May is a month that calls for celebration. Testing is done, summer is near, and your classroom has grown into a true learning family. In my fifth-grade class, I intentionally choose picture books in May that are lighthearted, meaningful, and, most importantly—fun! These books offer those magical Confetti Moments that spark joy and connection as we head into summer.

Here’s how I broke down our joyful reading journey, week by week.

Week 1: Kicking Off May With Laughter and Love

We started strong with books that brought humor and heart to our classroom.

• Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds had my students laughing out loud at the barnyard antics. It’s always a hit.
  
• Remarkably You by Pat Zietlow Miller reminded us all that being yourself is a superpower.
  
• A Place for Pluto by Stef Wade helped us open up about what it means to belong—even if you don’t feel like you “fit.”
  
• How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan was our way of winking at the year that’s almost over—so many laughs!
  
• Five Minutes’ Peace by Jill Murphy gave us all a collective “we feel you” moment. That mom just wanted a quiet bath!
  

This first week set the tone: a mix of lighthearted fun and deeper conversation, all through the lens of picture books.

Week 2: Big Dreams, Big Laughs, Big Lessons

By week two, we were ready for more giggles and a few unexpected gems.

• It’s a Big World, Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi inspired students to be brave and chase their dreams—even if it’s scary.
  
• Jack and the Giant Barbecue by Eric A. Kimmel brought Texas-sized laughs and some good ol’ fractured fairy tale fun.
  
• The Teeny Weeny Unicorn by Shawn Harris was adorable and hilarious with its tiny but mighty message.
  
• Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung never fails to lead to powerful discussions about inclusion and acceptance.
  
• We Don’t Lose Our Class Goldfish by Ryan T. Higgins was the silly chaos we all needed mid-May. Our class goldfish jokes may never end.
  

This week’s books invited boldness and silliness—perfect for breaking up the countdown to summer with genuine laughter.

Week 3: Nostalgia, Imagination, and Global Empathy

During the third week of May, we mixed in nostalgia, creativity, and global awareness.

• Miss Nelson is Missing! by Harry G. Allard Jr. is a timeless favorite. My dramatic reading always gets cheers (and gasps).
  
• 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy brought a quiet moment of reflection. It’s moving and opened a beautiful conversation about kindness beyond borders.
  
• It Came in the Mail by Ben Clanton inspired creativity galore—students even made “dream packages” after reading.
  
• Samson: The Piranha Who Went to Dinner by Tadgh Bentley had everyone rooting for a polite piranha with big dreams.
  
• These Are My Rocks: A Story About Collecting by Bethan Woollvin gave us a sweet metaphor for treasuring what matters most.
  

This week reminded us that books can make us feel everything—from belly laughs to deep emotion—in just a few pages.

Week 4: Strong Finishes and Fresh Starts

We ended May with stories that celebrated creativity, resilience, and the magic of being yourself.

• https://amzn.to/45itm5bLevi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea by Tony Johnston gave us a comical and clever take on historical invention.
  
• Princess Pigtoria and the Pea by Pamela Duncan Edwards was full of alliteration and sass—students LOVED it.
  
• Chester’s Way by Kevin Henkes reminded us that friendships evolve—and that’s a good thing.
  
• Ravi’s Roar by Tom Percival helped students reflect on big emotions and how to handle them with care.
  
• When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L. B. Deenihan closed us out with a perfect metaphor for making the best of what life hands you. Plus, we all shared lemon treat recipes—yum!
  

This final week was a beautiful send-off into summer: thoughtful, silly, and full of meaning.

Picture Books Close the Year with Connection

Each of these stories gave my students a reason to laugh, reflect, and connect. In a month often filled with countdowns and chaos, these books helped us savor our time together. Need some other ideas? Check out these books from April or the June National Days!

Whether you teach kindergarten or fifth grade, I hope these end-of-year picture books help you wrap up your year with heart, humor, and a whole lot of magic. Open the magic—right to the last day.

The post Joyful Pages: Picture Books to End the Year Right appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

These end of the school year picture books are more than read-alouds—they’re moments of reflection, closure, and celebration.

Here are five heartfelt titles that will help you and your students close out the year in the most beautiful way.

📘 A Letter From Your Teacher on the Last Day of School by Shannon Olsen

A Hug in Book Form

This tender follow-up to Shannon Olsen’s classroom-favorite is a perfect way to end your school year. Written as a heartfelt letter from teacher to student, this story honors growth, connection, and the special journey you’ve shared. It’s packed with emotion and sincerity—truly a Confetti Moment waiting to happen.

