Does your teacher-brain feel like it’s running on 2% battery and a prayer? It’s May in the classroom, which means the countdown to summer has officially begun, the “end-of-year crazy” is in full swing, and you’re probably juggling open house prep, field trips, and the ever-present testing season.

In Room 35, I know that May can feel like a marathon. But even when the days get long and the “spring fever” is high, I lean into the one thing that never fails to bring us back together: picture books. My goal this month is to help you cross that finish line with joy, not just exhaustion. Let’s “Open the Magic” one last time this school year and create those unforgettable Confetti Moments for your students!

If you love… staying ahead of the end-of-year chaos 

Then you need: The May National Days Interactive Calendar 

You are the teacher who wants to keep the engagement high but has zero time left to spend on Pinterest. This Canva-made interactive calendar is your secret sauce for May. It’s pre-planned with 12 kid-friendly celebrations, from National Astronaut Day (May 5) to National Smile Day (May 31). Each day includes a fun fact, a turn-and-talk question, and a digital read-aloud. It’s the easiest way to keep your morning meeting magical without adding a single thing to your to-do list. Not sure if the national days are for you just yet? I have this May National Day freebie to get you started!

If you love… puppies, parties, and a fresh stack of books

Then you need: The May Picture Book List

You are the teacher who knows that high engagement is the only way to compete with the “summer countdown” energy. This month is extra special because it features a guest star: my new dog, Miles! We are using A Puppy Like Yours to build community and share our own stories. We’re also bringing the party with Chicks and Salsa. It’s “nacho” average read-aloud! (I’ve even linked this companion resource so you can hit your ELA standards while your students are laughing.) This list gives you the “why” and “how” for 12 titles that will keep the magic alive until the final bell.

If you love… turning “test stress” into “test success”

Then you need: Helping Kids Beat Test Anxiety Blog 

You are the teacher who sees the nervous pencil-tapping and the heavy sighs that come with testing season. Last year, I shared a deep dive into one of my absolute must-haves: The Anti-Test Anxiety Society by Julia Cook. This blog post breaks down how to use this book to give your students actual, practical tools to handle the “Test Monster.” It’s about more than just scores; it’s about making sure our kids feel brave and capable.

If you love… a deep dive into meaningful moments 

Then you need: Last Year’s May Blog: Celebrate Big Moments 

You are the teacher who loves to see how a theme can transform a classroom. If you want even more ideas for specific May dates, like the history of the chocolate chip cookie or mindfulness with I Am Peace, this is the post for you. It’s a treasure trove of summaries and classroom tips that I’ve personally vetted in my own classroom.

I’ve spent my career celebrating the power of picture books because I know firsthand what it’s like to struggle in the classroom. As a student with dyslexia, it was the magic of stories that helped me rise above. Now, as a 5th-grade teacher in Orange County, I want to help you find those same moments of success for your students.

Let’s make this May a month of celebration, connection, and, of course, plenty of confetti!

Don’t forget to tag me @RamonaRecommends on Instagram! I want to see your May book stacks and those beautiful Confetti Moments!

The post May-be the Best Month Yet? Your Ultimate Guide to May Picture Books and More! appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

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.

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!

📅 The May Lineup

May 1: Learn to Ride a Bike Day

📚 A Bike Like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts When Ruben finds money on the ground, he faces a tough decision about honesty and his dream of owning a bike. This relatable story blends empathy with moral growth.

• Classroom Tip: Use this to discuss the difference between “wants” and “needs,” or share stories about the perseverance it takes to learn a new skill like riding a bike.

May 3: Garden Meditation Day

📚 In Our Garden by Pat Zietlow Miller and Melissa Crowton A beautiful story about a community coming together to transform a grey space into a vibrant garden. It emphasizes patience, teamwork, and the peace found in nature.

• Classroom Tip: Pair this with a 5-minute guided meditation or a “sensory walk” through your school’s green space.

May 5: National Astronaut Day

📚 Letters From Space by Clayton Anderson Written by a real astronaut, this book offers a fun, firsthand look at life in space through engaging and humorous “letters” home.

• Classroom Tip: Ideal for space-themed units or as a mentor text for writing “letters from” unique locations.

May 6: Nurses Day

📚 Clara and Davie by Patricia Polacco This touching biography of Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, highlights her childhood and her compassionate heart for healing others.

• Classroom Tip: Pairs beautifully with lessons on kindness, perseverance, and the vital role of healthcare workers in our community.

May 10: Clean Up Your Room Day

📚 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 about their own “stuff.”

• Classroom Tip: Use it to launch a classroom clean-up challenge or a persuasive writing piece about which toy is the “ultimate favorite.”

May 12: Limerick Day

📚 Something Sure Smells Around Here by Brian P. Cleary and Andy Rowland This collection of poems introduces students to the rhythmic, silly world of limericks. It’s lighthearted, funny, and perfect for wordplay.

• Classroom Tip: Have students practice the AABBA rhyme scheme by writing their own classroom-themed limericks.

May 14: Dance Like a Chicken Day

📚 Sonya’s Chickens by Phoebe Wahl A gentle story about a young girl raising chickens and learning about the circle of life, responsibility, and caring for creatures.

• Classroom Tip: After the read-aloud, get the wiggles out by doing the “Chicken Dance” as a brain break!

May 15: Pizza Party Day

📚 Pizza Day by Melissa Iwai Follow a father and son as they gather ingredients from the garden to make a delicious homemade pizza from scratch.

• Classroom Tip: This is great for teaching sequencing (first, next, last) or as a lead-in to a classroom pizza party!

May 20: Rescue Dog Day

📚 Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings Arfy, a homeless dog, writes letters to every house on Butternut Street seeking a forever home. It’s a heart-tugging tale of persistence.

• Classroom Tip: Use this to teach persuasive writing. Have students “audition” to be the best owner for a classroom pet.

May 23: World Turtle Day

📚 Little Turtle and the Changing Sea by Becky Davies and Jennie Poh A stunningly illustrated book that follows a turtle’s journey through the ocean and highlights the environmental challenges our sea creatures face.

• Classroom Tip: Perfect for Earth Day follow-ups or science lessons on ocean conservation and plastic pollution.

May 29: National Paper Clip Day

📚 School Supplies: A Book of Poems by Lee Bennett Hopkins A delightful collection of poems that celebrates the unsung heroes of the classroom—from pencils to, of course, the humble paper clip.

• Classroom Tip: Encourage students to pick an everyday object in their desk and write a “tribute poem” to it.

May 30: Creativity Day

📚 Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty Iggy has a passion for building, even when others don’t quite get his vision. It’s a celebration of imagination, STEM, and staying true to yourself.

Classroom Tip: Set up a “Maker Space” afternoon where students use recycled materials to build their own architectural wonders.

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 May National Days Picture Book Calendar is designed to save you time and add instant excitement to your mornings.

It features:

• Thoughtfully crafted morning meeting prompts and turn-and-talk questions.
• A colorful, ready-to-use presentation.
• Video links to each book.

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! 🌸

The post Celebrate May: Meaningful Picture Books for Big Moments appeared first on Ramona Recommends.