Tag Archives: science

The Best Picture Books about Pets and How to Care for Them

Katie Merkel

Hello everyone!

If you have children, then you are probably no stranger to being begged for a pet…or multiple pets. As an animal lover who has had dogs, cats, rabbits, and parakeets, I have always been in the category of “the more the merrier” (much to my father’s consternation). Whether you want tons of pets, one pet, or no pets, I hope you will enjoy my pet picture book recommendations.

For your and your animal lover’s reading pleasure, I have listed 15 fabulous fiction picture books that celebrate the fun of having a pet, comedize the struggle of children trying to get their parents to let them get a pet, and/or that point out the work that goes into caring for a pet. I also recommended three non-fiction picture book series that highlight what it takes to be a responsible pet owner for specific animals. Each series is appropriate for a different age level ranging from preschool through 5th grade. Take the animal fun a step farther by checking out the animal crafts (sorted by pet type), pet-related writing assignments, and science experiments you can do with your pets that I included at the end of the post.

Picture Books

Dear Zoo

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell is a lift the flap book about the zoo sending animals to the narrator, who asked for a pet, and the narrator sending them back because they are not the right pet.

I Spy Pets by Edward Gibbs introduces each pet with the phrase “I spy”; describes the texture or the animal’s skin, feathers, or fur; and has the animal say what it likes to eat. Then, the reader turns the page and sees what the animal is. The pages have a hole in them for the animals’ eyes and a close up of the animals’ skin, feathers, or fur.

Can I Keep It? by Lisa Jobe is about a boy who keeps catching wild animals and asking his mother if he can keep them. His mother describes what each animal likes to do and asks her son where he would want to live if he were that type of animal. Every time, he does the right thing and lets the animal go until finally, he finds the right type of animal that would want to live with a boy like him.

The Grumpy Pets by Kristine A. Lombardi is about a boy named Billy who is always unhappy. His mom hopes that taking him to the pet store will cheer him up, but all the animals there are just too happy for Billy. Then, Billy discovers the grumpy pets and finds a pet that is just right for him.

Bad Dog by Mike Boldt is about a little girl who wanted a dog for her birthday but got a cat named Rocky instead. However, the girl is convinced that Rocky is a dog and treats her and tries to train her like a dog. Rocky is a bad dog, but in the end, the girl concludes that Rocky would make a great cat.

Can I Be Your Dog by Troy Cummings is a series of letters between Arfy, a stray who wants a home, and the residents of Butternut Street, who don’t want to adopt a dog. The final letter exchange is between the mail carrier, who wants to be Arfy’s person, and Arfy, who is happy to finally have a home.

Some Pets by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel describes different features and skills that pets can have and concludes that regardless a pet can be a friend.

If I Had a Raptor by George O’Connor details how a little girl would care for a raptor if she had one as a pet.

My Pet Wants a Pet by Elise Broach, illustrated by Eric Barclay is about a boy who begged his mother for a puppy until she finally said yes. The boy does such a great job taking care of his puppy that the puppy wants a pet of his own. This continues from pet to pet until the boy’s mother has had enough.

I Won a What? by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Robert Neubecker is about a boy whose parents won’t let him get a pet with fur, feathers, or that eats live food, but they promise that he can keep anything he wins at the goldfish booth. Only the boy doesn’t win a goldfish. He wins a whale!

I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff, illustrated by David Catrow is a series of letters between Alex, who is trying to convince his mom to let him adopt his friend’s baby iguana, and his mother, who does not want an iguana and is not convinced that Alex is responsible enough to have a pet.

The Perfect Pet by Margie Palatini, illustrated by Bruce Whatley is about a girl named Elizabeth who desperately wants a pet but whose parents are dead set against having one. Elizabeth tries many different approaches to get them to approve one pet, but they all fail. Then, Elizabeth finds the perfect pet that meets all her parents’ requirements…and makes them wonder whether it would have been better to get a dog.

How to Train a Train by Jason Carter Eaton, illustrated by John Rocco gives instructions for how to catch and train a pet train.

Not Norman: A Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennett, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones is about a boy who gets a goldfish named Norman for a birthday gift. The boy wants to trade Norman in for a different pet; however, as he spends time with Norman, he comes to love the fish.

