Totally Turtles!

Run, Sea Turtle, Run: a hatchling’s journey written by Stephen R. Swinburne

Follow a hatchling’s treacherous journey from nest to sea.

Adelita: a sea turtle’s journey written by Jenny Goebel

In 1996, a loggerhead turtle raised in a Baja California, Mexico, research center is tagged and released, then tracked by people all over the world as she crosses the Pacific Ocean. Includes a timeline and facts about the real Adelita and her rescuers.

One Tiny Turtle written by Nicola Davies

Lyrically chronicles the journey of a tiny, endangered loggerhead turtle as she hatches on the beach, struggles to reach the water’s edge, and survives the ocean’s dangers to one day return and lay her own eggs on the very same beach.

The Box Turtle written and illustrated by Vanessa Roeder

Terrance the turtle was born without a shell, so he uses a cardboard box instead. Terrance loves his box. It keeps him dry on soggy days, safe from snooping strangers, and is big enough to cozy up with a friend. But when another turtle points out that Terrance’s shell is, well, weird, he begins to wonder whether there might be a better shell out there…

Where’s my turtle? Written by Barbra Bottner

Archer is worried about Kevin, his missing turtle, but even after checking the yard and tidying his room, he cannot find Kevin until he learns to think like a turtle.

Memoirs of a Tortoise written by Devin Scillian

Oliver the tortoise looks back on his happy life as he wonders why his pet human, Ike, who he has had for eighty years, has stopped visiting the garden.

Turtle Walk written and illustrated by Matt Phelan

A family of turtles goes for a long, long walk that has an unexpected and very fun ending

Along the Tapajós written and illustrated by Fernando Vilela

Cauã and Inaê are a brother and sister who live in a small community along the Tapajós River in Brazil. Here, the homes are on stilts and everyone travels around by boat–even to school! When the rainy season comes, they must leave their village and relocate to higher ground for a while. But after moving this year, Cauã and Inaê realize they’ve left behind something important: their pet tortoise, Titi! Unlike turtles, tortoises can’t swim, and Cauã and Inaê are really worried. So the pair sneaks back at night on a journey along the river to rescue him. Will they be able to save Titi?

Turtle balancing activity: https://jdaniel4smom.com/2014/07/science-experiments-for-kids-turtle-balancing.html

Floating Turtle Recycled Craft: https://www.babiestobookworms.com/2017/05/01/saving-the-day-with-nani-the-brave-little-turtle-2/

Turtle Talks Activity book printable: https://scienceinstorytime.files.wordpress.com/2021/12/013c2-turtletalks.pdf

Turtle life cycle coloring page: http://www.schoolofdragons.com/resources/life-cycle-coloring-page-sea-turtle-view

Stormy Weather

The Longest Storm written and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

When a strange storm confines a fractured family in tight quarters, leaving them all in the dark, they must find a way to reconnect and face whatever the future brings-together.

When the Storm Comes written by Linda Ashman

Illustrations and easy-to-read, rhyming text show the many different ways in which people and animals prepare for a storm and take shelter.

Weasel is Worried written by Ciara Gavin

When Weasel is caught in a storm, he builds a fortress to hide in. But then he meets Mole, who loves to play in the wind and splash in the rain. Can Weasel learn to overcome his fears and find joy, whatever the weather?

I am the Storm written by Jane Yolen

As the climate shifts, families experience weather emergencies, including a tornado, a blizzard, a forest fire, and a hurricane, finding joy in preparedness and resilience.

The Tempest written by Georghia Ellinas

Ariel is a spirit of the air who can fly, ride on clouds, and glow bright as fire. When his master, the magician Prospero, is overthrown by his brother as the Duke of Milan, Ariel joins Prospero and his baby daughter on a journey that will bring them to a beautiful island ruled by the monstrous Caliban–and to a series of events that lead to a vengeful storm, confounding spells, true romance, and a master who is persuaded to give his transgressors a second chance. Narrated from Ariel’s perspective, the story is told in language that is true to the original play but accessible to all.

