Is there anything more chaotic yet wonderful than an elementary school in December? Between the glitter on the floor and the anticipation in the air, keeping students engaged can be a challenge. However, this is exactly when I love to Open the Magic. There is a unique stillness that settles over a room when you find the perfect story. If you are looking for impactful Christmas picture books for the classroom, you have come to the right place.

Picture books are my jam because they build community and create those unforgettable Confetti Moments—when a student truly connects with a story. Whether you are looking to teach specific reading standards or simply want to warm hearts, these five selections are absolute must-reads for your December lesson plans.

Red and Lulu by Matt Tavares

If you love stunning illustrations and a tug at the heartstrings, Red and Lulu is a non-negotiable addition to your library. This story follows a pair of cardinals who are separated when their favorite tree is cut down and moved to New York City. The journey to find one another is breathtaking. I use this book to discuss perspective and the power of home. Plus, the fold-out spread of the tree in the city is a guaranteed “ooh and aah” moment!

The Carpenter’s Gift by David Rubel

First on the list is a touching historical fiction piece that pairs beautifully with a history lesson on the Great Depression. The Carpenter’s Gift tells the origin story of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Through the eyes of young Henry, we see a story of kindness, poverty, and the ripple effect of generosity. It is not just a holiday book; it is a lesson in citizenship and gratitude that will leave your upper-grade students thinking deeply about the true meaning of “gift.”

Elmore the Christmas Moose by Dev Petty and M. Boldt

Sometimes, you just need to laugh. Elmore the Christmas Moose delivers humor in spades. Elmore really, really wants to be one of Santa’s reindeer, but he is, well, a moose. It is a hilarious story about recognizing your own unique strengths and finding where you fit in. If your class needs a brain break that doubles as a lesson on self-acceptance, Elmore is your guy.

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto

Transitioning from the city to the warmth of family tradition, we have the classic Too Many Tamales. The panic Maria feels when she realizes her mother’s diamond ring might be inside one of the tamales is something every student can relate to! It is funny, chaotic, and full of love. This text is a perfect springboard for discussing diverse holiday food traditions—perhaps even pairing it with The Lucky Grapes for a compare and contrast activity.

Little Red Sleigh by Erin Guendelsberger

Finally, we have a story about believing in the impossible. Much like The Little Engine That Could, the Little Red Sleigh has big dreams of becoming Santa’s sleigh. Despite being told she is too small, too slow, and “just a toy,” she sets out to prove everyone wrong. This is a wonderful growth mindset mentor text to wrap up the year, reminding students that their size or age doesn’t limit their potential.The World Needs YOU to Share Stories Navigating the holidays in the classroom can be tricky, but books bridge the gap. By using these Christmas picture books for the classroom, you aren’t just reading aloud; you are building memories. Which one will you read first?

The World Needs YOU to Share Stories

Navigating the holidays in the classroom can be tricky, but books bridge the gap. By using these Christmas picture books for the classroom, you aren’t just reading aloud; you are building memories. Which one will you read first?

Need more ready to use ideas for ELAR stations this month? Check out this FUN and Print Ready resource! And, naturally, I have these recommendations for you to extend the winter reading, too!

The post Magical Christmas Picture Books for the Classroom You Need appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Why Use Halloween Books in the Classroom?

Halloween is more than costumes and candy—it’s an invitation to spark imagination. Using themed picture books builds excitement while offering opportunities to teach comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills. Plus, seasonal stories help strengthen classroom community as students share in the joy of the season together.

The October Book List

Here are a few picture books that add just the right amount of spooky fun without being too scary for your students:

• Poultrygeist by Erin Geron – A laugh-out-loud story about a ghostly chicken that turns “scary” into silly.
• Bonaparte Falls Apart by Margery Cuyler and Will Terry – Perfect for teaching themes of resilience and friendship, all wrapped in a Halloween vibe.
• How to Make Friends with a Ghost by Rebecca Green – Sweet, whimsical, and perfect for upper elementary students who enjoy slightly longer, thoughtful reads.

