Third Grade Read-Aloud Picture Books

From the publisher: Awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1941, They Were Strong and Good is a classic book that follows the path of one family's journey through American history. ... It reminds us to be proud of our ancestors - who they were, what they did, and the effect that they had on the nation we live in today.

From the book:

"It is late summer when Farmer Bailey has the accident. The man he hits with his truck is dressed in peculiar fashion, all in leather. The man has lost his memory, and Farmer Bailey takes him into his home to recuperate."

This story follows the time the Stranger spends on the Bailey's farm and the relationships that he builds with this kind family who aids him in his recovery.

From the publisher: On a warm spring day, the beautiful young goddess Persephone is snatched from her home by Hades, god of the Underworld, and taken away to live underground and become his bride. Persephone's mother, Demeter, goddess of Earth, is so brokenhearted that she curses the land so nothing can grow -- a permanent winter. How will Persephone and her mother be reunited? Will spring ever come again? Young readers will be intrigued by the dramatic story as well as by its clever explanation for the changing seasons.

From the publisher: "King of the barnyard, Chanticleer struts about all day. When a fox bursts into his domain, dupes him into crowing, and then grabs him in a viselike grip, Chanticleer must do some quick thinking to save himself and his barnyard kingdom."

From the publisher: "Here is the thrilling story of Rikki, a fearless young mongoose who finds himself locked in a life-and-death struggle to protect a boy and his parents from Nag and Nagaina, the two enormous cobras who stalk the gardens outside the familys home in India. Nobel Prize winner Rudyard Kiplings timeless masterpiece has been lovingly passed from one generation of readers to the next. Triumphantly brought to life in stunning watercolors from Caldecott Honor artist Jerry Pinkney, this is a tale that will win the hearts of young and old alike."

From the publisher: 

From the publisher:  The joys of Thanksgiving are indelibly captured in this glorious paring of text and art.

The Stowell family is abuzz with holiday excitement, and Frankie, the youngest boy, is the most excited of all. But there's a cloud over the joyous season: Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and Pa hasn't returned yet from his trip to Lansing. He promised to bring back the oranges for the mantelpiece. Every year there are nine of them nestled among the evergreens, one for each of the children. But this year, heavy snows might mean no oranges . . . and, worse, no Pa! Will Christmas really be Christmas this year?

From the publisher: "Each December, generations of children delight in the ballet version of the quintessential Christmas story The Nutcracker. But few have had the opportunity to revel in the richly detailed original tale. Now, in this glorious new edition, acclaimed children's book author and editor Janet Schulman returns to the source: E.T.A. Hoffmann's “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice.” Here we meet Marie, her Nutcracker, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and all the other delightful characters, and we discover the answers to questions left unanswered by the ballet, like why the Nutcracker and the King of Mice were enemies. Artist Renée Graef adds her own enchantment with stunning, jewel-like paintings that bring the story thrillingly to life. As an added bonus, this must-have Christmas gift also includes a free audio CD with Tchaikovsky's inimitable musical score and a reading of the complete story by actress Claire Bloom."

From the publisher: "Christmas just isn’t Christmas without The Nutcracker! This beautiful book, which includes a fully orchestrated CD of the score, invites children to dance, prance, and relive the ballet long after the tree comes down."

"'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house / Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse"

These iconic lines begin Clement C. Moore's classic poem about the wonder and magic of the night before Christmas. Moore's poem is brought to life in this hardcover text with colorful and whimsical scenes of a Victorian home. Students and parents alike will love this beautifully illustrated classic!

When a tie is not good enough, a more thoughtful Christmas gift is given. In the book, Christmas Day in the Morning, the main character Rob and his family scrape for every penny. It's a classic tale necessary for all Christmas book collections.

From the publisher:  "There once lived a very rich king called Midas / who believed that nothing was more precious than gold."
So begins this imaginative and breathtaking retelling of the myth of the man with the golden touch. When a mysterious stranger offers to reward Midas for a kindness, the king does not hesitate: He wishes that all he touches would turn to gold. To his delight, his wish is granted and he soon sets about transforming his ordinary palace into a place of golden beauty. But to his dismay, when he accidentally turns his beloved daughter into a golden statue, Midas learns that what at first seems a blessing can also become a curse.

From the publisher: Condemned by a jealous king, Bellerophon must win the trust of the legendary winged horse Pegasus or face certain death. From the poignant meeting ... to the dramatic slaying of the fearsome fire-breathing Chimera, this is an unforgettable adventure that will stir the imagination of young and old alike. Featuring glorious paintings that readers will want to savor again and again, here is a magnificent edition of a timeless Greek classic.

Three trees stood beside each other and they each began to dream of what they will become when they grow up. The Tale of the Three Trees depicts the story of these particular stories and exactly how their lives unfold. What happens to the three different trees come together to help tell the story of one well-known story.

From the publisher: "For over one hundred years The Ugly Duckling has been a childhood favorite, and Jerry Pinkney's spectacular new adaptation brings it triumphantly to new generations of readers. With keen emotion and fresh vision, the acclaimed artist captures the essence of the tale's timeless appeal: The journey of the awkward little bird -- marching bravely through hecklers, hunters, and cruel seasons -- is an unforgettable survival story; this blooming into a graceful swan is a reminder of the patience often necessary to discover true happiness. Splendid watercolors set in the lush countryside bring drama to life."

From the publisher: "Freezing cold and unable to go home for fear that her father will beat her, the poor little match girl huddles in a corner between two buildings. As the chill sets into her bones, she lights a match for warmth. The match sparks visions of a better life—filled with blazing fires, warm food, and loving families—and the little girl cannot resist lighting match after match to keep the images coming. Powerful and moving, Rachel Isadora's evocative illustrations and gracefully retold text bring new life to this classic tale of Hans Christian Andersen.

From the author's website: Thomas Jefferson loved books, reading, and libraries, and he started accumulating books as a young man. This original and lyrical picture-book biography tells the story of how Jefferson’s vast book collections helped to create the world’s largest library, the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.

From the publisher:  Experience the true story from American history about the spiritual roots and historical beginnings of Thanksgiving.

This entertaining and historical story shows that the actual hero of Thanksgiving was neither white nor Indian but God. In 1608, English traders came to Massachusetts and captured a twelve-year-old Indian, Squanto, and sold him into slavery. He was raised by Christians and taught faith in God. Ten years later he was sent home to America. Upon arrival, he learned an epidemic had wiped out his entire village. But God had plans for Squanto. God delivered a Thanksgiving miracle: an English-speaking Indian living in the exact place where the Pilgrims landed in a strange new world.

With their team down by two and runners on second and third, the citizens of Mudville rise to their feet with shouts of excitement as their hero, mighty Casey, steps to the plate. This edition of Ernest L. Thayer's iconic American poem brings the drama to life with charming illustrations by Katie Khan.

Long, long ago, in a land far away, lived a perfect little tree named Small Pine. Small Pine hoped to maintain its perfect form and be selected by the Queen as her Christmas tree.

But as the warmhearted little tree gave shelter to birds, rabbits, and deer in the forest, its branches became damaged. Fortunately, the Queen had a different idea of perfection...