Fairy Tale Pets by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Jorge Martín is about Bob and his dog, Rex. In an effort to earn money, they start a pet sitting service. However, instead of cats, dogs, and small animals, people bring them fairy tale pets. Chaos ensues.

Non-fiction

Family Pet Series by Julie Murray

In the Family Pet Series each book gives an overview of the basic physical characteristics of the featured animal and what is needed to care for that type of pet. At the back is a picture glossary of the pet care items mentioned and the vocabulary terms that were bolded in purple in the text. This series is ideal for children in Preschool-Grade 2.

In the Do You Really Want a Pet? Series each book gives an overview of the responsibilities associated with owning that specific type of pet and ends with a short quiz. The quiz either helps readers to determine whether or not that animal is the best pet for their lifestyle or which breed or species in that animal category would make the best pet for their lifestyle. This series is ideal for children in Pre-K-Grade 2.

Pet Care Series by Bobbie Kalman (additional author mentioned beside book title), photos by Marc Crabtree, illustrations by Margaret Amy Reiach

In the Pet Care Series each book gives an overview of what the animal is, how to determine whether or not it is the right pet for your lifestyle, and how to properly care for that pet. This series is ideal for children in Grades 2-5.

Crafts

Birds

Cats

Dogs

Fish

Reptiles: Iguanas, Snakes, and Turtles

Rodents: Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Mice, and Rabbits

English Assignments

  • Write a paragraph about your pet or the pet you wish you had. Why is that pet the best? (1st grade through 5th grade)
  • Write a story about your pet or the pet you wish you had. Make sure your story has a beginning, middle, and end. (3rd grade through 5th grade)
  • Research how to care for and train your pet or the pet you wish you had. Write a five-paragraph essay about why that pet is the best pet and how to care for and train it. (4th grade through 5th grade)

Science Experiments to Do with Your Pet

  • “Doing Science With Your Cat!” by Dani Trotman
  • Cat’s Taste Preference Experiment: As a child, I did a taste preference science experiment with my cats. For one week, I laid out four equally filled bowls of water every morning. One bow contained water and salt, one contained water and lemon juice, one contained water and sugar, and the other bowl just contained water. Every morning, I measured how high on a ruler the water in each bowl came and wrote down the numbers for each bowl. Every afternoon, I measured again and recorded the numbers. At the end of the week, I transferred the numbers to a chart. Looking at my chart, I was able to determine which water my cats liked best.
  • “Are Dogs Colorblind?” by Education.com
  • “Do dogs have a color preference?” by Eddie Lord (This link is to Eddie Lord’s final project. You can have your child repeat the experiment by following the Procedure portion of the project.)
  • “What science fair projects can I do with a hamster or a rat?” by Robbi

Happy reading!

Katie

P.S.

For more themed book recommendations and activities, visit my post library.

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The Best Picture Books about the Solar System and Constellations for Children in Preschool through Elementary

Hello everyone!

Katie Merkel

One thing that most people don’t know about me is that I love stars and the solar system. Although I am by no means an astronomer or even an amateur stargazer, I always feel in awe when I view the night sky or look at pictures or videos of outer space. Looking up at the stars always makes me feel closer to God.

Below is a selection of books that give facts about our solar system (sun, moon, and planets) and constellations. And since I was personally very unhappy when Pluto was declared to no longer be a planet, I also included books that explain why Pluto was demoted to a dwarf planet. I sorted the book recommendations into categories: Planets (books that cover all the planets and a section for each individual planet), Dwarf Planets, Sun and Moon, and Stars (other than the sun). After the book recommendations, I listed space-themed activities, crafts, science experiments, sensory activities, and snacks.

I hope the space picture books and fun activities inspire your young readers’ fascination with our solar system and the universe!

Planets

Eight Spinning Planets

Eight Spinning Planets by Brian James, illustrated by Russell Benfanti gives a rhyming overview of the planets. The pages are cardboard and the planets are made of raised plastic, which makes the book ideal for children birth to kindergarten.

Nerdy Babies: Space

Nerdy Babies: Space by Emmy Kastner introduces kids to outer space and the eight planets. The age of the book characters makes the target audience birth to three, but if the listeners will forgive the narrator for addressing them as babies, the text and images can be enjoyed by kids as old as six.

Planets

Planets by Martha E. H. Rustad gives an overview of the planets. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

There's No Place Like Space! All about Our Solar System

There’s No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System (Revised Edition) by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz gives a rhyming overview of the planets, constellations, sun, and moon. This book is ideal for children in preschool-3rd grade.

