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!

For more ideas and activities from our unit themes click here!

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

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!

–>Instagram<–

–>Facebook<–

–>Teachers Pay Teachers<–

–>YouTube<–

–>Pinterest<–

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

Since we’re all stuck inside I wanted to think of an activity that utilizes items we already have around the house. Coffee filter crafts are quite common and so cute and easy to do! My husband loves coffee so we have plenty of coffee filters.

Easy Earth Day Craft & Simple Song

Materials

• Coffee Filters
• Washable Markers
• Spray Bottle with water
• Towel
• Paper Bag or protective covering for table

Directions

1. Place a paper grocery bag or protective covering over the table you are using if you want to keep marker from getting on the table.
2. Use your green marker to draw the land, the children can draw circles or squiggly shapes and then color them in. Remember that about 71% of the earth is water so the land should not take up too much space.

3. Use your blue marker and color in the rest of the coffee filter blue. This is not an art contest, it doesn’t have to be neat and if they do not stay in the lines that is okay.

4. Place your colored coffee filter on a towel or outside on the ground or on a plate. Spray the coffee filter lightly with water until every part is wet. When you spray the coffee filter the water the colors will bleed together creating a beautiful picture.

5. Lay out to dry.
6. Hang your coffee filter in the window for a “stained glass” effect.

My husband helped me find a song to go along with Earth Day. The title of the song is “The Earth is Our Mother”.

The song goes:

The earth is our mother,
we must take care of her.

The earth is our mother,
we must take care of her.

Hey yanna, ho yanna, hey yan yan.
Hey yanna, ho yanna, hey yan yan.

Listen to the song below, or watch our Fun Friday video to learn more about this song.

For a printable download of this song click here.

I hope you enjoyed our easy Earth Day craft & simple song! Share a photo or video on our social media if you do any of these activities! For more Fun Friday activities click here!

What are you doing to celebrate Earth day?

The post Fun Friday with Mrs. Pankau: Earth Day Craft & Song first appeared on Smells Like Teach Spirit.

We made it to the 100th day of school! Can you believe it? I’m not going to lie, the school year was off to a VERY rough start but I pulled through. From getting engaged to wedding planning, principal evaluations to state visits, grad school to blogging and being a new seller on Teachers Pay Teachers, I can say that I definitely had my hands full! In the fall semester I reached a breaking point, I felt like I just couldn’t do it anymore. I cried several times in our storage room, sometimes we just have to cry it out. It was clear to me that I needed to “let go” of somethings, temporarily until I could handle them again. A big part of the reason I felt so stressed was because I have poor time management. Time management is something I really need to work on, so if you have any tips let me know!

So I made it to day 100, how? I have no idea, but I’m happy I made it. You may have seen this on my social media but I’ll say it again. The 100th day was such a joy for me. It was not only a celebration for the kids, but for me as well. Teaching is such a delight, I love it but it also has its difficult times too. The 100th day of school was a kind of renewal for me, it was just the boost I needed for the next 80 days. The 100th day of school was HANDS DOWN the most fun day of school so far since I’ve been working. I’m pretty sure I was more excited than my kids! I’m so HAPPY and THANKFUL that I get to do what I ABSOLUTELY love and what I’m GREAT at every single day! Check out the highlights below from our 100th day of school!

100th Day of School Door Banner

I made this banner for the outside of my door using materials I found at my school. For the words I used ASTROBRIGHTS paper which you can find HERE. I typed it up first in PowerPoint using their “STHupo” font, the “Phosphate Solid” font is a good one to use too. I made the letters with a black outline so I know where to cut and the fill was clear. I used streamers at the bottom.

100th Day of School Hats

As soon as the students put away their belongings they sat down and decorated their hats. I found these hats from Teaching My Tribe on Teachers Pay Teachers as a freebie. To download this free resource click HERE. We stapled the hats to sentence strips and wrapped them around the student’s heads, they turned out so cute and they loved them!

100th Day of School Dot the Hundred

This is another resource that I found on Teachers Pay Teachers free from Keeping it Captivating. After the students made their hats, they worked on this worksheet using Do A Dot Markers to fill in the empty circles. Then they dotted the circles containing 100. Click HERE to download this freebie.

100th Day of School Song

For those of you who know me, you know I LOVE music and even more I love sharing it with my students. So of course I had to find a song to go with the occasion. I found the song on Pinterest but I don’t know who the original author is. To see the video look below. The lyrics are:

Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho!

100 days ago!

We came to school,

And we’re so cool!

Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho!

100th Day of School Counting Bears

We have a lot of math manipulatives in our classroom so I thought it would be fun to count something that they use all the time. I decided to use counting bears (find them here) since we have a ton of them! I used an old pretzel container to store the bears but I think any container will do. That day we had 16 students so I gave each a counting bear we counted to 84 and then the students each had a turn counting and putting their bear into the container. They enjoyed it a lot.

100th Day of School Music & Movement

My class just loves Jack Hartmann’s videos, they’re educational and fun! We exercise and practice counting with this video once a week, it gets the kids moving and excited about counting. Check out the video below!

100th Day of School Treats

This is yet another freebie I found on Teachers Pay Teachers at Miss Yoder’s Firsties store. I printed this freebie on cardstock and taped on Smarties. I passed them out at the end of the day. Click HERE to download the freebie.

100th Day of School Shirt

Here is one more picture of our 100th day banner, this time with me in it! If you like my shirt go check out The Wright Stuff Chics, I love their stuff! Hopefully this one is still available!

What was your 100th day of school like? Are there any traditions that you do year after year? How do you build up the anticipation earlier?

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