For additional resources about Pets to use in your classroom, click here!

This article, along with many other articles on Smells Like Teach Spirit, contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through the links I earn a small commission.  Clicking these links does not cost you anything extra but it does help with the cost of running this website and it helps keep great articles and freebies coming your way. And for that, I thank you.

These books about pets for kids are not listed in any particular order. All of them can be found on Amazon. I have also included YouTube links where you can preview the book as well! All book information was taken from Amazon.

10 Books About Pets for Kids

1. Biscuit Visits the Doctor

Author: Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Age Level: 2 – 5

Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

YouTube: Read Here

Shop: Buy Here

Going to the doctor can be scary. Read along with Biscuit to find out that a visit to the doctor is another opportunity for fun and learning! How much has Biscuit grown? Let’s find out! Join Biscuit and the little girl when they visit Dr. Green’s office for a checkup, and meet new friends, too! Woof!

2. Can I Be Your Dog

Author: Troy Cummings

Age Level: 3 – 6

Grade Level: Preschool – 2

YouTube: Read Here

Shop: Buy Here

Arfy is a homeless mutt who lives in a box in an alley. Arfy writes to every person on Butternut Street about what a great pet he’d make. His letters to prospective owners share that he’s house broken! He has his own squeaky bone! He can learn to live with cats! But, no one wants him. Won’t anyone open their heart–and home–to a lonesome dog? Readers will be happily surprised to learn just who steps up to adopt Arfy.

3. What Pet Should I Get?

Author: Dr. Seuss

Age Level: 3 – 7

Grade Level: Preschool – 2

YouTube: Read Here

Shop: Buy Here

A dog or a cat? A fish or a bird? Or maybe a crazy creature straight from the mind of Dr. Seuss! Which pet would YOU get? A trip to the pet store turns into a hilarious struggle when two kids must choose one pet to take home… but every time they think they see an animal they like, they find something even better! Perfect for animal lovers and Seuss lover alike, this book will delight readers young and old.

4. National Geographic Readers: Cats vs. Dogs

Author: Elizabeth Carney

Age Level: 6 – 9

Grade Level: 1 – 4

YouTube: Read Here

Shop: Buy Here

Chocolate or vanilla? Creamy peanut butter or crunchy? Cats or dogs? On some matters in life, every kid must take a stance. Ever since the first youngster in history had a pet, cats vs. dogs has been a hotly debated issue at recesses and lunch tables worldwide. Which one’s better? Smarter? This reader presents the facts in fun and informative fashion. Kids will love the stimulating Level 3 text as they decide the answer to this question for themselves.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

5. Little Kids First Big Book of Pets

Author: Catherine Hughes

Age Level: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: N/A

Shop: Buy Here

From cats to dogs to guinea pigs to birds to fish to snakes and more, this adorable reference book introduces kids to a wide variety of family-friendly pets. Readers learn which kinds of animals make good pets and which ones are better off staying in the wild, along with how each type of pet eats, sleeps, and plays. Packed with more than 200 colorful photos, the book also provides information on animal breeds, characteristics, and behavior and includes tips for training pets. Filled with fun facts and designed for interactive learning, this book will quickly become a favorite at storytime, bedtime, and any time.

6. Do Not Wish For A Pet Ostrich!

Author: Sarina Siebenaler

Age Level: 3 – 7

Grade Level: Preschool – 2

YouTube: Read Here

Shop: Buy Here

Follow the adventure and humor as a spunky child wishes for a pet ostrich of her very own. Will it be everything she hopes for – or a big feathery mistake? This delightful, rhyming tale about the fastest bird in the world has a surprise ending that is sure to bring a smile. A bonus educational section is included to help children who are already ostrich fans – and those who aren’t fans yet!

★A FREE comprehension and activity lesson is included at the end of this story.

★A FREE lesson plan for teachers and parents are available at www.sarinasiebenaler.com

7. Pete the Cat: A Pet for Pete

Author: James Dean

Age Level: 3 – 6

Grade Level: Preschool – 1

YouTube: Read Here

Shop: Buy Here

Pete the Cat can’t wait to get a new pet! He gets a goldfish he names Goldie. Pete paints a cool painting of Goldie and now everyone wants a piece of it! But Pete doesn’t have enough time to make one for everyone. Will Pete find a way to have fun painting Goldie and have time to finish his homework?.

8. The Perfect Pet

Author: Margie Palatini

Age Level: 4 – 7

Grade Level: Preschool – 2

YouTube: Read Here

Shop: Buy Here

While Elizabeth campaigns to find the right pet, her family imagines some hair-raising possibilities, until Doug comes along. Doug is, without a doubt, the most unusual, perfect pet of all. Doug is a bug! He’s not big like a horse or loud like a dog. He doesn’t scratch, or shed, or jump on furniture. And he hardly eats a thing. Margie Palatini and Bruce Whatley have created a hiarious picture book that handles a topic every parent and child will relate to—choosing that perfect pet.

9. Look & Learn: Pets

Author: National Kids

Age Level: 2 – 5

Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

YouTube: Read Here

Shop: Buy Here

From adorable dogs to cuddly kittens to friendly fish, young readers are introduced to popular family pets and how to care for them. Using simple, age-appropriate text paired with colorful photos, Look & Learn books introduce children to a subject on one spread and then show it in a real-life context on the next.

10. The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Blessings

Author: James Spears

Age Level: 8 – 11

Grade Level: 3 – 5

YouTube: Read Here

Shop: Buy Here

Let the fur fly with tons of photos and facts about our animal friends. Did you know that a cat’s top speed is about 31 miles per hour, that a dog can make about 100 different facial expressions, or that many birds’ feathers weigh more than their bones? Find out everything you ever wanted to know about our beloved pets–whether scaly, slithery, four-legged, or feathered–in National Geographic Kids Everything Pets. Filled with fabulous and funny photos and peppered with fun facts, this is a must-have for all young animal lovers, sure to satisfy kids’ curiosity about every kind of pet.

10 Books About Pets for Kids

This is not an exhaustive list; there are many more books about Pets for kids to read! Are there some which are not listed that you would suggest? Which book are you most excited to share with your child or add to your classroom?

Check out some of our other book lists!

Check out some of these classroom resources about pets!

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For additional resources about Valentine’s Day to use in your classroom, click here!

This article, along with many other articles on Smells Like Teach Spirit, contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through the links I earn a small commission.  Clicking these links does not cost you anything extra but it does help with the cost of running this website and it helps keep great articles and freebies coming your way. And for that, I thank you.

These books about Valentine’s Day for kids are not listed in any particular order. All of them can be found on Amazon. I have also included YouTube links where you can preview the book as well! All book information was taken from Amazon.

10 Books About Valentine’s Day for Kids

1. The Biggest Valentine Ever

Author: Steven Kroll

Age Level: 3 – 5

Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

Clayton and Desmond are back in this companion to the bestselling book THE BIGGEST PUMPKIN EVER! A sheet of colorful foil stickers is bound into the book for extra valentine fun!When Mrs. Mousely asks her class to make valentines, Clayton and Desmond decide to make one together and give it to their teacher as a surprise. But things don’t go as planned. First Clayton puts too much glitter on the card. Then Desmond puts on too many hearts. Soon the friends are arguing and they rip the card in half. “I’m going to make my own valentine!” they both say and go home in a huff. But then Desmond and Clayton realize that by working together they can make the biggest, best valentine ever! Kids can use the colorful foil stickers to make their own valentines!

2. Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Author: Carolyn Otto

Age Level: 7 – 10

Grade Level: 2 – 5

YouTube: N/A

Buy Here: Buy Here

When is New Year’s Day? WhaCelebrate Valentine’s Day focuses on historical and cultural aspects of this holiday and the international traditions, food, and celebrations associated with it. This celebration of love includes fun facts; a recipe; a map showing the location of all photographs; a resource list of books, videos, and Web sites; and a note from an expert consultant, aimed at parents and teachers, which deepens our understanding of the holiday’s importance and meaning. 

3. The Littlest Valentine

Author: Brandi Dougherty

Age Level: 3 – 5

Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

From the New York Times bestselling author that brought us The Littlest Pilgrim comes a sweet new Valentine’s Day companion filled with family, food, and love.Emma may be the littlest in the Valentine family, but she knows that she has what it takes to help the family business get ready for the holiday. But Emma just can’t seem to do things the right way like the bigger members of her family, no matter how hard she tries. Will Emma find a way to help her family on Valentine’s Day, or is the littlest Valentine just too little?A sweet Valentine’s Day story to share with the littlest of readers!

4. The Invisible String

Author: Patrice Karst

Age Level: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

Parents, educators, therapists, and social workers alike have declared The Invisible String the perfect tool for coping with all kinds of separation anxiety, loss, and grief. In this relatable and reassuring contemporary classic, a mother tells her two children that they’re all connected by an invisible string. “That’s impossible!” the children insist, but still they want to know more: “What kind of string?” The answer is the simple truth that binds us all: An Invisible String made of love. Even though you can’t see it with your eyes, you can feel it deep in your heart, and know that you are always connected to the ones you love. Does everybody have an Invisible String? How far does it reach? Does it ever go away? This heartwarming picture book for all ages explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between us, and opens up deeper conversations about love.

5. Squirrel’s New Year’s ResLlama Llama I Love You

Author: Anna Dewdney

Age Level: 0 – 3

Grade Level: Birth – Preschool

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

In Llama Llama I Love You, little llama shows his friends and family how much he loves them with heart-shaped cards and lots of hugs. What could be sweeter than Llama Llama on Valentine’s Day?

6. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rose!

Author: Lucille Colandro

Age Level: 3 – 5

Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

Our favorite lady is back and hungry for Valentine’s Day treats!That lovely old lady has returned just in time for Valentine’s Day. Now she’s swallowing items to make a very special gift for her valentine!With rhyming text and hilarious illustrations, this wacky version of the classic song will appeal to young readers as they follow the Old Lady on a wild Valentine’s Day adventure.

7. Love from the Crayons

Author: Drew Daywalt

Age Level: 5 – 8

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

This special gift book, featuring all the The Crayons from The Day the Crayons Quit, explores the bright colors and subtle shades of love. This is a must-have for fans of The Crayons, and the perfect gift for that special someone.

8. Love Is My Favorite Thing

Author: Emma Chichester Clark 

Age Level: 3 – 5

Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

Plum has lots of favorite things—catching sticks, her bear, her bed—but really, LOVE is her absolute favorite thing. She loves her family and all the things they do together. Sometimes, however, Plum’s exuberance causes trouble, and she just can’t help being naughty. But fortunately, love is such a great thing that even when she makes mistakes, Plum’s family still adores her.

9. The Night Before Valentine’s DayHappy New Year Around the World

Author: Natasha Wing

Age Level: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: Buy Now

Buy Here: Buy Here

It’s the sweetest holiday of the year! Celebrate love and Valentine’s Day with card-making, tasty treats, and more in this installment of Natasha Wing’s best-selling series. Join in on all of the colorful fun, and then come along to school the next morning for a day of parties and games!

10. The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Blessings

Author: Mike Berenstain

Age Level: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

In The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Blessings, young readers and Sister Bear find out that Brother Bear has a secret admirer! Sweetie Bear has sent him a valentine card, complete with pink hearts and flowers. What will tough, hockey-playing Brother do about this and his teasing sister? But Papa Bear steps in to save the day, telling the cubs a story about another set of young cubs and a secret admirer … Papa and Mama Bear! And he reminds the cubs that all love comes from God, who is love.

10 Books About Valentine’s Day for Kids

This is not an exhaustive list; there are many more books about Valentine’s Day for kids to read! Are there some which are not listed that you would suggest? Which book are you most excited to share with your child or add to your classroom?

Check out some of my other book lists!

Check out some of these classroom resources for Valentine’s Day!

Join Us!

Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks and resources for your students!

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The post 10 Books About Valentine’s Day for Kids first appeared on Smells Like Teach Spirit.

This blog contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. It does not cost you anything extra but it does help with the costs of running this site. And for that, I thank you.

These books about New Year’s Day for kids for kids are not listed in any particular order. All of them can be found on Amazon. I have also included YouTube links where you can preview the book as well! All book information was taken from Amazon.

10 Books About New Year’s Day for Kids

1. Shante Keys and the New Year’s Peas

Author: Natasha Wing

Age Level: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

Shanté Keys loves New Year’s Day! But while Grandma fixed chitlins, baked ham, greens, and cornbread, she forgot the black-eyed peas! Oh no―it’ll be bad luck without them! So Shanté sets out to borrow some from the neighbors.

2. It’s New Year’s Day!

Author: Richard Sebra

Age Level: 5 – 7

Grade Level: Preschool – 1

YouTube: N/A

Buy Here: Buy Here

When is New Year’s Day? What are resolutions? And how do people celebrate? Full-color photographs, diagrams, and carefully leveled text will engage readers while helping them understand this exciting holiday. Age-appropriate critical thinking questions help build nonfiction reading skills.

3. Happy New Year, Spot!

Author: Eric Hill

Age Level: 3 – 5

Grade Level: Preschool

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

Spot isn’t old enough to stay up until midnight, but he finds a way to celebrate the New Year early with his family. Bring your party hats and noisemakers as you join Spot in celebrating the new year!

4. P. Bear’s New Year’s Party: A Counting Book

Author: Paul Owen Lewis

Age Level: 3 – 7

Grade Level: Preschool – 2

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

A dapper polar bear has an elegant New Year’s party and invites all of his animal friends—one whale, two horses, three cows, and so forth until midnight. As each party animal arrives, children learn to count . . . AND tell time. Teachers rate this as one of the best counting books available

5. Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution

Author: Pat Miller

Age Level: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

Squirrel knows that New Year’s Day is a great day for making resolutions! But what does it mean to make a resolution, anyway? As she makes visits around the forest she learns about New Year’s resolutions and helps her friends get started on theirs. If only she can think of a resolution of her very own.

6. Felíz New Year, Ava Gabriela!

Author: Alexandra Alessandri

Age Level: 4 – 7

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: N/A

Buy Here: Buy Here

Ava Gabriela is visiting her extended family in Colombia for the holidays. She’s excited to take part in family traditions such as making bunuelos, but being around all her loud relatives in an unfamiliar place makes Ava shy and quiet. How will Ava find her voice before she misses out on all the New Year’s fun?

7. The Night Before New Year’s

Author: Natasha Wing

Age Level: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – Kindergarten

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

Another title in Natasha Wing’s bestselling Night Before series! It’s the night before New Year’s, and the whole family is determined to stay up until midnight! Everyone?s stocked up on sparkly streamers and festive party hats, but after a night filled with card games and too many cupcakes, the little ones are getting sleepy. . . Can they make it until the clock strikes twelve?

