Inspire a love of reading and writing through Picture Books!

Reading to my students was a highlight of my teaching career. "Picture Books" can be for all ages! The engagement and enthusiasm students expressed while listening to a book was miraculous. A teacher's thoughtful choice and enthusiasm inspired deep conversation and emotion, curiosity, and strengthened our class family. I found the same enthusiasm with all children around the world. I share below my absolute favorite books, please feel free to share with me yours as well!

My favorite authors (at this time😃):

***Susan Verde!!

Katherine Applegate

Jan Brett

Eve Bunting

Amanda Gorman

Gail Gibbons

Sy Montgomery

Yuyi Morales

Patricia Pollaco

Kobi Yamada

FAVORITES!

Susan Verde "I Am Book Series."

I Am We is my all time favorite book right now! We are in desperate need of community in our world today and this book is a must for the shelves of every classroom. Susan Verde has many books in her I Am Series-check it out!

One Smile

Susan Verde "I Am Book Series."

One Smile by Cindy McKinley.

One Smile beautifully illustrates a small act of kindness. I read this the first day of school and we refer back to it often.

Maybe

Susan Verde "I Am Book Series."

Feeling Grateful

Maybe by Kobi Yamada

All time MUST READ. A story about the endless potential in ALL of us.

Feeling Grateful

What Make YOU Feel Good?

Feeling Grateful

Feeling Grateful by Kobi Yamada.

A book for ages 99 and younger. I read this to children and adults. If we all lived like this our world would be a better place! Just pure magic.

Change Sings

What Make YOU Feel Good?

Change Sings by Amanda Gorman

Lyrical text and dynamic illustrations is a triumphant call to action for everyone to use their abilities to make a difference.

What Make YOU Feel Good?

The Feel Good Book by Todd Parr. A fantastic way to introduce JOY to your students. After reading we make a list in our journal about what made us FEEL GOOD. Students added to the list throughout the year and also made their own FEEL GOOD BOOKS.

The Prince of Butterflies

Our World Dumplings by Francie Dekker

The Prince of Butterlies by Bruce Coville. A passionate flight of fantasy about the difficulties and rewards of staying true to one's heart. After reading I had my students do a butterfly art project. Very impactful.

Our World Dumplings by Francie Dekker

Our World of Dumplings by Francie Dekker is a delightful picture book that explores the rich cultural diversity of dumplings from around the globe. Through the eyes of children and their families, the story celebrates the unique ways different cultures prepare and enjoy these beloved dishes, from Italian ravioli to Chinese potstickers, Mexican tamales, and Polish pierogi.

As the children share their traditions, the book highlights the universal joy of cooking, sharing meals, and bringing people together. With vibrant illustrations and a message of unity and understanding, Our World of Dumplings is a heartwarming tribute to food as a way of connecting across cultures.

The Day You Begin

If Kids Ran The World

The Day You Begin

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

There are lots of reasons to feel different. I wish my teachers read this to ME when I was young, "This is the day you begin-to find the places inside your laughter and your lunches, your books, your travel and your stories.wheree every new friend has something a little like you-and something else so fabulously not quite like you at all.

Dreamers

If Kids Ran The World

The Day You Begin

Dreamers byYuyi Morales

Oh, my heart skips when I read this book! "What if you dreamed of a new life and it came to you? What if that new life led you to a new country, where no one spoke your language.." I dreamed exacly this and it changed my life forever. Beautifully written and illustrated.

If Kids Ran The World

If Kids Ran The World by Leo and Diane Dillon.

If peace begins with a smile, then children are our gretest hope for the future. Always a favorite with students. After reading this book they begged to write their own stories.

Creating Community

Self Acceptance and Respect

Creating Community

All are Welcome, by Alexandra Penfold

Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms no matter their race, religion, or background.

Friendship

Self Acceptance and Respect

Creating Community

Charlie Mackesy offers inspiration and hope in uncertain times in this beautiful book, following the tale of a curious boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox and a wise horse who find themselves together in sometimes difficult terrain, sharing their greatest fears and biggest discoveries about vulnerability, kindness, hope, friendship and love. The shared adventures and important conversations between the four friends are full of life lessons that have connected with readers of all ages.

Self Acceptance and Respect

In this powerful and lyrical picture book, a young girl learns to love and celebrate her appearance. An empowering tale of self-acceptance and respect for one's roots.

Bring in Humor!

Celebrate our Differences

Self Acceptance and Respect

Walter the Farting Dog, by William Kotzwinkle

Yes, it's a farting book! I read it at the beginning of the year to give us the opportunity to chat about this topic. A normal body function. My students LOVED it!

