12 Best Easter Picture Books

Hello everyone!

Happy Easter! Below are a dozen eggcellent Easter picture books. Some tell the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection and others feature the Easter bunny or Easter egg hunts.

After looking at the book recommendations, don’t forget to check out the Easter-themed crafts (some make cute Easter decorations), math activities, and snacks at the end of the post.

Picture Book Recommendations

The Easter Bunny’s Assistant by Jan Thomas is a lesson in how to color Easter eggs given by the Easter Bunny and his assistant, Skunk. Unfortunately, Skunk gets excited easily, which makes the process a smelly affair. Kids will enjoy this humorous lesson in egg dying.

A Very Happy Easter by Tim Thornborough tells the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection while paying special emphasis on how different people felt. In addition to sharing the Good News about Jesus, the book teaches empathy by asking kids to mimic the characters’ facial expressions and to think about how they felt.

The Parable of the Lily by Liz Curtis Higgs, illustrated by Nancy Munger is about a girl named Maggie who receives a box of dirt from her father with a mysterious plant’s bulb in it. She is disappointed with the gift, forgets about it for a while, and then throws the bulb outside. On Easter morning, she discovers that the bulb has grown into a beautiful lily. On most of the pages a Bible verse shows how Maggie’s story mirrors Jesus’ life on Earth and how God the Father must have felt that the precious gift of His Son was undervalued and unappreciated. And just as God forgives us for our sins, the books ends with Maggie’s father forgiving her for not appreciating his gift sooner.

The Story of the Easter Bunny by Katherine Tegen, illustrated by Sally Anne Lambert tells how the Easter Bunny got his start making eggs and delivering Easter baskets on Easter morning.

Happy Easter, God by Elspeth Campbell Murphy, illustrated by Jim Lewis is a series of poems that celebrate what children love about Easter. Each poem is paired with an illustration and a Bible verse.

That’s My Colt: An Easter Tale by Dandi Daley Mackall, illustrated by Chris Ellison tells the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, His death, and His resurrection from the point of view of Matthias, the boy who owned the colt that Jesus rode into Jerusalem.

Turkey’s Eggcellent Easter by Wendi Silvano, illustrated by Lee Harper is about a group of farm animals who want to win an Easter egg hunt prize by finding one of the special eggs, but they can’t participate in the hunt because it is only for children. The animals disguise Turkey different ways so he can find a special Easter egg, but each attempt to get an egg is foiled. The animals’ shenanigans are sure to delight readers of all ages!

God Gave Us Easter by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant is about a father bear telling his daughter about the meaning of Easter and how God gave us Easter so that we could be with Him forever.

Benjamin’s Box: The Story of the Resurrection Eggs by Melody Carlson, illustrated by Jack Stockman tells the story of Jesus from His triumphal entry into Jerusalem through His resurrection from the point of view of a boy named Benjamin, who has an empty treasure box that he fills up with meaningful objects that he finds or is given during key events. Although this book can stand alone, it is designed to be read while children open resurrection eggs.

Last One in Is a Rotten Egg! by Diane deGroat is about Gilbert, Lola, and their older cousin Wally, who is very competitive. At the Easter egg hunt there are two prizes: one for finding the golden egg and one for finding the most eggs. Wally is so determined to win that he steals the golden egg from Lola despite already having the most eggs. Using Wally’s competitiveness against him, Gilbert tricks Wally into dropping all of his eggs. Gilbert returns the golden egg to Lola and wins the prize for finding the most eggs. When Gilbert gives his prize to Wally because it rightfully belongs to him, Wally learns that how you treat people is more important than winning.

Easter Eggs for Anya: A Ukrainian Celebration of New Life in Christ by Virginia Kroll, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport is about a girl named Anya who is sad because her father is fighting in a war and they do not have any eggs to turn into pysanky eggs for Easter. When a fox kills a wild goose that was defending its nest, Anya takes the eggs home, thankful that God has given her eggs for Easter. On Easter morning, the eggs hatch, and Anya finds that God has given her a better gift than pysanky eggs.