8. Every Month Is a New Year: Celebrations Around the World

Author: Marilyn Singer 

Age Level: 7 – 10

Grade Level: 2 – 4

YouTube: N/A

Buy Here: Buy Here

In many places around the globe, the new year starts on January 1. But not everywhere! Chinese New Year is celebrated in January or February. Iranians observe Nowruz in March. For Thai people, Songkran occurs in April. Ethiopians greet the new year at Enkutatash in September. All these diverse cultural, regional, and religious observances, and many others, have deep-rooted traditions and treasured customs.

9. Happy New Year Around the World

Author: Sylvia Walker

Age Level: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: N/A

Buy Here: Buy Here

Discover the holiday customs of nations around the world with 30 festive full-page illustrations. Celebrations range from spectacular parades in China and candles in the sand on Brazilian beaches to fireworks over Sydney Harbor and the countdown in New York’s Times Square. Lively pictures to color include new year observances in Israel, Germany, India, Greece, Mexico, Italy, Haiti, Nigeria, and other countries.

10. New Year’s Day

Author: David F. Marx

Age Level: 6 – 8

Grade Level: 1 – 3

YouTube: N/A

Buy Here: Buy Here

Introduces the history, customs, meaning and celebration of New Year’s Day.

10 Books About New Year’s Day for Kids

This is not an exhaustive list; there are many more books about New Year’s Day for kids to read! Are there some which are not listed that you would suggest? Which book are you most excited to share with your child or add to your classroom?

Check out some of my other book lists!

Check out some of these classroom resources for New Year’s Day!

Join Us!

Follow us on social media for more tips, tricks and resources for your students!

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The post 10 Books About New Year’s Day for Kids first appeared on Smells Like Teach Spirit.

This blog contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. It does not cost you anything extra but it does help with the costs of running this site. And for that, I thank you.

These inspiring books about Rosa Parks for kids for kids are not listed in any particular order. All of them can be found on Amazon. I have also included YouTube links where you can preview the book as well! All book information was taken from Amazon.

Inspiring Books About Rosa Parks for Kids

1. Rosa 

Author: Nikki Giovanni

Age Level: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

Fifty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus, Mrs. Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement. This tribute to Mrs. Parks is a celebration of her courageous action and the events that followed. Award-winning poet, writer, and activist Nikki Giovanni’s evocative text combines with Bryan Collier’s striking cut-paper images to retell the story of this historic event from a wholly unique and original perspective.

2. Rosa Parks (Little People, Big Dreams)

Author: Lisbeth Kaiser

Age Level: 5 – 8

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

Rosa Parks grew up in Alabama, where she learned to stand up for herself at an early age. Rosa went on to become a civil rights activist. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her courageous decision had a huge impact on civil rights, eventually leading to the end of segregation on public transport. She never stopped working for equal rights. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the activist’s life.”

3. I Am Rosa Parks

Author: Brad Meltzer

Age Level: 5 – 8

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3^rd

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

Kids always search for heroes, so we might as well have a say in it,” Brad Meltzer realized, and so he envisioned this friendly, fun approach to biography – for his own kids, and for yours. Each book tells the story of one of America’s icons in a vivacious, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers, those who aren’t quite ready for the Who Was biography series. Each book focuses on a particular character trait that made that role model heroic. For example, Rosa Parks dared to stand up for herself and other African Americans by staying seated, and as a result she helped end public bus segregation and launch the country’s Civil Rights Movement.

4. National Geographic Readers: Rosa Parks

Author: Kitson Jazynka

Age Level: 5 – 8

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3

Buy Here

Find out about the life of Rosa Parks and how her actions in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955 helped end racial segregation in America.  This book follows the same standards as other National Geographic Readers with the same careful text, brilliant photographs, and fun approach that kids love. The life story of Rosa Parks has enduring lessons to teach us and this biography should appeal to kids, parents, and teachers

Inspiring Books About Rosa Parks for Kids

This is not an exhaustive list; there are many more inspiring books about Rosa Parks for kids to read! Are there some which are not listed that you would suggest? Which book are you most excited to share with your child or add to your classroom?

Check out some of my other book lists!

Click here to see what we did during our unit on Rosa Parks unit!

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The post Inspiring Books About Rosa Parks for Kids first appeared on Smells Like Teach Spirit.

This blog contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. It does not cost you anything extra but it does help with the costs of running this site. And for that, I thank you.

These books about Groundhog Day for kids for kids are not listed in any particular order. All of them can be found on Amazon. I have also included YouTube links where you can preview the book as well! All book information was taken from Amazon.

10 Books About Groundhog Day for Kids

1. The Night Before Groundhog Day

Author: Natasha Wing

Age Level: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

The anticipation is building: Will the groundhog see his shadow? Will there be six more weeks of winter? Get ready for this festive occasion with the countdown to Groundhog Day in this fun, rhyming story told in the style of Clement C. Moore’s holiday poem.

2. Groundhog Day!

Author: Gail Gibbons

Age Level: 6 – 8

Grade Level: 1 – 3

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

Will he see his shadow? Will spring come early or late? But most importantly– what does a groundhog have to do with the weather? Every year on February 2nd, people all across America watch groundhogs come out of their burrows– especially in the town of Punxsutawney– trying to figure out if the weather will stay cold, or begin to warm up.

3. Grumpy Groundhog

Author: Maureen Wright

Age Level: 3 – 7

Grade Level: Preschool – 2

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

It’s Groundhog Day, and everyone is gathered to find out if it’s time for spring. But Groundhog does NOT want to leave his cozy bed in his cozy den. Will the townspeople be able to coax him outside to do his job? Kids will love the humorous antics of Groundhog in this delightful rhyming tale from the author of Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep.

4. Groundhog Day

Author: Lisa M. Herrington

Age Level: 6 – 8

Grade Level: 1 – 2

Buy Here: Buy Here

This fact-filled Rookie Read-About Holiday book introduces the youngest readers (Ages 3-6) to the festivities and history of Groundhog Day. Colorful photos and very simple nonfiction text encourage children to read on their own as they take an in-depth look at this uniquely American holiday.

5. Substitute Groundhog

Author: Pat Miller

Age Level: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

It’s almost Groundhog Day! Everyone knows that Groundhog has an important job to do every February 2, but this year he’s not feeling well. Dr. Owl diagnoses him with the flu and orders two days of bed rest. But how will people know the weather forecast if Groundhog is down in his hole in bed? Then Groundhog has in idea―he can hire a substitute! Maybe Squirrel can be the substitute, or Eagle, or Bear. But at the substitute auditions, Groundhog realizes that none of his friends is quite right for the job. Will he be able to find a substitute or will Groundhog Day be cancelled this year?

6. Groundhog Gets a Say

Author: Pamela Curtis Swallow

Age Level: 5 – 8

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

There’s so much more to being a groundhog than just putting on a show once a year, and Groundhog has decided it’s time to tell the world the Hog truth. With the help of a few of his fans, Groundhog is ready to tell everything about himself, from how loud he can whistle (loud), to how fast he can run (not fast), to how many things he uses his teeth for (a lot). Groundhog may be full of himself, but chances are good that, by the end of this book, you’ll agree he’s pretty wonderful! From the illustrator of the Junie B. Jones books and the author of the Melvil & Dewey books comes a funny, fact-filled look at what happens when one very proud groundhog speaks out.

7. Groundhug Day

Author: Anne Marie Pace

Age Level: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

Moose is having a Valentine’s Day party, and all his friends are so excited! Everyone except Groundhog, that is. If Groundhog sees his shadow outside, he’ll hide in his hole for six more weeks and miss the party!Determined to help their friend join them, Moose, Squirrel, Bunny, and Porcupine put their heads together and come up with a plan. But will it be enough to get Groundhog out to play?This heartwarming picture book by the author of Vampirina Ballerina, with adorable illustrations by Christopher Denise, is sure to be a hit, whether readers are bursting for spring or snuggling up for six more weeks of winter.

