No New Year’s celebration would be complete without several great read-alouds! While there are lots of great New Year’s books you could choose from, I am sharing 6 of my favorite picture books to ring in the New Year.
Book 1
First, on the list, Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller is perfect for helping students understand what a resolution is. As Squirrel learns about resolutions, your students will too.
Book 2
The second option, Just in Time for New Year’s: A Harry and Emily Adventure by Karen Gray Ruelle is a fun read that your young ones will probably be able to relate to. In this cute book, siblings Harry and Emily try to stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Book 3
The third recommendation, Freedom Soup by Tami Charles, with its lyrical text and beautiful illustrations, highlights the importance of family traditions. As Ti Gran teaches young Belle how to make Freedom soup, she also teaches her about the history of the soup, the history of her family, and the history of Haiti.
Book 4
The fourth read-aloud choice, The New Year’s Eve Sleepover from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler is a humorous look at first-time sleepover fears. Black Lagoon books are always a crowd pleaser and this one does not disappoint.
Book 5
Fifth, Every Month is a New Year by Marilyn Singer is a lively poetry collection that highlights New Year’s traditions around the globe. Students will enjoy learning that not all New Year’s celebrations take place in January.
Book 6
The final recommendation, Shante Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernes-Davenport is my personal favorite New Year’s book. The fun rhyming text and energetic main character cleverly help students learn about other cultures and traditions. Shante must save the day when it is discovered Grandma forgot the black-eyed peas for the big New Year’s celebration meal. On a quest to find the important side dish, Shante visits her neighbors and learns about their family traditions.
Conclusion
These 6 picture books will make excellent read-alouds as you celebrate the New Year with your students.
Happy New Year and Happy Reading!