August 10 for 10

Today I’m participating in a blog party called August 10 for 10 hosted by Cathy Mere and Mandy Robek. The purpose of this party is to share your Top 10 favorite picture books. For somebody like me who has an addiction to picture books this was quite difficult. I’m adding an early childhood spin to this party so “Let the wild rumpus begin!”

back to school books 2011

I don’t know about you but I look forward to getting the new Scholastic book club catalogs in the mail every August {I got mine already!} I take them home and read them in bed each night with my highlighter until I have my list perfected and my bonus points strategy in place. Each time a new box arrives it’s like Christmas and my birthday all rolled into one!

You know what’s even more exciting? Finding books from my favorite authors that haven’t been released yet! That’s why the first 5 titles on my August 10 for 10 list are brand spanking new, and 4 haven’t even been released yet. Here they are in no particular order:

I am a huge Anna Dewdney and Little Llama fan, everything she writes is perfect for young children. Because the text usually rhymes you can incorporate lots of early literacy skills.

I’m also a big Karma Wilson fan, Bear is such a lovable character.

Who doesn’t love Laura Numeroff’s series of If You Give a… books? They are perfect for an author study!

I was introduced to Pete the Cat last year I fell in love with him! I was thrilled to discover that the author is back again this year with a new title.

I knew Jan Brett wouldn’t let me down, and just in time for Christmas too, I’m putting this one on my Christmas list now! My kids can instantly identify any Jan Brett book by the illustrations.

10 for 10 book list

There’s kind of a “Back to School” theme to the last five titles above, they’re all perfect for the beginning of the school year.

You can never go wrong with any book written by David Shannon, his books are always favorites of my students.

Anything by Mo Willems is also a must have in my opinion, they are perfect for young children and so humorous.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is my read-aloud of choice on the first day of school and throughout the school year, the kids adore it.

I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More! is another humorous story about another “bad boy” making it an instant hit with all young children, the naughtier the better in their opinion!

What new books are you looking forward to this year?
What books are on your Top 10 list?

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14 thoughts on “August 10 for 10”

  1. I love Laura Numeroff’s book and can’t wait to get the new one! I am going to begin this year with Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Just met the Llama Llama books last year and LOVE them! Thanks for all your recommendations! Right now I can’t add to your list! Am going to have to check out Pete the Cat though! I’ve gotten behind in getting new books lately. The last few years have not been good ones for book orders from my class, but will try again this year! I was really excited to volunteer at Scholastic during Christmas break a few years ago and received free books as compensation! I also nearly wear out my book order forms before I even send them home!

  2. I love children’s picture books and am excited to see these four new titles that you have suggested. I have not used the Llama books but I do love the bear books by Karma Wilson. Laura Numeroff”s are always a big hit in my kindergarten.
    My very favorite stories these days are by Mo Willems- His stories and drawings make me laugh whether its in the Knuffle bunny series or my personal favorite Leonardo the monster story.
    Here in Canada there is a terrific Canadian author Robert Munsch who is well loved and writes stories that kids are very excited to hear and chant.
    We also love all of Eric Carle’s stories – especially the bug series of The very Hungry caterpillar etc. My personal favorite of his books is Papa get the moon for me..
    Another favorite in my kindergarten is “The Monster at the end of the book” written by Sesame street writers.
    I also love Kat Kong and Dogzilla by Dav Pilkey.
    Stories are just such a wonderful way to engage children – picture books with the beautiful illustrations are the hook for kids.
    Sometimes its not just the new stories but having someone read it to you. I am at parents home for a few days and our four year old great niece was here visiting yesterday. There is nothing more lovely than watching a young child being read to by their great grandma. It was totally sweet – the book was an old Smurf story from the 80’s. She loved it but she loved the lap time more…. Very hard to replicate the lap time, but story time is such an integral part of our daily Kindergarten program.
    Have a great beginning of school. Regards. Anna

  3. I got so excited when I saw Bear’s Loose Tooth on your list – I am totally going to have to put it on my wish list!

  4. I love Pete the Cat. I just discover him this year.
    1.Lois Elhert Books like Painting for Wings
    2 Inside a House that is Haunted by Alyssa Capucilli
    There are others like inside the zoo and inside the barn in the country
    Great for sequence events and with the cassette
    3 Nancy Tafuri Busy Squirrel and Will you be my friend?
    4. Karma Wilson with the bear stores
    5 no list would be complete without Jan Brett
    6 Pat Hutchins Ten Red Apples, Changes, Rosie’s walk
    7 Owl Babies
    8 Mouse Paint Ellen Stoll Walsh – love her books
    9 Laura Numeroff
    10 Chicka Chick Boom

  5. I am doing a Dr Seuss theme this year in my classroom, so I am rummaging for all of his books, as well as using the ones I own from when I was little. I love starting the year with The Kissing Hand, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Brown Bear. I also use many of the ones you and others have mentioned, and have to thank the many kindergarten blogs I read this summer who clued me in to Pete The Cat.

  6. I am so glad I’m not the only crazy scholastic lady out there. I love looking at the magazines and circling everything that looks like fun.

  7. My Favorite Early Childhood Books – text links
    Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
    Head to Toe by Eric Carle
    Brown Bear Brown Bear by Bill Martin
    Mary Wore Her Red Dress and Henry Wore His Green Sneakers
    Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
    Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
    Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert
    Where is Spot? By Eric Hill
    Feast for Ten by Cathryn Falwell
    I Love My Hair by Natasha Tarpley
    The Three Bears by Paul Galdone
    I Went Walking by Sue Williams

  8. I love these books as well! Here are some other great ones:
    We Are in a Book! By: Mo Willems
    Big Chickens By: Leslie Helakowski
    Moosetache By: Margie Palatini (The kids crack up at this one!)
    The Rain Came Down By: David Shannon
    Bossy Bear By: David Horvath
    If You Give a Pig a Pancake By: Laura Numeroff

  9. Some that I didn’t see listed that I love as well: Dog’s Colorful Day, The Napping House, Hi Bears, Bye Bears, Bark George, Caps for Sale, In a Dark, Dark Wood, Bear Wants More, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star by Julia Noonan, Freight Train, Pinkalicious.

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