8. Groundhog Secrets: Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Woodchucks (Nature in Quebec Pictures of Astonishing Wildlife)

Author: Lieve Snellings

Age Level: 8 – 10

Grade Level: 3 – 4

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

Help, there is a groundhog in my backyard! Is it dangerous?Discover the secret world of the groundhog through the eyes of Margot the woodchuck while gaining a close-up view of wildlife in whimsical photo illustrations. Do you want to know more about the woodchuck? Then this book packed with information about groundhogs (who are also called woodchucks), is for you! Margot the woodchuck reveals all her secrets. She describes how groundhogs are born, what they look like, and who is in their family. She talks about how they fill their tummies in summer and autumn, to store fat for the long winter months. Even medical doctors and scientists study the groundhog hibernation. Find out why in this fascinating illustrated book.

9. Groundhog Weather School: Fun Facts About Weather and Groundhogs

Author: Joan Holub

Age Level: 5 – 8

Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

Ever wonder where Groundhog Day first began? Want to know the reason why we have different weather seasons? Curious about how some plants and animals can help predict the weather? Learn the answers to these questions and many more at Groundhog Weather School! This clever story—starring a cast of lovable groundhog characters—is a fresh, informative, and fun look at Groundhog Day through the eyes of the animals who are the stars of it each year.

10. Groundhog’s Runaway Shadow

Author: David Biedrzycki

Age Level: 4 – 8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: Read Here

Buy Here: Buy Here

Phil and his shadow do everything together. But where Phil is steady, predictable, and a little boring, Shadow is adventurous, freewheeling—even a bit rude. So they don’t get along so well anymore. Fed up, the two have a falling-out, and Shadow runs off to see the world. Being friends isn’t always easy. True friends, however, always find their way back to each other. If the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow come February 2nd, young readers will have an idea of where it might be, based on this heartwarming laugh-out-loud story accompanied by David Biedrzycki’s hilarious illustrations.

10 Books About Groundhog Day for Kids

This is not an exhaustive list; there are many more books about Groundhog Day for kids to read! Are there some which are not listed that you would suggest? Which book are you most excited to share with your child or add to your classroom?

Check out some of my other book lists!

Click here for an emergent reader about Groundhog Day!

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The post 10 Books About Groundhog Day for Kids first appeared on Smells Like Teach Spirit.

This blog contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. It does not cost you anything extra but it does help with the costs of running this site. And for that, I thank you.

7 Books About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for Kids

1. Coretta Scott

   

• Author: Ntozake Shange
• Age Level: 4 – 8
• Grade Level: Preschool – 4
• YouTube: Read Aloud
• Buy Here

Multiple starred reviews greeted this amazing collaboration between Ntozake Shange and Kadir Nelson. As Booklist put it: “Poet and painter have joined forces to offer an indelible, emotional expression of the strength, beauty, and joy of one woman’s character.” Celebrated poet and playwright Ntozake Shange captures the spirit of Civil Rights pioneer Coretta Scott King in this picture book biography gorgeously illustrated by Caldecott Medal artist Kadir Nelson. Walking many miles to school in the dusty road, young Coretta Scott knew the unfairness of life in the segregated south. A yearning for equality bean to grow.

2. Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song

• Author: Andrea Davis Pinkney
• Age Level: 6 and up
• Grade Level: 1st and up
• YouTube: Read Aloud
• Buy Here

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and his strong voice and powerful message were joined and lifted in song by world-renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. It was a moment that changed the course of history and is imprinted in minds forever. Told through Andrea Davis Pinkney’s poetic prose and Brian Pinkney’s evocative illustration, the stories of these two powerful voices and lives are told side-by-side — as they would one day walk — following the journey from their youth to a culmination at this historical event when they united as one and inspiring kids to find their own voices and speak up for what is right.

3. Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Author: Doreen Rappaport
• Age Level: 6 – 8
• Grade Level: 1^st – 3^rd
• YouTube: Read Aloud
• Buy Here

This picture book biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brings his life and the profound nature of his message to young children through his own words. Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the most influential and gifted speakers of all time. Doreen Rappaport uses quotes from some of his most beloved speeches to tell the story of his life and his work in a simple, direct way. Bryan Collier’s stunning collage art combines remarkable watercolor paintings with vibrant patterns and textures. A timeline and a list of additional books and web sites help make this a standout biography of Dr. King.

4. My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Author: Martin Luther King III
• Age Level: 4 – 8
• Grade Level: Preschool – 3
• YouTube: Read Aloud
• Buy Here

What was it like growing up as a son of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? This picture book memoir, My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King III, provides insight into one of history’s most fascinating families and into a special bond between father and son. Martin Luther King III was one of those four little children mentioned in Martin Luther King’s groundbreaking “I Have a Dream” speech. In this memoir, Martin Luther King Jr.’s son gives an intimate look at the man and the father behind the civil rights leader. Mr. King’s remembrances show both his warm, loving family and a momentous time in American history.

5. My Dream of Martin Luther King

  

• Author: Faith Ringgold
• Age Level: 6 – 9
• Grade Level: 1^st – 4^th
• YouTube: Read Aloud
• Buy Here

Illustrated in full color. The acclaimed author/illustrator of the Caldecott Honor Book Tar Beach recounts her unique vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. by describing a dream she had about the great civil rights leader. The dream includes scenes of King’s childhood and the major events of his life, from the boycott of the segregated buses to his “I Have a Dream” speech to his assassination. Illustrated in Ringgold’s signature folk-art style, the text includes the author’s own personal vision, in which she imagines the people of the world gathering in King’s memory to trade prejudice, fear, and hate for hope, peace, and love.

6. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Author: Robin Nelson
• Age Level: 5 – 8
• Grade Level: Preschool – 2^nd 
• Buy Here

A basic overview of Martin Luther King Jr. Day for emergent readers. Color photographs reflect the short, easy-to-understand sentences that improve vocabulary and comprehension.

7. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

  

• Author: Stephanie Fitzgerald
• Age Level: 6 – 7
• Grade Level: 1^st – 2nd
• Buy Here

Follow Ranger Rick as he gives the youngest reader (Ages 6-7) a fun and fascinating tour of some of the most spectacular places in the United States. Stunning photos, fun and informative text, and a helpful field guide introduce the wonder of America’s national parks to the youngest readers. Young readers will love learning about the man behind this important monument and seeing his story woven into the design of Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park. They’ll also explore The Civil Rights Movement, one of the most important periods in American history.

20 Books About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for Kids

Check out some of my other book lists!

Click here to see what we did during our unit on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The post 7 Books About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for Kids first appeared on Smells Like Teach Spirit.

This blog contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. It does not cost you anything extra but it does help with the costs of running this site. And for that, I thank you.

These books about bugs & insects for kids are great for your littles ones who enjoy digging in the mud and creepy crawly things! In addition, they will be a great addition to your classroom library during your bugs & insect unit. These books contain everything your students will need to know about bugs & insects!

Non-Fiction & Fiction

There are so many great books about bugs & insects for kids to choose from! As a result, I always try to include both fiction and non-fiction books. Cartoon pictures of bugs and insects are cute but nothing beats real life images. I hope these books about bugs & insects for kids will inspire your children to be little entomologists and learn all they can about bugs and insects!

These books about bugs & insects for kids are not listed in any particular order. All of them can be found on Amazon. I have also included YouTube links where you can preview the book as well! All book information was taken from Amazon.

