You know that feeling when you're trying to read aloud to your class and it feels like you're competing with twenty different side conversations? Or when you ask a question and three students blurt out answers before you've even finished speaking? We've all been there, and the good news is that picture books can transform those chaotic read aloud moments into meaningful learning experiences. Whether you're setting up classroom expectations at the beginning of the year or finding yourself needing to revisit listening skills in January—or really any time—today's episode is your roadmap to building better listeners.

In this episode, I'm sharing eleven incredible picture books that will help your students develop crucial listening skills while enjoying fantastic stories. From books about learning when to stop talking (hello, "Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker"!) to stories that teach empathetic listening like "The Rabbit Listened," I've organized these books into three categories to make it easier for you to choose the right book for your specific classroom needs. You'll discover practical tips for using these books during read aloud time, learn how to address everything from interrupting to mindful listening, and walk away with a clear action plan for creating the calm, engaged classroom community you've been dreaming of. Because here's the truth—good listeners aren't born, they're developed through practice and the right stories.

📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

💙 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie!)

📚 Books in this Episode:

• Lacey Walker, NonStop Talker
• Quiet Please, Owen McPhee
• My Mouth is a Volcano
• Wordy Birdy
• I Have a Little Problem
• Listen, Buddy
• 10 Ways to Hear Snow
• The Rabbit Listened
• Bear Has a Story to Tell
• Howard B. Wigglebottom
• Interrupting Chicken

Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

Check out the TpT Store.
Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.

Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)

The Colorful Apple

Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Picture this: You're preparing for a new school year, dreaming of that magical classroom community where every student feels seen, valued, and connected. But between lesson planning, room setup, and all those back-to-school tasks, actually building that community can feel overwhelming. Here's what I know—you already have one of the most powerful community-building tools right at your fingertips: picture books. And whether you're welcoming students for the first time in August or rebuilding connections after winter break, these stories will transform your classroom.

In this episode, I'm sharing ten incredible picture books that are absolute powerhouses for fostering kindness, inclusion, and genuine connection among your students. From "The Invisible Boy" to the classic "Chrysanthemum," each carefully chosen title opens hearts and sparks meaningful conversations. I'll walk you through each book's community-building potential and let you know how you can find ready-to-use lesson plans for every single title in the Colorful Apple Book Club. Because building community shouldn't add to your stress—it should bring back the joy of teaching.

📓 Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

💙 FREE Be Kind lesson

📚 Books in this Episode:

• The Invisible Boy
• The Cool Bean
• All are Welcome
• We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
• Do Unto Otters
• The Day You Begin
• Be Kind
• Don’t Hug Doug
• Strictly No Elephants
• Chrysanthemum

Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

Check out the TpT Store.
Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.

Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)

The Colorful Apple

Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.

Get ready to fall in love with reading all over again! This month's new releases are absolutely incredible, and I'm practically bursting with excitement to share them with you. From a grumpy ghost who learns about friendship to a blind astronomer who literally hears the stars, these 13 brand-new picture books are going to transform your read aloud game. Whether you need something to spark deep conversations about strength and resilience, celebrate diverse cultures, or just get your kids giggling with dragons in underpants, this lineup has everything your classroom needs.

In this episode, I'm sharing my honest thoughts on each book - what makes them special, how they'll work in your real classroom with real kids, and which ones are absolutely worth adding to your wish list. You'll discover books perfect for STEM connections, social-emotional learning, cultural celebrations, and pure reading joy. Plus, I'm giving you the inside scoop on which stories will have your students begging for "just one more chapter" and which ones are going to generate those magical classroom discussions we all live for. Trust me, by the end of this episode, you're going to have some serious book shopping to do!

📚 Join the FREE Workshop: Organize Your Read Alouds for the Whole Year

📚 Books in this Episode:

• The Grumpy Ghost Upstairs
• I am Strong
• The Library in the Woods
• Worthy
• Dragons Love Underpants
• The Right to Play
• CeeCee
• Itty Bitty Betty blog Makes a Splash
• Princess Battle Royale
• Wanda Hears the Stars
• Can I Keep It, Please?
• The Everything Trail
• Perla and the Pirate

🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs

📝 Show Notes

Click here to join the FREE workshop!

The 'Organize Your Read Alouds' workshop is a free 5-day training that helps elementary teachers create a complete system for fitting meaningful read-alouds into any schedule, selecting the perfect books for each comprehension strategy, and asking questions that truly develop students' thinking skills.

Join the Colorful Apple Book Club!

Check out the TpT Store.
Join our FREE Facebook Group all about read alouds.

Keep your teaching colorful,
Sara :)

The Colorful Apple

Full disclosure: Amazon links in my descriptions are usually affiliate links which means if you purchase through that link, I receive a very small percentage of the sale.