It seems that these are dire times. That hate, anger, and rage against others is more than the norm than ever. I can tell you, going home to Denmark, many friends have asked me; what in the world is happening in America? At times, it feels as if we are judged as a nation by the very loud actions of a few and so it comes down to the rest of us, those whose voices are for some reason not being heard to make sure that the America we know is one of love, of hope, of kindness. A place where all can exist unafraid. What better way to spread more kindness, love, and hope in the world with a few great picture books?
My favorite Peter H. Reynolds book, which says a lot, is The North Star. We follow the journey of a boy who goes on a windy path to get to where he needs to be. I end every single year with a read aloud of this book because my students are on a journey that is just beginning, even if the future seems a bit unknown and sometimes scary.
While not out until February 2018, I wish Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Jen Hill would be the very first read aloud in every single classroom. We are so quick to tell children to be kind, but do they really know what that means?
Jack’s Worry from Sam Zuppardi teaches us a great lesson on what to do with the worry that follows us around. If we run from it, it grows, we must face it head on.
If you like what you read here, consider reading my newest book, Passionate Readers – The Art of Reaching and Engaging Every Child, out August 2017. This book focuses on the five keys we can implement into any reading community to strengthen student reading experiences, even within the 45 minute English block. If you are looking for solutions and ideas for how to re-engage all of your students consider reading my very first book Passionate Learners – How to Engage and Empower Your Students. Also, if you are wondering where I will be in the coming year or would like to have me speak, please see this page.
Pernille Ripp 
Thanks for the reminder of where hope can be found. I am a devotee of your book lists and can’t wait to read your upcoming book. Best wishes and thank you.
This is a beautiful list of books! I wish this would be be shared with every classroom teacher so that they could share the meaningful messages with their kids. – Susan
Thank, Pernille!
Thanks, Pernille, for this timely post. Several favorites are here: One Today, My Two Blankets, and Cry Heart, But Never Break. I’ll be exploring some new-to-me titles.
Great list. I would add Smoky Nights to the list as well. It is an older book but speaks to the message of hope.
Thanks for sharing this list
A remarkable and beautiful list for every human being, no matter what age. Thanks for compiling it! Each Kindness is my most recent read from this collection – a very special book.
Oh, Pernille! Several of those books are ones I love to pull out and read with my kids several times a year! I also adore STICK AND STONE! Thanks for sharing this list! You’ve given me some titles I didn’t know!