book picks |

Let me start off by saying I’m a HUGE Eric Carle fan. In fact, even before I started teaching and when I was still in college I started buying his books. In grade school we love to do author studies. We learn about the author, where they live, why they illustrate the way they do, why the pick a certain motif.

Kids love it! I’d love to share my top 5 Eric Carle book picks….now mind you there are many more. I will try to stay on the lower level because some of his books can easily be used in grades 3 and up.

1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar -ah my most favorite! It’s about a hungry caterpillar who eats through a different food each day of the week and finally changes into a butterfly. The colors are amazing. This book is great to teach colors, days of the week, and life cycle. We actually as a grade level did a walking bulletin board retelling where each class took one page of the book, illustrated it through torn art, and interactively wrote the story. It was a highlight and well amazing.

2. From Head To Toe-This one is great for animals and body parts. Also available in a board book-especially since Row hasn’t mastered the paper page yet. She totally wants to but I turn and rip…..sigh.

3.Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See-This one is great for rhyming, predictability, and animal recognition.

4.The Mixed Up Chameleon-He changes into different colors and animals! This is also lovely because it talks about respecting and loving the person you simply are.

5.Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me-This one has a fold out page. I adore this book. It was the first book I chose to read as a teacher and the story while simple is so touching about the love between a Father and his child.

Eric Carle not only writes but illustrated all of his books. His illustrations are in fact painted collages. He hand paints tissue paper and then cuts the pieces of each page out and assembles. It quite frankly amazing once you really know what you’re looking at. Eric Carle also has a museum in Amherst, Massachusetts. I highly recommend you adding it to your bucket list!!!

Oh yes I’ve been and yes I own all of this books!

So here are my top 5 book picks for Easter!

I have included links to Amazon. I don’t get paid for it but I always find it helpful on other sites that have links. I also heart heart Amazon.

1.The Story of Easter-now this is NOT a book I would read at school. However in our Catholic home I like to lead each religious holiday with purpose first. This is a great down to earth level-still a bit much for toddlers but great for exposure. You can easily paraphrase. Wonderful pictures. Such a great way to share about Jesus’ love and sacrifice and the wonderful miracle of his death and resurrection.

2. Owen’s Marshmallow Chick-Oh Kevin Hennkes-I so love him and all his mouse madness! This is a board book but I read it in Kindergarten. I love when a book ties into an author study and a holiday. Hennkes writes amazing character books. Did I mention I have a love of peeps?

3.Richard Scarry’s The Bunny Book-Why-because I loved it growing up! I love books that have been around forever…and all the cute little bunnies.

4.The Egg Tree-This is an oldie-I mean a real oldie but a goodie. It’s long…and works best for older children. It’s about creating traditions and valuing our elders. It’s a Caldecott winner-which means the drawings are amazing.

5. Bunny My Honey-Sweet and great for rhyming. From the author of Guess How Much I Love You.

I would love for you to share your book picks with me!

Book Picks-Eric Carle Edition