20 Books About Bugs & Insects for Kids

1. The Backyard Bug Book for Kids

Author: Lauren Davidson

Age Level: 3-5

Grade Level: Preschool-K

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Crawl into the wonderful world of bugs―a fun photographic adventure. Take your child on an educational adventure bursting with the kinds of colorful photographs you need in bug books for kids. The Backyard Bug Book for Kids has everything you’d want in bug books for kids: a story, pictures, and activities combined. Introduce your little one to the types of bugs they’re likely to see during their day, then help them remember what they’ve learned with fun, on-the-page challenges.“

2. The Best Bug Parade

Author: Stuart J. Murphy

Age Level: 4-8

Grade Level: Preschool-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Which bug is the biggest? Which bug is the longest? It’s time to find out as all the bugs in Ladybug’s garden line up for the best bug parade! This fun book written by Stuart J. Murphy and illustrated by Holly Keller introduces size comparison in its simplest form. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.“

3. Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!

Author: Bob Barner

Age Level: 5-6

Grade Level: K-1

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Budding entomologists will fly to this book like bees to honey,” said School Library Journal, and it’s true! Pretty ladybugs, fluttering butterflies, creepy daddy longlegs, and round roly polies are just some of the familiar creatures featured in this whimsically illustrated insect album from veteran children’s book author-illustrator Bob Barner. Check out the actual size bug chart, which provides real-world comparisons so that readers know exactly how big each bug is, and the Bug-O-Meter, which lists fun facts about each bug, such as number of legs, where it lives, whether it flies, and if it stings.”

4. Bugs A-Z

Author: Caroline Lawton

Age Level: 5-7

Grade Level: Kindergarten-2

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“The perfect book for all kids who are fascinated with bugs. Simple text from A to Z provides buggy facts and figures. Larger than life full-color photographs of creepy crawlies include locusts, caterpillars, beetles, flies, grasshoppers, ants, praying mantis, and more!”

5. The Bug Book

Author: Sue Fliess

Age Level: 3-5

Grade Level: Preschool-K

YouTube: Book Preview

Buy Here

“This fun rhyming story lists all the bugs you can imagine—creep bugs, climb bugs, sticky-slime bugs! Discover the vast world of insects in this photo-filled book.”

6. Bug Dance

Author: Stuart J. Murphy

Age Level: 4-8

Grade Level: Preschool-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“The bugs in Coach Caterpillar’s gym class are learning a new dance. But Centipede can’t do it! If he can’t learn the directions left, right, forward and backward, this class will be one big FLOP! This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.”

7. Charlie the Caterpillar

Author: Dom De Luise

Age Level: 3-8

Grade Level: Preschool-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“As Charlie the Caterpillar meets one group of animals after another playing together and having fun, he asks if he can join in. But each time he’s told not welcome — because he’s ugly. As winter approaches, Charlie spins himself a cocoon. When spring arrives, the cocoon opens and out comes Charlie — now a beautiful butterfly. Everyone wants him to be part of their group. But Charlie puts these fair-weather friends properly in their place in this heartwarming story about the meaning of true friendship.”

8. Clara the Caterpillar

Author: Pamela Duncan Edwards

Age Level: 4-8

Grade Level: Preschool-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“A carefree cabbage caterpillar named Clara, who becomes a common cream-colored butterfly, can′t possibly compete with a catty, conceited caterpillar named Catisha, who becomes a captivating crimson-colored butterfly. Or can she?”

9. The Grouchy Ladybug

Author: Eric Carle

Age Level: 3-6

Grade Level: Preschool-1

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“From Eric Carle, New York Times bestselling author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and From Head to Toe, comes the classic story of one very grouchy ladybug. Eric Carle’s bright artwork and signature style will charm both ardent fans and new readers alike. This board book features sturdy pages and is the perfect size for little hands.”

10. Hello, World! Backyard Bugs!

Author: Jill McDonald

Age Level: 3-5

Grade Level: Preschool-K

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Hello, World! is a series designed to introduce first nonfiction concepts to babies and toddlers. Told in clear and easy terms and featuring bright, cheerful illustrations, Hello, World! makes learning fun for young children. And each sturdy page offers helpful prompts for engaging with your child. (“Chomp! A bright red ladybug munches on a leaf. Point to each of its spots.”) It’s a perfect way to bring science and nature into the busy world of a toddler, where learning never stops.”

11. In the Tall, Tall Grass

Author: Denise Fleming

Age Level: 4-8

Grade Level: Preschool-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“If you were a fuzzy caterpillar crawling through the tall, tall grass on a sunny afternoon, what would you see? To find out, just follow the tiny tour guide as he inches his way through the pages of this book. You’ll see ants and bees and birds–hip-hopping bunnies too. You’ll even hear the sounds some of them make.”

12. Mrs. Peanuckle’s Bug Alphabet

Author: Mrs. Peanuckle

Age Level: 3-5

Grade Level: Preschool-K

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Mrs. Peanuckle’s Bug Alphabet introduces babies and toddlers to all sorts of interesting bugs. Perfect to read aloud, this creepy, crawly adventure will engage children and parents alike with its vibrant illustrations and fascinating facts about bugs. Learning the ABCs has never been so bitingly fun! Mrs. Peanuckle’s Bug Alphabet is the fourth title in a series of board books celebrating the joy of nature at home and in the backyard, from fresh fruits and vegetables to birds, flowers, and trees.”

13. Shoo Fly!

Author: Iza Trapani

Age Level: 5-8

Grade Level: K-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Now

“Adapted from the popular nursery rhyme, this book follows an adorable mouse as he tries in vain to escape from a delightfully determined fly”

14. Superworm

Author: Julia Donaldson

Age Level: 4-8

Grade Level: Preschool – 3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Toad in trouble? Beetle in a jam? Never fear — Superworm is here! And he’s wiggling to the rescue! But when Superworm is captured by a wicked Wizard Lizard, will his friends find a way to help their favorite superhero escape?”

15. Ten Little Caterpillars

Author: Bill Martin Jr.

Age Level: 2-8

Grade Level: Preschool-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Readers of all ages have celebrated the work of Bill Martin Jr and Lois Ehlert ever since their first collaboration on Chicka Chicka Boom Boom more than twenty-five years ago. Now these two picture-book geniuses are together again in this dynamic and visually stunning counting-and-natural history picture book that’s just perfect for reading aloud–and comes complete with a glossary filled with intriguing information about all of the caterpillar stars!”

16. The Thing About Bees: A Love Letter

Author: Shabazz Larkin

Age Level: 3-7

Grade Level: Preschool-2

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Shabazz Larkin’s The Thing About Bees is a Norman Rockwell-inspired Sunday in the park, a love poem from a father to his two sons, and a tribute to the bees that pollinate the foods we love to eat.Children are introduced to different kinds of bees, “how not to get stung,” and how the things we fear are often things we don’t fully understand.”

17. The Very Busy Spider

Author: Eric Carle

Age Level: 3-6

Grade Level: Preschool-1

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Early one morning a little spider spins her web on a fence post. One by one, the animals of the nearby farm try to distract her, yet the busy little spider keeps diligently at her work. When she is done, she is able to show everyone that not only is her creation quite beautiful, it is also quite useful! This multi-sensory book allows children to feel the pictures as well as see them. And with its rhythmic text, The Very Busy Spider becomes an experience to touch, to see, and to hear.”

18. The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Author: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Age Level: 3-6

Grade Level: Preschool-1

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“THE all-time classic picture book, from generation to generation, sold somewhere in the world every 30 seconds! Have you shared it with a child or grandchild in your life? Including a special feature, die cuts, this beautiful board book edition, perfect for teaching the days of the week, offers readers an interactive experience.” 