💌 Want a free activity?
I created a meaningful Letter Writing Activity to pair with this book. Students write their own letters back to their teacher—sharing memories, what they’ve learned, and their favorite classroom moments.
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📕 This is a Moment by Micah Player

Mindfulness Meets Milestone

This poetic picture book is a gentle nudge to slow down and savor each moment—something we all need at the end of a fast-paced school year. With whimsical illustrations and lyrical language, it invites students to reflect on the now while anticipating the journey ahead. Read it aloud and let it linger.

Activity: Capture a Classroom Moment
Invite students to illustrate or write about a moment from the school year that they want to hold onto forever. It can be joyful, funny, or even a little emotional. Hang these on a bulletin board titled “Moments That Matter.”

📗 What the Road Said by Cleo Wade

For the Students Asking, “What’s Next?”

Change can feel uncertain. What the Road Said is a warm, reassuring invitation to step forward with courage and curiosity. Cleo Wade’s lyrical text and vivid illustrations offer comfort and inspiration, making this a perfect last-week-of-school read. It’s a story about trust—trusting yourself, the path, and all the possibilities that await.

Activity: Map Your Road Ahead
Give each student a blank “road map” template. Along the path, they draw or write milestones they hope to reach next year (new friends, trying new things, joining clubs, etc.). Optional: have them color the road as a symbol of their unique journey.

📗 The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi

Perfect for What Comes Next

Though not technically about the end of school, this empowering book is perfect for transition times. It reminds students that they might not be able to do everything… yet. I use this to encourage a growth mindset before summer and to frame the year ahead with hope and excitement.

Activity: “My Yet Journal”
Invite students to create a “Yet Journal” page. Have them write or draw something they couldn’t do at the beginning of the year but can do now—then, add something they can’t do yet, but want to learn. This simple reflection helps celebrate growth while planting the seed for future learning goals. Display them under a bulletin title like “Our Yets Turned Into Wows!”

If you love The Magical Yet (and who doesn’t?!), you’ll fall in love with The Curious Why—another gem by the amazing Angela DiTerlizzi! 💫 It’s all about embracing curiosity, asking questions, and celebrating the magic of wonder. I created a free and paid classroom resource to pair with it as part of my Open the Magic Day celebration.

Angela is a true joy to work with, and her books bring such heart to every read aloud. 📚💛

📙 Maybe: A Story About the Endless Potential in All of Us by Kobi Yamada

Dream Big, Sweet One

Maybe is the kind of book that leaves a lump in your throat—in the best way. It celebrates each child’s uniqueness and limitless potential. On the last day of school, I love to read this and have students write their own “maybe” statements about the future. It’s a beautiful way to honor who they are becoming.

Activity: “Maybe I…” Writing Prompt
After reading, give students the sentence starter: “Maybe I was born to…” and have them complete it with their dreams or gifts. They can write a few sentences or decorate a star-shaped paper with their dream in the center.

📘 Last Day Blues by Julie Danneberg

This humorous and heartwarming story is a perfect read-aloud for the final days of school. Told from the students’ perspective, the class worries about how sad their teacher must feel about the year ending. With playful illustrations and a surprise twist, Last Day Blues reminds us that goodbyes are hard—but also full of love, laughter, and lasting memories.

Activity: “You Thought I’d Miss…” Letters
After reading, have students write or illustrate their own “Last Day Blues” letters to you, listing silly or sweet things they think you’ll miss most about them or the class. These can be compiled into a booklet titled “Our Teacher’s Summer Blues.” It’s a lighthearted, personal keepsake that will make you smile for years to come!

📒 Wherever You Go by Pat Zietlow Miller & Alexandra Penfold

A Joyful Sendoff

With rhythmic rhyme and playful illustrations, this book is an uplifting message for students about to venture into new territory. It’s perfect for graduates, movers, or anyone turning the page. I love how it celebrates the road ahead—twists, turns, bumps and all. It’s a cheerful, emotional ride that’s just right for the end of the year.

Activity: Class Travel Poster
Create a collaborative poster with the title: “Wherever We Go…”
Each student adds a mini sticky note with a place they’re excited to go—physically or metaphorically (e.g., “middle school,” “science camp,” “summer vacation,” or “a new soccer team”). It becomes a joyful send-off piece for your classroom wall or door.

Why These Stories Matter

Endings are hard. So are goodbyes. But with the right picture book, we can turn those moments into celebrations. These end of the school year picture books help us reflect on what we’ve built, while giving kids the courage and comfort to keep going. Not quite ending the year? You can try these May National Days or Our Favorite Day of the Year! Starting to plan for next year? Check this recommendation out to start your read aloud game strong!

In your final days together, read aloud. Share stories. Create Confetti Moments that students (and you!) will carry long after the classroom lights go out.

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