Did you know that Teacher Appreciation Week is next week (May 4th – May 8th). It’s a great way to “thank” a teacher (or teachers) for all that they do. They do so much more than just teach your child. They are also mentors, cheerleaders and sometimes even a safe haven. Often they do this for 25+children on a daily basis.
As someone whose a parent as well as works in a school setting, I see firsthand just how much teachers do on a daily basis. They are truly amazing people.
If you have a child (or children) in school, I’m sure you want to gift them a wonderful gift to express your gratitude for all that they do.
You do have your “tried and true” gift options such as flowers, mugs, or gift cards. While these gifts are always appreciated, there are only so many mugs a teacher can use. As for flowers and gift cards, flowers eventually wilt and die, and gift cards get used (all of these things are in a good way of course).
I personally think that gifting a teacher a book is a marvelous idea. The right book is something they can cherish for many years to come. Many teachers welcome new book additions to their classroom library. Other books are more personal and are something a teacher will bring home to their own personal library and be able to reach and enjoy year after year.
A good book is something that will last the test of time.
If gifting a book this year sounds like a great option for you, here are a few suggestions. The great thing is that you can purchase these books at retailers such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble (among other retailers), so you can still order them in time for next week.
A Thank You Letter to My Teacher
Written by Deb Adamson and Illustrated by Natalie Briscoe
A lovely children’s perspective of the daily wonders performed by teachers. It centers on a student reminiscing about the patience, support, and the “aha” moments spread across the year.
First off I love the illustrations inside the front and back covers. They look like hand drawing cards from children to their teacher.
This is truly the “card in book format.” The drawings done by Natalie Briscoe give this story a contemporary feel and make sure it does not seem too sentimental. This is an ideal gift for a child who is thankful but does not know how to say it yet.
The books points out the MANY ways a teacher helps their students. This is such a beautiful book from the words to the illustrations.
How to Catch a Bookworm
Written by Alice Walstead and illustrated by Andy Elkerton
This book is part of the massively popular How to Catch series. This book focuses on the library and the love of reading. The kids in the story try to capture the elusive “bookworm” through a series of clever, bookish obstacles.
I can’t rave enough about the How to Catch series. I have read a few of the books and they are one of my favorites. They are so creative and a lot of fun to read. This book is no exception.
If you are looking to gift a book that is more fun than sentimental, this is the book for you. It’s high energy and hilarious, making it a great addition to a teacher’s classroom library. It’s a book that also celebrates literacy, which seems to be in jeopardy with kids focusing on technology rather than a good book.
Thanks A Latte for Being My Teacher
This book is a silly, pun-filled tribute to the teachers who keep the “grind” going. It uses coffee-themed metaphors to explain just how much an educator “brews” success in their students. Ha Ha.
I love the puns in this book. They even used the word “straw” like the ones used in beverage tumblers with the sentence “You truly are ex-STRAW-dinary. There is no contest.”
The illustrations are adorable. I love how they turned every day objects into living things with the addition of eyes and smiles.
This book would be so sweet paired with a gift card to a coffee shop (Dunkin, Starbucks…) and/or a mug.
You’re So Bright
Written by Rose Rossner and illustrated by Emily Emerson
This board book is a great gift from the littlest learners. It focuses on the light and brilliance within a child and celebrates the way they shine in the world.
This book is technically for toddlers, and not specifically geared towards teachers, I still think it would make a great gift, especially for a preschool or daycare teacher.
This book is filled with puns too and the adorable illustrations feature a larger and smaller version of each humanized school objects such as crayons and pencils.
This book would be a great addition to a preschool or daycare library too. It’s a beautiful reminder of why teachers do what they do an that is to help those little lights shine brighter.
Why We Need Teachers
Written by Gregory E. Lang and illustrated by Lisa Alderson
This book reminds us of the significant role that teachers have in building society and influencing lives. This book goes far beyond what happens in a schoolroom to illustrate the importance of a teacher’s influence throughout life.
I LOVE the soft and gentle illustrations in this book. It’s filled with animal pairings that are absolutely sweet. The illustrations help to enhance the text written in the book.
This book embraces the profound emotions associated with teaching. I can see this as a book any teacher would keep on their desk to re-read over and over again, most especially when they are having one of “those days” (I’m sure you know what I mean). It’s a great reminder for teachers about the impact they make on a child’s life day after day.
All in all, a good book is a gift which creates a connection between the home and the classroom. Whenever a teacher opens up such books, he/she will be thinking about the family that recognized their efforts.
As we get ready to honor our teachers from May 4th to May 8th, I hope that we will not miss out on thanking our educators for what they do each day. Should you want to pick up any of these books to gift your teacher this year, you can find them at place like Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other bookstores across the country.
A good book is definitely appreciated, even more so if it comes with a handwritten thank you note or drawing from your child.
What are you giving your child’s teacher this year? Let me know in the comments below.
Kimberly
*I received free book samples in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
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