19. Waiting for Wings

Author: Lois Ehlert

Age Level: 4-7

Grade Level: Preschool-2

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Every spring, butterflies emerge and dazzle the world with their vibrant beauty. But where do butterflies come from? How are they born? What do they eat–and how? With a simple, rhyming text and glorious color-drenched collage, Lois Ehlert provides clear answers to these and other questions as she follows the life cycle of four common butterflies, from their beginnings as tiny hidden eggs and hungry caterpillars to their transformation into full-grown butterflies. Complete with butterfly and flower facts and identification tips, as well as a guide to planting a butterfly garden, this butterfly book is like no other.”

20. Willbee the Bumblebee

Author: Craig Smith & Maureen Thomson

Age Level: 3-5

Grade Level: Preschool-5

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“With his new jersey on, he got back his hum, all his bits were warmed up… even his bum!” From the bestselling author and illustrator behind the million-copy The Wonky Donkey book comes Willbee the Bumblebee, a catchy rhyme with endearing illustrations that will leave you buzzing! Willbee the bumblebee is so embarrassed when he realizes that his black-and-yellow jacket has caught on a rose thorn and completely unraveled, showing his bare bum! With help from Monica the butterfly and Steve the spider, Willbee recovers his jacket and is back to buzzing around the garden in no time.”

20 Books About Bugs & Insects for Kids

This is not an exhaustive list; there are many more books about bugs & insects for kids to read! Are there some which are not listed that you would suggest? Which book are you most excited to share with your child or add to your classroom?

Check out some of my other book lists!

Click here to see what we did during our preschool bugs and insects unit theme!

The post 20 Books About Bugs & Insects for Kids first appeared on Smells Like Teach Spirit.

This blog contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. It does not cost you anything extra but it does help with the costs of running this site. And for that, I thank you.

These books about construction & buildings for preschool kids are great for your aspiring builders. They will be a great addition to your classroom library during your construction and buildings unit. These books contain everything your students will need to know about construction and buildings!

Non-Fiction & Fiction

There are so many great books about construction & buildings for preschool kids to choose from! I always try to include both fiction and non-fiction books. I hope these books will inspire your little ones to be creative and use their imagination.

These books are not listed in any particular order. All of them can be found on Amazon. I have also included YouTube links where you can preview the book as well! All book information was taken from Amazon.

20 Books About Construction & Buildings for Preschool Kids

1. At the Construction Site

Author: Max Walther

Age Level: 2-5

Grade Level: Preschool-K

Buy Here

“In these one-of-a-kind picture books, every page is bursting with life—and tons to discover! Bustling construction sites are everywhere in Wimmelcity. In My Big Wimmelbook—At the Construction Site, join Sarah the architect, Eric the surveyor, and the rest of this hardworking crew as they build roads, a downtown building, and so much more!”

2. Building a House

Author: Byron Barton

Age Level: 4-8

Grade Level: Preschool-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Byron Barton, the celebrated creator of numerous picture books for very young children, including Trucks, My Bus, and My Car, builds a house, step by step, right before your eyes! A machine digs a big hole. A cement mixer pours cement. Carpenters put up walls. Bricklayers, electricians, plumbers, and painters do their part. Through brilliantly simple words and pictures a house is built.“

3. Construction (Construction Crew)

Author: Sally Sutton

Age Level: 2-5

Grade Level: Preschool-K

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Thonk! Clonk! Clap! The team behind Roadwork and Demolition returns to the construction site, where big machines and busy workers dig, hoist, and hammer away. There’s lots of noise and excitement involved in building a library! Preschoolers will clamor to take a closer look. Award-winning duo Sally Sutton and Brian Lovelock are back with another rhythmic read-aloud full of bustling illustrations and sound words that beg kids to join in. Available in English and Spanish!”

4. The Construction Alphabet Book

Author: Jerry Pallotta

Age Level: 4-8

Grade Level: Preschool-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“For fans of all things that go this noisy alphabet book explores construction equipment from A to Z.  Find out about these construction machines and more, from a huge saw that cuts through roads to a massive vacuum that sucks up boulders. You’ll even learn a quick and easy recipe for concrete. Rock crushers, jackhammers, and wrecking balls will delight the youngest of readers learning their ABCs.”

5. Construction Site Book

Author: DK

Age Level: 3-5

Grade Level: Preschool-K

YouTube: Book Preview

Buy Here

“My Best Pop-Up Construction Site Book is a large format sturdy, noisy board book that takes young readers on a pop-up surprise journey through a construction site filled with diggers, cranes, bulldozers, dump trucks, and more. Press the button after each page to hear a building site sound. With age-appropriate text and clearly labeled photography, My Best Pop-up Construction Site Book incorporates play and fun into hands-on learning.”

6. Digger, Dozer, Dumper

Author: Hope Vestergaard

Age Level: 2-5

Grade Level: Preschool-K

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Sixteen boisterous, rhyming poems—each one highlighting the job and personality of a different vehicle, from a backhoe to an ambulance to a snowplow—introduce young children to their favorite trucks face-to-face. Cheerful illustrations show each one in action, digging (or dozing, or dumping) away. Each truck and big machine in these enticing rhyming poems is different, and little readers are invited to find a vehicle that’s like them.”

7. Digger Man

Andrea Zimmerman &

David Clemesha

Age Level: 2-5

Grade Level: Preschool-K

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“A little boy imagines driving a great big digger-scooping and pushing mud to make a playground for his baby brother. Children are fascinated with bulldozers, backhoes, payloaders-diggers of all shapes and sizes. In this playful picture book, simple alliterative language and bold, colorful images capture a child’s love of building and creating.”

8. Dreaming Up, A Celebration of Building

Author: Christy Hale

Age Level: 5-8

Grade Level: 1-2

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“A picture book that connects great works of architecture to the ways children build and play. Pair them with notable structures from around the world and see children’s constructions taken to the level of architectural treasures. Here is a unique celebration of children’s playtime explorations and the surprising ways childhood experiences find expression in the dreams and works of innovative architects. Come be inspired to play-dream-build-discover!”

9. Everything You Need For A Tree House

Author: Carter Higgins

Age Level: 3-6

Grade Level: Preschool-K

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“This magical work of art from acclaimed picture book creators Carter Higgins and Emily Hughes celebrates the universal wonder of treehouses and all the adventure that live among branches.”

10. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site

Author: Sherri Duskey Rinker

Age Level: 1-6

Grade Level: Preschool-1

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“As the sun sets behind the big construction site, all the hardworking trucks get ready to say goodnight. One by one, Crane Truck, Cement Mixer, Dump Truck, Bulldozer, and Excavator finish their work and lie down to rest—so they’ll be ready for another day of rough and tough construction play! With irresistible artwork by bestselling illustrator Tom Lichtenheld and sweet, rhyming text, this construction book for kids will have truck lovers of all ages begging for more.”

11. Hello World! Construction Site

Author: Jill McDonald

Age Level: 3-6

Grade Level: Preschool-1

Buy Here

“Hello, World! is a series designed to introduce first nonfiction concepts to babies and toddlers. Told in clear and easy terms (“Clank! A crane is used to lift heavy things and move them to the right spot.”) and featuring bright, cheerful illustrations, Hello, World! makes learning fun for young children. And each page offers helpful prompts for engaging with your child. It’s a perfect way to bring science and nature into the busy world of a toddler, where learning never stops.”

