May 4th is Teacher Appreciation Day, & while it doesn't mean that's the only day you can show appreciation for teachers in your life, it is nice to have a commemorative day to recognize those miracle workers.  I am no longer a classroom teacher, but as a former 4th grade teacher, I know how much time, love, sweat, & tears go into running a classroom & loving & nurturing a bunch of kids. Teachers should be recognized & applauded for all they do; it's not an easy job! 
I hope these fun picture books will help you & your kiddos find ways to celebrate the teachers in your life! 
PICTURE BOOKS ABOUT TEACHERS & TEACHER APPRECIATION:  
1. A Teacher Like You
by: Frank Murphy, Barbara Dan & Kayla Harren
(Teachers have the wonderful ability to change the life of the children they teach; whether it's learning to read or discovering math, or learning about our diverse world. This book is an ode to teachers who are dedicated to helping their students bloom.)
www.amazon.com/Teacher-Like-You-Frank-Murphy/dp/1534111131/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=A+TEACHER+LIKE+YOU&qid=1619647506&sr=8-1 

​2. Dear Teacher: A Celebration of People Who Inspire Us
by: Paris Rosenthal & Holly Hatam
(A book about having gratitude for those who teach & inspire little ones to have confidence & go after their dreams! 
www.amazon.com/Dear-Teacher-Celebration-People-Inspire/dp/006301274X/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=dear+teacher&qid=1619654528&sr=8-3
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3. Thank You,Mr. Falker
by: Patricia Polacco 
(Trisha was once a young girl who could paint beautifully, but she had dyslexia when it came to looking at books & trying to read. Trisha had a wonderful teacher, Mr. Falker, who encouraged her to overcome her disability & took care of her when students made fun of or bullied her. Patricia will never forget her sweet teacher, & neither will you after reading this tender story!) 
www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Falker-Patricia-Polacco/dp/0399257624/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dear+mr.+falker&qid=1619734337&sr=8-1

4. What If There Were No Teachers? A Gift Book for Teachers
by: Caron Chandler Loveless
(An illustrated poem of how sad life would be if we didn't have wonderful teachers, who have impacted our lives.  The best read to celebrate schools, educators & aides for all they do for our schools.) 
www.amazon.com/What-There-Were-Teachers-Celebrate/dp/1416551972/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=what+if+there+were+no+teachers&qid=1619734617&sr=8-1

5. A Letter to My Teacher
by: Deborah Hopkinson & Nancy Carpenter 
(The wonderful teacher in this story is exceptional at knowing just the right thing to say, especially to a little girl who prefers being active and jumping around, to listening & learning.  For those of us who have taught, you know what it feels like to have that "busy student." But it turns out that the little girl acts out because of her struggles with reading.)
www.amazon.com/Letter-My-Teacher-Deborah-Hopkinson/dp/0375868453/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+letter+to+my+teacher&qid=1619750693&s=books&sr=1-1

6. Miss Teacher Mom
by: Katlynne Mirabal
(The heartwarming story of a little girl who is homeschooled by her mama, & in catchy rhyme, describes all the reasons she enjoys that relationship.) 
​www.amazon.com/Miss-Teacher-Mom-Katlynne-Mirabal/dp/1735138215/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=miss+teacher+mom&qid=1619751032&s=books&sr=1-1 

7. Here Comes Teacher Cat
by: Deborah Underwood & Claudia Rueda
(Cat is none to pleased at being called in as a substitute to a roomful of busy kittens. While Cat somewhat follows the lesson plan left by the teacher, he gets into more mischief & the kittens learn a thing or two from Cat as their teacher for the day.) 
www.amazon.com/Here-Comes-Teacher-Deborah-Underwood/dp/0399539050/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=here+comes+teacher+cat&qid=1619760677&s=books&sr=1-1

