The Adventures in Mrs. Ripp's Class

For the past 3 days, my 7th grade students have been furiously discussing the their favorite picture books as we get ready for the Caldecott awards.  While we have not voted for our top 3 yet, I thought it would be worthwhile to share our all of our favorite picture books from 2015.  What I love the most is the care that the students are putting into their conversations surrounding their selection, looking beyond the "What a great story!" and really searching for picture books that will leave a long lasting impression instead.  Note, some of these are sadly ineligible for the award since the illustrator does not reside in the US, nor are they a citizen.  So if you are looking to boost your picture book collection, start with some of these incredible books.

The Skunk - story by Mac Barnett, Art by Patrick McDonnell

Strictly No Elephants - Story by Lisa Manchev, Art by Taeeun Yoo

Drum Dream Girl - Story by Margarita Engle, Art by Rafael Lopez

Frederick's Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglas - Story Doreen Rappaport, Art by London Ladd

Sidewalk Flowers - Story by Jon Arno Lawson, Art by Sydney Smith

Sad, the Dog - Story by Sandy Fussell, Art by Tull Suwannakit

Marilyn's Monster - story by Michelle Knudsen, Art by Matt Phelan

I Don't Like Koala - Story by Sean Ferrell, Art by Charles Santoso

The Night World - Story and Art by Mordicai Gerstein

Lenny and Lucy - Story by Philip C. Stead, Art by Erin E. Stead

Waiting - Story and Art by Kevin Henkes

Little Bird's Bad Word - Story and Art by Jacob Grant

I'm Trying to Love Spiders - Story and art by Bethany Barton

To the Sea - Story and Art by Cale Atkinson

Elwood Bigfoot: Wanted Birdie Friends - Story by Jill Esbaum, Art by Nate Wragg

Float - Story and Art by Daniel Miyares

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich - Story and Art by Julia Sarcone-Roach

Henry Hyena, Why Won't You Laugh? - Story by Doug Jantzen, Art by Jean Claude

Beautiful Hands - Story by Kathryn Otoshi, Art by Bret Baumgarten

If You Plant A Seed - Story and Art by Kadir Nelson

Pom Pom Panda Gets the Grumps - Story and Art by Sophy Henn

Growing Up Pedro - Story and Art by Matt Tavares

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement - Story by Carole Boston Weatherford, Art by Ekua Homes

Water is Water - Story by Miranda Paul, Art by Jason Chin

Last Stop on Market Street - Story by Matt De La Pena, Art by Christian Robinson

Toys Meet Snow - Story by Emily Jenkins, Art by Paul O. Zelinsky

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear - Story by Lindsay Mattick, Art by Sophie Blackall

The Only Child - Story and Art by Guojing

I cannot wait to see which books are in the top!

To see other favorite books in our classroom, go here