Pick a Pumpkin!

It’s a Pumpkin! Written by Wendy McClure

When Field Mouse and Squirrel find a big, round, orange object in the road their friends disagree about what it is, but soon it becomes the life of the party.

The Little Kitten written and illustrated by Nicola Killen

Ollie learns that the kitten she and Pumpkin, her cat, have been playing with is lost, but after returning it she needs Pumpkin’s help to find her own way home.

We’re Going on a Pumpkin Hunt written by Mary Hogan Wilcox

A group of children sets out on a secret nighttime hunt for the biggest pumpkin they can find, encountering a scary jack-o’-lantern, overcoming their fears and other obstacles, until they return home to–pumpkin pie.

Christopher Pumpkin written by Sue Hendra

A witch enchants pumpkins to help with the huge, scary party she is throwing but fun-loving Christopher will have to embrace his differences in order to prove he can be frightening, too.

When Pumpkins Fly written and illustrated by Margaret Lawrence

The air is cold, the nights are long, and Halloween is just around the corner. This is the time of year when pumpkins fly! In the remote, fly-in community of Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, the last cargo flight of October brings some strange orange guests for the children. Seeing a pumpkin for the first time, the local kids eagerly carve and light their first jack-o-lantern. But when everyone adjourns to the community hall for the Halloween dance, the pumpkin is left alone outside. The land around Sanikiluaq is home to many spirits who love to cause mischief, especially this time of year. But what would a land spirits do with a pumpkin?

Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party written and illustrated by Erin Barker

There’s a party at Mr. Pumpkin’s tonight. A banquet with friends in the autumn twilight. And at this soiree we’ll see and we’ll find ghoulish delights of every kind.” You are cordially invited to Mr. Pumpkin’s Tea Party–a delightfully quirky twist on a counting book, incorporating gorgeous, deep-hued watercolor illustrations, as well as spooky elements and unique characters at an unexpectedly charming tea party. A perfect read for when there is a crisp chill in the air.

Pick a Pumpkin written by Patricia Toht

“One of the most loved Halloween traditions is visiting a pumpkin patch and picking out the perfect pumpkin! Once you bring your pumpkin home, invite your friends and family to form a carving crew and help you turn that perfect pumpkin into–a grinning, glowing jack-o’-lantern!

The Great Pumpkin Contest written and illustrated by Angela Rozelaar

Two neighboring cats compete for first place in a pumpkin contest, but it takes a cat-astrophe to make them realize there’s a lot more they can win than just a blue ribbon.

Froggy Picks a Pumpkin written by Jonathan London

On a class trip to the pumpkin patch, Froggy exuberantly picks a pumpkin in hopes of carving a jack-o’-lantern, making a pumpkin pie, and possibly winning a prize in his class’s pumpkin-picking contest.

Nonfiction:

Pumpkin Circle: the story of a garden written by George Levenson

Rhyming text and photographs follow a pumpkin patch as it grows and changes, from seeds to plants to pumpkins ready to harvest, to jack-o-lanterns and then to seeds again.

Sensory Play with Pumpkin Gloop & Oobleck: https://www.sunhatsandwellieboots.com/2011/10/sensory-play-pumpkin-goop-oobleck.html

Pumpkin decomposition: https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/halloween-science-pumpkin-decomposition/

Pumpkin guts exploration: http://www.stirthewonder.com/pumpkin-exploration/

Pumpkin science activities: https://earlylearningideas.com/pumpkin-science-activities/

Bears!

Little Polar Bear and the Pandas written and illustrated by Hans de Beer

The little polar bear Lars experiences an adventure in China, including making friends with two pandas.

The Bruce Swap written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins

Bruce the bear’s family wishes he were less grumpy, but when his cousin Kevin arrives for a visit, he brings more fun than they ever wanted.

Trouble written and illustrated by Katherine Battersby

A squirrel sees nothing but trouble in a bear newcomer who has terrible teeth, knife-like claws, and an oversized appetite, while her pet mouse perceives a new neighbor who is just trying to be friendly.

Bear Can’t Wait written by Karma Wilson

As final preparations are being made for a long-planned surprise party, Bear gets so excited he nearly ruins everything.

