It’s probably something to do with being a Teacher Librarian, but I am always on the hunt for great picture books that teach students library skills. I love to use them as a way to introduce a unit, to create interest and to engage students. I thought I’d list some of my favorites below.
I like to begin the school year by sharing books about the library in general. I also like to throw in some Library Orientation type topics, including how to treat the library respectfully and behavioral expectations. My favorites are below.
Dewey: There’s a Cat in the Library! by Vicki Myron
Who doesn’t love Dewey? This book is such a student favorite. I love to use it to introduce the library to my younger students. They are always amazed when I tell them this picture book is based on a true story (which I also love, may I add! If you haven’t read the grown up version, go read it now!).
Library Lion by Michelle Knudson
A fun story about the library, a very traditional librarian with rules and expectations, with an unexpected twist!
Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library by Julie Gassman
All about library etiquette, a fun and simple story that the younger grades thoroughly enjoy.
Manners in the Library by Carrie Finn
This one is perfect for teaching your younger students about how to act in the library. It’s short, simple and gets the message across in a fun and very basic format. Perfect for K-1.
Read It, Don’t Eat It! by Ian Schoenherr
This is a cute book about book care. It focuses about things you should and should not do with your library books. It’s quite short- which is great if you’re running low on time, or can always be extended with some of the tricky words in there (deface, delete, censor).
Never Let a Ghost Borrow Your Library Book by Karen Casale
Oh this book is great! Perfect for 2nd & 3rd grade in particular as they really seem to love the ‘secret agent’ theme running through this book. This one is a little longer, and I absolutely love it.
Manners with a Library Book by Amanda Doering Tourville
This book shares with the students the basics of book care in a really straight forward manner. Best for Prep/Kindergarten and 1st Grade.
The Shelf Elf by Jackie Mims Hopkins
If you can find a copy of this book, then grab it (Amazon is your best bet!) I love the ‘elf’ theme throughout as well as the fact it goes through book care skills such as how to use a shelf marker (Because we all need extra reinforcement on shelf markers. No Little Johnny, it’s not a sword!).
The Best Book to Read by Debbie Bertram
I like this one because it’s great to highlight how many different books are on our shelves for students to read. Also, that not every book is ‘just right’ for every student. It’s important for students to know that we all have different interests and skill levels.
Goldie Socks and the Three Libearians by Jackie Mims Hopkins
This book is a library themed version of ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ and one of my absolute favorites. It teaches students how to use the 5 finger rule and put books away correctly. I especially love the fun twist at the end that always surprises my students!
We’re Going on a Book Hunt by Pat Miller
A fun story that includes tips on how to select a ‘just right book’ set to the familiar and much loved tune of ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’. Kids love to sing along to this one.
Miss Malarkey Leaves No Reader Behind by Kevin O’Malley
A fun book that emphasizes how each student has different reading interests and the power of finding a ‘just right book. This one speaks especially to those reluctant readers!
Just a tip, when I purchased many of these books as my own personal copies, I bought the paperback versions- because they were cheaper. If you can spring for the hard back copies it is so well worth the investment. I really don’t enjoy reading a softcover to students as much as it’s more difficult to hold and show students the pictures while you’re reading. Obviously a hard cover will last a lot longer too. I’m currently in the process of replacing my old worn paperbacks for some new hardcovers which should see me into my future years of teaching!
If you have a favorite book that you use to teach your students library skills, I would love to hear about it! Please leave your recommendations in the comments, below.
