Nighttime is the Right Time!

Dusk Explorers written by Lindsay Leslie

It’s that special time of evening, when the hours and the possibilities seem endless: Light is fading. A buzz of excitement and wonder takes over the neighborhood…. What outdoor adventures await?

Night Is for Darkness written by Jonathan Stutzman

This lyrical bedtime story celebrates the wondrous beauty of the natural world and the intimate family moments we share each night.

If You Were Night written by Muon Van

From the award-winning author of One Is a Lot and Village by the Sea comes a beautifully written, playful and dreamlike story about night creatures and their activities. With its lyrical and sensory narrative, and exquisitely detailed paper-cut illustrations, If You Were Night will entice readers’ imaginations, encourage observation and spark curiosity. A wonderful read-aloud that ties in well with primary grade lessons about the natural world, but also makes a lovely bedtime story.

Night Animals Need Sleep Too written and illustrated by Gianna Marino

It’s daytime and night animals are all sleeping soundly. Well, all except for Possum. Skunk tries to be helpful, pointing out a cave, then a tree, then a den. But the more places Possum tries to sleep, the more night animals he wakes up. Will Bear, Wolf, Skunk, and Possum ever find a good day’s rest? The stars of Gianna Marino’s Night Animals know what makes kids laugh in this hilarious spin on the bedtime book.

Goodnight, Veggies written by Diana Murray

Illustrations and easy-to-read, rhyming text invite the reader to a community garden where potatoes close their eyes, cabbages nod their heads, and corn covers its ears to go to sleep.

Everyone’s Awake written by Colin Meloy

In this house, when everyone stays awake at night, things get very strange, what with Mom on the roof, and Grandma playing cards with the ghost of long-dead Grandpa Paul, and even the dog and cat are acting weird; as the family’s doings become more and more bizarre, the narrator starts to wonder–what on earth will happen when morning finally comes.

The Moon Keeper written by Zosienka

Emile has a new job as moon keeper. He spends his evenings making sure the moon has everything it needs to shine its light over the night creatures. Night after night he keeps watch over the moon–clearing away the clouds and telling the fruit bats to move along when they play too close. Emile finds the moon nice to talk to in the stillness of the night. But what happens when the moon starts to change and slowly disappears?

The Way Home for Wolf by Rachel Bright

Wolf cub Wilf is convinced that he has what it takes to lead the pack, but the adults just laugh–and when he falls behind and finds himself alone in the dark of the Arctic night he discovers that it is really important to have friends who will show you the way home.

The Stars Just Up the Street written by Sue Soltis

Mabel loves the stars. She can count a few from her bedroom window and even more from the tree in her backyard. But her grandfather saw thousands of stars when he was a boy, and Mabel is determined to see that many herself. So begins Mabel’s quest for a better view of the night sky. When she realizes that the glow from nearby houses and streetlights blocks her view, she enlists help from her neighbors and the town’s mayor. Can they work together to discover the stars waiting for them–just up the street?

Nonfiction:

What Makes Day and Night written by Franklyn M. Branley

This classic nonfiction picture book uses simple, fun diagrams and a guided experiment to explain what makes day and night. This book also includes a find out more section with additional activities to track nocturnal animals and to compare different times of day around the world.

While You Were Sleeping: fun facts that happen every night written by Steve Murrie

Discover the amazing things that happen around the world while you are asleep! Books are often used to put children to bed. But what happens after we close our eyes? The world keeps spinning, people go to work, machines plug on, and many of the Earth’s living creatures are just waking up!

Starlight flashlight: https://blog.imaginechildhood.com/imagine-childhood/2009/01/star-light-flashlight.html

Nighttime sky painting: https://iheartcraftythings.com/eric-carle-inspired-moon-art-touch-and.html

Starlit Night in a Cup: https://www.tobeakidagain.com/starlit-night-cup-fine-motor-craft-kids/

Paper plate day and night craft: https://nontoygifts.com/day-and-night-craft/

Galaxy calm down bottle:https://preschoolinspirations.com/galaxy-calm-bottle/

Day and night art painting: http://: https://fun-a-day.com/day-and-night-art-for-preschoolers/

Space inquiry: http://mrsmyerskindergarten.blogspot.com/2016/04/our-space-inquiry.html

Happy happy Hedgehogs!

Our Friend Hedgehog written and illustrated by Lauren Castillo

When a storm separates Hedgehog from her lifelong friend, Mutty, she bravely sets out to find him and makes some very good new friends in the process.