The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri tells why Jesus died and rose again. An abridged version of the Garden of Eden, the curtain in the Temple, and Jesus’ life on Earth are given. The book’s focus is that it is good to be with God, but that we are separated from Him by our sin. The book ends with the Good News that because Jesus took our sin away when He died on the cross and rose from the dead, we can be with God again.

Crafts

1. DIY Resurrection Eggs (Preschool through Elementary)
2. Popsicle Stick Cross (Preschool)
3. Tape Resist Easter Cross (Preschool through Elementary)
4. Easy Cross Bird Feeder (Elementary)
5. He is Risen! Empty Tomb Craft (Preschool)
6. He is Risen! Empty Tomb Craft (Elementary)
7. Handprints Easter Lily Bouquet (Preschool through Elementary depending on amount of adult prep)
8. Tin Foil Easter Egg (Preschool through Elementary)
9. Paper Eggs (Elementary)(The English instructions are below the Swedish instructions.)
10. Easter Bunny Headband (Preschool through Elementary depending on amount of adult prep)
11. Foam Cup Bunny (Preschool through Elementary depending on amount of adult prep)
12. Paper Plate Sheep Mask (Preschool)
13. Bubble Wrap Sheep Craft (Preschool through Elementary)
14. Mini Popsicle Stick Chicks (Preschool through Elementary)
15. Spring Chicks Egg Carton Craft (Elementary)

Math Activities

1. How To Make Learning Fun With Jelly Beans (Pre-K through Elementary)
2. Hands On Easter Math (Pre-K through Elementary)
3. Easter Egg Math Activities for Kindergarten {Freebies Included!} (Kindergarten through 1st grade)
4. 16 Spring and Easter Math Ideas (Kindergarten through Elementary)
5. Easter Basket Math Challenge w/ FREE Printables (Elementary)

Snacks

1. Easter Resurrection Rolls
2. Rice Krispies Easter Egg Treats
3. Easter Cross Rice Crispy Treats
4. Peeps Easter Bunny Dirt Cups
5. Decorated Easter Sheep Cookies with Gift Tags to Print
6. M&M Easter Egg Marshmallow Fudge Brownies
7. Empty Tomb Cupcakes with He Is Risen Printable Flags
8. Easter Basket Cookies
9. Empty Tomb Cake
10. Easter Chocolate Covered Strawberries

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!

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

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 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 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 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: 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 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.

12 Snowman Stories for Children and Snowman Enthusiasts

Hello everyone!

For those of you who wanna build a snowman, check out these twelve amazing snowman story books and the lists of themed activities. I love to combine literature with other subjects, so expand the snowman fun with the suggested crafts, math activities and games, and snowman recipes.

In addition to being cute art projects, the snowman crafts make adorable decorations or gifts for relatives and teachers. And if you really want to make the snowman magic come to life, check out the snowman sensory and fine motor activities and the delicious snowman snacks.

I often pair up my picture book recommendations with the activities that best suit them, but since all of the books are about snowmen, this month’s themed projects naturally go with whichever book or books you choose to use.

I hope you and your young snowman lovers have fun experiencing snowmen on multiple academic, sensory, and culinary levels! And if you’re looking for Christmas specific books, crafts, and sensory activities, check out my Christmas books blog post.

Making a Friend by Tammi Sauer, illustrated by Alison Friend is about how Beaver, who can make anything with his hands but struggles with knowing how to connect to other animals, makes a friend while making a snowman.

If Picasso Painted a Snowman by Amy Newbold, illustrated by Greg Newbold introduces kids to different artists and their styles by showing how they would draw or paint a snowman.

Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright, illustrated by Stephen Gilpin is about a snowman who is cold and keeps melting as a result of trying to get warm. Thankfully, some kids rebuild him after each failed attempt.

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner offers an imaginative explanation for why snowmen look messy the day after they are built. Obviously, it’s because of all the fun things that snowmen do at night!

The Most Perfect Snowman by Chris Britt is about a snowman who is outcast by the other snowmen because he was not given a nose or clothing. Children give him what he is missing and declare him to be the perfect snowman. However, it’s not until he gives his treasured gifts to someone who needs them more that he truly becomes the perfect snowman.

Snow Dude by Daniel Kirk is the snowman version of “The Gingerbread Man.”

