Five Favorites for November

It's no secret that I have a slight addiction to picture books. It's bad. I can't even just check them out or borrow them either, I have to OWN them. So, in the spirit of the season, here are some books I am very thankful for this month!

A Plump and Perky Turkey If you haven't read this one - it's a hoot! Squawk Valley is looking for its turkey day dinner and stages an art fair to attract a gobbler to their town. Pete can't resist. Such a fun story told in rhyme. There's also some great alliteration and the illustrations are hysterical. Don't miss this great website from the publisher complete with online games and printables!

We Gather Together, Now Get Lost This next one is also one of my favorites. Who doesn't love Diane deGroat books? In this one Gilbert is bummed because his field trip to Pilgrim Town is ruined when he is paired up with Tattletale Phillip as his buddy. Gilbert tries to ditch Phillip, but ends up in a bit of trouble. Cute ending that could spark some good discussion about finding the good in everyone. I just love the illustrations on this one too. Who knew possums could be so cute?

Don't Know Much About...The Pilgrims  This next one was a MUST for me. I have to say, history was not my very most favorite subject. It still isn't. This is basically Pilgrims for Dummies. I actually dig all of the books in this "Don't Know Much About..." series. I bought the American History one when I was studying for my National Boards test and it honestly helped -  a lot!

Eating the Plates  I first saw this book as part of my work with the National Writing Project. It is seriously fascinating. It details the foods pilgrims ate on their Mayflower journey including weevil filled, rock hard biscuits and maggot infested meat! Finding parts of the book to read aloud will be easy and have a serious impact on the kids. Try having them write a journal entry from the point of view of a pilgrim child on The Mayflower after their daily meal. They really get into it!

T is for Turkey  This next one is a double whammy. It's a picture alphabet book! This one has a unique twist. It's told in an alphabet book format, with rhyming couplets, as it tells the story of a class putting on a Thanksgiving play. Super cute. Try having your class make their own version. Click {HERE} for a free alphabet book template to use. 

Wow, that was five already?? I could actually list a few more, for sure. I really am thankful that I can use these amazing, engaging books with my students. I'm also thankful that I have large bookshelves at school to hold them all!