Bear Island written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Louise and her family are sad over the loss of their beloved dog, Charlie. “Life will not be the same,” Louise says, as she visits a little island that Charlie loved. But on a visit to the island after Charlie’s death, something strange happens: She meets a bear. At first, she’s afraid, but soon she realizes that the bear is sad, too. As Louise visits more often, she realizes that getting over loss takes time. And just when she starts to feel better, it’s time for Bear to bed down for the winter.

Something’s Wrong!: a Bear, a Hare, and Some Underwear written by John Jory

Jeff the bear is sure he has forgotten something when he sets out from home, but none of the animals he meets initially inform him that he is only wearing his underwear, until he reaches his friend Anders the hare–who quickly thinks of a way to avoid embarrassing Jeff, by starting a fashion trend.

The Thingity-jig written by Kathleen Doherty

Under the light of a silvery moon, Bear wanders into people town and discovers a springy thing, a bouncy thing–a sit-on-it, jump-on-it thing! This Thingity-Jig is too heavy to carry home by himself, so Bear runs back to the woods and asks for help. Too bad for Bear, his friends are sleepy and shoo him away. So Bear invents a Rolly-Rumpity to wheel the Thingity-Jig home, but then it all gets stuck in the mud! How will Bear tackle this bump in the road? With a Lifty-Uppity, of course!

A Friend for Bear written by Steve Smallman

Bear is so excited that it’s spring, she forgets to slow down and enjoy every moment until her friend Tortoise reminds her.

The Society of Distinguished Lemmings written and illustrated by Julie Colombet

When the lemmings encounter a bear, they are determined to help him be more “distinguished’–just like they are–but little do they realize this bear could be exactly what they need to save them from themselves.

Non fiction

Baby Polar Bears written by Deanna Caswell

Follow baby polar bears’ first experiences through engaging text, fun facts, and vibrant photography.

Black Bears written by Mara Grunbaum

Did you know that black bears are the most common bears on Earth–but that some black bears actually have white fur? Be surprised and awed by every page of this captivating book! Features include stunning photography; a fact file which breaks down vital data points in an easy-to-follow and understand format; fast facts; a family tree to show the evolution of and how this animal fits into the wider category of its scientific order; a glossary and more.

Grizzly Bears written by Hilary W. Poole

Did you know that grizzly bears claws can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) long or that these huge bears can run surprisingly fast? Learn fascinating facts like these and more.

The Grizzly Mother written by Brett D. Huson

An engaging look at how the animals, people, and seasons within an ecosystem are intertwined. To the Gitxsan people of Northwestern British Columbia, the grizzly is an integral part of the natural landscape. Together, they share the land and forests that the Skeena River runs through, as well as the sockeye salmon within it. Follow mother bear as she teaches her cubs what they need to survive on their own.

Design a den for a polar bear and her cubs: http://: https://www.primarythemepark.com/2020/01/polar-bear-steam-activity

Bear facts: https://bear.org/bear-facts/black-bears/basic-bear-facts/

Bear hunt sensory bags: http://: https://www.schooltimesnippets.com/2013/11/going-on-bear-hunt-sensory-bags.html

Going on a Bear Hunt Printable Map: https://brilliantlittleideas.com/going-on-a-bear-hunt-printable-map/

Ducks and Ducklings

Ducks on the Road: a counting adventure written by Anita Lobel

Ten little ducks go for a walk with their parents but one by one, they get distracted and go off on their own adventures, meeting new friends along the way.

Peep and Ducky Sleepover written by David Martin

When Poppa leaves Ducky at Peep’s house for a sleepover, the little visitor is a bit teary at first. But Peep and his momma give Ducky a hug, making him feel better. Then comes playtime (and getting momentarily stuck in a truck), brushing teeth, and snuggling with Momma for bedtime stories. But will her wish for “sweet dreams” coax the two excited friends straight to sleep?

The Duck Who Didn’t Like Water written and illustrated by Steve Small

Duck is not like other ducks. Duck doesn’t like water and is perfectly fine alone, thank you very much. But then, one dark and stormy night, an outgoing, water-loving, and very lost Frog turns up at Duck’s door. Can this odd couple find Frog’s home? And will they find friendship along the way?

Hello, Mandarin Duck! Written by Bao Phi

On their way to a May Day parade, twins Hue and Hoa spy a confused-looking duck and try to help it reach the pond, while neighbors from many countries offer help and greetings in different languages.