The Hug written by Eoin McLaughlin

In this clever flipbook, both a hedgehog and a tortoise are looking for a hug. They ask all the other animals they come across but for some reason no one will hug them. Until a wise owl explains: Hedgehog is too spiky; Tortoise is too bony. And that’s when they find each other. Follow Hedgehog’s story and then flip the book and read Tortoise’s until they meet in the middle.

The Snowy Nap written and illustrated by Jan Brett

After hearing about winter from his friends, Hedgie the hedgehog tries to stay awake to experience its wonders.

Hedge Hog! Written and illustrated by Ashlyn Anstee

As the cold winter approaches, the grumpy hedgehog refuses to share his hedge with the garden animals looking for shelter, but he’s about to learn a valuable lesson about helping others.

Before I Leave written and illustrated by Jessixa Bagley

Leaving her best friend is difficult for a young hedgehog whose family is moving, but everyone assures her that things will be alright.

Hedgehugs and the Hattiepillar written by Steve Wilson

It’s spring! And everything is colorful–rainbows in the sky and flowers blossoming on trees. When Horace and Hattie Hedgehog see a caterpillar become a butterfly and take flight, they decide to try a transformation of their own. When these two best friends put their minds to solving a problem, nothing can stand in their way!

Nonfiction:

Hedgehogs written by Paula M. Wilson

Your pet hedgehog just made a spitball. Is that normal? This book introduces readers to the ins and outs of care for a pet hedgehog. Readers will get information to help them decide if a hedgehog is the right pet for them as well as the how-to’s of caring for hedgehogs.

Prickly Hedgehogs! Written by Jane McGuinness

Who is that small and prickly creature? Visit a hedgehog mom and her babies as she teaches them to survive on their own. When the sun has set, Hedgehog’s day has only just begun. She’s out and about, snuffling through layers of leaves and twigs as she searches for bugs and other things to eat. Young animal lovers will enjoy following Hedgehog and her little hoglets through towns and gardens, parks and woodland, as they sniff-sniff-sniff for food. The facts threaded throughout this inviting story augment the charming illustrations and will satisfy the most inquisitive of readers.

Fork painting hedgehog craft:https://iheartcraftythings.com/hedgehog-template.html

Hedgehog Paper Plate Craft: https://pagingfunmums.com/2016/09/15/hedgehog-paper-plate-craft/

Build your own Hedgehog House – Exploring Hibernation: http://: https://www.sunhatsandwellieboots.com/2011/11/building-hedgehog-house-exploring.html

Hibernation exploration basket: https://theimaginationtree.com/hedgehog-hibernation-exploration-basket/

Kids Can Cook!

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao written by Kat Zhang

Amy is determined to make a perfect dumpling like her parents and grandmother do, but hers are always too empty, too full, or not pinched together properly.

Fry bread: a Native American family story written by Kevin Noble Maillard

Using illustrations that show the diversity in Native America and spare poetic text that emphasizes fry bread in terms of provenance, this volume tells the story of a post-colonial food that is a shared tradition for Native American families all across the North American continent. Includes a recipe and an extensive author note that delves into the social ways, foodways, and politics of America’s 573 recognized tribes.

Octopus Stew written and illustrated by Eric Velasquez

Ramsey dons his superhero cape to rescue Grandma from the huge octopus she is trying to cook–or is he simply telling a story? Includes author’s note on the story’s origin and a recipe for Octopus stew.

Holy Squawkamole!: little red hen makes guacamole written by Susan Wood

Yum Guacamole! That’s what Little Red Hen craves, and she could use some help gathering and mashing the ingredients. So she asks Armadillo, Iguana, Coati, and Snake to lend a hand, but they all refuse. Of course, after Little Red Hen works hard to make the scrumptious fresh guac, all the animals want a taste. She gives her friends what they asked for, but with a spicy surprise they’ll never forget!

Bilal Cooks Daal written by Aisha Saeed

Bilal and his father invite his friends to help make his favorite dish, daal, then all must wait patiently for it to be done.

How to Feed your Parents written by Ryan Miller

Matilda’s picky parents refuse to try new foods, so Matilda teaches herself to cook.

Fangsgiving written and illustrated by Ethan Long

The monsters of the Fright Club have gathered for a Thanksgiving feast at Vlad’s home, but his family arrives unexpectedly and puts their own spin on every dish.