8. How to Get Your Teacher Ready
by: Jean Reagan & Lee Wildish 
(Part of the How To series, this fun & exciting book takes readers through an entire school year. A class of students are the ones providing the tips & tricks for all of the milestones to come-- school picture day, 100th day of school, concerts, field trips, etc. And ironically, along the way the students will realize that getting teacher ready, means getting themselves ready too!) 
www.amazon.com/How-Your-Teacher-Ready-relationships/dp/055353825X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=how+to+get+your+teacher+ready&qid=1619760810&s=books&sr=1-1
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9. Because I Had a Teacher
by: Kobi Yamada 
(Everybody has at least one favorite teacher. Do you remember that special person who encouraged you or inspired you when you needed it most? In an ode to teachers everywhere, Yamada points out the difference teachers make in the lives of their students. This makes an excellent gift for teachers, along with the Compendium package with a wooden star that would go on a teacher's desk.) 
www.amazon.com/Because-Had-Teacher-Gift-Set/dp/B07V5K4FKS/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=because+I+had+a+teacher&qid=1619761245&sr=8-2
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10. My Teacher for President
by: Kay Winters 
(Oliver has been learning all about what the president does & he knows his teacher makes the perfect candidate. She already attends lots of meetings, she likes white houses, etc. & Oliver continues to imagine his teacher as the president, while she carries on her typical duties as a schoolteacher in the classroom.)  
www.amazon.com/My-Teacher-President-Kay-Winters/dp/0142411701/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=my+teacher+for+president&qid=1619761496&sr=8-1

11. A Teacher is the Greatest Gift 
by: E.B. Cobbler & Sarah Jennings 
(This beautiful book illustrates all that the teachers in our lives have taught us & how they have inspired us.) 
www.amazon.com/Teacher-Greatest-Gift-B-Cobbler/dp/0063020009/ref=sxin_9_mbs_w_global_sims?cv_ct_cx=a+letter+to+my+teacher&dchild=1&keywords=a+letter+to+my+teacher&pd_rd_i=0063020009&pd_rd_r=bf8b6e50-c8a9-4a72-b13d-dd775b2642f4&pd_rd_w=Uy0gi&pd_rd_wg=ZWaKE&pf_rd_p=a4fe4ee7-068f-4493-93ec-d29a2bfe99ea&pf_rd_r=MYKEH90C24S3ZCQG5NHQ&qid=1619750257&sr=1-3-9e7645f9-2d19-4bff-863e-f6cdbe50f990
 
12. Dear Substitute
by: Audrey Vernick & Chris Raschka 
(Miss Pelly, the sub, doesn't follow the rules like Mrs. Giordano & one student gets offended by this. But, even though the sub may mix things up a little, the student learns that it's okay if things are done a little differently.) 
www.amazon.com/Dear-Substitute-Audrey-Vernick/dp/1484750225/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=dear+substitute+teacher&qid=1619844600&sr=8-3

I love all the many ways kids suggest we can take better care of our planet.  Lately, in addition to planting veggies or trees, I've heard: reduce plastic use, conserve water, recycle daily, go on trash walks or pick-ups. 
There is SO much good we can do! And not just on Earth Day (although it's a great reminder too!) I hope you enjoy this Earth Day book round-up; you'll probably add many more ideas to your list.

Earth Day Books: 
1. The Tree Lady
by: H. Joseph Hopkins
(Have you ever heard of Katherine Sessions? 
www.amazon.com/Tree-Lady-Tree-Loving-Changed-Forever/dp/1442414022/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+tree+lady&qid=1619046847&sr=8-1
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2. I Am Earth
by: James McDonald
(Introduces kids to the basic concepts of Earth science; and encourages us to take care of our planet by becoming more environmentally aware.)
www.amazon.com/Am-Earth-Day-Book-Kids/dp/099829490X/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=thank+you+earth&qid=1619123048&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyM0VXRkNQQ1hYR0NTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzQ1OTU3UExQUUo5WElWNzBQJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyMjk4MDYzQ1FWT1BTOTNPR1MxJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
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3. Thank You, Earth
by: April Pulley Sayre
(Beautiful photographs depict animals & plants, all thriving, & showing thanks for planet Earth! And it's written in poetry form.)
www.amazon.com/Thank-You-Earth-Letter-Planet/dp/0062697374/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=thank+you+earth&qid=1619122998&sr=8-2

