinking, these titles are a must.
✨ Your students — or your own children — will thank you!
