Read Out Loud, Laugh Out Loud with Hysterical New Picture Books
We've shared plenty of books over the years that help teachers and librarians focus on social-emotional learning skills with their readers. It's important to be able to recognize and regulate one's emotions, but it's also important to encourage positive emotions, peer-bonding, and joyful learning. All of those can come from a laugh-out-loud storytime! Scroll down to see some new picture books that are sure to bring mirth to young readers and build a positive association with books while fostering community.
By Corey R. Tabor
What it's about: Crow's cry is driving all of his animal friends away. Why doesn't he want to spend time with them? The answer will surprise even the most attentive of readers. With it's funny twist and bold illustrations, Corey Tabor hits it out of the park again with a perfect storytime book. And don't just take our word for it! It's now received FOUR starred reviews!
Storytime ideas: Decode the hidden message in the end papers. Then, use felt replicas of the animals to have kids make their own patterns. Pair with Tabor's Mel Fell and the song Five Little Ducks for a bird theme.
By Hala Tahboub
What it's about: Mango and his grandmother have very important plans for the day - go get some vanilla ice cream. So when a leaky tap tries to get in the way, Mango comes up with an inventive solution that ALSO doesn't go according to plan.
Storytime ideas: I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! This makes the perfect addition to perrenially favorite ice cream storytimes. Pair with Pete the Cat Screams for Ice Cream and some "melted ice cream" shaving cream and sprinkles art.
By K. E. Lewis
Illustrated by Isabel Roxas
What it's about: I have a hard enough time wrangling my carry-on bag when I'm traveling, so imagine all of the silly hijinx that would happen if you tried to bring your rhino with you! Rhyming text and cut paper illustrations pair up with child-friendly humor for a read aloud that will have kids in stitches.
Storytime ideas: This is a fun and unexpected addition to transportation themed storytimes and is perfect for showing kids what to expect on their first flights (rhino not included). Finish off with a dance party to Leaving on a Jet Plane!
By Megan Maynor
Illustrated by Estrela Lourenço
What it's about: The Knights of Dinner are responsible for keeping the village fed. When a new knight appears on the scene, people are apprehensive to try something new. But soon they love Taco Knight. But is there such a thing as too many tacos?
Storytime ideas: Pair with Dragons Love Tacos and a fun paper plate taco craft for a perfectly silly Taco Tuesday session.
By Kerilynn Wilson
What it's about: Sometimes, thoughts of a scary monster under your bed can keep you up at night. But the girl in this story has a different problem - the monster isn't sleepy, but it sure is needy! Can she get the monster to fall asleep so she can get some rest of her own?
Storytime ideas: Pajama storytimes are a great way to include working families in your programming. Talk about what the children do to get ready for bed each night and use pictures to make a visual timeline of a bedtime routine. Pair with Pajammin' for a rocking good time!