I received a sample for this review/feature. Opinions expressed are my own.
Earth day is on April 22 this year and a great way to get your kids into the spirit of nature is to read some children’s books of course! Here are some children’s books about plants, animals, seasons and the planet that will bring out your earthy side.
Pinkalicious and the Little Butterfly by Victoria Kann is a book in the super popular Pinkalicious book series for kids. Pinkalicious is super excited when her teacher brings in caterpillars to class one day. Everyone loves watching them eat and get bigger. One day they form their chrysalises and the students must wait a few days for them to turn into butterflies. Then it happens….they break out and are beautiful butterflies! The problem is Pinkalicious’ favorite one doesn’t turn when the others do. She will have to wait a little longer to see the transformation. A fun book about the beauty of butterflies and as a bonus it comes with stickers!
Little Butterfly by Laura Logan is a magical, wordless picture book. It is the story of a young girl and her act of kindness towards a butterfly. The sweet illustrations tell the whole story and words are not even needed. Her compassion is rewarded with a fantastical journey. It also includes an author’s note about the butterfly’s metamorphosis and migratory behavior. A beautiful story that my 4 year old especially likes to flip through.
When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes and illustrated by Laura Dronzek is a beautiful picture book that shows off all the beauty what spring brings. This book is by a husband and wife team and their gentle story shows how snow melts, things bloom, baby birds grow, rain comes and mud follows. A beautiful season that is written in a soothing way that kids love. This is what picture books are all about.
Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2 Earthquakes by Franklyn M. Branley and illustrated by Megan Lloyd is a book where readers get to learn all about earthquakes. This book explains everything on this force of nature in a kid friendly way. Some earthquakes are so small you don’t even know they happened while others are huge and can destroy buildings and bridges. Most occur along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Readers are then taught some simple steps to take if one happens near you and what you can do to prepare. In the back are earthquake facts and a glossary. A great level 2 reader book that is filled with some great information on what can sometimes be a very scary natural disaster.
Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2 Sunshine Makes the Seasons by Franklyn M. Branley and illustrated by Michael Rexis another really great science book for level 2 readers. This book takes you on the journey of the seasons and why the sun is so integral to it all. The book even walks the reader through an easy to understand experiment to show how it all works. It involves an orange, pencil and flashlight to explain seasons, axis, orbiting and how it explains long days, early days, cold winter and warm summers. A really great book to explain how the sun effects the weather. My 7 year old that is fascinated with science especially loved this book.
Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1 A Tree Is a Plant by Clyde Robert Bulla and illustrated by Stacey Schuett is about all trees. Readers get to learn about a tree’s life cycle through every season and with perfectly paired illustrations. From seeds to a tiny sprout with a few leaves it will grow into a beautiful tree and some even bear fruit. A “Find Out More” activity is included with simple experiments you can do at home. A great book on the beauty of the biggest plant that grows.
Earth Day is only a few weeks ago so you have time to get a few of these books to share with your kids. Each of these are geared for ages 4-8 but can easily go a little higher or lower in ages. I love teaching my girls about the beauty of our planet and I hope I am also teaching them ways to protect it. Happy Earth Day!
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