5 great books for your classroom

Check out these 5 fantastic books that are a must-have for an ESL classroom.

Oh, The Places You’ll Go

Written by Dr. Seuss compiling a story around a young boy who is setting off on an adventure in his fantastic pyjamas. He goes down several routes trying to figure out where it will lead him, trying to avoid unpleasant times where you might ‘slump’, and don’t stay in the ‘waiting place’ as its useless, keep exploring until you find the place that suits you perfectly.

A very enjoyable book with a great flow as the text corresponds in sync with the photos to allow for easy reading. The book follows a classical Dr Seuss rhythm, and the illustrations are wacky as ever! It helps to teach children that it isn’t always easy finding your place in the world, but perseverance is key until you are where you want to be.

Recommended for ages 6+.

The Day the Crayons Quit

Drew Daywalt tells a story about Duncan a schoolboy, who is assigned a colouring assignment, but all his crayons have disappeared! They left letters detailing why they’ve decided to quit. He goes on a miraculous mission to try win back the crayons one by one as they all left for different reasons.

Every page encapsulates young readers as they include entertaining handwritten letters from each crayon as well as some scruffy illustrations. Filled with wit and incredible imagination but can be challenging for under 5’s due to the volume of text.

Recommended for 7+.

Giraffes Can’t Dance

At the jungle dance Gerald, the giraffe becomes embarrassed when all the other animals make fun of him. Luckily a friendly cricket encourages Gerald to create his own unique dancing style and he surprisingly becomes very talented within his elegant movements.

The rhyming text and vibrant illustrations matched with the colourful little pictures make this a marvellous picture book to read for your class. Teaches a powerful lesson of not letting doubters overcome you and keep trying your hardest until you succeed.

Written by Giles Andreae and recommended for ages 5+.

Ice Cream Soup

A young boy tries to make ice cream cake, but he adds too many delicious toppings, and it turns the cake into ice cream soup. Ann Ingalls has written this hilarious tale which goes on a downward spiral of making the cake gloopy and soupy, but it doesn’t stop him from eating it all.

An amusing take on baking with children, making it relatable for the class you’re reading to. The rhyming text provides a happy tone, matched with the picture clues to help eager children work out the story.

Recommended for ages 4+.

There’s a Bear on My Chair

A bear has settled down in his favourite chair and that chair isn’t big enough for the mouse as well. The mouse tries all kinds of tactics to move the pesky Bear, but nothing works. Once mouse gets fed up and goes home, the bear gets up and walks home and surprisingly the mouse darts back and steals the seat!

Ross Collins provides an emotional rollercoaster that’s guaranteed to make you chuckle from the mouse attempting to play musical chairs. The illustrations are cute and depict the characters moods amazingly setting off readers imaginations.

Recommended for ages 5+.