12. Let’s Build

Author: Sue Fliess

Age Level: 3-8

Grade Level: Preschool-3

YouTube: Book Preview

Buy Here

“Let’s build…a fort! Grab a pencil, draw the plans. We’ll construct it with our hands. Dad and son hit the hardware store. And then they start to build! Raise the walls up, hoist that beam. Real construction takes a team! When they’re all done, they’ll have the coolest fort ever!”

13. Look At That Building

Author: Scot Ritchie

Age Level: 4-7

Grade Level: Preschool-2

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Learning about buildings and how they are constructed has never been so much fun. This gem of a book introduces young readers to basic construction concepts through the eyes of five friends keen on building a doghouse for their pet pooch, Max. To find out more about the task, Yulee, Martin, Nick, Sally and Pedro head to the library, where they learn about foundations, beams, frames and other building fundamentals. Fun facts, bright illustrations and comic-book-style discussions among the characters add to the mix. An activity at the end of the book invites readers to make their own mini doghouse out of marshmallows, paper, glue and craft sticks.”

14. Mighty, Mighty Construction Site

Author: Sherri Duskey Rinker

Age Level: 3-6

Grade Level: Preschool-1

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“A focus on team building, friendship, and working together: At last—here from the team behind the beloved international bestseller comes a companion to Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site. Down in the big construction site, all of the favorite trucks are back facing their biggest job yet and will need the help of new construction friends to get it done. Mighty, Mighty Construction Site teaches kids that when working as a team, even a big job seems small! They find out that with teamwork, nothing is impossible!”

15. My First Trucks & Diggers

Author: DK

Age Level: 3-5

Grade Level: Preschool-K

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Explore the exciting world of trucks and diggers in this tabbed picture book that leads children to 13 fun activity spreads. Filled with clear photography and simple text, Tabbed Board Books: My First Trucks and Diggers has all the classic kid favorites, from excavators to dump trucks to bulldozers. Look around the construction site to see tankers, logging trucks, and other commercial vehicles carrying freight on the road.”

16. Pete the Cat: Construction Destruction

Author: James Dean

Age Level: 4-8

Grade Level: Preschool-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Pete the Cat builds a playground in New York Times bestselling artist James Dean’s Pete the Cat: Construction Destruction. When Pete sees that the playground is in bad shape, he gets a totally groovy idea—make a new playground! Pete calls in construction workers and cement mixers, backhoes and dump trucks to build the coolest playground ever. In the end, Pete learns that to make something special, you have to dream big. Complete with over 30 stickers!”

17. Three Cheers for Kid McGear!

Author: Sherri Duskey Rinker

Age Level: 3-6

Grade Level: Preschool-1

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“From the New York Times bestselling author that brought you Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and Mighty, Mighty Construction Site comes a heartwarming and inspiring tale featuring the first female character to join the core construction crew!She might be small, but she’s got it all—she’s Kid McGear, Skid Steer! Kid McGear is the newest truck to join the Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site crew and she’s eager to help with even the roughest and toughest construction work. But when a steep cliff puts the other trucks in danger, can the new Kid on the site prove she’s big enough for even this big, big job?”

18. The Truck Book

Author: Harry McNaught

Age Level: 3-7

Grade Level: Preschool-2

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Climb behind the wheel of over 50 different types of trucks, from dump trucks and fire trucks to tanker trucks and ice cream trucks! Full of colorful and detailed illustrations and loads of interesting facts, The Truck Book is a must-have for all vehicle fans.”

19. When I Build With Blocks

Author: Niki Alling

Age Level: 3-8

Grade Level: Preschool-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“Step into the block area of a Pre-K / Kindergarten classroom, through the eyes and imagination of a child. When I Build With Blocks, transports an everyday classroom into various imaginative scenes – from outer space to the ocean. Any young child, who has ever built with blocks, can identify with this book. Each block structure included originated from ideas in actual Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms.”

20. Where Do Diggers Sleep At Night

Author: Brianna Caplan Sayres

Age Level: 2-5

Grade Level: Preschool-K

YouTube: Read Aloud

Buy Here

“The bedtime rituals of these little diggers and dump trucks will be quite familiar to kids saying goodnight. Young readers will surely identify with little fire engines, tractors, and monster trucks as they ask for one more story while their mommy trucks tuck them in, and their daddy trucks sing a goodnight song. Children who can’t get enough of trucks and other vehicles will love Brianna Caplan Sayres things-that-go…to sleep books, including companion titles Where Do Steam Trains Sleep at Night, and Where Do Jet Planes Sleep at Night?”

This is not an exhaustive list; there are many more books about construction & buildings for preschool kids to read! Are there some which are not listed that you would suggest? Which book are you most excited to share with your child or add to your classroom?

Check out some of my other book lists!

Click here to see what we did during our preschool construction and buildings unit.

The post 20 Books About Construction & Buildings for Preschool Kids first appeared on Smells Like Teach Spirit.

Hi there! I’ve compiled a list of 20 books about diversity for kids. Racism is unfortunately still present in our society, and we can help fight it by educating kids about diversity when they are young! Children should appreciate who they are, as well as value the differences in others.

This blog contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links. It does not cost you anything extra but it does help with the costs of running this site. And for that, I thank you.

Children Are Watching and Learning

Children are watching our every move and are learn how to behave from us. We need to break away from the thought that children are too young to talk about diversity; this is simply not true. From a very young age children begin to notice the differences between themselves and others. What they make of those differences depends on what they see around them – what is presented in entertainment media, society, books, etc.

The Importance of Reading

Reading to your child every day is imperative in fostering their psychological growth and development. So much is happening in the world around us, and it is our job as parents and educators to help children navigate through that world. How can we do this? Reading books is a great way to start!

Reading with your child provides opportunities to have rich discussions about many subjects. Children may respond with questions about the reading content, especially as it relates to experiences they have had. Reading helps them develop empathy, as they often put themselves in the perspective of the story characters.

I have listed 20 books about diversity for kids that I believe will help facilitate the right kinds of discussions. These books are not listed in any particular order. All of them can be found on Amazon. I have also included YouTube links where you can preview the book as well! All book information was taken from Amazon.

20 Books About Diversity for Kids

1. A Kids Book About Racism

Author: Jelani Memory

Age Level: 5-9

Grade Level: K-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“A clear explanation of what racism is and how to know when you see it. Yes, this really is a kids book about racism. Inside, you’ll find a clear description of what racism is, how it makes people feel when they experience it, and how to spot it when it happens. This is one conversation that’s never too early to start, and this book was written to be an introduction for kids on the topic. This will be a great addition to your library of books about diversity for kids.”

2. Child of the Civil Rights Movement

Authors: Paula Young Shelton & Raul Colón

Age Level: 4-8

Grade Level: Preschool-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“In this Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year, Paula Young Shelton, daughter of Civil Rights activist Andrew Young, brings a child’s unique perspective to an important chapter in America’s history. Paula grew up in the deep south, in a world where whites had and blacks did not. With an activist father and a community of leaders surrounding her, including Uncle Martin (Martin Luther King), Paula watched and listened to the struggles, eventually joining with her family—and thousands of others—in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery.”

3. Coretta Scott

Author: Ntozake Shange

Age Level: 4-8

Grade Level: Preschool-4

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“Celebrated poet and playwright Ntozake Shange captures the spirit of civil rights pioneer Coretta Scott King—illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Kadir Nelson. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 6 to 8. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children. Walking many miles to school in the dusty road, young Coretta Scott knew the unfairness of life in the segregated south. A yearning for equality began to grow. Together with Martin Luther King, Jr., she gave birth to a vision of change through nonviolent protest. It was the beginning of a journey—with dreams of freedom for all.“

4. Daddy, There’s A Noise Outside

Author: Kenneth Braswell

Age Level: 6-10

Grade Level: 1-4

YouTube: Book Review

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“This engaging story begins when two children are awakened by noises in the middle of the night outside the window of their inner-city neighborhood. Both their Dad and Mom spend the next morning explaining to them what was taking place in their community.”

