Giraffes: Tall Tales!

The Chalk Giraffe written by Kirsty Paxton

A little girl’s imagination springs to life when the chalk giraffe she drew on the pavement begins talkig to her. But then the fickle giraffe begins making demands, and the girl must draw surroundings to fulfuill his requests… a tree, soft grass, and animal friends. But nothing seems to please him! This delightful rhyming story escalates until they draw a laughing giraffe companion that cheers up the grumpy giraffe at last.

Just Like My Brother written and illustrated by Gianna Marino

While playing hide-and-seek with her brother, Little Giraffe describes him to other animals, and wonders how she will ever be just like him.

Giraffes Can’t Dance written by Giles Andreae

Gerald the giraffe is too clumsy to dance with all the other animals at the Jungle Dance, until he finds the right music.

Two Problems for Sophia written by Jim Averbeck

Sophia is happy to have Noodle, her One True Desire, yet her new pet comes with two giraffe-sized problems.

Neck & Neck written and illustrated by Elise Parsley

A giraffe’s self-esteem is tested when he competes with a balloon for a young boy’s attention.

Yellow Kayak written by Nina Laden

A child and his beloved giraffe go on a grand sea adventure.

Geraldine written and illustrated by Elizabeth Lilly

Struggling to fit in as the only giraffe in a school of children, reluctant newcomer Geraldine meets fellow outcast Cassie and learns how to stand out by being herself, playing by her own rules, and staying true to her new friend.

Giraffe Problems written by Jory John

A giraffe struggles to feel comfortable with his neck.

Giraffe and Bird together again written and illustrated by Rebecca Bender

Bird lives for adventure. He wants to swoop, soar, and explore. Giraffe is perfectly happy right where he is, thank you very much. He never worries when Bird flits off for a while. But one afternoon his friend fails to return. Giraffe has a bad feeling that something has happened to Bird. Giraffe dreads the wide world full of tangly forests, craggy mountains, and mysterious plains. But he doesn’t hesitate. If Bird is in trouble, then Giraffe will find and rescue him.

Teach Your Giraffe to Ski written by Viviane Elbee

Trying to teach your giraffe to ski can be difficult–especially when she only wants to fly down the Big Scary Slope.

Not Friends written and illustrated by Rebecca Bender

Giraffe and Bird are not friends. After all, they fight all the time. But when they go their separate ways and a scary storm strikes, they both realize they might be better off together–even if they are still NOT friends. Not at all.

Nonfiction

5 Giraffes written by Anne Innis Dagg

5 Giraffes profiles five unique giraffes from both captivity and the wild. Accompanying the five giraffe profiles is information on their diet, social life, and chapters on some of their more unique aspects, like the giraffe’s unusual body. Includes full color photographs throughout, glossary, bibliography, table of contents and index.

Giraffe written by Anders Hanson

Readers learn all about giraffes, like where they live, how big they are next to a human, their body characteristics, family life and more.

Crazy Cool Giraffe Science Experiment: http://preschoolpowolpackets.blogspot.com/2016/06/giraffe-science-experiment.html

Giraffe Nature Workbook: https://giraffeconservation.org/2021/04/16/nature-workbook/

Word Play

Over, Bear! Under, Where! Written by Julie Hedlund

Two animal friends at a park encounter a seemingly scary creature, but not everything is as it seems, and wordplay adds to the fun.

Sharko and Hippo written by Elliot Kalan

When Sharko calls for a boat, Hippo pulls out a goat. He wants a pole, but Hippo gives him a pail. And instead of bait, a beet and a boot! Hippo’s coat pockets seem to have everything except what Sharko asks for!

Me Tall, You Small written by Lilli L’Arronge

Me Tall, You Small is a silly romp through a parent and child’s daily lives, exploring the differences between being an adult and a child when doing various activities, from kicking the soccer ball around to cooking together to snuggling in bed after a long day.

The Word Pirates written by Susan Cooper

When word-eating Captain Rottingbones and his crew steal from the Word Wizard while she is telling a story, her pen proves mightier than the pirates’ swords.

The Magic of Letters written by Tony Johnston

Illustrations and easy-to-read text reveal the secrets of letters, including their power to create words of all kinds.