Swim Swim Sink written and illustrated by Jennifer Harney

When one little duck keeps sinking, it relies on duckling ingenuity to stay afloat.

Follow Me, Flo! written and illustrated by Jarvis

Flo the duckling follows Daddy Duck to visit a relative’s new nest but she gets distracted along the way.

My Brother the Duck written by Pat Zietlow Miller

Stella Wells, fledgling scientist, has a new baby brother, Drake, and she is seriously considering the possibility that he is a duck–but further research is required to test that hypothesis.

Click, Clack, Good Night written by Doreen Cronin

Farmer Brown puts the other animals to bed but gives up on Duck, who sets out to find just the right spot and snack to help him sleep.

The Bear and the Duck written and illustrated by May Angeli

When Bear rescues Duck from a thicket one late winter day, an unexpected friendship begins. Months go by as they tell stories, swim in the river, and explore the forest. But as spring turns to summer, and summer turns to fall, what changes might the seasons bring?

Non fiction

A Baby Duck Story written by Martha E. H. Rustad

Introduces ducklings and describes how they are cared for by their mother and gradually become more independent as they grow.

Ducks on the Farm written by Kyla Steinkraus

Teaches about ducks, how farmers care for them, and what benefits we get from these little farm animals.

What oily feathers do activity: http://wolfelicious.blogspot.com/2012/04/animals.html

Duck life cycle – incubation:  https://creativekindergartenblog.com/the-duck-life-cycle-part-1/

American black duck: https://nhpbs.org/natureworks/americanblackduck.htm

Duck pond rocker craft: https://themadhousemummy.com/10/07/duck-pond-rocker-craft

Animals in Africa

Bedtime for Albie written and illustrated by Sophie Ambrose

The sun is sinking low over the savanna, and all the animals are getting ready to go to sleep. But when Albie the warthog’s mother calls him to bed, Albie dashes off to play instead. Will the cheetahs run a race with him? Not now–they’re getting a bedtime story. Will the elephants play Splish and Splash? Not now–they’re having their bedtime shower. Will the meerkats see who can dig the deepest hole? Not now, Albie! They’re very sleepy. Albie can’t find anyone to play with, and it’s getting darker by the minute.

Ayobami and the Names of the Animals written by Pilar López Ávila

After war comes to an end in her African homeland, Ayobami can finally return to her schoolhouse. But in order to do so, she must take a dangerous path through the jungle, armed only with a piece of paper and a worn-out pencil.

A Hole in the Wall written and illustrated by Hans Wilhelm

An African wild dog, a warthog, a lion and an elephant argue about the animal each sees through the hole in the wall–which turns out to be a mirror.

There Was a Tree written by Rachel Isadora

A favorite children’s song, “The Green Grass Grew All Around, ” becomes a colorful book filled with African wildlife.

My Bibi always Remembers written by Toni Buzzeo

Tembo, a little African elephant, wants to be just like her grandmother, Bibi, but is often distracted when she is supposed to be following Bibi to a watering hole. Includes a note about elephants.

Not your Nest! Written by Gideon Sterer

Bird is just about to put the finishing touches on her new home when she suddenly finds that her nest is already full–of someone else. So she reluctantly builds another nest. But Fox finds this new nest quite comfy, and Brush Hog loves the view from Bird’s next attempt. Soon the Acacia tree is bursting with happily nested animals of all shapes and stripes–everyone except bird!

Old Mikamba had a Farm written and illustrated by Rachel Isadora

The inhabitants of Old Makimba’s farm in Africa, including a baboon, an elephant, and a lion, are described, verse by verse. Includes facts about African animals.

First Come the Zebra written by Lynne Barasch

When two young Kenyan boys, one Maasai and one Kikuyu, first meet, they are hostile toward each other based on traditional rivalries, but after they suddenly have to work together to save a baby in danger, the boys begin to discover what they have in common.

Shanti written by Maartje Padt

Shanti feels scared and alone when she gets separated from the rest of the zebra herd. Vibrant batik paintings and lively rhythms in the tradition of African storytelling–plus a fold-out surprise–make Shanti a storybook safari.

Dear Wandering Wildebeest: and other poems from the Water Hole written by Irene Latham

Presents a collection of poems about the different animals who come to a water hole on the African grasslands, including giraffes, impalas, lions, vultures, and elephants.