4. The Big Picture Book of Planet Earth
(Usborne) 
c8314.myubam.com/p/7413/big-picture-book-of-planet-earth-the-ir

5. The Lorax
by: Dr. Seuss
(The Lorax was a very environmentally-conscious fellow, but the Onceler & his family were determined to cut down all the truffala trees in order to make thneeds....& thus drove out all of the birds, bears & fish that had once lived in the land. But when a boy visits the Onceler, he is given a special seed, that if planted, might bring back the forest once more!)
​www.amazon.com/Lorax-Classic-Seuss-Dr/dp/0394823370/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=the+lorax&qid=1619072873&sr=8-3

6. Recycling is Fun
by: Charles Ghigna
(
www.amazon.com/Recycling-Fun-My-Little-Planet/dp/1404872299/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=recycling+is+fun&qid=1619072901&sr=8-1

7. What a Waste
by: Jess French
( This book will teach young ecologists about how our actions affect planet Earth.  This book covers everything from pollution to plastic recycling.) 
www.amazon.com/What-Waste-Recycling-Protecting-Planet/dp/1465481419/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=what+a+waste&qid=1619138382&sr=8-1

8. Secrets of Our Earth (Shine-a-Light book)
by: Kane Miller
(What is the earth's core like? And what does it look like? 
c8314.myubam.com/p/6091/secrets-of-our-earth-shine-a-light
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9. Hello Earth! Poems to our Planet
by: Rachel Ignotofsky  
(From volcanoes to big bodies of water, our Earth is made up of some fascinating things & creatures! Check out these free verse poems that describe all the wonderful landmarks of Earth.)
www.amazon.com/Hello-Earth-Poems-Our-Planet/dp/0802855288/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=hello+earth&qid=1619072544&s=books&sr=1-1

10. The Great Big Green Book
by: Mary Hoffman & Ros Asquith 
(Each page is filled with suggestions & tips for ways to help keep our earth green! You'll find specifics on recycling & project ideas for trash clean up & plastic use reduction. There are even some great tips on water conservation in this book too!)
kidsbooks.com/Store/Details/9781847804457B/the-great-big-green-book 

11. Here we Are
by: Oliver Jeffers
(
www.amazon.com/Here-We-Are-Living-Planet/dp/000835474X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1619072332&sr=8-1

12. No Place Like Earth (Mickey Mouse gang)
by: Susan Amerikaner 
(Professor Von Drake has a lot to say about ways we can save the earth every day...& so do Mickey & the gang. From taking less showers, to picking up trash or reusing or repurposing old things.) 
​www.amazon.com/Place-Earth-Mickey-Mouse-Clubhouse/dp/1423117638/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1619138517&sr=8-4

13. Earth Day, Birthday
by: Maureen Wright
(A slightly goofy tale, as Monkey tries to convince all of the Animal Kingdom that it is his birthday; they all shout back at him that it's "Earth Day, not his birthday." It is, in fact, Monkey's bday though, & when his mom brings out a cake after all the cleaning & recycling & cloth-bag shopping has been done, Monkey's friends celebrate with him.) 
www.amazon.com/Earth-Day-Birthday-Maureen-Wright/dp/0761461094/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=earth+day%2C+birthday&qid=1619071338&sr=8-1 

14. Mario & the Hole in the Sky 
by:  Elizabeth Rusch & Teresa Martinez 
(A young chemist who was encouraged by family members, Mario experiments until he discovers things about the ozone layer surrounding Earth.
www.amazon.com/Mario-Hole-Sky-Chemist-Planet/dp/1580895816/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=mario+%26+the+hole+in+the+sky&qid=1619071680&sr=8-1

15. The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth: Understanding Our World & Its Ecosystems
by: Rachel Ignotofsky 
( 
www.amazon.com/Wondrous-Workings-Planet-Earth-Understanding/dp/0399580417/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1619072165&sr=8-1

16. My Friend Earth
by: Patricia MacLahlan & Francesca Sanna
(  
www.amazon.com/My-Friend-Earth-Environmentalism-Message/dp/0811879100/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=recycling+is+fun&qid=1619072932&sr=8-2