Good Night, Little Blue Truck written by Alice Schertle

A storm is brewing and Little Blue Truck and his good friend Toad are hurrying home for bed. But who can sleep with all that racket? It’s not long before other friends show up seeking safety from the storm. Thunder and lightning sure can be scary, but it’s easy to be brave together. When the clouds roll on and the sky is clear, it’s all aboard for a bedtime ride! Beep! Beep! Shhh.

You’re Safe with Me written by Chitra Soundar

The baby animals of the Indian forest can’t sleep. SWISH-SWISH! CRACK-TRACK! FLASH-SNAP! goes the storm. Only Mama Elephant’s words of wisdom can reassure them, “You’re safe with me.”

Lorraine: The Girl Who Sang the Storm Away written by Ketch Secor

Pa Paw and Lorraine always lift their spirits by playing music together, but their instruments are missing when a fearsome storm hits the Tennessee hills.

Ella & Monkey at Sea written and illustrated by Emilie Boon

Ella’s best friend, Monkey, doesn’t like good-bye hugs. He doesn’t want to say goodbye to Oma. And he doesn’t want to move away forever. Neither does Ella. But papa is waiting for them in New York. So Ella and Monkey must board the ship with Mama and leave their home in Holland for their new home in America. Along the way the way, there is fish for dinner (Monkey hates fish), a playroom full of new kids (Monkey doesn’t like strangers), and stormy seas that leave everyone feeling sick. Can Ella and Monkey find a way to weather the storm?

Nonfiction

Extreme Weather and Rising Seas written by Karina Hamalainen

What is the difference between climate and weather? How does ice melting at the South Pole affect sea levels thousands of miles away? This book explains how climate change contributes to rising sea levels and hazards such as heat waves, droughts, and extra-powerful storms. Learn how scientists analyze these extreme events and predict how they might change in the future.

When the Sky Breaks: hurricanes, tornadoes, and the worst weather in the world written by Simon Winchester

Hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, tornadoes: when these giant storms hit, they are natural disasters with huge impact!

The Sky Stirs up Trouble: tornadoes written by Belinda Jensen, Belinda,

Bel and her cousin, Dylan, explore the topic of tornadoes, learning how they are formed and how to stay safe when tornadoes happen.

How to make lightning: http://www.learnplayimagine.com/2013/04/how-to-make-lightning.html

Printable weather station: https://mrprintables.com/my-weather-station.html

Cloud activities: https://carrotsareorange.com/clouds-activity-preschool/

How to make a wind vane: https://www.science-sparks.com/how-to-make-a-wind-vane/

Frozen-Inspired Snowstorm in a Jar Science Experiment for Kids: https://b-inspiredmama.com/snowstorm-jar-science-experiment-kids/

Snow Days

A Thousand White Butterflies written by Jessica Betancourt-Perez

Newly arrived from Colombia, Isabella’s first day of school in the United States is cancelled because of snow and when Isabella notices a girl playing outside she makes a new friend, despite the language barrier.

Waltz of the Snowflakes written by Elly MacKay

It is a cold and rainy evening when Gran gives her granddaughter something special: tickets to the ballet. Her granddaughter is reluctant to go. The weather is terrible and they have to wear fancy, uncomfortable clothes. But as the curtains rise on The Nutcracker, the girl’s eyes light up as she’s introduced to the magic of the theater. The bright costumes, the intricate dances, the magical music, and a new friend all combine to captivate the girl and to bring color to an otherwise dreary evening.

Snow Friends written by Margery Cuyler

When Oscar’s boy is reluctant to take him for an early walk in the snow, Oscar decides to go by himself, and meets a new playmate, Daisy, and her human–and the two dogs enjoy their romp in the snow.

Ten Ways to Hear Snow written by Cathy Camper

Walking to her grandmother’s home to help make warak enab, Lina discovers many ways to hear snow, from the scrape of a shovel on a sidewalk to the quiet pats of snowman-building.

Peep and Ducky: it’s snowing! Written by David Martin

What could be a more perfect toddler adventure? When the snow starts to fall, Peep and Ducky climb into their sleds for a race, landing happily on each other after hitting a bump. Then they’re on to building a snowman. But when the top half crashes, someone kicks snow and both friends get mad . . . until they crack each other up. With irresistible illustrations and a singsong text that begs to be read aloud, David Martin and David Walker usher the winsome duo into another season.

