Jillian Heise
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heisereads.bsky.social
Jillian Heise
@heisereads.bsky.social
{Hi-Z} | 2026 Caldecott Committee | Elementary Librarian | MLIS | Former 7/8 ELA Teacher | NBCT | #ClassroomBookADay founder | she/her | *views are personal & do not represent my employer
https://campsite.bio/heisereads
heisereads.com
classroombookaday.com
Headed to #NCTE25 this week, but my focus is very much on Caldecott committee work at the moment. I can't say anything about books I'm reading, BUT I'd love to hear what 2025 picture books stand out to YOU with most potential to be named the "most distinguished American picture book for children."
November 18, 2025 at 3:49 AM
I can't believe we're less than two weeks out from #NCTE25 already! Looking forward to leading a session on early chapter books this year.

Who else will be in Denver? And what sessions are you doing?!
November 8, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Started a new book today. #Dragonborn #VacationRead #HeiseReads
July 6, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Weekend mindfulness task accomplished.✅
Lego wildflower bouquet from the niblings.💕
Headed to my library tomorrow.💐
February 24, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Current commute audiobook read. "The Small and the Mighty is the encouragement we all need in an age of doomscrolling and division."

Being reminded of our common humanity & inspired by the hope of it all from America's Government Teacher™️ @sharonsaysso. ❤️🤍💙
February 18, 2025 at 12:04 AM
For the start of #BlackHistoryMonth, resharing this Virtual Picture Book Read Aloud Library - a Google Slideshow covering 233 titles, in 7 categories, with book covers linking directly to copyright-compliant video read alouds of recommended picture books.

heisereads.com/bhm2024-ralib/
February 1, 2025 at 7:02 PM
The devastation from wildfires can be hard to fathom. These books can help young people process what's happening.

📙They Hold the Line: Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave Them
📗What to Bring
📘I Am the Storm
📕Wildfire!

Thoughts with those on the front lines fighting to save.🙏🏻
January 9, 2025 at 11:25 PM
The last book I read in 2024 & the first book I'll finish in 2025.📚 The Games Gods Play is a perfect vacation read (for adults)! It's giving Lore meets Fourth Wing meets Hunger Games vibes & I'm loving the banter and sass and all the allusions to Greek mythology.
January 2, 2025 at 5:17 AM
When everyone you know who has read it raves about it, you have to dig through your TBR stack to find the copy you know you set aside because it's from a favorite middle grade author. Tucked Jasmine Warga's A STRANGE THING HAPPENED IN CHERRY HALL into my carry-on so I can read it in one sitting.
December 23, 2024 at 9:54 PM
'Tis the season to read a good book!📚
When you're cleaning out your home reading room to prep for the Caldecott Committee year, so you get to be the jolly elf delivering stacks of joy in the form of picture books to all of the classroom teachers in your building. (And this was just for one floor...)
December 22, 2024 at 4:01 PM
What a delightful new Santa story for Christmas time read alouds from Joanna Ho & Thai My Phuong!🎄 A CITY FULL OF SANTAS is adorable!🎅

Thank you @harperkids.bsky.social for the review copy! ❤️

#WNDB #ClassroomBookADay
December 21, 2024 at 7:16 PM
We had way more than Just One Flake this week, so it was ironic this was the book I grabbed to preview for January's snow themed lesson planning.❄️ It's a delightful picture book from @100scopenotes.bsky.social for the winter season!

#ClassroomBookADay
December 21, 2024 at 7:12 PM
A new favorite! So much joy discovering UNFLAPPABLE in my TBR stack! Love the message it sends through these birds' determination (plus the hilarious peanut gallery worms). Share this read aloud for themes around STEAM, perseverance, & supporting friends.

#ClassroomBookADay
December 21, 2024 at 2:25 AM
Grabbed a new ARC off the TBR stack for today's in-flight reading. Chose based on what sounded good & one I thought my nieces might like to read when I'm done. So far, THE ROSE BARGAIN has been a great choice - very readable - perfect for a plane!
November 28, 2024 at 4:00 AM
Avoided the Milwaukee snow & made it to Boston with @jennyseiler.bsky.social for #NCTE24! Ready for four days of focusing on "heart, hope, & humanity" through books and literacy.💜
And already looking forward to visiting her in her city next year as we "dream boldly" in Denver!🏔️
November 21, 2024 at 4:46 PM
November 18, 2024 at 1:22 AM
Looking forward to #NCTE24! I'm too busy to make a pretty graphic right now, so these screenshots from the scheduling app will have to do. 😂
Saturday 8:15am
Building Empathetic Viewpoints Through Picture Books author panel.
November 17, 2024 at 2:53 PM
What's everyone up to today? I'm currently looking through sessions for #NCTE24 & figuring out which ones are going to be best for me to attend to keep centering heart, hope, & humanity in my work.
November 17, 2024 at 2:50 PM
Do You Even Know Me? is one of those picture books that has stuck with me the most of all the titles I read this year. If you haven't seen it yet, you need to check it out! 📚👍🏻 #ClassroomBookADay
November 16, 2024 at 8:44 PM
I am beyond honored to share that I will be a member of the 2026 Caldecott Award Committee!🥇🥈
How this affects things you'll see from me: I will not be able to post about or make recommendations for any picture books published in 2025 until after the announcement of the winners in January 2026.
November 13, 2024 at 3:06 AM
What are you reading aloud for Native American Heritage Month? So many great options for #ClassroomBookADay!
November 13, 2024 at 1:18 AM
If you share books about any Christian or U.S. holidays, you should also be sharing books about holidays from the many cultures & beliefs of the global majority. Diwali is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year” & “is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians."
October 28, 2024 at 2:56 AM
If you're looking for ways to help kids process the latest news, these books can help. Being sensitive to whether it's the right time to use them of course as you know your kids best to determine what social emotional needs they may or may not have right now. #ClassroomBookADay
September 5, 2024 at 1:45 PM
Reminder for Pre-K through 3rd grade teachers who have not already received their free books, fill out the form on PLP's site today! And if you've already gotten yours, share the link with colleagues who haven't! Let's Read with Pride this school year!

www.prideandlessprejudice.org/free-books
August 12, 2024 at 9:45 PM
DO YOU EVEN KNOW ME? by Reem Faruqi & Ani Bushry is one of my top picture book recommendations this year. It's so, so good for so many themes.
I want every librarian to have this book in their school & every teacher to read it to their students!

#ClassroomBookADay #WNDB
August 8, 2024 at 1:31 AM