17. Curious George Plants a Tree
by: Margret & H.A. Rey
( When George learns about the museum's "green day" he becomes curious about how he can help by recycling & planting trees. George gets a little overeager about recycling, but thankfully the community is there to help out with George's efforts & lend a hand.)
www.amazon.com/Curious-George-Plants-Tree-Rey/dp/0547297769/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=curious+george+plants+a+tree&qid=1619072212&sr=8-1

18. Emeraldalicious
by: Victoria Kann
(Pinkalicious is horrified when she sees that the park she & Peter used to play at has become completely trashed. With the help of a natural flower wand, Pinkalicious starts cleaning the place up & recycling old things into new creations!)
www.amazon.com/Emeraldalicious-Pinkalicious-Victoria-Kann/dp/0061781266/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=emeraldalicious&qid=1619072508&s=books&sr=1-2

19. Fancy Nancy: Every Day is Earth Day
by: Jane O'Connor
(Nancy is on the case for keeping her family in line to keep green. This is a friendly Level 1 book that beginning readers can sound out & read on their own!) 
​www.amazon.com/Fancy-Nancy-Every-Earth-Level/dp/0061873268/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=fancy+nancy+everyday+is+earth+day&qid=1619138607&sr=8-1

20. The Earth Book
by: Todd Parr
(All about ways to protect the environment & participate in conservation, this colorful book is also made entirely of recycled materials....it walks the walk!)
www.amazon.com/EARTH-Book-Todd-Parr/dp/031604265X/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+earth+book&qid=1619137970&sr=8-2

21. The Mess That We Made
by: Michelle Lord & Julia Blattman
(This book explores the impact of environmental trash & plastic in the ocean; rhythmic wording builds up to explain how serious the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is.) 
www.amazon.com/Mess-That-We-Made-ebook/dp/B07Z9PK8BP/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=The+Mess+That+We+Made&qid=1619073048&sr=8-1

22. One Earth
by: Eileen Spinelli
(
www.amazon.com/One-Earth-Eileen-Spinelli/dp/1546015396/ref=pd_sbs_3?pd_rd_w=mXGfy&pf_rd_p=651d64d1-3c73-45b6-ae09-e545600e3a22&pf_rd_r=VDMKSESHR8VYBN760SBA&pd_rd_r=d1f59792-4d3e-4837-bd8c-4fe3e1dcfacc&pd_rd_wg=AX0G9&pd_rd_i=1546015396&psc=1 

23. What if Everybody Did That? 
by: Ellen Javernick
(This book uses a little humor to point out why actions like recycling matter in a world as large as ours, & how we can all contribute to a much cleaner planet.)
www.amazon.com/What-If-Everybody-Did-That/dp/0761456864/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=The+Mess+That+We+Made&qid=1619073160&sr=8-3

So it has recently come to my attention that April is Autism Acceptance (no longer "awareness") Month. I've been researching & collecting some books that will help kids with autism, their loved ones, & their classmates, teachers or other peers. Kids who are diagnosed with autism or on the autism spectrum, are often diagnosed as such because they struggle socially & emotionally and have difficulty processing emotions in the standard way.

Please enjoy this book round-up! I hope it can help everyone have love and acceptance for those who are neurodivergent & perhaps better understand them, and help highlight their strengths as well.

BOOKS ABOUT KIDS AUTISM:
1. All my Stripes
by: Shaina Rudolph
(Zane the zebra feels like he really stands out from his other classmates & it worries him. But Mama Zebra helps him appreciate all his stripes, or strengths, that make Zane who he really is!)
www.amazon.com/All-My-Stripes-Children-Autism/dp/1433819163/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=kids+books+autism&qid=1618713206&sr=8-11

2. My Brother Otto
by: Meg Raby & Elisa Pallmer
(Two little crow siblings star in this book, & sweet Piper has all the love & understanding in the world for her brother, Otto, who is on the autism spectrum. In an easy & approachable way, this book explains Otto's quirkiness & as well as his desire to feel loved -- just like his peers.)
www.amazon.com/My-Brother-Otto-Meg-Raby/dp/1423651545/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=my+brother+otto&qid=1618730561&sr=8-1