The Snow Dancer written by Addie K. Boswell

Young dancer Sofia wakes up to a quiet, white world-it’s a snow day! She makes her way outside to the neighborhood park, where a field awaits her, white and shining and open. It isn’t long before the rest of the neighborhood wakes its sleepy head-and the other kids make their way to the park, scattering all of Sofia’s beautiful silence. But with the help of a new young friend, Sofia is ready to show everyone what a snow dancer can do on a perfect day like this.

A Polar Bear in the Snow written by Mac Barnett

Follow a magnificent polar bear through a fantastic world of snow and shockingly blue sea. Over the ice, through the water, past Arctic animals and even a human…where is he going?

White Snow, Bright Snow written by Alvin Tresselt

The classic Caldecott Medal-winning picture book about a neighborhood transformed by a delightful snowfall, from the legendary picture book duo Alvin Tresselt and Roger Duvoisin.

When the first flakes fell from the grey sky, the postman and the farmer and the policeman and his wife scurried about doing all the practical things grown-ups do when a snowstorm comes. But the children laughed and danced, and caught the lacy snowflakes on their tongues.

All the wonder and delight a child feels in a snowfall is caught in the pages of this book–the frost ferns on the windowsill, the snowman in the yard and the mystery and magic of a new white world.

Nonfiction

Snow Amazing: cool facts and warm tales written by Jane Drake

Explores the fascinating, beautiful, and sometimes dangerous world of snow. Information about snow as a habitat, the significance of snow on the environment, snow’s impact on the people and animals who live in it, and snow stories and lore from around the world.

The Story of Snow: the science of winter’s wonder written by Mark Cassino

This book about the science of snow features photos of snow crystals in their beautiful diversity and includes how snow crystals are formed into different shapes and snow-crystal-catching instructions in the back of the book.

Snow Science Explorations for Kids: https://inspirationlaboratories.com/snow-science-explorations/

Are mittens warm?: https://classroommagic.blogspot.com/2011/12/are-mittens-warm.html

Frozen Oobleck: https://inspirationlaboratories.com/frozen-oobleck/

Donuts are Delicious!

Lily Discovers People Are Like Donuts written by Rob Otte

If people were donuts, what kind would they be? This delightful story takes a sweet and tasty trip into Lily’s giant imagination where her family and friends come to life as donuts reflecting the love and diversity of her world. Her teacher is a Loooooong John. Dad is a twisting twister donut. Her friends are a rainbow of colorful, frosted donuts. If you were a donut, what kind would you be?

Dozens of Doughnuts written by Carrie Finison

A generous but increasingly put-upon bear makes batch after batch of doughnuts for her woodland friends without saving any for herself.

Hello, Arnie!: An Arnie the Doughnut story written and illustrated by Laurie Keller

Arnie knows all the doughnuts in the bakery, but he and the others are puzzled by the giant round maybe-doughnut (or maybe not doughnut) that Mr. Baker Man has just put on display.

Please, Mr. Panda written by Steve Antony

Mr. Panda has a plate of doughnuts to share, but most of the other animals forget to say “Please.”

Jampires written by Sarah McIntyre

When Sam catches the Jampires who’ve been sucking his jelly doughnuts dry, they invite him to fly with them to their dessert-filled faraway land.

Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion written and illustrated by Alex T. Smith

In this version of Little Red Riding Hood, set on the African plains, Little Red realizes what the Very Hungry Lion is up to, and teaches him a lesson before generously sharing her donuts with him.

The Case of the Missing Donut written by Alison McGhee

A little boy in a sheriff’s hat and his dog deputy are bringing donuts home when the “Sheriff” is unable to resist getting rid of a slightly squished powdered donut, then wonders how everyone knows he ate it.

The Donut Chef written by Bob Staake

In this delicious tale, a baker hangs out his shingle on a small street and soon the line for his donuts stretches down the block. But it’s not long before the competition arrives and a battle of the bakers ensues.

