I don’t think anyone every completely outgrows a picture book that is read aloud well.  Many children’s story books contain wonderful morals and values.  Reading illustrated books to a classroom can set the stage or validate the message you are teaching.  With a little inflection and page-turning practice, this is a mesmerizing method of story telling. 

            Here is a list of picture books with suggested themes or topics.

Elbert’s Bad Word by Don and Audrey Wood 

            Sometimes you need a strong word, but you never need to swear.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

            Everybody has a bad day now and then.  Don’t get discouraged.

Jumanji  by Chris Van Allsburg

            Rules and instructions are given for a reason.  Obedience.

Fanny’s Dream by Carolyn Buehner

            Happiness is right where you are.

King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub by Don and Audrey Wood

            Sometimes the solution is within you.

The Little Engine That Could  by Watty Piper

            Attitude is everything. 

That Noddle-head Epaminondas retold by Eve Merriam

            Love conquers all.

            You can also write and illustrate your own picture books.  One of my students made and gave me the following story books.  When she read them to our class, they paid extra special attention.