Toucans, Too written and illustrated by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

Thinking the cockatoos have said “toucan stew,” the toucans run away in a toucan canoe but the cockatoos set things right with some two-can stew.

The Word Collector written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Jerome enjoys collecting and using words that he hears, reads, or sees, and then decides to share his collection with others.

The Great Dictionary Caper written by Judy Sierra

When the words in the dictionary get bored and leave to attend a convention in Hollyword, it is up to Noah Webster to restore (alphabetical) order.

Bookjoy, Wordjoy written by Pat Mora

An inspiring collection of the author’s own glorious poems celebrating a love of words and all the ways we use and interact with them: reading, speaking, writing, singing, and storytelling. Includes a glossary of Spanish words used in the poems.

Lexie, the Word Wrangler written by Rebecca Van Slyke

Lexie is a strong cowgirl who would rather wrangle words than cattle.

Alphabet Oddities written by Jennifer Joseph

Alphabet Oddities is a children’s poetry book filled with weird creatures, adventure, and science. You’ll meet vocabulary vampires, an android that loves apples, and learn a witch’s secret identity! This is a place where dragons are good spellers, and lava covers the living room floor on Thursdays.

Take Away the A : an alphabeast of a book!

What happens when you subtract just one letter from a word? Beginning with “without the A the beast is the best” a pack of silly creatures work their way through the alphabet, subtracting each letter from a different word to alter its meaning and tell a story.

Make Your Own Sight Word Stones Activity: https://www.theempowerededucatoronline.com/2016/05/sight-word-play-outdoors.html/

Secret Letters Art & Literacy Activity: https://busytoddler.com/2016/09/secret-letters-activity/

Muffin Tin Letter Sounds Activity: https://frugalfun4boys.com/muffin-tin-letter-sounds-activity/?fbclid=IwAR2DNgI9ysjyy9CoJPGSII-zp2FqDxyyIdoRqje1KvMxXaQA337JcjhQkuw

Lion Tails

Agent Lion and the Case of the Missing Party written and illustrated by David Soman

Petunia’s birthday is today, and she’s got everything a birthday girl needs: an excited smile, the perfect bow, a big party. Wait . . . where is the party?! It was just here a second ago! The balloons, streamers, and guests are all gone!! In a mad dash to find it, Petunia calls the best detective in town, Agent Lion. He runs through the halls, follows clues, and even takes a quick swim–but will Agent Lion find Petunia’s celebration in time?

Lucas Makes a Comeback written by Igor Plohl

Lucas the lion learns how to live life with a physical disability with help from his friends and family.

Arlo: The Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep written and illustrated by Catherine Rayner

Arlo is a very tired lion, and he’s tried everything to get to sleep. But the grass is too prickly, the trees are too noisy, and his family wriggles awfully too much. Goodness! How is an exhausted lion ever to get a wink of shut-eye? Luckily, owl has a few tricks up her sleeve and Arlo couldn’t be happier to give them a whirl.

Dandylion Summer written and illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon

When two sisters make a wish upon a dandelion, the seeds scatter and bring them Dandylion, a friend to play with all summer long. Together, they go on lots of adventures. As the seasons change, Dandylion must say goodbye–but fall is on the way, with new friends to meet and wonders to explore!

Dandelion’s Dream written and illustrated by Yoko Tanaka

In a meadow filled with dandelion buds just about to flower, one dandelion blooms into a real lion! Roots and leaves unfurl into four tiny paws and a long tail, complete with a fluffy yellow tuft. What a great wide world there is to explore when you have paws instead of roots– there are fast trains to ride, regal ships to sail, and cities with lights as bright as Dandelion’s field in full bloom. A happy little dandelion views the world with wonder in this wordless story about enjoying life to the fullest.

Agent Lion written and illustrated by David Soman

Ms. Flamingo’s cat, Fluffy, is missing…and there’s only one detective who can crack the case! Meet Agent Lion–he works at Super Detective Agents Agency, wears a tiny blue hat, and loves jelly doughnuts. But most importantly, he is determined to find Fluffy. Agent Lion searches all over Mrs. Flamingo’s building–from Mr. Wombat’s apartment to the top of the roof–and the missing cat is nowhere to be found. Will Agent Lion ever crack the case?

