20 best books on cooperation for elementary students – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you looking for a fun and educational way to teach your elementary students about the importance of cooperation? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the 20 best books on cooperation for elementary students. These books are not only entertaining but also teach valuable life lessons about teamwork, communication, and empathy. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or librarian, these books are sure to engage young readers and inspire a sense of cooperation in their everyday lives. Let’s dive into the world of cooperative stories!


The Jelly Donut Difference

by Maria Dismondy

The Jelly Donut Difference is a delightful book about collaboration and teamwork, perfect for elementary students. This heartwarming story teaches children the importance of working together and helping others. With its vibrant illustrations and engaging narrative, this book on cooperation for elementary students will capture their attention and inspire them to make a difference in their own lives. Join the characters as they discover the power of kindness and cooperation, and learn that even small acts of compassion can have a big impact. Cooperation for elementary students has never been so much fun!

The Invisible Boy

by Trudy Ludwig

Looking for a captivating book on collaboration for elementary students? Look no further than The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig. This captivating tale dives into the importance of cooperation for elementary students, teaching them valuable lessons about inclusivity and empathy.

The Bad Seed

by Jory John

The Bad Seed is an exciting and captivating book on cooperation for elementary students that will have readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. This thrilling tale takes readers on a journey through the world of a mischievous little seed who learns the importance of working together and being a good team player.

The Day You Begin

by Jacqueline Woodson

The Day You Begin: A Book on Cooperation for Elementary Students

Are you ready to embark on a heartwarming journey of self-acceptance and friendship? Jacqueline Woodson’s “The Day You Begin” is a remarkable book about cooperation for elementary students. This beautifully illustrated story encourages young readers to embrace their uniqueness and find strength in connecting with others.

In this uplifting tale, Woodson introduces us to a diverse group of children who feel like outsiders in their school. Whether it’s because of their appearance, language, or cultural background, they all experience the universal feeling of being different. But as they gather the courage to share their stories and open up to one another, a powerful transformation takes place.

As the students begin to understand and appreciate each other’s differences, they realize that their shared experiences of feeling like outsiders create a bond that brings them closer together. The book beautifully portrays the importance of empathy, compassion, and cooperation in creating a harmonious community where everyone is valued and accepted.

Woodson’s poetic and lyrical writing style, combined with Rafael López’s vibrant illustrations, transports readers into a world of imagination and understanding. Through this captivating narrative, children learn valuable lessons about embracing diversity, fostering inclusion, and celebrating the beauty of individuality.

“The Day You Begin” is a cooperation for elementary students book that offers a powerful message of unity and acceptance. It encourages young readers to take the first step in sharing their unique stories, knowing that they are not alone. By highlighting the power of connection and cooperation, this book serves as a catalyst for building a more inclusive and compassionate society.

So, are you ready to embark on a journey that will inspire you to embrace your own story and connect with others? Let “The Day You Begin” be your guide in fostering cooperation, understanding, and friendship among elementary students.

The Recess Queen

by Alexis O’Neill

The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill is an exciting and vibrant book on cooperation for elementary students. It takes readers on a journey to the playground, where a bossy and intimidating girl named Mean Jean rules over everyone. But when a new girl named Katie Sue comes along, she challenges Jean’s reign and teaches her the importance of kindness and inclusivity. This book about cooperation for elementary students is a powerful reminder that working together and treating others with respect can lead to happier and more harmonious relationships. With its relatable characters and valuable life lessons, The Recess Queen is the perfect cooperation for elementary students book that will inspire young readers to be compassionate and cooperative individuals.

The Name Jar

by Yangsook Choi

The Name Jar is a captivating book that teaches elementary students the importance of collaboration and working together. This delightful story by Yangsook Choi is an exceptional resource for any classroom or library seeking a book on cooperation for elementary students. Through vibrant illustrations and a heartwarming narrative, this book about teamwork and unity will engage young readers and inspire them to embrace the power of collaboration.

The Big Umbrella

by Amy June Bates

The Big Umbrella is an incredible book about teamwork and collaboration, perfect for elementary students. This heartwarming story teaches children the importance of working together and welcoming others with open arms.

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade

by Justin Roberts

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts is a delightful book that teaches young readers about the power of unity and teamwork. This charming story follows Sally, the tiniest student in her school, as she observes the behaviors of her classmates. With her keen eye for fairness and justice, Sally becomes an unexpected hero, standing up for what is right and promoting cooperation among her peers.