Featured Favorite: I Need My Monster

Amanda Noll’s I Need My Monster is a classroom classic. The playful premise of a boy needing his own monster creates endless opportunities for discussions about fear, creativity, and bravery. To make this even easier for you, I’ve created a full print-and-go book companion with activities designed to target comprehension, writing, and vocabulary—all through the lens of this beloved story. Read more about it HERE!

Pair any of these titles with group discussions, quick writes, or your October literacy centers.

Extend the Fun with Halloween Literacy Activities

To go along with these books, my new Halloween resource is full of print-and-go activities to make your planning effortless. (COMING SOON!)

Inside you’ll find:

• Mad Lib–style creations for building parts of speech skills
• Synonyms and antonyms worksheets
  A themed word search
• A writing prompt choice board
• Differentiated nonfiction and fiction reading passages with comprehension questions and graphic organizers
• Lined writing paper for polished student responses
  

These activities are perfect for small groups, literacy centers, or whole-class fun. They allow you to celebrate the season while still meeting important standards. Until then, feel free to check out more October reads HERE!

Wrapping It All Together

Halloween in the classroom should be both fun and meaningful. With the right picture books and ready-to-use literacy activities, you can create lessons your students will never forget. Whether you choose to giggle with Poultrygeist, cheer for Bonaparte, or shiver at I Need My Monster, these titles paired with engaging resources will help your classroom celebrate October with style and substance.

The post Spooky Fun Halloween Books for the Elementary Classroom appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

And if you’re looking for even more screen-free fun this summer, be sure to check out my FREE Sunshine Book Camp resource below—it’s filled with picture book pairings, themed activities, and snacks to make every week a reading adventure!

Big Laughs and Bold Marches: Olivia Forms a Band

Nobody makes more noise with flair than Olivia! In Olivia Forms a Band by Ian Falconer, this spirited pig sets out to create her very own parade band with just… herself. Kids will giggle through every page while parents smile at Olivia’s determination and creativity. This book is perfect for launching conversations about independence and the joyful chaos of celebration.

Anticipation and Excitement: The Night Before the 4th of July

From fireworks to festive snacks, Natasha Wing’s The Night Before the 4th of July captures the eager build-up to America’s birthday. The rhyming text makes it ideal for early readers, and its familiar structure supports prediction and fluency. You’ll feel the sparkle of the upcoming celebration in every stanza!

A Day in the Life of Freedom: My Fourth of July

Jerri Spinelli paints a heartwarming picture of one child’s perfect holiday in My Fourth of July. Parades, pie, and family all take center stage. This book celebrates the simple traditions that make the day so special and reminds us that community, connection, and a slice of cherry pie might just be the American dream.

STEM Meets Sweetness: How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A.

Marjorie Priceman’s How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A. is a delightful whirlwind that combines geography, baking, and patriotic spirit. Travel across the country collecting ingredients and materials—perfect for curious minds who want to know where things come from and how they work. This read pairs perfectly with a baking session or a map exploration!

A Visual Celebration of Light: Fireworks

Prepare to be dazzled. In Fireworks by Matthew Burgess, readers are taken on a poetic journey into the sights, sounds, and emotions of a fireworks display. It’s vibrant. It’s lyrical. It’s unforgettable.

More Than Books: Sunshine Book Camp is Here!

Looking to keep kids reading, learning, and smiling this summer? Download my Sunshine Book Camp—a simple, screen-free program designed with connection and magic in mind. Perfect for families and teachers, this resource includes:

• 10 weeks of themed fun (like beach days, space, camping, and more!)
  
• Weekly picture book pairings with clickable links
  
• Easy, flexible printable activities
  
• Snack ideas that tie into each theme
  
• A cheerful parent note to guide the adventure
  

☀️ Teachers—print and send home the last week of school!
📚 Parents—use it on your schedule, at your pace, and wherever summer takes you.