Mitzi Tulane, Preschool Detective, in The Secret Ingredient written by Lauren McLaughlin

When Max suspects that Mitzi’s father has snuck vegetables into her muffin they hurry to the lab of her neighbors, Juan and Juanita, to investigate.

Baby Cakes written by Theo Heras

The sibling duo from Hat On, Hat Off are back in another household adventure, exploring and playing in the kitchen. These little ones know baking is hard work and messy work, but it sure is fun. Put on an apron, gather ingredients, measure the flour try to keep kitty off the counter! Wash sticky fingers, and let mommy put the cakes in the oven. Waiting is the hardest part, but time flies for these playmates whose patience is rewarded with more than just baby cakes.

It’s a big, tasty world out there, and this book takes kids on a tour through the cuisines of 14 countries, complete with a recipe for each one. What’s on your plate? Chances are it’s not quite the same as what’s on other children’s plates around the world. Come on a journey to see how people in different countries prepare, eat, and think about their food. Beautiful photographs and illustrations capture the food culture of 14 countries.

Daily Bread : what kids eat around the world written and photographed by Gregg Segal

As globalization alters our relationship to the world around us, photographer Gregg Segal has embarked on a world-wide project asking kids of many nations to take his “Daily Bread” challenge, wherein they keep a detailed journal of everything they eat in a week; which Segal then stages as an elaborate portrait of the child surrounded by all the meals and snacks they consumed. The colorful and hyper-detailed results tell a unique story of multiculturalism and how we nourish ourselves at the dawn of the 21st century.

Bread in a bag activity: https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/bread-in-a-bag/

Fizzy Lemonade: https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/fizzy-lemonade-science-project/

Squeezing an orange activity: https://rhythmsofplay.com/squeezing-an-orange-montessori-practical-life-activity/

Practical skills in the kitchen:https://www.mamashappyhive.com/practical-life-for-kids-in-the-kitchen/

Making butter with kids: https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/make-homemade-butter-thanksgiving-edible-science/

Popcorn Cob: How to Pop Popcorn from a Cob:https://tinkerlab.com/corncob-popcorn-experiment/

Ice Cream in a bag:https://www.123homeschool4me.com/how-to-make-ice-cream-in-bag_34/

Spider Science

A Web written and illustrated by Isabelle Simler

Follows a spider as it collects items to decorate its web from a landscape filled with insects, leaves, flowers, feathers, and seeds, all labeled for identification.

Walter’s Wonderful Web written and illustrated by Tim Hopgood

A young spider named Walter tries to weave a very sturdy web. Can you pick out the different shapes that are formed while he is working?

Miss Muffet, or What Came After written by Marilyn Singer

With the help of friendly spider Webster, aspiring violinists Patience Muffet and Little Bo-Peep find personal fulfillment in the court of Old King Cole.

Just Itzy written by Lana Krumwiede

Tired of being called “Itzy Bitzy, ” Itzy tries to catch his own lunch on the first day of spindergarten to prove he is a big spider, but a girl sitting on a tuffet, a dangerous waterspout, and other nursery rhyme characters get in his way.

Red Spider Hero written by John Miller

All of the teeny red spiders were happy on their patch of pavement, except Harry, who dreamed of adventure and wanted to see the world.

Spiders and Daddy Long Legs written by Megan Gendell

Explores the similarities between spiders and daddy long legs, and how to tell them apart. Discover how traits like body shape, ability to make silk, and defense mechanisms can be used to identify these common arachnids. Additional features include a side-by-side comparison of the animals, an activity encouraging readers to demonstrate their knowledge, a phonetic glossary, sources for further reading, an introduction to the author, and an index.

Insects and Spiders written by Dawn Titmus

Contrary to popular belief, creepy-crawlies can actually be sweet. Insects and spiders are wonderful pets. They just need the right environment and care. Readers of this expert guide will learn all about different breeds of insects and spiders through stunning full-color photographs. They’ll be able to decide which kind of creepy-crawly is right for their home and lifestyle. Interesting information about how insects and spiders act in the wild will help readers understand their pets’ needs and behavior.

Trap-door Spiders written by Emily Wilson

Trapdoor spiders get their name from the trapdoor-like entrance they make to their underground burrows. Made of silk, soil, and plant matter, a trapdoor spider’s habitat is an interesting study in bug behavior. Readers will be fascinated to learn all about the trapdoor spider through this volume, which is written to support elementary science curricula. The information-rich text explores the life of a trapdoor spider with a special focus on their burrows and the behaviors that keep these spiders close to or under the ground. Readers also learn about the spider’s role in its ecosystem, its life cycle, and physical and behavioral features. Fact boxes, color photographs, and age-appropriate text are designed to make learning fun.