Mercury

Mercury

Mercury by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, temperature, and terrain. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Mercury and Venus

Mercury and Venus by Rosalind Mist gives an overview of Mercury and Venus. This book is ideal for children in pre-k-3rd grade. The large font size and sentence length make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Do You Really Want to Visit Mercury?

Do You Really Want to Visit Mercury? by Thomas K. Adamson, illustrated by Daniele Fabbri presents facts about Mercury through the story of a girl wanting to go to Mercury to fix a problem she is having on Earth, her trip to Mercury, her time on Mercury, and her realizing what’s great about Earth. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Mercury by Jody S. Rake gives an overview of the planet including what we know about its discovery; where its name came from; and its size, location in the solar system, temperature, and terrain. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Venus

Venus

Venus by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, temperature, and terrain. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Mercury and Venus

Mercury and Venus by Rosalind Mist gives an overview of Mercury and Venus. This book is ideal for children in pre-k-3rd grade. The large font size and sentence length make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Do You Really Want to Visit Venus?

Do You Really Want to Visit Venus? by Thomas K. Adamson, illustrated by Daniele Fabbri presents facts about Venus through the story of a girl wanting to go to Venus to improve her science project, how long it takes to get to Venus, her time on Venus, and her realizing what’s great about Earth. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Venus by Jody S. Rake gives an overview of the planet including what we know about its discovery; where its name came from; and its size, location in the solar system, temperature, and terrain. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Earth

Earth

Earth by Martha E. H. Rustad gives an overview of Earth and its life-supporting features. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Earth

Earth by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, how seasons are made, and its makeup from the core to the atmosphere. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Earth by Jody S. Rake gives an overview of the planet including where its name came from and its size, location in the solar system, temperature, and terrain. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Mars

Mars

Mars by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, seasons, and terrain. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Mars by Jody S. Rake gives an overview of the planet including what we know about its discovery; where its name came from; and its size, location in the solar system, temperature, and terrain. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

To Mars!

To Mars! by Gina Bellisario, illustrated by Mike Moran is about a girl named Avery who imagines that she goes to Mars. Facts about Mars are presented as Avery does things on Mars. This book is ideal for children in kindergarten-2nd grade.

Is There Life on Mars?

Is There Life on Mars by Michael Portman gives information about Mars and why people thought, and some still think, there could be life on it. This book is ideal for children in 2nd-5th grade.

Jupiter

Jupiter

Jupiter by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, that it is made of gas, and that it has many storms. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Jupiter and Saturn

Jupiter and Saturn by Rosalind Mist gives an overview of Jupiter and Saturn. This book is ideal for children in pre-k-3rd grade. The large font size and sentence length make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Do You Really Want to Visit Jupiter?

Do You Really Want to Visit Jupiter? by Bridget Heos, illustrated by Daniele Fabbri presents facts about Jupiter through the story of a boy who wants to go to Jupiter, his time on Jupiter and some of its moons, and his realizing what’s great about Earth. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Jupiter by Steve Foxe gives an overview of the planet including what we know about its discovery; where its name came from; and its size, location in the solar system, and that it is a gas giant. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Saturn

Saturn

Saturn by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, moons, and that it is made of gas. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Jupiter and Saturn by Rosalind Mist gives an overview of Jupiter and Saturn. This book is ideal for children in pre-k-3rd grade. The large font size and sentence length make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Do You Really Want to Visit Saturn?

Do You Really Want to Visit Saturn? by Bridget Heos, illustrated by Daniele Fabbri presents facts about Saturn through the story of a boy wanting to live on another planet, how long it takes to get to Saturn, his time on Saturn, and his realizing what’s great about Earth. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Saturn by Steve Foxe gives an overview of the planet including what we know about its discovery; where its name came from; and its size, location in the solar system, and that it is a gas giant. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Uranus

Uranus by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, seasons, and that it is an ice giant. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Uranus and Neptune

Uranus and Neptune by Rosalind Mist gives an overview of Uranus, Neptune, and the dwarf planets. Since the book was published in 2012, some of the information is outdated. For example, Pluto has five moons, not three. This book is ideal for children in pre-k-3rd grade. The large font size and sentence length make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Do You Really Want to Visit Uranus?

