George, Kallie. Our Playground Rules! Illustrated by Jay Fleck. Rodale Kids, 2022. 978-0-593-37874-8. Unpaged. $17.99. Grades K-2.

From the beginning a variety of animals are having a good time at a community playground. Because they “say hello” “listen to each other” and “say we’re sorry when something goes wrong,” this title provides a great opportunity to discuss appropriate behaviors. Readers will recognize many fun activities and enjoy looking for fun examples of the characters demonstrating their rules (like the worm on a swing asking, “Can you give me a push?”). There are many opportunities for lessons within this picture book. With the title teachers can use the word rules as a multiple meaning word and have a wonderful discussion about how rules means guidelines we follow and it’s the best. Students then can brainstorm their own rules for class and/or the playground. Fleck’s pencil and digital illustrations bring the animals to life in this adorable picture book.

THOUGHTS: Highly recommended for elementary collections, this title will become a favorite beginning of school read aloud, especially when discussing behavior expectations and classroom rules.

Picture Book          Maryalice Bond, South Middleton SD