Mrs. Williams' Favorite Children's Books

Great children's books that can be utilized in the K-6 classroom
The Witches - Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake

The Witches is a book about a little boy vacationing with his grandma.  While on vacation, he encounters witches, and gets himself into quite a predicament.  This books is appropriate for grades 4-6.  While reading this book with the class, plot structure can be deeply analyzed.

The Crayon Box that Talked - Shane DeRolf, Michael Letzig

The Crayon Box that Talked is a sweet story about a box of crayons that just can't get along!  Red doesn't like blue, and green doesn't like yellow!  No one knows why; they are just different.  However, throughout the story, the crayons learn that together they can make beautiful pictures.  This would be a great story to use on the first day to discuss diversity and to enhance a sense of classroom belonging.  Everyone is important is important in my classroom, and the picture isn't complete when one of my friends is missing!  This book is appropriate for K-3 grades.

Spider and the Fly - Mary Howitt, Tony DiTerlizzi

The Spider and the Fly is a book about a spider who tricks a fly into his lair so he can devour her.  Students love to hear this story and it's appropriate for grades 1-5, depending on how the text is used.  I used this story to discuss peer pressure during red ribbon week while I was a counselor.

Bridge to Terabithia - Katherine Paterson

I really enjoyed reading about the evolving friendship between Jess and Leslie, and I believe many students could relate. When I first read the book in 4th grade, the climax was shocking and that feeling has never left me. It's one of the books I remember most from my childhood. One concept to focus on in the classroom is imagery. This book paints vivid pictures with its details. A teacher could pass out art supplies, read a vivid excerpt from the book, and have students create what they see. It would be interesting to see all of the different images that are created.