Run for Your Life!: predators and prey on the African savanna written by Lola M. Schaefer

A day on the African savanna is like a game of hide-and-seek with deadly consequences. Fierce, predatory animals chase down weaker creatures for food, while their targets scatter to avoid ending up as lunch. We see animals of all sizes on their quest for a meal, leading up to a climactic face-off with some hungry lions: Run for your life!

Africa for Kids: exploring a vibrant continent, 19 activities written by Harvey Croze

Africa is brought to life in this imaginative look at the plants, animals, and people that make it such a fascinating continent. Studies of both traditional tribes and modern African cities showcase Africa’s diversity, and authentic activities allow kids to dive into the rich culture by making a Maasai bivouac shelter, writing a fable in the African style, working as a field biologist, making a ritual elephant mask, and learning to tie an African Kanga dress. This cross-cultural study also shows kids what challenges Africa faces today while giving them a look at what it is like to live on this interesting continent.

African Veldt and Savanna information: https://www.exploringnature.org/db/view/1714

Build a Zebra printable: https://www.mrsmerry.com/build-a-zebra-a-free-kids-printable

Grassland food web: https://www.exploringnature.org/db/view/1818

Chicks and Chickens

Chicken Chickens written and illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev

When Mother Hen takes her little chickens to the playground for the first time, they feel a little timid. It’s crowded and exciting, but also a little scary. As they watch the big dogs, cats, and pigs play on the seesaws, merry-go-round, and swings, the little chickens aren’t sure they want to participate. But when they see the little mice and frogs sliding down the sliding board the little chickens reconsider.

Chick Chat written and illustrated by Janie Bynum

Adopting a large egg when her busy family does not have time to listen to all she has to say, a chatty baby Chick misses the egg’s good listening qualities before discovering that it has hatched into a brand-new friend.

Chicks Rock! Written by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

When Rocker Chick freezes under the stage lights, her peeps help her gain the confidence to rock all night.

Chicken Little: the real and totally true tale written and illustrated by Sam Wedelich

Chicken Little is NOT afraid of anything. Well, okay, maybe a mysterious BONK to the head can produce panic. But only momentarily. It’s not as though she meant to send the barnyard into a tailspin, thinking that the sky was falling. How ridiculous! But can she calm her feathered friends with facts and reason?

The Chicken Who Couldn’t written by Jan Thomas

It has not been a good day for Chicken. He went to the fair with Farmer, but didn’t win even one ribbon. And on the way home, the road is so bumpy that Farmer’s truck knocks Chicken right out! He’s been left behind! It’s the end for Chicken. Surely, he can’t walk all the way home. Or avoid the hungry fox along the way. Or maybe…he can?

Catch that Chicken! Written by Atinuke

Lami is the best chicken catcher in the whole village. Her sister may be speedy at spelling, her friend fast at braiding hair, and her brother brave with bulls, but when it comes to chickens, nobody is faster or braver than Lami. That is, until the day when Lami chases a little too fast, up the baobab tree, and reaches a little too far . . . ow! How can she catch chickens with an ankle that’s puffed up like an angry lizard? Could it be, as Nana Nadia says, that quick thinking is more important than quick running?

Arithmechicks add up written by Ann Marie Stephens

As the Arithmechicks slide down the slide, swing on the swings, and play hide-and-seek, they don’t realize that a lonely mouse is copying them, longing to join in. However, when their basketball becomes stuck, the chicks discover that a two-inch-tall new friend is exactly what they need. In this heartwarming story, there are many ways to add up ten cheerful chicks–but a new friend is what makes them cheer. The book includes a helpful glossary that defines the eight arithmetic strategies the chicks use throughout the story, providing a playful introduction to essential math for young children and their caregivers.

Non fiction

Chickens written by Lori Dittmer

An exploration of the life cycle and life span of chickens, using up-close photographs and step-by-step text to follow a chicken’s growth process from egg to chick to mature chicken.

Hatching chick craft printable: https://www.simpleeverydaymom.com/hatching-chick-craft-for-kids/

Chicken paper craft: http://krokotak.com/2012/04/zhivotni-za-izryazvane-i-otsvetyavane-bez-lepene/

Chicken life cycle printable: http://learncreatelove.com/chicken-life-cycle-printables/