If you’re the mystery reader in your child’s class this February, or perhaps are a caregiver or educator seeking a fun and/or relevant read aloud for your littles, I’ve curated a list of February read aloud books broken down by topic. Each of these topics are inspired by relevant days and themes in February.

I would love to know what your favorite February picture book read alouds are! Comment below with your favorites, or let me know if any of ours overlap!

Click here for links to all the titles, or click on individual title links below.

Black History Month Read Alouds

We Could Fly by Rhiannon Giddens // This illustrations are what really caught my eye for this book. In fact, this book just won the Coretta Scott King–John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award. This beautiful story celebrates love, resilience, and the spiritual power of tradition and shared cultural memory. Prompted by a sparrow’s call, a young girl senses a mysterious quivering in her arms and a longing to fly free. Her mother shares that Granny Liza underwent a similar sensation, as did generations of their ancestors, and that perhaps its time for them to rise together.

What do Brothas do All Day? by Ajuan Mance // This books was actually inspired by Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day? Author Ajuan Mance write this book in response to children’s curiosity about others’ experiences and the yearning for relatable characters and communities. This portrayal of real Black men and boys engaged in everyday activities serves as a meaningful representation for Black children, affirming their existence and community strength. From routine tasks like grocery shopping and barbershop visits to moments of singing, dancing, and laughter with friends, Mance captures the beauty of ordinary life in the Black community.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard // This is an inspiring biography about learning how to read! Born into slavery in 1848, Mary Walker gained her freedom at 15 and by age 20, was married and became a mother. Over the years, she undertook various jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to support her church. By the time she reached 114, Mary was the last surviving member of her family, and at 116, she achieved the remarkable feat of learning to read. Plus, Check out this CRAFT TEMPLATE  to encourage students to create their own *Mary Walker* Craft to share Mary Walker’s Biography, or to share about their own student learning experience.

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed // This picture book, inspired by the life of Mae Jemison- the first African American woman to travel to space-is one of my absolute favorites! The simple text enocurages littles to reach for their dreams no matter how grand! I love the refrain: “If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.” Plus, check out the CRAFT TEMPLATE to encourage students to create their own Rocket/ Space Helmet crafts to record their own hopes and dreams to remind them to always reach for the stars and pursue their aspirations! 

Click Here for More Black History Month Resources

Lunar New Year 2/10

Chloe’s Lunar New Year by Lily LaMotte //  It’s almost time to celebrate the Lunar New Year, and Chloe can’t wait to join in the festivities! Before the big day, Chloe’s family prepares by buying new shoes, placing good-luck oranges in a bowl, decorating red envelopes, and making a crispy turnip cake. When the time comes for the celebration, Chloe’s family comes together to cook a delicious feast, making sure to save a plate for Chloe’s A-má. The back matter of the book includes educational information about the celebration of the Lunar New Year in Taiwan, as well as a fun recipe for a fortune cake that readers can try at home.

Tomorrow is New Year’s Day by Aram Kim //  Mina is excited to share the customs of Seollal, Korean Lunar New Year, with her friends at school. Her little brother may even join, if he can find a way out of his bad mood! Join Mina as she shares more about her colorful hanbok, demonstrated how to do sebae, and even teaches everyone how to make tasty tteokguk!

Tet Together by Alice Trinh // Celebrate Tết, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, in this darling new release that highlights Vietnamese traditions and their significance during this festive time. Tết is a time not only for festivity and celebration, but for togetherness and reflection. Families come together to hang colorful decorations, prepare delicious meals with traditional foods, and sweep out the old year. A beautiful tribute to Vietnamese cultural heritage.

Boys Don’t Fry by Kimberly Lee // A young Malaysian boy defies gender expectations to help his grandmother and aunties cook the Lunar New Year feast. Jin is excited for the big family reunion dinner and wants to learn more about the history of his family’s cooking. But his aunties shoo him away from the kitchen, claiming he’ll get bored of cooking. Luckily, Mamah asks him to help her prepare their sepcial meal, and soon Jin gets to join in on the frying, stirring, squeezing , and slicing! This book is filled with rich cultural details, including a traditional nyonya kitchen.