Do You Really Want to Visit Uranus? by Bridget Heos, illustrated by Daniele Fabbri presents facts about Uranus through the story of a boy wanting to take pictures of Uranus, how long it takes to get to Uranus, his time on Uranus, and his realizing what’s great about Earth. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Uranus by Steve Foxe gives an overview of the planet including what we know about its discovery; where its name came from; and its size, location in the solar system, and that it is an ice giant. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Neptune

Neptune

Neptune by J.P. Bloom gives an overview of the planet, including its location in the solar system, temperature, and that it is a gas giant. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Uranus and Neptune by Rosalind Mist gives an overview of Uranus, Neptune, and the dwarf planets. Since the book was published in 2012, some of the information is outdated. For example, Pluto has five moons, not three. This book is ideal for children in pre-k-3rd grade. The large font size and sentence length make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Do You Really Want to Visit Neptune?

Do You Really Want to Visit Neptune? by Bridget Heos, illustrated by Daniele Fabbri presents facts about Neptune through the story of a girl wanting to go to Neptune to get away from a problem she is having on Earth, how long it takes to get to Neptune, her time on Neptune, and her curiosity about what lies beyond Neptune causing her to continue traveling. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Neptune by Steve Foxe gives an overview of the planet including what we know about its discovery; where its name came from; and its size, location in the solar system, and that it is an ice giant. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Dwarf Planets

A Place for Pluto

A Place for Pluto by Stef Wade, illustrated by Melanie Demmer tells the story of Pluto being told he’s not a planet anymore. In his search for where he belongs in the galaxy, Pluto compares himself to comets, meteoroids, and asteroids, but he is not any of those. Finally, he meets other dwarf planets and finds out what he is and where he fits. This book is ideal for children in preschool through 2nd grade.

Dwarf Planets

Dwarf Planets by Fran Howard presents information about Ceres, Pluto, and Eris. Since the book was published in 2008, some of the information is outdated. For example, Pluto has five moons, not three. This book is ideal for children in 1st-4th grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Pluto's Secret: An Icy World's Tale of Discovery

Pluto’s Secret: An Icy World’s Tale of Discovery by Margaret A. Weitekamp and David DeVorkin, illustrated by Diane Kidd tells the story of Pluto’s discovery, naming, and demotion to a dwarf planet from scientists’ and Pluto’s points of view. The scientists have lots of assumptions and questions about Pluto, and Pluto has a secret for them to discover. This book is ideal for children in kindergarten-4th grade.

Why Isn't Pluto a Planet?

Why Isn’t Pluto a Planet? by Michael Portman gives an overview of Pluto’s discovery and the reason it was demoted to a dwarf planet. This book is ideal for children in 2nd-5th grade.

Sun and Moon

Sun, Moon, and Stars

Sun, Moon, and Stars by Hannah Wilson presents an overview of the sun and moon and how they relate to Earth. It also gives information about different types of stars and defines what a constellation is. This book is ideal for children in pre-K-2nd grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Sun and Moon Have a Tea Party

Sun and Moon Have a Tea Party by Yumi Heo, illustrated by Naoko Stoop is about Sun and Moon having an argument about what the world is like: active or asleep. When Cloud invites them to stay up past their bedtime and watch the world from behind him, Sun and Moon discover that they are both right. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade.

The Sun

The Sun by Martha E. H. Rustad gives an overview of the sun. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

The Sun

The Sun by Reagan Miller gives an overview of the sun and how it influences life on Earth. At the end of the book is an activity that illustrates how it can be day in one part of the world and night in another. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Sun

Sun by Steve Tomecek, illustrated by Carla Golembe explains what the sun is and how it influences life on Earth. At the end of the book is an activity that illustrates how it can be day in one part of the world and night in another. This book is ideal for children in 2nd-6th grade.

Many Moons

Many Moons by Rémi Courgeon shows the different phases of the moon in terms of what every day objects it looks like. The final spread shows the eight phases of the moon in order starting with the new moon and gives a description of each phase. This book is ideal for birth to 1st grade.

The Moon

The Moon by Martha E. H. Rustad gives an overview of the moon. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade. The large font size and short sentences make it a good book for new readers to read on their own.