Download it FREE and let the sunshine (and stories!) in! I have even more about stopping the summer slide here…you don’t want to miss it!

Don’t Miss the Summer Reading Road Trip!
Looking for an engaging way to keep reading skills sharp all summer long? My Summer Reading Road Trip is packed with fun, low-prep literacy activities that travel easily—whether you’re at home, in the car, or exploring new places. With reading challenges, comprehension practice, book recommendations, writing prompts, and even a real-world scavenger hunt, this printable pack is a must-have for families, teachers, and tutors who want to prevent the summer slide while keeping the joy in reading. Print and go—it’s the ultimate road trip for your child’s imagination and literacy growth.

Confetti Moments at Home

Let’s make the 4th of July more than just fireworks and flag cakes. These 4th of July picture books help kids connect to the heart of the holiday—independence, imagination, and togetherness. So grab a book, snuggle under the glow of red, white, and blue, and let those Confetti Moments fly.

The post 4th of July Picture Books That Spark Summer Joy appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

We’ve rounded up five fabulous, feel-good Father’s Day picture books—plus fun activity ideas to bring each story to life, whether you’re reading in a classroom or curled up on the couch at home. Let’s turn the page and celebrate the magic of dads and the love that makes every day feel like an adventure!

1. “My Dad Is a Tree” by Jon Agee

📖 What It’s About:
When a little girl asks her dad to be a tree, he goes all in! From standing still to being the best climbing post, this playful story celebrates dads who aren’t afraid to be silly.

Try This:
Classroom: Have kids draw what their dad (or father figure) would be if he were something silly—a tree, a superhero, a hot dog?
At Home: Do a family “pretend play challenge.” Let your child pick what you’ll pretend to be (tree optional!).

2. “Some Daddies” by Carol Gordon Ekster

📖 What It’s About:
This colorful book showcases dads of all kinds—some cook, some dance, some build, some snuggle. It’s an inclusive celebration of fatherhood in its many forms.

Try This:
Classroom: Create a “Dads Are Different” chart or class mural showing all the cool things dads do.
At Home: Talk about what makes your child’s dad (or special adult) unique. Make a drawing or short video together celebrating that!

3. “Because I’m Your Dad” by Ahmet Zappa

📖 What It’s About:
A monster dad shares all the fun, wild, loving things he’ll do—like tickle fights and spaghetti for breakfast. Pure joy and silliness with a whole lot of heart!

Try This:
Classroom: Kids can write or dictate their own version of “Because You’re My Dad…” to create a class book.
At Home: Fill in the blank together: “Because you’re my kid, I will…” Bonus points for outrageous promises like “build a castle out of pillows!”

4. “Daddy Dressed Me” by Michael and Ava Gardner

📖 What It’s About:
Based on a real dad-daughter duo, this story follows Ava as she prepares for a big day—with help from her fashion-loving father. A beautiful tribute to confidence and creativity!

Try This:
Classroom: Set up a fashion design center where kids create an outfit for a special day using fabric scraps or colored paper.
At Home: Have a “fashion show” where your child designs and models a special outfit—bonus fun if a dad or adult helps out!

5. “A Day with Dad” by Bo Rutter

📖 What It’s About:
A touching, gentle story about a child spending time with his dad, who lives far away. It’s a thoughtful, warm-hearted read for all family types.

Try This:
Classroom: Use this book to start a discussion about different types of families. Invite students to draw or write about a “special day” with someone they love.
At Home: Plan your own special day—even if it’s simple! A picnic in the living room, a walk around the block, or a game night can be just as magical.

You can grab all of these books right here!

💡 Bonus Tip – Summer Style!
Turn Father’s Day reading into a family memory-maker! After enjoying one of these books, try making a Father’s Day Memory Jar at home. Have each family member write down a favorite moment or funny story with dad (or another special grown-up). Decorate the jar together and read the memories out loud on Father’s Day morning. It’s a keepsake and a conversation-starter all in one!