Sun Flower Lion written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes

Invites the reader to see the sun, bright as a flower, a flower on a hill that looks like a lion, a lion that dreams of flowers as big as the sun, and more.

The Night Library written by David Zeltser

The Polar Express meets The Night at the Museum in this fantastical picture-book adventure about the magic of books and libraries, perfect for book lovers of all ages! After a young boy goes to sleep upset that he’s getting a book for his birthday, he’s visited in the night by Patience and Fortitude, the two stone lions who guard the New York Public Library. Soon, he’s magically whisked away from his cozy home in the Bronx, and the two mighty lions show him the wonder of the library. There, the inquisitive Latino boy discovers the power of books and their role not only in his own life, but also in the lives of the people he loves.

Lion and Mouse written by Jairo Buitrago

A modern update on the classic fable of the lion and the mouse shares the relationship between two unlikely friends.

How to be a Lion written and illustrated by Ed Vere

When Leonard the lion and his friend Marianne, a duck, are confronted .by a pack of lion bullies, they find a creative way to stand up for themselves.

Nonfiction

Lions: Kings of the Grasslands written by Hugh Roome

Did you know that a lion’s roar can be heard up to 5 miles away? Nature’s Children series provides young readers (Ages 8-10) with fascinating information about the planet’s most incredible wildlife species.

The Lion Queens of India written by Jan Reynolds

In the far west of India, in Gir National Park, dwells one of the rarest big cats on Earth: the Asiatic lion. Known for its distinctive belly flap and the bushy tassels on its tail, the Asiatic lion once roamed from the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Bengal.

Rise of the lioness: restoring a habitat and its pride on the Liuwa Plains written by Bradley Hague

Lion facts: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/lion

Lion corner bookmarks: https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/lion-corner-bookmarks/

Easy Lion Mask Craft for Toddlers: https://www.danyabanya.com/lion-mask-craft/

Heart Shape Toilet Paper Roll Lion Craft for Kids: https://www.craftymorning.com/heart-shape-toilet-paper-roll-lion-craft-kids/

Trains on Tracks

I Like Trains written and illustrated by Daisy Hirst

Whether sending toy animals on a journey around a model track or driving a cardboard-box locomotive, this little puppy really likes trains, and the best part of all is riding a real train.

Moose, Goose, and Mouse written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein

Moose, Goose, and Mouse ride a loose caboose on their way to finding a new house.

Zero Local: Next Stop: Kindness written by Ethan Murrow

Board the train for a story of art, diversity, and community in a near-wordless tale told through masterful, sumptuously detailed black-and-white illustrations. Train riders are used to stressful delays on the Zero Local line. But when a new passenger shows gratitude to the driver on their daily commute, tensions begin to ease. Eventually the artistic traveler stops riding the Zero Local line, and discord begins to creep back into the train car. Will the regular passengers find a way to restore the sense of camaraderie they once felt?

The Train written by Jodie Callaghan

“A fiction picture book about residential schools. Author Jodie Callaghan worked as a journalist at the time of the Canadian government’s apology for the residential school system. She took inspiration for this book from her conversations with survivors–including her own grandmother’s experience at Indian day school, and memories shared with her by a man she interviewed by the train tracks that transported children to residential school in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia.

Choo-Choo School written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

No racing in the haul-ways! All aboard the train-car pool! A new lineup of students is off and rolling to Choo-Choo School. After reciting their classroom rules — Work hard, play fair, be kind — it’s time for some math to get the wheels turning. Then everyone’s ready to climb a hill in gym (it’s good to blow off steam), sing songs in music (Flat Car is a bit off-key), and learn the whole alphabet, especially the letter R. In one of Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s last books, lighthearted verse portrays a world where train stations are classrooms, the conductor doubles as the teacher, and Boxcar is happy to hand out tissues to anyone who ah-choo-choos. Bright, energetic illustrations by animation artist Mike Yamada bring the whole clickety crew to rollicking life.

Northbound written by Michael S. Bandy

When Michael and his grandmother board a train for his first train ride, the conductor directs them to the “colored only” section. But when the train pulls out of Atlanta, the signs come down, and a boy from the “whites only” section runs up to Michael, inviting him to explore. How come Michael can go as he pleases in some states, but has to sit in segregated sections in others?