Do You Really Want to Visit the Moon? by Thomas K. Adamson, illustrated by Daniele Fabbri presents facts about the moon through the story of a girl wanting to go to the moon to fix a problem she is having on Earth, her trip to the moon, her time on the moon, and her realizing what’s great about Earth. This book is ideal for children in 1st-3rd grade.

Stars (other than the sun)

Our Stars

Our Stars by Anne Rockwell gives an overview of stars, planets, the moon, comets, and meteors. This book is ideal for children in preschool-2nd grade.

Sun, Moon, and Stars by Hannah Wilson presents an overview of the sun and moon and how they relate to Earth. It also gives information about different types of stars and defines what a constellation is. This book is ideal for children in pre-K-2nd grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

Stargazers

Stargazers by Gail Gibbons gives an overview of stars and stargazers. This book is ideal for children in pre-k-3rd grade.

Stars and Galaxies

Stars and Galaxies by James Buckley, Jr. gives information about different types of stars, constellations, and galaxies. This book is ideal for children in kindergarten-2nd grade. The large font size and longer sentences make it a good book for more advanced new readers to read on their own.

The Sky Is Full of Stars

The Sky Is Full of Stars by Dr. Franklyn M. Branley, illustrated by Felicia Bond presents an introduction to stargazing by giving an overview of what constellations are, how to find some of the easier ones, and instructions for how to make your own constellations with a flashlight and recyclables. This book is ideal for children in kindergarten-3rd grade.

Bright Sky, Starry City

Bright Sky, Starry City by Uma Krishnaswami, illustrated by Aimée Sicuro tells the story of a girl named Phoebe who lives in a city and plans to look at Saturn, Mars, and the stars with her dad and his telescopes, but they can’t see them well because of light pollution. She wishes for the lights to go out, and a her wish is granted when a storm causes a blackout. Phoebe, her dad, and other people in the city get to enjoy the planets and constellations. At the back of the book is information about our solar system, planets and moons, telescopes, and light pollution. This book is ideal for children in kindergarten-4th grade.

Shooting Stars

Shooting Stars by Kristen Rajczak shares information about meteors and when to watch for them. This book is ideal for children in 2nd-5th grade.

Zoo in the Sky

Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton, illustrated by Christina Balit shares about constellations in the northern and southern hemispheres. This book is ideal for children in 3rd-6th grade.

50 Things to See with a Telescope: A Young Stargazer's Guide

50 Things to See with a Telescope: A Young Stargazer’s Guide by John A. Read is a how-to book that instructs young stargazers in how to find constellations, star clusters, planets, and other items in the northern hemisphere during each of the four seasons. This book is ideal for children in 3rd grade and up, but with adult assistance it could be used with children as young as 5 years old.

Activities

  1. Night Sky Felt Play and Math Games (Preschool through 1st Grade)
  2. Constellation Geoboard (Preschool through 2nd Grade)
  3. Constellation Geoboards (Kindergarten through Elementary)
  4. Build a Lego Solar System (Preschool through Elementary)
  5. Planetary Orbit Game (Preschool through Elementary)
  6. Planets Scrabble Math (1st through 3rd Grade)
  7. Candy Constellation Game (3rd grade and up)

Crafts

  1. Marshmallow Constellations (Preschool through 2nd grade)
  2. Summer Skies Marshmallow Constellations (2nd through 6th grade)
  3. Pipe Cleaner Constellations (Preschool through Elementary)
  4. DIY Constellation Projector (Preschool through Elementary)
  5. Constellation Lacing Cards (Elementary)
  6. Fingerprint Solar System (Preschool)
  7. Paint Stick Solar System (Pre-K through 3rd grade)
  8. Puffy Planets (Preschool through 3rd grade)
  9. Coffee Filter Planets (Preschool through Elementary)
  10. Papier-mâché Solar System (Preschool through Elementary)

Science Experiments

  1. Making Craters (Preschool through Elementary)
  2. Fizzing Planets Solar System (Preschool through Elementary)
  3. Fizzy Stars (Preschool through 2nd grade)
  4. Melting Stars (Preschool through Elementary)
  5. Magic Rainbow Toothpick Star (Preschool through Elementary)

Sensory

  1. Solar System Sensory Bottle (Preschool)
  2. Star Gazing Discovery Bottle (Preschool)
  3. Good Night Moon Sensory Bottle (Preschool)
  4. Glow in the Dark Solar System Sensory Play (Preschool)
  5. Starry Night Sky Slime (Preschool)
  6. Starry Night Sensory Bag (Preschool through 2nd grade)
  7. Outer Space Playdough (Preschool through 2nd grade)

Snack

  1. Marshmallow Constellation
  2. Solar System
  3. Giant Solar System Sugar Cookie

Happy reading!

