For prediction and making mental images, I love “Just an Ordinary Day” by Rod Clement. I cover the outside of the book and read it to the kids so they can’t see the illustrations. We stop at certain pages, and think about what we see–sometimes a turn and talk, sometimes a quick draw of what something in the story looks like.
After the story is over, we share ideas and illustrations. Then I remove the cover and show them the real illustrations, which always surprise everyone!!

I used Miss Brooks’ Story Nook this morning to model Check for Understanding, Interesting Words, and Accuracy.

Wild About Books by Judy Sierra is wonderful for launching the reading workshop and use of the classroom library. Lots of fun.

Great - I had never heard of those last two books! Thank you! Hope more suggestions are coming.

With young students, ELL or those who have never been introduced to Inferencing, I love Cookies Week.

A new book I just got today–“Ask Me” by Bernard Waber. Great for coming up with ideas for writing.

So cute - these books are winners! Thank you all for posting. [I hope this thread remains active for awhile…]

I found a fun book Library Lil - This can be used for abundant reading, voracious reading, even good fit books ( at the end). Fun and cute story.

I just found another book to add to my collection for teaching strategies. It’s called “How to Read a Story” by Kate Messner. It so fits with our beginning lessons. Starts out discussing how to pick a book, a place to sit, a partner to read with, predicting and what to do at the end of a book! Could be used over and over as a mentor text.

The Napping House is my favorite and I don’t show the pictures until they’ve had time to create the image of the snoring grandma, dozing dog, etc…