Snowzilla by Janet Lawler, illustrated by Amanda Haley is about a little girl who builds a ginormous snowman with her family and how she finds a solution to the town’s polarized reaction to her having such a large snowman in her yard.

The Snowman and the Snowdog based on characters created by Raymond Briggs is about a boy whose dog died shortly after they moved to a new house. On Christmas Eve, the boy finds a photo of another boy standing beside an amazing snowman, and he decides to build his own snowman and a snowdog. The three of them spend Christmas Eve flying around the world and competing in the Snowman’s Annual Downhill Race at the North Pole.

The Smiley Snowman by M. Christina Butler, illustrated by Tina Macnaughton is about three friends who build a smiling snowman. The next day, the snowman looks sad, and the friends try to make him feel better.

Tinyrannosaurus and the Bigfootosaurus! by Nick Ward is about a young T-rex and his friends building a Bigfootosaurus out of snow and then accidentally mistaking a real (and not amused) Bigfootosaurus for their snowman.

Martin MacGregor’s Snowman by Lisa Broadie Cook, illustrated by Adam McCauley is about a boy who desperately wants to build a snowman. In his impatience for it to snow, he tries different, creative ways of making a snowman (like dumping flour on his younger sister and gluing cotton balls to his dog) that get him in trouble.

A Really Good Snowman by Daniel J. Mahoney is about an older brother who wants a little time away from his younger sister and her constant desire to “help” him. But when she demonstrates that she is not yet old enough to compete in the snowman building competition by herself, he sacrifices his chance of winning to help her build a snowman.

Crafts

1. Cotton Ball Snowman (Preschool through Elementary)
2. Egg Carton Snowman (Elementary)
3. Marshmallow Snowman (Preschool through 2nd grade)
4. Melted Snowman (Elementary)
5. Puffy Snowman Painting (Pre-K through Elementary)
6. Snowchildren (Preschool through Kindergarten)
7. Snow Globe Snowman (Preschool through Elementary depending on amount of adult prep)
8. Snowman Christmas Card (Preschool through Elementary depending on amount of adult prep)
9. Snowman Paper Plate Masks (Preschool through 2nd grade depending on amount of adult prep)
10. Snowman Puppets (Pre-K through Elementary)
11. Snowman Suncatcher (Preschool through Elementary)
12. Toilet Paper Roll Snowman (Elementary)

Math

1. Christmas Pattern Blocks (Preschool through Kindergarten – There are two snowman patterns.)
2. Counting Snowballs (Pre-K through 1st grade)
3. Five Little Snowmen Felt Story And Math Activity (Preschool through Kindergarten)
4. It’s Snowing Angles! (Elementary)
5. Snowman Addition Fun (Pre-K through 1st grade)
6. Snowman Counting File Folder Game (Pre-K through 1st grade)
7. Snowman Fractions (Elementary)
8. Snowman Math Activities (Elementary – The Last Snowman Standing Game was my favorite of the activities.)
9. Snowman Place Value Worksheets (Pre-K through 2nd grade)
10. Snowman 20 Frames Math Game (Kindergarten through 2nd grade)
11. Temperature Snowman Melting Sequencing Cards (Pre-K through 2nd grade)
12. Winter Math Activities With Printable Snowflake Number Circles (Preschool through Kindergarten)

Sensory and Fine Motor Activities

1. DIY Fake Snow for Sensory Play (Preschool through Pre-K)
2. Magnetic Snowman (Preschool through Pre-K)
3. Make A Snowman Fine Motor Activity (Preschool through Pre-K)
4. Snowman Activity Tray (Preschool through Pre-K)
5. Snowman Sensory Bottle (Preschool through Pre-K)

Snacks

1. Banana Snowmen
2. Chocolate Pretzel Snowman
3. Deconstructed Snowman Popcorn
4. Marshmallow Snowman
5. Snowman Brownie Bites
6. Snowman Dessert Dip
7. Snowman Oreo Cookie Balls
8. Snowman Pudding

Happy reading!

Katie

P.S.

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

Mermaid Picture Books and Chapter Books

Disclosure

This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links. This means that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional cost for you, and it helps me to keep creating awesome content!

Hello everyone!