Arnie the Doughnut written by Laurie Keller, Laurie

Arnie the talking doughnut convinces Mr. Bing that not all doughnuts are meant to be eaten. A deliciously imaginative story about friendship–from the author/illustrator of The Scrambled States of America. Arnie was fascinated as he watched the customers stream into the bakery. One by one, doughnuts were chosen, placed in paper bags, and whisked away with their new owners. Some went by the dozen in giant boxes. “Good-bye!” Arnie yelled to each doughnut. “Have a good trip!” “This is so exciting!” Arnie beamed. “I wonder who will choose ME?”

Alexander, who’s trying his best to be the best boy ever written by Judith Viorst

After eating an entire box of doughnuts leads to consequences Alexander does not like, he decides to be the best boy ever for the rest of his life.

Easy 3D Paper Plate Doughnut Craft for Kids: https://artscrackers.com/2017/11/02/paper-plate-doughnut-craft/

Yeast balloon experiment: https://www.scholastic.com/parents/school-success/learning-toolkit-blog/kid-friendly-experiment-make-yeast-balloons.html

Donut sandwich: https://www.superhealthykids.com/recipes/the-healthiest-donut-shop-in-town/

Donut Shop Sensory Play: https://leftbraincraftbrain.com/donut-shop-sensory-play/

More than Monsters!

Beast in Show written by Anna Staniszewski

After Julia and her dog Huxley enter a very unusual dog show they quickly realize the challenges of competing against fire-breathing, levitating, extraterrestrial pets, but good-natured Huxley gives it his all.

My Monster and Me written by Nadiya Hussain

A touching story about a little boy whose worry monster follows him everywhere he goes. It’s there when he gets dressed, when he wants to play with his toys, and even when his friends come over to visit. How can he escape his worries?

Not Yeti written by Kelly DiPucchio

Monsters are loud. And rude. They like to smash things and they always need to be right. But not Yeti. Yeti bakes banana bread and sings to whales and always has a nice word to say. But sometimes you find yourself alone when you’re different. And Yeti doesn’t know there’s a special surprise in store for him.

The ugliest monster in the world written by Luis Amavisca

Three monsters compete to be the ugliest monster in the world!

Little Ghoul Goes to School written and illustrated by Jef Czekaj

Little Ghoul is nervous about her first day of school. Her mom assures her that it will be great: The teachers will be scary. The lunch will be revolting! And the other classmates will be spine-tingling and creepy. But what if Little Ghoul’s greatest fears come true–and everyone is nice? In this hilariously silly take on a monster’s first day, Little Ghoul learns that school can be fun for creatures of every kind.

Let’s Play Monsters! Written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins

Inspired by a game played by the author with her own grandchild, a crayon-bright story by the award-winning creator of the Maisy series invites little monsters to munch, scrunch, gobble and moo their way through imaginative interactions with loved ones before settling down to sleep.

Travel Guide for Monsters written by Lori Degman

Illustrations and easy-to-read text provide guidance for the tourist who wishes to bring a monster along to visit national parks and other locations across the United States.

Poesy the Monster Slayer written by Cory Doctorow

Once her parents are off to bed, Poesy excitedly awaits the monsters that creep into her room. With the knowledge she’s gained from her trusty Monster Book and a few of her favorite toys, Poesy easily fends off a werewolf, a vampire, and much more.

Bonaparte Plays Ball written by Margery Cuyler

Bonaparte the skeleton and his team, the Little Monsters, face the Mighty Aliens in a monster version of the World Series.

Bo the Brave written and illustrated by Bethan Woollvin

A feisty little girl learns who the real monsters are in this brilliantly funny medieval adventure. Once, there lived a little girl called Bo. Bo wanted to be just like her brothers and capture a fearsome monster. Bo is small, too small to catch a monster–or so her brothers say. But Bo isn’t one to take no for an answer, so she sets off on a quest to catch a monster of her own. Can she defeat the furious griffin, conquer the hideous kraken, and triumph over the monstrous dragon? Or has Bo got the wrong idea who the real monsters are?

Floam Monsters: https://pagingfunmums.com/2013/11/14/floam-monsters-gooey-sensory-fun/

Monster Science Balloon Experiment: https://artsymomma.com/m-monster-preschool-activities.html

Magnetic Monsters: https://www.icanteachmychild.com/magnetic-monsters/