Choosing something from this collection of elementary school books is the perfect way to update your family bookshelf
Young children entering school often have just taken on the lust for reading. Learning to read while still loving being read to, picture books are the perfect option for both kids and their parents. With developing plots and colorful imagery, these new elementary school books will keep your kids entertained and digging a deeper love of fiction. And if you’ve got kids ready to move on, these chapter books will do the trick.
Beatrice Likes the Dark
$19 BUY NOWBeatrice and her sister are very different. Where Roo likes the light, Beatrice prefers wearing dark clothes and graveyards. Can they learn to appreciate each other and get along? A tale perfect for siblings, April Tucholke’s story is paired with Khoa Le's stunning illustrations. Ages: 4-8
The More You Give
$17 BUY NOWTold with stunning and vibrant illustrations, this lyrical picture book demonstrates love through generations of a family. While addressing the joys of loved ones, it also touches on grief and how the lessons learned from our family live on forever. Ages: 4-8
Saving the Butterfly: A story about refugees
$18 BUY NOWThis is a wonderful new elementary school book. A big and little child are all that remains when a refugee boat lands on the shore. One hides indoors while the other ventures out. To cheer up his sister, the young one brings a butterfly indoors in this powerful story of longing for a home and resiliency. Ages: 4-8
Poppy's House
$17 BUY NOWA sweet story about a little girl visiting her grandpa in Newfoundland, Karla Courtney's tale is the perfect bedtime story. Textured illustrations give a warm and cozy feeling to anyone who reads this Coastal Canada-themed book. Ages: 4-8
Something About Grandma
$19 BUY NOWOne summer, Julia heads off to stay with Grandma outside Mexico City. While she's there, she learns about how magical her home is, in addition to learning Grandma always knows just what to do when she's sad. A sweet book about love between generations, Tania de Regil's words and illustrations come together in this story of inspiration.
Frank and Bean: Food Truck Fiasco
$17 BUY NOWA chapter book that's perfect for budding readers, Jamie Michalak's whimsical tale of Frank and Bean is fun beyond compare. These fab friends are different as can be, but when it comes to teamwork they know how to pull it off. Follow along as Frank helps Bean sell his zippy donuts from his new food truck. Does a fiasco await? Ages: 5-8
The Queen in the Cave
$20 BUY NOWIn this modern fairy tale, follow Franca, Carmela and Tomasina on a wonderful adventure through their garden. With bright and detailed illustrations, Júlia Sardà's story follows the sisters through a journey to figure out whether Franca's dream about a queen who lives in a cave is real. Ages: 5-9
Pigeon & Cat
$18 BUY NOWCat is happy with his life in the city lot, but then Pigeon comes along and shows him a whole new world. Praising the concept of an urban community, Edward Hemingway's story is one of friendship, courage and curiosity that speaks to readers of all ages. Ages: 4-8
Where Butterflies Fill the Sky
$16 BUY NOWZahra loves her home made up of the desert, sea, aunties, and butterflies. But one day, Baba and Mama tell her they must leave, so they leave their land and head to a new desert. While the place is new, Zahra is welcomed by people who make her feel like she belongs. Written and illustrated by Zahra Marwan, this personal story shares her journey of her family's immigration from Kuwait to New Mexico. Ages: 4-8
I'm a Neutrino
$19 BUY NOWMIT Kids Press is here to educate kids on neutrinos! Told with fun rhythmic prose and adorable illustrations, little scientists will learn the ins and outs of this elusive element, along with a fun "Know Your Neutrinos" cheat sheet at the end of the book. Ages: 7-9
Tiny Cedric
$18 BUY NOWKing ME the first, Tiny Cedric has a bit of a complex about his size. Disgruntled that he's short, he banishes everyone who is taller than him from his kingdom. But who's left? Babies! Will they be able to teach him to be less grumpy? Sally Lloyd-Jones and Rowboat Watckins weave a fun tale of Cedric's journey to happiness. Ages: 4-8
John's Turn
$17 BUY NOWToday was a big day: it was John's turn for Sharing Gifts. Despite wanting to share his talent with his classmates, he's nervous. Mac Barnett's simple tale celebrates individuality, partnered with simple illustrations by Kate Berube as John navigates his feelings and self expression. Ages: 4-8
Perfectly Pegasus
$17 BUY NOWNimbus is a pegasus: a lonely pegasus. So when she sees a shooting star pass by, she's determined to find it and make a wish for friends! Along the way, she meets Kelp, a unicorn, who wants to help. While she doesn't find her falling star, can she maybe find a friend instead? This sweet elementary school book by Jessie Sima is total family fun. Ages: 4-8
Tilda Tries Again
$18 BUY NOWTilda is perfectly happy with her life, thank you very much. But when something happens that turns it upside down, she has to decide if she will give up or keep trying. Told with poignant prose by Tom Percival and creative use of color through his illustrations, this story addresses change, big emotions and family. Ages: 3-6
When I'm With You
$15 BUY NOW"You're the basket on my bike and the canteen on my hike...I'd go anywhere with you." This tear-jerking power of friendship by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler tugs on the heartstring while celebrating childhood. Ages: 4-8
This Is A School
$18 BUY NOWA school is more than just a place of learning: it's a community. It's a safe space for people to learn, make mistakes and form a family that extends far beyond its four walls. John Schu's story serves as a letter to schools and addresses how its members are still a community, whether they are together in the classroom or not. Ages: 3-6
Imagine!: Rhymes of Hope to Shout Together
$19 BUY NOWItaly's famed children's poet Bruno Tognolini partners with illustrator Giulia Orecchia to bring a book of hope to young readers. In beautiful rhythmic flow, kids will be encouraged to imagine a variety of scenarios, "if only..."Ages: 4-8
All photos: Courtesy of publishers
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
