Must Have Picture Books & a new AWARD!

I recently saw this linky party by The Teacher Wife and I HAD to join in! C'mon guys, picture books? I'm a kindergarten teacher! I LOOOVVVEEE picture books! Apparently 150 other people felt the same way! 150 people have already joined in!
Here are my faves:

1. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes.

It is an adorable story about Chrysanthemum the mouse who loves her name. After all, it is "absolutely perfect," says Chrysanthemum's father. During my 2nd year of teaching, we held a "Festival of Books" at the end of the year and each classroom chose their favorite book and perform for a reader's theater. We chose Chrysanthemum! I feel like I can still hear them saying, "Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum."

2. What Are You So Grumpy About?  by Tom Lictenheld

It is the cutest! I bought this book at a book fair held at my college before I even graduated! I didn't know what grade I would teach or if I would ever teach but I knew I needed this book! I've read it to all of my classes at least once. It is about a boy who just woke up on the wrong side of the bed and nothing seems to go right for him. The wrong breakfast cereal, his clothes shrunk, he has chores to do, his sister touches him, the list goes on...

3. Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel.

ANY Frog and Toad story is darling. I enjoy reading the short stories to my students and get them to relate to the characters. I love that the stories are about kindness, friendship and honesty. The characters are friends and treat each other with respect, everything that I try to model and expect from my own students. They are great stories to problem solve with, to act out or just to sit and listen. I have the series in a bundle I got a few years ago and I always keep one of the books on my whiteboard for anytime where we have a few extra minutes to spare.

Join the party! Visit The Teacher Wife to see all the other blogs and their favorite picture books too!

Now on to the next order of business... an AWARD!
Thank you Mrs. McElveen at Whooo Loves Kindergarten and Cindy at Krazy Kindergarten Teacher

This award is named for the German word "Liebster," which translates to "beloved" or "favorite", and is given to a "new, up and coming blogger." 

Here are the rules:

1. Link back to the person who gave it to you. 
2. Post the award to your blog.
3. Give the award to at least 5 bloggers with less than 200 followers.
4. Leave a comment on the 5 blogs to let them know that they have been offered this award.

I am giving the award to:

Thank you all for being here! Did you notice that I am above 100 followers!? When did that happen??? Anyone interested in being a part of a giveaway???

Come back tomorrow for my Friday Photo Dump!