Books have the power to connect us, celebrate love, and spark creativity—whether in a classroom circle or curled up on the couch. However you read these Father’s Day favorites, know you’re creating space for joy, appreciation, and lots of smiles.

Keep the Reading Magic Going!
Looking for more end-of-year read-aloud gems? Don’t miss my ultimate list of favorites! And if you want to make storytime extra special, check out my top tips for bringing picture books to life. Your read-aloud game is about to sparkle!

The post 5 Fantastic Father’s Day Picture Books to Celebrate Father’s Day – In the Classroom or at Home! 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.

At Ramona Recommends, we believe in Confetti Moments—those magical bursts when a story truly connects with a reader. June’s National Days offer the perfect opportunity to open the magic, build classroom community, and create meaningful discussions around books.

Nail Polish Day – June 1

📖 Fancy Nancy: Ooh La La! It’s Beauty Day by Jane O’Connor
Nancy’s glamorous backyard spa day is full of flair and fun—just like Nail Polish Day. Use this book to talk about self-expression and imagination!

Cheese Day – June 4

📖 The Big Cheese by Jory John
A hilarious tale about competition, pressure, and staying true to yourself. Celebrate this cheesy holiday by encouraging students to embrace their own greatness.

Eyewear Day – June 6

📖 Carla’s Glasses by Debbie Herman
Carla’s confidence shines even when others tease her for her unique style. A perfect choice for discussions around acceptance and individuality.

Best Friends Day – June 8

📖 Sticks and Stones by Patricia Polacco
True friendship and resilience take center stage in this heartwarming story. Honor Best Friends Day by exploring kindness and loyalty.

Loving Day – June 12

📖 The Case for Loving by Selina Alko
Introduce young readers to a pivotal moment in civil rights history. This beautifully told story promotes love, justice, and the power of family.

Flag Day – June 14

📖 America’s Flag Story by Karen S. Robbins
Bring history to life with this engaging look at the American flag. It’s a great conversation starter about patriotism, symbols, and unity.

Father’s Day – June 16

📖 Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons
This lyrical book captures the depth of family bonds and traditions. A heartfelt read for celebrating fathers and family heritage.

Eat Your Vegetables Day – June 17

📖 The Vegetables We Eat by Gail Gibbons
Crunch, chew, and learn! This nonfiction gem gives students a fresh look at veggies. Inspire curiosity about healthy choices and gardening.

Pink Day – June 23

📖 Pink is for Blobfish by Jess Keating
A quirky and fascinating dive into the animal world that challenges color stereotypes. Pink is powerful, and blobfish are cool—what’s not to love?

Sunglasses Day – June 27

📖 Rosie’s Glasses by Dave Whamond
Rosie’s world shifts with a pair of colorful glasses. Celebrate perspective, joy, and the beauty of looking at life a little differently.

Camera Day – June 29

📖 Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Perfect for a summer snow day in June! Learn about the first person to photograph snowflakes and honor curiosity, dedication, and creativity.

Social Media Day – June 30

📖 Nerdy Birdy Tweets by Aaron Reynolds
Nerdy Birdy learns a valuable lesson about friendship and digital responsibility. It’s the perfect way to spark conversations about empathy and screen time.

Make It Interactive!

If you’re looking to take these books to the next level, check out my June National Days Classroom Resource. With kid-friendly holiday facts, Turn & Talk questions, and digital read-alouds, it’s a ready-to-use, meaningful way to celebrate every day of the month! Whether it’s for morning meetings or afternoon wind-downs, this tool adds magic and structure to your June.

Final Thought

In a world that moves fast, picture books help us slow down and connect. Celebrate June’s joyful days with stories that open hearts and build classroom community. (Missed May’s suggestions? Check here!)

Let’s Open the Magic—one national day (and book!) at a time.

The post Delightful Discoveries: June’s Best Picture Books Moments for National Days appeared first on Ramona Recommends.