Click Here for More Lunar New Year Resources

Valentines Day 2/14

Love, Violet by Charlotte Sullivan Wild // Among all the children in Violet’s class, one leaves her utterly speechless: Mira, the girl with the infectious laughter. Violet wants to go on an adventure with Mira, but every attempt to express her feelings results in shyness. With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, Violet is determined to let Mira know just how exceptional she finds her.

A Pinch of Love by Barry Timms // A boy and his grandmother prepare for a neighborhood bake-off in this rhyming story, showcasing their loving relationship and the warmth of their community. Barry Timms’ text links loving moments with the love represented by food, while Tisha Lee’s illustrations bring the diverse neighborhood to life.

Love, Z by Jessie Sima // Upon uncovering a message in a bottle signed “Love, Beatrice,” a young robot named Z sets out to unravel the meaning of “love.” Finding no satisfactory answers from fellow robots, Z embarks on an adventure to locate Beatrice, ultimately discovering that love was concealed right at home all along upon their return. Check out the CRAFT TEMPLATE to encourage students to create their own “Robot Love Letter” Craft that focuses on *what is love* and what different forms it takes, and on writing a letter to a friend.

Grumpy Monkey Valentine Gross-Out by Suzanne Lang // Jim Panzee is unimpressed by the romantic antics of Oxpecker and her boyfriend on Valentine’s Day, but learns that love comes in many forms, such as love for parents and friends. Read along to learn that it’s important to show the people you love that you love them. Check out the CRAFT TEMPLATE to encourage students to create their own *How I Show Love* Monkey Craft to record different ways they show love to their family, friends, and community.

Presidents’ Day 2/19

If I Were President by Trygve Skaug // Challenge the littles in your life to consider how they would make the country and world a better place if they were to become president. With candid sincerity, a young boy offers his viewpoint on various ways the adults in charge of the country could approach things differently. His suggestions blend playfulness with profound insight, contemplating how adults might experience greater happiness by attending kindergarten monthly to rekindle their playfulness and how safety could be enhanced by leaving Christmas lights up year-round to guide everyone home.

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty // Narrated in delightful rhyme, this heartwarming tale serves as both entertainment and inspiration. Abuelo’s daily ritual of walking Sofia to school comes to a halt when he injures his ankle at a local landfill, leaving Sofia (aka Sofi) to wonder what she can do about the hazardous Mount Trashmore. Determined to make a difference, Sofi envisions transforming the grim site into a park, and takes on City Hall as she strives to prove the impact one determined kid can have.

Social Emotional Learning

BIG by Vashti Harrison // Authored and illustrated by the acclaimed Vashti Harrison, this picture book follows a child’s path toward self-love, emphasizing the dual capacity of words to inflict harm or provide solace. Through minimal text and beautiful artwork, this poignant examination of navigating a world that values smallness while being big offers a sensitive portrayal of standing out and experiencing invisibility simultaneously.

Dear You, Dream Big by Baptiste Paul // This book is a poetic affirmation that inspires youth to resist those who seek to stifle, exclude, or overlook their abilities through a compelling refrain. A potent and lyrical anthem, it celebrates Black pride by highlighting creativity, leadership, and innovation.

Today by Gabi Snyder // This is an excellent read aloud to encourage mindfulness and being present. Within the day, moments unfold, bringing surprises, joy, fun, and lasting memories. This book encourages young readers to stay attentive, ensuring that the day doesn’t pass by unnoticed.

Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall // Jabari is building a flying machine in his backyard, confident that he doesn’t need any assistance. However, when it doesn’t work, frustration sets in. Fortunately, Dad steps in for an encouraging chat, and Jabari’s little sister, Nika, joins the effort with fairy wings.

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I hope you found something fun to read aloud this February! Stay tuned for January’s read aloud recs, and leave a comment if you have any read aloud topic requests for the upcoming months!

I’d love to  see and hear about your own reading adventures you are having with your little learners, so please share your story times below in the comments ~ Or Tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary , FaceBook , find me on TikTok, or contact me via email . I’d love to hear from you!~