Katie

P.S.

For more themed book recommendations and activities, visit my post library.

Autumn Books that Celebrate the Season’s Bounty and Beauty

Hello everyone!

Katie Merkel

It’s September, which means that the autumnal equinox is almost upon us, and one of my favorite seasons will soon begin! There are so many things I love about fall: changing leaves; apple, pumpkin, and harvest festivals; corn mazes; hay rides; and hot apple cider. And I’m sure sports fans are counting down the days until football season starts.

Since autumn is full of so many changes and colors, the season easily lends itself to art, science, and, my favorite of all, stories! Below, I have raked some fantastic picture books about fall into two piles: fiction and nonfiction. After each book recommendation, I have written a type of activity (i.e. Crafts, Games, Math Activities, and Science Experiments) and a number; these correspond to the activities at the end of the post that I think best go with each book.

Fiction

Who Loves the Fall? by Bob Raczka, illustrated by Judy Stead shows many people enjoying fall activities. The illustrations carry the theme and are well supported by the minimal rhyming text. (Any Craft, Game, Math Activity, or Science Experiment for Preschool through 1st Grade.)

Hocus Pocus, It’s Fall! by Anne Sibley O’Brien, illustrated Susan Gal shows the changes that occur in the fall. Each spread shows the starting point for a plant or animal; then open the flap and the autumn change is revealed…like magic. (Any Craft, Game, Math Activity or Science Experiment for Preschool through 1st Grade.)

Wonderfall by Michael Hall has a poem on each spread about a different aspect of fall. Each illustration includes the same tree which shows the season’s progression through the state of its leaves. (Crafts 1, 2, 4, 5, or 12; Games 1, 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12; Math Activities 4, 5, or 6; Science Experiments 1, 2, 3, or 6)

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert is about Leaf Man being blown away by the wind. The narrator speculates about where Leaf Man might be. While the narrator guesses about where the wind might take Leaf Man, leaves create the scenery that the narrator describes. This book would pair well with a leaf craft. (Crafts 3, 4, or 5; Games 3, 4, 11, or 12; Math Activities 4, 5, or 6; Science Experiments 1, 2, or 3)

Fall Is for Friends by Suzy Spafford is about two autumn-loving friends trying to get the leaves to fall off the trees. (Crafts 1, 2, 4, or 5; Games 3, 4, 10, 11, or 12; Math Activities 4, 5, or 6; Science Experiments 1, 2, or 3)

A Fall Ball for All by Jamie A. Swenson, illustrated by Chiara Fedele is about nature throwing a windfall ball for all the forest animals. The animals delay their migration and hibernation plans to attend. There is excitement leading up to the ball, and afterwards, everyone has the food they need for the winter. (Crafts 6, 9, or 12; Games 1, 5, 6, 7, or 8; Math Activities 1, 2, or 3; Science Experiment 6)

Counting on Fall by Lizann Flatt, illustrated by Ashley Barron combines math with nature during the autumn. This book is ideal for children in Kindergarten through second grade. (Crafts 1, 2, 4, 7, or 12; Games 1, 3, 4, 5, or 9; Math Activities 1, 3, 4, or 5; Science Experiments 1, 2, 3, or 6)

Hello, Fall! by Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Lucy Fleming is about a granddaughter and grandfather enjoying a fall day together. (Crafts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9; Games 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, or 12; Any Math Activity; Any Science Experiment)

Leif and the Fall by Allison Sweet Grant and Adam Grant, illustrated by Merrilee Liddiard is about a leaf named Leif who is afraid that falling will hurt. He comes up with multiple ways to keep himself from falling or to catch himself, but none of them work, and he throws them off his branch. When he finally falls, he lands on his pile of discarded ideas instead of bumping his head on the ground. The underlying themes of determination paying off and failure leading to success are great lessons for children. (Crafts 3, 4, or 5; Games 3, 4, 11, or 12; Math Activities 4, 5, or 6; Science Experiments 1, 2, or 3)

Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke is about a young fox named Fletcher who is worried that his favorite tree is sick. He tries to help the tree by collecting its fallen leave and reattaching them. In the end, Fletcher’s attempts to make the leaves stay on the tree fail, but he comes to understand that his tree is alright. (Crafts 1, 2, 4, or 5; Games 3, 4, 11, or 12; Math Activities 4, 5, or 6; Science Experiments 1, 2, or 3)

Applesauce Season by Eden Ross Lipson, illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein is about a family’s annual tradition of making applesauce throughout the autumn. At the back is a recipe for homemade applesauce. (Crafts 6 or 7; Games 6, 7, or 8; Science Experiment 5)

Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White, illustrated by Megan Lloyd is about a woman named Rebecca Estelle who hates pumpkins. When a pumpkin falls off a truck and splats in her yard, she buries it so she won’t have to touch or look at it. The next year, the pumpkins aggressively grow until they take over her entire front yard. Not wanting to waste food, she bakes the pumpkins into treats and carves the shells into jack-o’-lanterns to give to her neighbors. Rebecca Estelle has such a good time with her neighbors, that she decides to plant pumpkins the next year. (Crafts 8 or 9; Games 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10; Math Activities 1, 2, or 3; Science Experiment 4)

Nonfiction

Hello Autumn! by Shelley Rotner gives an overview of the many things that happen in the fall: changes in the weather and leaves, harvest, holidays, and how animals get ready for winter. The short text and large photos make this an excellent book to read aloud to three to eight year olds. The larger print also makes this a good book for more advanced young readers to read on their own. (Any Craft, Game, Math Activity, or Science Experiment for Preschool through 2nd Grade)

Full of Fall by April Pulley Sayre is an overview of how leaves change throughout the fall, starting with a goodbye to summer green, transitioning to the many colors seen on the trees, and ending with the leaves beginning to decompose. The sparsity and rhyme of the text makes this a good book to read to two to five year olds. (Crafts 1 or 4; Games 3, 4, or 11; Math Activities 4 or 5; Science Experiments 1, 2, or 3)

Awesome Autumn: All Kinds of Fall Facts and Fun by Bruce Goldstone is a great book to read to five to eight year olds. It gives an overview of the many changes that happen during autumn and presents facts about why and how those changes occur in a concise and easy-to-understand way. At the end of the book are instructions for several simple autumn crafts. (Any Craft, Game, Math Activity, or Science Experiment for Elementary)

Summer Green to Autumn Gold: Uncovering Leaves’ Hidden Colors by Mia Posada explains how leaves change colors in the fall. The text and illustrations work together beautifully to explain the concept. This book is ideal for four to eight year olds; however, I would also read it with older students if they are struggling to understand how chlorophyll works. (Crafts 1, 2, 4, or 5; Games 3, 4, 11, or 12; Math Activities 4, 5, or 6; Science Experiments 1, 2, or 3)

Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie by Jill Esbaum shows how pumpkins grow, that there are many different types of pumpkins, and some of the ways pumpkins are used. This is an excellent book to read to four to eight year olds, and the larger print makes it a good book for more advanced young readers to read on their own. (Crafts 8 or 9; Games 5, 6, 7, or 8; Math Activities 1, 2, or 3; Science Experiment 4)

The What Happens in Fall? Series by Mari Schuh is designed for beginning readers to read on their own.

The Fall Field Trips Series by Lisa J. Amstutz is designed for beginning readers to read on their own. At the back of each book are directions for how to make a simple, theme-related craft.

The Fall’s Here! Series by Martha E. H. Rustad, illustrated by Amanda Enright is ideal for reading to Kindergarteners through 2nd graders. At the back of each book are directions for how to do a theme-related activity.