Like many little girls, I wanted to be a mermaid when I was six. What I didn’t know was that professional mermaid was a career choice. Last year, I learned about a woman named Mermaid Linden who makes her living as a professional mermaid. She attends events and has a YouTube channel where she posts her Mermaid Minute videos; each video gives facts about the ocean in one minute.

I have recently been on a mermaid kick (or maybe I never outgrew my desire to be a mermaid). Either way, below are some picture books and chapter books about mermaids that I really enjoyed, and I hope your young mermaid fans will, too. After reading some mermaid tales, dive deeper under the sea with the mermaid crafts and sensory items, actualize dreams of being a real mermaid by creating DIY mermaid costumes, and then finish off the fun with a mermaid snack. You’ll find everything you need for a complete mermaid experience at the end of the post.

Picture Books

Ten Minutes to Bed: Little Mermaid by Rhiannon Fielding is about a little mermaid who would rather play and explore than go to bed.

How to Meet a Mermaid by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Simona Sanfilippo gives directions for what to do if you want to meet a mermaid…and states what will happen when you do.

Pearl by Molly Idle is about a young mermaid who wants to have a special job like all the other mermaids and how her seemingly insignificant job is more important than she knows.

How to Catch a Mermaid by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Andy Elkerton is a cute story about two kids who try to catch a Mermaid so that she will be there friend.

The Mermaid and the Shoe by K.G. Campbell is about a mermaid who sets out to learn the purpose of a shoe and consequently discovers her own purpose. The book’s message is great for all young people who are still searching for their place in the world.

Mermaid and Me by Soosh is a beautiful story about friendship and keeping the oceans clean.

The Mermaid by Jan Brett is a mermaid retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Mermaid School by Joanne Stewart Wetzel, illustrated by Julianna Swaney is an underwater first day of school story.

Mariana and the Merchild by Caroline Pitcher, illustrated by Jackie Morris is about a lonely woman who finds belonging and acceptance in her community through fostering a mermaid.

Sukey and the Mermaid by Robert D. San Souci, illustrated by Brian Pinkney is about a girl who’s stepfather makes her work all day and the mermaid who befriends her and offers her an escape.

Elementary-Age Readers

Mermaid Tales Series by Debbie Dadey is about different mermaids who attend the same school.

1. Trouble at Trident Academy
2. Battle of the Best Friends
3. A Whale of a Tale
4. Danger in the Deep Blue Sea
5. The Lost Princess
6. The Secret Sea Horse
7. Dream of the Blue Turtle
8. Treasure in Trident City
9. A Royal Tea
10. A Tale of Two Sisters
11. The Polar Bear Express
12. Wish upon a Starfish
13. The Crook and the Crown
14. Twist and Shout
15. Books vs. Looks
16. Flower Girl Dreams
17. Ready, Set, Goal!
18. Fairy Chase
19. The Narwhal Problem
20. The Winter Princess
21. Sleepover at the Haunted Museum

The Little Mermaid: An Interactive Fairy Tale Adventure by Eric Mark Braun, illustrated by Mariano Epelbaum is an interactive book that offers three modern twists on the classic fairy tale for readers to explore.

Mermaid Myths (Myths Across the Map) by Cynthia O’Brien is a nonfiction book that gives readers an overview of mermaid myths from around the world.

Activities

For my sixth birthday, my mother threw me a mermaid party. We hung green streamers for seaweed, made paper fins, and created a life-size mermaid puzzle.

Whether you want to throw a mermaid-themed party or just have some under-the-sea fun, below are some mermaid crafts and snacks for your mermaid lovers.

Make Your Own Life-Size Mermaid Puzzle:

1. Trace the outline of a child onto butcher paper. Be sure to trace their legs together and add fins.
2. Color the mermaid/merman.
3. Cut the mermaid/merman drawing into smaller pieces.
4. Glue the pieces onto cardboard.
5. Cut out the cardboard pieces.
6. Assemble the puzzle.