Celebrate our Differences

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

A heartwarming story about the new girl in school, and how she learns to appreciate her Korean name. Perfect for the first week of school learning names or integrating into your Global Studies.

A Book of Feelings

Celebrate our Differences

A vibrant celebration of feelings, in all their shapes and sizes.

Inspiring Mindfulness

I Am Peace

Only One YOU

I Am Peace

I Am Peace by Susan Verde.

Susan Verde explores mindfulness through her I AM series. Students learn how to manage their emotions, make good choices and balance their busy lives. A great resource in your library! These will be read over and over again!

Happy

Only One YOU

I Am Peace

Happy-A beginners book of Mindfulness. Wonderful way to introduce mindfulness to your students.

Only One YOU

Only One You by Linda Kranz. Board books aren't just for babies! Kids love the bright colors and honest insights in exploring the world and being YOU.

Be You!

Yoga Mindfulness

Only One YOU

Be You by Peter H. Reynolds

A joyful reminder on how we are all different. Author Reynolds has authored many books celebrating mindfulness.

I Am Enough

Yoga Mindfulness

I Am Enough by Grace Byers.

"We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it."

Yoga Mindfulness

The ABC's of YOGA for KIDS by Teresa Anne Power. Yoga helped me with mindfulness throughout my entire teaching career. The benefits can be shared with children as well, enabling them to enjoy life to the fullest. Students love incorporating yoga into their day.

Inspiring Books on Writing

I'm in Charge of Celebrations

I'm in Charge nof Celebrations by Bryd Baylor

I absolutely love the creativity in this book. I used this book to introduce writing in September. After, my students made a list of their celebrations in their journals. Again, it builds our class connections and gives them ideas for future writing.

Narrative Writing

I'm in Charge of Celebrations

When I Was Young and In the Mountains, by Cynthia Rylant

Excellent example of Narrative Writing.

Narrative History

I'm in Charge of Celebrations

Narrative History

The Wall by Eve Bunting

A boy and his father visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington D.C. looking for the boy's grandfather's name. His grandfather was killed in action as a soldier in the Vietnam War. The boy describes his interactions with the people around him as they search for his grandfather's name on the wall.

Fireflies

Brotherly Love

Narrative History

Fireflies, Julie Brinkloe

Excellent example on Narrative Writing. It inspires students to think about their memories and moments in life.

Brotherly Love

My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother, by Patricia Polacco.

Patricia Polacco's boldly and exuberantly painted pictures tell a lively and warmhearted tale of comic one-upsmanship and brotherly love.

All of Patricia Polacco's books belong in school libraries!

Courage

Brotherly Love

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwell.

Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash.

Books on nature

Forest by Christie Matheson

TechnSmall Twig Hiking & Camping Guide by Buck Wilder

Forest Bath Right Down This Path by Lisa Robinson

"Forest" is an engaging read-aloud book that encourages questions and conversation. It provides an intriguing introduction to the natural world and helps young children develop a lasting connection with the great outdoors. This delightful book is perfect for any time of year and is a beautiful way to celebrate occasions such as spring, Earth Day, Mother’s Day, or the arrival of a new baby.of a new baby.children's nature book includes additional information about forests and what we can do to care for them.

Forest Bath Right Down This Path by Lisa Robinson

TechnSmall Twig Hiking & Camping Guide by Buck Wilder

Forest Bath Right Down This Path by Lisa Robinson

Join in a forest bathing adventure as a young girl helps her father to leave his cell phone behind and embrace the sights, smells, and sounds of the natural world around him.

TechnSmall Twig Hiking & Camping Guide by Buck Wilder

The artistry in this book draws the reader in while learning the basics of camping and hiking in a fun way!

Social Media Content

TechnSmall Twig Hiking & Camping Guide by Buck Wilder

Need help creating engaging and shareable content for your social media accounts? Natalie Meeuwsen can help you develop a content strategy that will increase your online presence and attract new customers. Contact us now!

Business Writing

Social Media Content

Business Writing

From proposals to reports, Natalie Meeuwsen's business writing services can help you communicate your ideas and goals in a professional and effective way. Let's work together to achieve success!

Scriptwriting

Social Media Content

Business Writing

Bring your story to life with Natalie Meeuwsen's scriptwriting services. Whether it's for film, television, or the stage, Natalie Meeuwsen has the skills and creativity to make your vision a reality. Let's collaborate!