Crafts

  1. Scissor Skills Fall Tree Craft (Preschool or Elementary depending on amount of adult prep)
  2. Tissue Paper Tree (Elementary)
  3. Leaf People (Preschool or Elementary)
  4. Leaf Rubbing Collage or Leaf Rubbing Activity: Art & Science Project (Preschool or Elementary – Leaf rubbings often work best when the veins are up.)
  5. Leaf Book (Elementary)
  6. Apple Print Craft (Preschool)
  7. Apple Tree Numbers Craft (3 year olds through 1st grade depending on amount of adult prep)
  8. What’s Inside a Pumpkin Craft (Preschool or Elementary)
  9. Paper Strip Pumpkin (Elementary)
  10. Paper Bag Scarecrow (Preschool or Elementary)
  11. Popsicle Stick Scarecrow (Elementary)
  12. Cinnamon Acorn (Preschool through 2nd grade)

Games

  1. The Squirrel Game: “Let the kids pretend they are squirrels gathering nuts for the winter. Give each a small paper bag, then toss out several unshelled nuts onto the floor and let the kids race to see who can collect the most. Older and younger children should be separated for this game. Another way to play this game, (if you have a way to corral a large quantity of leaves) is to hide nuts beneath a large pile of leaves and give the kids a set amount of time to find as many nuts as they can.” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 18.) (Preschool or Elementary)
  2. Dress a Scarecrow and Run: “Stock up on over-sized plaid shirts, goofy pants, floppy hats and any other clothing that a scarecrow might wear. Make piles containing one of each item. The number of piles is determined either by the number of kids or teams participating. Line up kids and let the game begin! The children run to the pile, put on the outfit, and dart back to the starting line. If doing it as a team game, they then switch the outfit with their teammate–who run out and back. First team with their last team member dressed as a scarecrow wins.” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 9.) (Elementary)
  3. Parachute Leaf Toss: “Take a sheet, or a parachute. Gather real leaves, fabric leaves, or paper leaves. Place them in the middle of the sheet. Gather around the sheet and have the children lift the sheet slowly and then quickly to see how all the leaves ‘float.'” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 16.) (Preschool or Elementary)
  4. Leaf Blow Game: “Have a leaf race! In this, the children blow a leaf across a table with a straw. The first one across is the winner.” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 3.) (four year olds through Elementary)
  5. Gourd Ring Toss: “Assign different point values to different sizes of gourds, pumpkins, or dried Indian corn.” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 8.) (Preschool or Elementary)
  6. Apple-Apple Pumpkin: “Just like duck-duck-goose—Play Apple, Apple, Pumpkin! Same game with fall flair.” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 13.) (Preschool or Elementary)
  7. Pumpkin Rolling (Can also do with apples): “Divide children into two or more teams. Have a start line and turnaround line, 20 ft apart. The first child in each line rolls a pumpkin from the start line, to the turn-around line and back. The next person does the same, etc. The first team to have everyone play wins!” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 21.) (Preschool or Elementary)
  8. Pass the Pumpkin Relay (Can also do with apples): “Line up into 2 teams. The first person passes the pumpkin OVER his/her head to the next person in line. The next person passes the pumpkin UNDER his/her legs to the next person, and so on. When you get to the end of the line the last person runs up to the front and starts it all over again. Whoever has the first person that was in line at the beginning of the game— in the back of the line WINS.” (This activity taken from “61 Fall Games and Activities Kids Love”; it was number 23.) (Preschool or Elementary)
  9. Bountiful Harvest Board Game (Elementary)
  10. Autumn Charades Game (Elementary)
  11. Fall Color Wheel Scavenger Hunt (Preschool through 2nd grade)
  12. Sensory Nature Scavenger Hunt (Elementary)

Math Activities

  1. Super Simple Pumpkin Seed Counting Activity (Preschool through Kindergarten)
  2. Pumpkin Geoboard Stem To Try This Fall (Preschool through 1st grade)
  3. Pumpkin Stem Challenge Your Preschoolers Will Love (Preschool through 1st grade)
  4. Preschool Math: Graphing Fall Leaves (Preschool or Elementary depending on how the adult adapts it)
  5. Leaf Measurement and Sorting Activity (Preschool or Elementary depending on how the adult adapts it)
  6. Leaf symmetry lesson combining math and art (Elementary)

Science Experiments

  1. Science for Kids: Exploring How Water Travels Through Leaves (Preschool or Elementary)
  2. How Do Leaves Breathe? A Simple Science Experiment for Kids (Preschool or Elementary)
  3. Science Experiment: Why Do Leaves Change Colour? (Preschool or Elementary)
  4. Pumpkin Oobleck With A Real Pumpkin (Preschool or Elementary)
  5. Apple Oxidation Science Experiment (Preschool or Elementary)
  6. Hibernation Science Lesson (Preschool or Elementary)

Happy reading!

Katie

P.S.

For more themed book recommendations and activities, visit my post library.