Other Ways to Make Your Own Mermaid:

– Curl Animation Mermaid Craft

– Toilet Paper Tube Mermaid Doll

– Origami Mermaid

DIY Mermaid Costume:

– Mermaid Tail

– Mermaid Tiara

– Seashell Mermaid Purse

– Poseidon’s Trident

Mermaid Sensory Seekers:

– Mermaid Sensory Writing Tray

– Mermaid Tail Glitter Sensory Bottle

– Mermaid Slime

Mermaid Snacks:

– Mermaid Tails

– Clam Shell Cookies

– Mermaid Lemonade (Mocktail)

– Mermaid Tail Cupcakes

– No-Churn Mermaid Ice Cream

Happy reading and crafting to all the merfolk out there!

Katie

P.S.

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

Zoo Stories and Fun Zoological Facts

Disclosure

This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links. This means that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There is no additional cost for you, and it helps me to keep creating awesome content!

Hello everyone!

I love going to the zoo and seeing animals up close. Whether you’re able to go in person this year or not, take your child there through the power of reading and the yummy, themed snacks below. You will find cute zoo animals in both the fiction and nonfiction books, but if you’re looking for animal or zoo facts or you want to know what zookeepers do, check out the nonfiction books.

Fiction

My Heart Is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall compares how ones heart is like zoo animals. All the animals featured in the book are created by overlaying hearts.

Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann is about a gorilla letting out all the animals at the same time that the zookeeper is saying good night to them.

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.

Still a Gorilla! by Kim Norman, illustrated by Chad Geran is about a gorilla named Willy who wants and tries to be a different animal.

Construction Zoo by Jennifer Thorne, illustrated by Susie Hammer is about zoo animals and construction vehicles becoming friends and working together.

Stop Snoring, Bernard! by Zachariah Ohora is about an otter named Bernard trying to find a place where he can sleep without bothering anyone with his snoring. It’s also a good way to start a discussion with kids about empathy and how unkind words can make people feel bad about themselves.

Through with the Zoo by Jacob Grant is a “the grass is always greener on the other side” story about a petting zoo goat who is tired of being hugged and petted and wants to find a space that is just his.

1 Zany Zoo by Lori Degman, illustrated by Colin Jack is about a boy who sneaks into the zoo before it opens and gets to join in the animals’ unconventional antics.

Never, Ever Shout in a Zoo by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Doug Cushman is about the big mess that came about because of one little girl’s shout.

Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo by John Lithgow, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez is about a boy who goes to an outdoor concert with his family, and how the animals from the next door zoo break free and take it over.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead is about a zookeeper who is a kind friend to all the animals. When he gets sick, the animals go and take care of him.

The Gingerbread Man Loose at the Zoo by Laura Murray, illustrated by Mike Lowery is about the gingerbread man using his teacher’s animal scavenger hunt clues to find his class after getting separated from them during a field trip to the zoo.

Zoo Day by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell is about a little boy’s first trip to the zoo.

Nonfiction

A Visit to the Zoo by Blake A. Hoena gives a brief overview of what a zoo is and a few of the animals who live there.

Spot the Zebra at the Zoo by Alexandra Koken, illustrated by Joelle Dreidemy is a search-and-find book with one animal fact on each page.

A Day at a Zoo by Sarah Harrison is a search-and-find book that shows the same section of a zoo throughout an entire day.

Life-Size Zoo (photographs by Toyofumi Fukuda) and More Life-Size Zoo (photographs by Toshimitsu Matsuhashia) by Teruyuki Komiya, translated by Kristin Earhart have life-size photos of zoo animals and one or two facts about each animal in larger print. Additional facts and drawings about the animals are in the margins.

What Do You Do If You Work at the Zoo? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page shows some of the many tasks that a zookeeper does. For each activity, there is a short phrase which is perfect for younger children and a longer explanation for older children.

What’s New? The Zoo!: A Zippy History of Zoos by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Marcellus Hall gives an overview of how zoos evolved from what they were in ancient times to what they are today.

Animal Snacks

1. Apple Turtles
2. Celery Snake
3. Elephant Ears Biscuits
4. Giraffe Snack
5. Lion Dipped Oreos
6. Penguin Crackers
7. Monkey Cake
8. Teddy Bear Toast
9. Tiger Pretzel Rods
10. Walrus Waffle

Bonus: Animal Craft

Printable Animal Masks

Happy reading!

Katie

P.S.

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