5. The Day You Begin

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Age Level: 5-8

Grade Level: K-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you. There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it. Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael López’s dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.”

6. Each Kindness

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Age Level: 5-8

Grade Level: K-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“This unforgettable book is written and illustrated by the award-winning team that created The Other Side and the Caldecott Honor winner Coming On Home Soon. With its powerful anti-bullying message and striking art, it will resonate with readers long after they’ve put it down. Chloe and her friends won’t play with the new girl, Maya. Every time Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe’s teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship, and thinks about how much better it could have been if she’d shown a little kindness toward Maya.”

7. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez

Author: Kathleen Krull

Age Level: 6-9

Grade Level: 1-4

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“Cesar Chavez is known as one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders. When he led a 340-mile peaceful protest march through California, he ignited a cause and improved the lives of thousands of migrant farmworkers. But Cesar wasn’t always a leader. As a boy, he was shy and teased at school. His family slaved in the fields for barely enough money to survive. Cesar knew things had to change, and he thought that–maybe–he could help change them. So he took charge. He spoke up. And an entire country listened.”

8. Let The Children March

Author: Monica Clark-Robinson

Age Level: 6-9

Grade Level: 1-4

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. Frank Morrison’s emotive oil-on-canvas paintings bring this historical event to life, while Monica Clark-Robinson’s moving and poetic words document this remarkable time. This will be a great addition to your library of books about diversity for kids“

9. The Name Jar

Author: Yangsook Choi

Age Level: 3-7

Grade Level: Preschool-2

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“The new kid in school needs a new name! Or does she?Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning. On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it—Yoon-Hey.”

10. One Love

Author: Cedella Marley

Age Level: 3-5

Grade Level: Preschool-K

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“One love, one heart, let’s get together and feel all right: Adapted from one of Bob Marley’s most beloved songs, One Love brings the joyful spirit and unforgettable lyrics to life for a new generation. Readers will delight in dancing to the beat and feeling the positive groove of change when one girl enlists her community to help transform her neighborhood for the better. It’s a testament to the amazing things that can happen when we all get together with one love in our hearts.“

11. The Other Side

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Age Level: 5-8

Grade Level: K-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“Clover’s mom says it isn’t safe to cross the fence that segregates their African-American side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But the two girls strike up a friendship, and get around the grown-ups’ rules by sitting on top of the fence together. With the addition of a brand-new author’s note, this special edition celebrates the tenth anniversary of this classic book. As always, Woodson moves readers with her lyrical narrative, and E. B. Lewis’s amazing talent shines in his gorgeous watercolor illustrations. This will be a great addition to your library of books about diversity for kids“

12. Ron’s Big Mission

Authors: Rose Blue & Corinne J. Naden

Age Level: 6-8

Grade: 1-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“Nine-year-old Ron loves going to the Lake City Public Library to look through all the books on airplanes and flight. Today, Ron is ready to take out books by himself. But in the segregated world of South Carolina in the 1950s, Ron’s obtaining his own library card is not just a small rite of passage—it is a young man’s first courageous mission. Here is an inspiring story, based on Ron McNair’s life, of how a little boy, future scientist, and Challenger astronaut desegregated his library through peaceful resistance.”

13. Rosa

Author: Nikki Giovanni

Age Level: 4-8

Grade Level: Preschool-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“Fifty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus, Mrs. Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement. This tribute to Mrs. Parks is a celebration of her courageous action and the events that followed. Award-winning poet, writer, and activist Nikki Giovanni’s evocative text combines with Bryan Collier’s striking cut-paper images to retell the story of this historic event from a wholly unique and original perspective.“

14. Separate Is Never Equal

Author: Duncan Tonatiuh

Age Level: 6-9

Grade Level: 1-4

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“Almost 10 years before Brown vs. Board of Education, Sylvia Mendez and her parents helped end school segregation in California. An American citizen of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage who spoke and wrote perfect English, Mendez was denied enrollment to a “Whites only” school. Her parents took action by organizing the Hispanic community and filing a lawsuit in federal district court. Their success eventually brought an end to the era of segregated education in California. This will be a great addition to your library of books about diversity for kids.“

15. Skin Like Mine

Author: Latashia M. Perry

Age Level: 4-8

Grade Level: Preschool-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“From the Creators of Hair Like Mine, Skin Like Mine is a fun, easy-to- read for beginners as well as advanced readers. An entertaining yet creative way to address and celebrate diversity among young children. Guaranteed to make you smile and a bit hungry. This will be a great addition to your library of books about diversity for kids“

16. The Story of Ruby Bridges

Author: Robert Coles

Age Level: 5-8

Grade Level: K-3

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“The year is 1960, and six-year-old Ruby Bridges and her family have recently moved from Mississippi to New Orleans in search of a better life. When a judge orders Ruby to attend first grade at William Frantz Elementary, an all-white school, Ruby must face angry mobs of parents who refuse to send their children to school with her. Told with Robert Coles’ powerful narrative and dramatically illustrated by George Ford, Ruby’s story of courage, faith, and hope is now available in this special 50th anniversary edition with an updated afterword!”

17. Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged

Author: Jody Nyasha Warner

Age Level: 5-9

Grade Level: K-4

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“In Nova Scotia, in 1946, an usher in a movie theater told Viola Desmond to move from her main floor seat up to the balcony. She refused to budge. Viola knew she was being asked to move because she was black. In no time at all, the police arrived and took Viola to jail. The next day she was charged and fined, but she vowed to continue her struggle against such unfair rules. Viola’s determination gave strength and inspiration to her community at the time. She is an unsung hero of one of Canada’s oldest and most established black communities. This will be a great addition to your library of books about diversity for kids“

18. What’s The Difference? Being Different is Amazing

Author: Doyin Richards

Age Level: 3-5

Grade Level: Preschool-K

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“As he did in I Wonder, Upworthy.com and Today Show parenting expert parenting guru Doyin Richards tackles a timely and universal subject―diversity and acceptance―and distills it for the youngest readers. Because what matters most is not our differences, but what we do together as friends, as families, as colleagues, as citizens. Perfect for sharing as a family or in the classroom, What’s the Difference? should find a place in homes and in hearts.”

19. We’re Different, We’re The Same

Author: Bobbi Kates

Age Level: 3-7

Grade Level: Preschool-2

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“Who better than Sesame Street to teach us that we may all look different on the outside—but it’s important to remember that deep down, we are all very much alike. We all have the same needs, desires, and feelings. Elmo and his Sesame Street friends help teach toddlers and the adults in their lives that everyone is the same on the inside, and it’s our differences that make this wonderful world, which is home to us all, an interesting—and special—place. This enduring, colorful, and charmingly illustrated book offers an easy, enjoyable way to learn about differences—and what truly matters. It is an engaging read for toddlers and adults alike.”

20. When God Made You

Author: Matthew Paul Turner

Age Level: 3-7

Grade Level: Preschool-2

YouTube: Read Aloud

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“From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly. Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.“

This is not an exhaustive list; there are many more books about diversity for kids to read! Are there some which are not listed that you would suggest? Which book are you most excited to share with your child?

Please let us know how the conversation goes!

Click here to check out my other book lists!

The post 20 Books About Diversity for Kids first appeared on Smells Like Teach Spirit.