Stunning Spiders written by Martha E. H. Rustad

Not all spiders are scary! Readers will learn about 12 different species of spiders, each with unusual and unexpected colors and patterns. Information about life cycles, habitats, and body parts is included. These spiders truly are breathtaking!

Spider Web Science Activity for Kids: https://buggyandbuddy.com/spider-web-science-activity-for-kids/

Spider crafts: https://pinkoddy.co.uk/blog/2013/10/11/halloween-spiders-creations/

Spider Craft for Cutting, Folding, Gluing, and Writing: http://: https://therapyfunzone.net/blog/spider-craft-for-cutting-folding-gluing-and-writing/

Paper Plate Spider Craft for Kids: https://gluesticksgumdrops.com/paper-plate-spider-craft-for-kids/

I Spy a Spider: Common Spiders Around the Home: https://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/commonspiders.shtml

Spider Identification Chart: https://www.termite.com/spider-identification.html

Migrating Birds

Numenia and the Hurricane: inspired by a true migration story written and illustrated by Fiona Halliday

Thousands of birds are migrating from the Arctic to the Caribbean when a hurricane rips a young whimbrel, Numenia, from her sisters, forcing her to struggle on alone. Includes note about the true story that inspired the book.

The Gift of Gerbert’s Feathers written by Meaghann Weaver

Gerbert, a special young goose, prepares for his death by whispering words of power to his flight feathers and giving them to family and friends before his final migration.

Circle written and illustrated by Jeannie Baker

Each year, bar-tailed godwits undertake the longest unbroken migration of any bird, flying from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to Australia and New Zealand and back again. They follow invisible pathways–pathways that have been followed for thousands of years–while braving hunger and treacherous conditions to reach their destination.

Little Home Bird written and illustrated by Jo Empson

Little Bird loves everything about his home. He’s surrounded by his favorite branch, his favorite food, his favorite view and his favorite music. Why on earth would he want to change anything, even when his brother tells him that they must? Discover how Little Bird ends up finding happiness in his new home from home in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Perfect for all children who love home, however many they may have.

Two Little Birds written and illustrated by Mary Newell DePalma

Two little birds make their first grand migration south, and later return home to start new families.

Welcome, Brown Bird written by Mary Lyn Ray

While a boy in North America urges his father not to cut down the trees where the wood thrush lives, a boy in South America awaits the return of the bird that he calls “la flauta” for its flute-like song.

Nonfiction

Warbler Wave written and photographed by April Pulley Sayre

Discover the magic–and the science–behind the migration of warblers with this stunning photographic picture book from the award-winning author and photographer of Raindrops Roll, Best in Snow, and Full of Fall. The migrating warblers have arrived, to feed and preen, to refuel and rest before continuing on their amazing journey of thousands of miles. This photographic picture book captures in lush detail the story of these tiny, colorful, and diverse birds.

Birdology: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring the World of Birds written by Monica Russo

Provides thirty activities that encourage bird watching and observation in parks, zoos, farms, and backyards, and includes discussions on migration, nesting, food, territories, and wildlife preservation.

The Long, Long Journey: The Godwit’s Amazing Migration written by Sandra Markle

A godwit hatches, evades predators, and learns to hunt and fly. Then, she sets off on her first migration – 7,200 nonstop miles, from Alaska to New Zealand!

Moonbird: a Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95 by Phillip M. Hoose

B95 can feel it: a stirring in his bones and feathers. It’ s time. Today is the day he will once again cast himself into the air, spiral upward into the clouds, and bank into the wind. He wears a black band on his lower right leg and an orange flag on his upper left, bearing the laser inscription B95. Scientists call him the Moonbird because, in the course of his astoundingly long lifetime, this gritty, four-ounce marathoner has flown the distance to the moon— and halfway back!

Why Do Birds fly in a V?

https://www.howweelearn.com/why-do-birds-fly-in-a-v/

Preschool Stem Teaching unit:

https://www.massaudubon.org/content/download/13465/209556/file/PreKTeachingUnit-BIRDS.pdf

Migration challenge:

https://pbskids.org/plumlanding/educators/activities/pdf/MigrationChallenge_FAA_Eng_Span.pdf