Hamish takes the train written and illustrated by Daisy Hirst

Hamish the bear and Noreen the goose lead a very good life in the country, but when Hamish journeys to the city to explore new places, make new friends and get a job on a building site, he realizes how much he misses his home and his good friend, Noreen.

Clackety Track: poems about trains Written by Skila Brown

Queue up for a whistle-stop tour of trains of all kinds, narrated in lively verse and featuring dynamic retro artwork. Rows of grooves, cables, and bars. Graffiti rockin’ out the cars. A badge of rust. A proud oil stain. There’s nothin’ plain about a train. All aboard!

Stanley’s Train written and illustrated by William Bee

All aboard on Stanley’s train! Tickets ready, please.

Stanley and Charlie oil and grease the gears and shovel coal in the firebox before the train heads off on an adventure. The passengers have a beach ball, a toy boat, and an inner tube. Where could Stanley’s train be headed?

Nonfiction

City Trains written by Jenna Lee Gleisner

In City Trains, beginning readers will learn about city train and subway systems, such as the New York City Subway and Chicago ‘L’ that transport people in busy cities, both under and above crowded streets. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn about city trains and their use.

Freight trains written by Jenna Lee Gleisner

This book discusses how freight trains are run and operated and gives examples.

Passenger trains: all aboard written by Jenna Lee Gleisner

This book discusses how passenger trains are run and operated and gives examples.

Stick Tracks Transportation Investigation Station: https://www.thekeeperofthememories.com/stick-tracks-transportation-investigation-station-for-little-kids/

Train Track Paper Play Mat: https://mamapapabubba.com/2015/04/07/train-track-paper-play-mat-inspired-by-freight-train/

Train Pretend Play Tunnel: https://toddlerapproved.com/2016/12/train-pretend-play-fun-for-kids.html

What We Wear

No Pants! Written and illustrated by Jacob Grant

When his busy father prompts him to get ready for an exciting family cookout, an exuberant young Pablo decides that he would rather not wear his pants and would have more fun finding other ways to use them.

Lawrence, the Bunny Who Wanted to be Naked written and illustrated by Vern Kousky

Lawrence’s mother has dressed him in fancy outfits since he was a baby bunny, but he finally finds a way to persuade her to let him be naked like the other animals.

Do I Have to Wear a Coat?: a journey through the seasons Written and illustrated by Rachel Isadora

A diverse group of children have fun enjoying the highlights of all four seasons.

Under my Hijab written by Hena Khan

As a young girl observes that each of six women in her life wears her hijab and hair in a different way, she considers how to express her own style one day.

The Right One for Roderic Written and illustrated by Violeta Noy

What happens when one little ghost wants to stand out? All ghosts wear white sheets. That’s just what ghosts do. White sheets are good for haunting people, and they make the ghosts feel like part of one big family. But one little ghost named Roderic wants to wear something different. He tries all sorts of things: a bag, a rug, a boot. Can he find the right one for him?

Ogilvy written by Deborah Underwood

When Ogilvy moves to a new town, he discovers that bunnies who wear dresses play ball and knit socks, and bunnies in sweaters make art and climb rocks, and Ogilvy must figure out a way to do it all.

What Riley Wore written by Elana K. Arnold

Gender-creative Riley knows just what to wear for every occasion during a busy week with family and friends.

Sadie and the Silver Shoes written by Jane Godwin

With three older brothers to pass along hand-me-downs, Sadie doesn’t have much say in choosing her clothes. Her outfits always look interesting, though (even if some kids at school might not think so). But Sadie is allowed to pick her shoes, so one day she buys the most beautiful shoes ever — shoes that sparkle in the sun, shoes she wears everywhere. That is, until Sadie and her brothers hop down a creek on an adventure, and one shoe falls off and is swept away. Whatever will Sadie do with one silver shoe?

Dress Like a Girl written by Patricia Toht

Explores the concept of dressing “like a girl,” in which girls dress in space suits, police officer uniforms, and laboratory coats to prove that girls can be anything they want to be.

Dressing for the seasons paper dolls: http://susanfitchdesign.blogspot.com/2012/12/dressing-for-seasons.html?m=1

Mitten activities: http://www.kellyskindergarten.com/Monthly%20Centers/January/JanuaryCenters.htm