Ever feel like you're constantly hunting for new books to teach different subjects, even though your classroom library is already bursting at the seams? You're not alone! In this episode, I'm sharing the game-changing strategy that smart teachers use to make one amazing picture book do the work of three. We'll explore how to uncover the hidden cross-curricular potential in books you already own and love, saving you precious planning time while actually enhancing your students' learning experience.

I'll walk you through four specific picture books that work like magic across multiple subjects—from "Because of an Acorn" teaching both cause-and-effect AND life cycles, to "Whistle for Willie" covering sequencing AND social-emotional learning. You'll discover my practical three-read approach that transforms student complaints of "We already read this book!" into excited expertise, plus simple organization systems to track the teaching potential in your classroom library. If you're ready to stretch your book budget, save planning time, and create deeper learning connections for your students, this episode is exactly what you need to hear.

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

🌟 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.

You know that feeling when you discover a picture book that's so perfect for your classroom that you can hardly contain your excitement? Well, get ready to experience that joy eleven times over because this month's new releases are absolutely incredible. From poetry that turns everyday moments into pure delight to stories that help kids navigate big emotions with confidence, these fresh picture books are bursting with read aloud magic that will have your students begging for "just one more chapter" while secretly building critical reading skills.

In this episode, we're diving into eleven brand-new picture books that are about to transform your classroom library. You'll discover a porcupine's friendship adventure that sparks meaningful discussions about independence, a witch's quest for the perfect pet that sneaks in research skills, and a story about Carl Sagan that will have your students looking up at the stars with wonder. Whether you're looking for books that celebrate cultural traditions, ease first-day jitters, or simply bring more laughter into your reading block, these fresh releases offer something special for every classroom moment. Get ready to add some serious contenders to your wishlist—your students are going to love what's coming their way!

🎉 Join the Organize Your Read Alouds Workshop for FREE!

📚 Books in this Episode:

• Blue Jelly & Strawberries
• Norman and the Smell of Adventure
• A Universe Big and Small
• Evelyn Witch Gets a Pet
• Chicka Chicka Tricka Treat
• I Got You
• It’s Almost Time for…Halloween!
• This Moment is Special
• Tiny T-Rex & the First Day Oopsies
• The Marvelous Now
• The Mixed-Up Owl
• Pencil’s Best Story Ever
• Sammy and Sunny’s First Day of School

📚 Click here to see all the books!

🌟 50 Picture Books Every Classroom Needs (freebie)

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.

Ever grabbed a picture book for a lesson only to realize halfway through that it wasn't going to work for what you planned to teach? (Been there!) In this episode, I'm sharing my proven 10-minute framework that will transform how you prepare read alouds forever. No more late-night planning or scrambling for questions while you're reading - just a simple, repeatable process that works with ANY picture book in your classroom library.

I'll walk you through each step of creating powerful read aloud lessons in record time - from choosing a single teaching focus to placing sticky-note questions at strategic stopping points. You'll discover how to maximize the impact of your picture books across all curriculum areas while minimizing your prep time. Whether you struggle with coming up with good questions, finding the right books, or simply finding time to plan, this episode gives you a practical solution you can implement immediately. Get ready to reclaim the magic of read alouds without sacrificing your precious planning time!

🎉 Join the Organize Your Read Alouds Workshop for FREE!

🌟 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.