3. My Awesome Autism
by: Nikki Saunders
(Eddie shares his findings of what life is like being autistic in a fun and playful way! He also points out that we are all different & how children diagnosed with autism should still be able to recognize that they are wonderful, in spite of a diagnosis.)
www.amazon.com/My-Awesome-Autism-children-diagnosis/dp/1092863672/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=my+awesome+autism&qid=1618730884&sr=8-3

4. Different Like Me
by: Xochitl Dixon & Bonnie Lui
(This story features a variety of children, all with different abilities, as the children try to launch a giant colorful fish balloon. The reminder that sometimes being different can leave an individual feeling like a "fish out of water," but even such a fish can find a place where they belong.)
www.amazon.com/Different-Like-Daily-Bread-Presents/dp/1640700420/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=different+like+me&qid=1618730920&sr=8-1

5. Uniquely Wired: A Story About Autism & Its Gift
by: Julia Cook
(Zak really loves watches & many other things as well, butr he has something that sets him apart,
www.amazon.com/Uniquely-Wired-Story-About-Autism/dp/1944882197/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=uniquely+wired&qid=1618730954&sr=8-1

6. Nathan's Autism Spectrum Superpowers
by: Lori Leigh Yarborough
(Nathan explains all of his powers due to autism in this book, & how they affect him & his friends. This book was written to be a tool for helping kids, caregivers, family & friends understand Autism Spectrum & some of the super sensitivities (or superpowers) & struggles associated with it.)
www.amazon.com/Nathans-Autism-Spectrum-Superpowers-Inspired/dp/1732638101/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1WRQEAHN543HK&dchild=1&keywords=nathan%27s+autism+spectrum+superpowers&qid=1618731634&s=books&sprefix=nathan%27s+%2Cstripbooks%2C215&sr=1-3

7. A Friend for Henry
by: Jenn Bailey
(Henry is having trouble making friends; he sometimes says the wrong thing or doesn't know how to play with the other kids in his classroom. At one point, he just watches the class pet, a fish, because he longs for friendship with someone. ...but it's been a day of too close & too loud, & Henry just feels overwhelmed by his emotions.)
www.amazon.com/Friend-Henry-Jenn-Bailey/dp/1452167915/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+friend+for+henry&qid=1618731443&s=books&sr=1-1

8. Little Big Sister
by: Amy B. McCoy
(Katie's older brother Mikey has autism, but she feels like the older sibling. For example, Katie can ride a bike but Mikey's bike still has the training wheels; when a kid with special needs joins Katie's class, Katie realizes that some kids just don't get it when it comes to disabilities.)
www.amazon.com/Little-Big-Sister-Amy-McCoy/dp/0692651411/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=big+little+sister+book&qid=1618731258&sr=8-3

9. My Brother Charlie
by: Holly Robinson Prete
(Charlie has autism, but for all the things he can't do, there are plenty of things Charlie is really good at. He knows lots of stuff about airplanes & he can name all the American presidents.)
www.amazon.com/Brother-Charlie-Holly-Robinson-Peete/dp/0545094666/ref=pd_bxgy_img_3/131-4730820-7657262?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0545094666&pd_rd_r=f8913485-9d7b-411a-aa16-61d369ee8189&pd_rd_w=R7ZoQ&pd_rd_wg=CtT8O&pf_rd_p=fd3ebcd0-c1a2-44cf-aba2-bbf4810b3732&pf_rd_r=ANP7ZCKCW710PR5342JS&psc=1&refRID=ANP7ZCKCW710PR5342JS


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10. Pablo & the Noisy Party
by: Pablo
(Pablo is excited to go to a birthday party. But when the front door opens & he hears music blaring & everybody talking, he drops the gift & runs back to the car, because it's too overwhelming for him.)
www.amazon.com/Pablo-Noisy-Party/dp/0241415748/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=pablo+%26+the+noisy+party&qid=1618731037&sr=8-2

11. I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism
by: Pat Thomas
(This has a direct storyline that will help children better understand autism as it encourages them to view social problems & personal feelings. This book is written by a psychotherapist & counselor to provide more positive interactions between parents, children & teachers.)
www.amazon.com/See-Things-Differently-First-Autism/dp/1438004796/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=uniquely+wired&qid=1618731001&sr=8-3