This book is a wonderful resource for elementary students and teachers alike, as it emphasizes the importance of cooperation, teamwork, and kindness. Through Sally’s journey, readers are encouraged to consider the impact of their actions on others and to work together to create a harmonious community.

With its engaging illustrations and relatable characters, The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade is a must-read for anyone looking to teach young children about the value of cooperation. This heartwarming tale will leave readers inspired to make a difference in their own schools and communities, proving that even the smallest actions can have a big impact.

The Golden Rule

by Ilene Cooper

The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper is a captivating book on cooperation for elementary students.

This delightful story explores the importance of working together, being kind, and treating others the way we would like to be treated. Through vivid illustrations and relatable characters, Cooper shows young readers that the golden rule is not just a saying, but a powerful principle that can shape their relationships and interactions with others.

With its engaging narrative and easy-to-understand language, this book about cooperation for elementary students is perfect for both independent reading and classroom discussions. It teaches children the value of empathy, understanding, and teamwork, encouraging them to build a harmonious community where everyone feels respected and included.

Whether used as a tool for character education or simply enjoyed as a heartwarming story, The Golden Rule is a must-read for any child navigating the challenges of social interaction. It offers a timeless lesson that kindness and cooperation can go a long way in making the world a better place.

The Crayon Box That Talked

by Shane DeRolf

The Crayon Box That Talked is an incredible book on collaboration for elementary students. It tells a captivating story about a box of crayons who learn the importance of working together and embracing each other’s unique qualities. This remarkable book about cooperation for elementary students emphasizes the significance of unity and teamwork, teaching children that by combining their individual strengths, they can achieve amazing things. Through vibrant illustrations and a heartwarming narrative, this cooperation for elementary students book instills the values of acceptance, respect, and collaboration, promoting a harmonious and inclusive classroom environment. With its powerful message and engaging storytelling, The Crayon Box That Talked is a must-read for all young learners, as it encourages them to celebrate diversity and embrace the power of cooperation.

The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Friends

by Stan and Jan Berenstain

The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Friends is a delightful book on cooperation for elementary students. In this heartwarming story, the lovable Berenstain Bears learn an important lesson about the power of friendship and working together.

This book about cooperation for elementary students follows Brother Bear as he faces a dilemma – his friends don’t seem to be getting along. Instead of playing nicely and cooperating, they argue, fight, and exclude each other. Brother Bear quickly realizes that this behavior only leads to sadness and loneliness.

With the help of Mama and Papa Bear, Brother Bear comes up with a plan to bring his friends together. Through teamwork, compromise, and understanding, the friends learn how to cooperate and solve their problems. The Berenstain Bears demonstrate that when we work together, we can achieve great things and have a lot more fun!

This cooperation for elementary students book is filled with colorful illustrations and relatable characters, making it engaging and easy for young readers to follow. It teaches valuable lessons about respect, empathy, and the importance of cooperation in a playful and entertaining way.

Whether read aloud by a teacher or enjoyed independently, The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Friends is a must-have addition to any elementary school library. It sparks meaningful discussions about friendship, conflict resolution, and the power of working together, leaving a lasting impact on young readers.

The Rainbow Fish

by Marcus Pfister

The Rainbow Fish is a captivating book on cooperation for elementary students. This enchanting story by Marcus Pfister teaches the importance of sharing and working together in a visually stunning underwater world. Dive into the depths of the ocean and meet the Rainbow Fish, a beautiful creature with shimmering scales. However, the Rainbow Fish soon discovers that his dazzling appearance sets him apart from the other fish, leading to feelings of isolation.

But when a wise octopus advises the Rainbow Fish to share his scales with others, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns the true meaning of cooperation. Will the Rainbow Fish choose to share his gifts and find happiness through unity? This book about cooperation for elementary students is a true gem that highlights the power of collaboration and empathy.

Through Pfister’s vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, children are introduced to valuable lessons on the rewards of cooperation. The Rainbow Fish encourages readers to embrace inclusivity, kindness, and teamwork, making it an ideal choice for educators and parents seeking to instill these values in young minds. Dive into this cooperation for elementary students book and embark on a colorful adventure that will leave a lasting impression on both children and adults alike.

