Read to Them’s Picture Book Companion Guide

Our One School, One Book program invites schools to share a children’s book across a broad elementary school population, ranging from Kindergarten through fifth grade. However, some titles may be challenging for your youngest readers; this request for books that are more appropriate for preschool and Kindergarteners has, in fact, been one of the most common requests for years. 

Well look no further! Let’s introduce you to our Picture Book Companions. 

Picture Book Companions are meant to help expand the reach of your school-wide reading program. These picture books – and their accompanying materials – allow you to select a more challenging title for your school while ensuring that your youngest readers are included. For example, you may want to read Wonder by R.J. Palacio, the story of a boy with cranio-facial differences but the story’s themes are too complex for your youngest students. With the picture book We’re All Wonders, your preschool and Kindergarteners can still share the story of Auggie Pullman and learn why he is, indeed, a wonder. 

Each of our picture books corresponds directly to its full-length novel, condensing the story to a length and complexity that is appropriate for young readers. That’s what makes the picture books on our list true companions! 

There’s so much you can do with a picture book companion. Darbydale Elementary in Ohio, for instance, held a Family Literacy Night focusing on The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate and its accompanying picture book title, Ivan: A Gorilla’s True Story. Families were invited to participate in book-related activities, resulting in “the most engaging program we have used in quite a while.” 

As your older students dive into their title, your school librarian or reading specialist could hold a read aloud of the picture book. In art class, students could try their hand at replicating illustrations from the picture book or even creating their own illustration, like an alternate cover design. Students of all grades could come together to create a mural that incorporates elements of both books in your school’s entryway. The potential is endless! 

When you order copies of one of our picture book titles, you will receive: a letter home to families explaining how the picture book supports your OSOB program; a customized book packet for the picture book aimed at your youngest readers; and a Family Fun Pack to aid and keep families engaged in reading aloud at home. 

You can buy a classroom copy of the picture book or you can order one copy for each of your younger students for them and their families to enjoy at home. (Please note that Picture Book Companions often have an up-charge that will be communicated to you on your quote.) 

Currently, we have six Picture Book Companions on our list – you can find them by visiting our Browse Titles page and clicking on the “Available with Picture Book Companion” filter. You can also dive into the list below: 

Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick and Sophie Blackall

Companion to Winnie’s Great War by Lindsay Mattick and Josh Greenhut 

The streamlined text and full-color illustrations of this Caldecott Medal-winning picture book tell the full scope of the endearing story of Harry Colebourn and the bear who would become Winnie the Pooh.

Ivan: A Gorilla’s True Story by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Companion to The One and Only Ivan

Written in free verse with warm illustrations, this nonfiction picture book provides the backstory of Ivan’s life, from Africa to Zoo Atlanta.

Nya’s Long Walk by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Companion to A Long Walk to Water

Brian Pinkney’s illustrations give movement and color to the story of Nya as she struggles to get water for her family in South Sudan.

Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Kerascoët

Companion to Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girls’ Rights

This nonfiction picture book covers the same scope as Malala’s other books for young readers with simpler text and rich illustrations, with metallic accents showing the world as it should be.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

Companion to The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Simpler text and stunning collage illustrations bring all the ingenuity and tenacity of William’s story to a younger audience.

We’re All Wonders written and illustrated by R.J. Palacio

Companion to Wonder 

Bold, colorful illustrations accompany simple text to convey the central meaning of Wonder – “Look with kindness and you will always find wonder.”

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Which Picture Book Companion do you think would be a great fit for your school? Let us know in the comments. Happy reading!