Top 10 Storybooks for Teaching Opinion Writing

Hey,

Are you about to start teaching opinion/persuasive writing to your students? I know that I always love to use picture books when I’m teaching writing.

Reading a story can be a great warm-up and you can model the type of writing that you’re teaching.

Best of all, you can create whole lessons or units around picture books, so let’s talk about the ten best storybooks for teaching opinion writing.

Storybooks for Opinion writing

The Day the Crayons Quit

This is hands-down one of my favorite books to read with any class! Duncan just wants to color, but he keeps getting letters from his fed-up crayons. This book is funny but most of all, it has some great persuasive letters from the crayons – which are perfect for modelling persuasive writing.

Writing Lesson Idea –

Ask your students to write a persuasive letter from the point of view of stationery items in your classroom.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

This is a hugely popular book for a reason! A bus driver has to leave, so he asks the reader to not allow the pigeon to drive the bus. The pigeon comes up with a lot of excuses to get the readers to let him. It’s definitely a book that gets engagement from students when you ask their opinion about whether the pigeon should drive the bus. *cue loud chorused answers!

Writing Lesson Idea –

Tell your students to write about whether the pigeon should be allowed to drive the bus.

Hey, little ant

This book is a thought-provoking story about morals. There is a negotiation between a kid about to squish an ant, and the ant about to be squished. It will create a great discussion with your class. You’ll hear some interesting opinions and persuasive reasoning from your students!

Writing Lesson Idea –

Get your students to write their opinion on whether the ant should be squished or saved and give reasons to support their argument.

i wanna iguana

This book features an amusing exchange of notes between a child and his mother. Alex tries to persuade his mother that he should be allowed to adopt a friend’s baby iguana. You can ask your students what their opinion is and discuss strange pet ideas.

Writing Lesson Idea –

Have your students write a letter to their parents convincing them to buy an unusual pet.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

This book is an awesome twist to a popular story. Wolf, now in jail for crimes against the three little pigs, insists he was framed. He tells his point of view and tries to persuade the reader that he is innocent. This can start a great discussion with students about the idea that there are two sides to every story.

Writing Lesson Idea –

Encourage your students to write a letter from the point of view of a villain, sharing their opinion and using persuasive reasoning.

The Perfect Pet

Elizabeth really wants a pet but her parents do not! She campaigns for one and this can create a discussion about what your students think the perfect pet is. Ask your students to list reasons why their ideal pet is so perfect.

Writing Lesson Idea –

Ask your students to write about their perfect pet and give lots of supportive reasons.

I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato

This witty book is about a fussy eater and her discussions with her brother about food she dislikes. You could ask your students about their opinions on the food in the book. Time for a class vote!

Writing Lesson Idea –

Tell your students to write about their least favorite food and share their opinions and reasoning.

I Don’t Want to be a Frog

This silly story features some hilarious dialogue between a feisty young frog and his father. Your students will laugh at his stubborn, yet endearing schemes to prove himself right.

Writing Lesson Idea –

Get your students to create a writing piece about wanting to be something else, perhaps an unusual animal!

Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type

This book tells the story of Farmer Brown’s cows, who find an old typewriter and write letters to him, making various demands and then going on strike when they aren’t met. Ask your students what they think needs improving at school, I’m sure you’ll hear some interesting answers!

Writing Lesson Idea –

Have your students write letters to you, making demands about how the classroom or school could be improved.

Duck for President

In this fun story, Duck is fed up with chores from Farmer Brown and decides to run for president. You can discuss with your students the burden of responsibility that Duck faces.

Writing Lesson Idea –

Encourage your students to write a letter and persuade you about why they should be in charge.

I hope you enjoy these storybooks for opinion writing!

Are you looking for more tips for teaching opinion writing? Click here to read my blog post ‘How To Teach Opinion Writing’.

If you sign up for my newsletter, you will receive access to my free resource library, where I have a free worksheet for opinion writing!

P.S. Are you looking for Math storybook recommendations? Check out my blog post for ‘The best picture books for teaching Math’ here.