The Lion and the Mouse

by Jerry Pinkney

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney is a captivating book on cooperation for elementary students. This beautifully illustrated story teaches children the importance of working together and helping one another. Through stunning visuals and minimal text, Pinkney brings to life the tale of a mighty lion and a tiny mouse who both learn the value of cooperation.

The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a heartwarming book on cooperation for elementary students. It tells the story of a tree and a young boy who develop a beautiful friendship based on trust, selflessness, and sharing.

The tree in the story represents a symbol of unconditional love and the importance of cooperation for elementary students. As the boy grows older, he keeps coming back to the tree, seeking different things to fulfill his needs and desires. The tree, in return, selflessly gives away its apples, branches, and even its trunk to make the boy happy.

This book about cooperation for elementary students teaches valuable lessons about the power of giving, kindness, and gratitude. It emphasizes the importance of working together, sharing resources, and helping one another to create a harmonious and supportive community.

The Giving Tree is a timeless classic that reminds readers, young and old, about the importance of cooperation for elementary students in building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of unity. It encourages empathy, compassion, and understanding, making it an essential read for children to learn about the value of cooperation and collaboration.

The Sneetches and Other Stories

by Dr. Seuss

The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss is a captivating book on cooperation for elementary students. This collection of stories takes young readers on a whimsical journey, teaching them important lessons about acceptance, unity, and collaboration.

In this enchanting book about cooperation for elementary students, Dr. Seuss introduces us to a variety of unique characters and situations. From the Sneetches, who learn the importance of embracing differences, to the Zax, who stubbornly refuse to compromise, each story is filled with valuable insights.

Through Dr. Seuss’s masterful storytelling and delightful illustrations, children are encouraged to explore the themes of teamwork, empathy, and understanding. They will learn that when we work together and appreciate each other’s strengths, we can achieve great things.

This cooperation for elementary students book is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. Dr. Seuss’s clever rhymes and imaginative illustrations will capture the hearts and minds of young readers, sparking conversations about the importance of cooperation and unity.

So, if you’re looking for a book that will engage and inspire elementary students while teaching them valuable lessons about cooperation, The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss is an absolute must-read!

The Dot

by Peter H. Reynolds

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds is an inspiring book about collaboration for elementary students.

The Little Red Hen

by Paul Galdone

The Little Red Hen is a delightful book about teamwork and collaboration for elementary students.

In this classic tale, the Little Red Hen finds a grain of wheat and decides to plant it. She asks her farmyard friends, the duck, the cat, and the pig, if they would like to help her with the hard work of planting, harvesting, and baking bread. However, all of them refuse, claiming that they are too busy or too lazy.

Undeterred, the Little Red Hen perseveres and completes each task herself. She diligently tends to the wheat, harvests it, grinds it into flour, and kneads the dough to bake a delicious loaf of bread.

When the bread is finally ready, the Little Red Hen asks her friends if they would like to share in the feast. But now that the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, they are suddenly eager to partake. However, the Little Red Hen, having learned a valuable lesson, decides to enjoy the bread all by herself, leaving her lazy friends to learn the importance of cooperation the hard way.

The Little Red Hen is a heartwarming and educational book that teaches young readers the value of working together and sharing responsibilities. It encourages them to be active participants in their communities, classrooms, and families, fostering a sense of cooperation, teamwork, and unity.

The Three Questions

by Jon J. Muth

The Three Questions is a captivating book on cooperation for elementary students. It is a heartwarming tale that teaches important life lessons in a simple and engaging way. Set in ancient China, the story follows a young boy named Nikolai who embarks on a journey to find the answers to three profound questions.

The Quiltmaker’s Gift

by Jeff Brumbeau

The Quiltmaker’s Gift is a delightful book on cooperation for elementary students that will captivate young readers with its vibrant illustrations and heartwarming story. This enchanting tale explores the power of giving, kindness, and cooperation for elementary students in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The Empty Pot

by Demi

The Empty Pot by Demi is an enchanting book that teaches the value of cooperation to young readers. This captivating story is a perfect choice for elementary students who are eager to learn about working together and achieving common goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 books about cooperation for elementary students are a must-have for any classroom or home library. Through captivating stories and relatable characters, these books teach valuable lessons about working together, respecting others, and the power of collaboration. Whether it’s solving a problem, completing a task, or simply getting along with peers, these books provide the perfect platform for discussions about cooperation and teamwork. So, dive into these pages and watch as your young readers develop important social skills that will benefit them for years to come.