A place to share cool science ideas for storytime!

Archive for June, 2022

Slithering Snakes!

Knot Cannot written by Tiffany Stone

Knot cannot do most of the things that Snake can do, such as slithering and hissing, but has one skill that saves the day when Snake is in danger.

Verdi written by Janell Cannon

A young python does not want to grow slow and boring like the older snakes he sees in the tropical jungle where he lives.

Snakes on a Train written and illustrated by Kathryn Dennis

Snakes slither and hiss on their train ride.

Where are You? written and illustrated by Sarah Williamson

A little green snake wants to spend the day with a little pink snake, but they get separated. The search takes them around the park, on a bicycle, and many more surprising places on a summer day.

One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree written by Daniel Bernstrom

Gobbled by a snake, a crafty boy finds a find a way out of his predicament by encouraging the snake to eat an increasing number of animals.

Boa’s Bad Birthday written by Jeanne Willis

Boa is hoping to enjoy his best birthday ever, but most of his friends’ gifts are very disappointing.

Snake paper roll craft: https://kidscraftroom.com/jungle-scene-playset-toilet-paper-roll-crafts/

Life Cycle of an egg laying snake coloring page: https://www.kidzone.ws/lw/snakes/ws14.htm

Helping Hands!

Marley and the Family Band written by Cedella Marley

Marley and her siblings plan to put on a community concert after moving from Jamaica to Delaware, but when rain threatens to ruin the day, they learn the power of lending a helping hand.

Jacob’s Fantastic Flight written and illustrated by Philip Waechter

When his parents plan a trip to the sea, Jacob says he will fly there himself. Along the way, he meets new friends and has wonderful adventures. And when his bird friends need help, Jacob and the flock work together to rescue their friend and outsmart the nefarious birdcatcher. With gorgeous illustrations and a humorous, resonant story about independence, kindness, and embracing the unknown, Jacob’s Fantastic Flight shows what happens when a child uses their strengths and differences to help others in need.

Finding Home written and illustrated by Estelí Meza

When Conejo’s house blows away in a storm, his friends and neighbors take turns helping him look for it. Though they do not find his house, they each send him on his way with good cheer and small gifts.

A Story for Small Bear written by Alice B. McGinty

Small Bear’s mother promises stories before their winter slumber if Small Bear will help prepare with no dilly dallying, but the playful cub finds it hard to stick to her tasks.

The Rescue Rabbits written by Eric Seltzer

The four zany Rescue Rabbits invite you to race along with them as they save their fellow animal friends both big and small. From limping elephants to seasick kangaroos, it seems there is no problem they can’t handle. But when the Rescue Rabbits meet a rhino prince with a very unique problem, they will have to put their heads together (in a Rescue Rabbits huddle, of course!) and find a special solution in order to save the day. And that’s just what they will do, because they are…THE RESCUE RABBITS!

The Three Billy Goats Buenos written by Susan Middleton Elya

A rhyming twist on the classic tale in which the goats help fix what is making the troll so grumpy in order to cross the bridge. Incorporates Spanish words and includes a glossary.

The Way Home for Wolf written 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.

Little Wise Wolf written by Gijs van der Hammen

Little Wise Wolf is very wise. He loves reading books and soaking up all the knowledge embodied within them. One day, Little Wise Wolf is called on to use his impressive wisdom to help the ailing king. But on his way to the palace, he slowly realizes he may not be as wise as he thinks he is, and that the world is much bigger than that contained within his books.

I am collage project: http://www.eclecticmomma.com/2015/03/i-am-collage-art-projects.html

Helping hands wreath: https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/collage/helping-hands-wreath

Nature Naturally!

Our Fort written and illustrated by Marie Dorléans

Three friends set out to visit their secret fort at the edge of the woods, but as they are enjoying the freedom and nature all around them a big storm rolls in.

Sato the rabbit written and illustrated by Yuki Ainoya

After becoming a rabbit, Haneru Sato gathers stars at an observatory, sails the sea in a watermelon, tastes the emotions captured in different colors of ice, and more.

Tiny Fox and Great Boar written by Berenika Kotomycka

One beautiful fall day, as Tiny Fox relaxes under his favorite tree, he meets a new friend: Great Boar! Great Boar loves to explore the beauty of nature and the changing seasons, but Tiny Fox thinks adventuring can be scary…but so is the idea of being without his new pal! What will Tiny Fox do?

The Secret Fawn by Kallie George

A little girl is always missing out on the wonderful things her family gets to see and do, just because she is the youngest and littlest. She misses seeing shooting stars because she goes to bed too early; she can’t pick the first apple of autumn because she’s too short and, this morning, everyone else got to see a deer . . . except her. She goes into her backyard in search of the deer, a sugar cube tucked in her pocket. She sees a flick of brown in the orchard – is that the deer? No, it’s just the neighbor’s friendly dog (Shhhhh, Nala!). Is that it by the pond? No, that’s just a bird, playing in the water. Just when she’s about to give up, she spots a fawn, beautiful, quiet and small . . . just like her.

Wonder Walkers written and illustrated by Micha Archer

Two curious children go for a walk, asking imaginative questions about the natural beauty that surrounds them.

Little Bird’s Day written by Sally Morgan

A joyful, universal story of a day in the life of Little Bird. A heartening read-aloud about a day in the life of Little Bird, who sings the world alive, flies with Cloud, travels with Wind, nestles with Moon, and dreams of flying among the stars.

Jayden’s Impossible Garden written by Mélina Mangal

Nine-year-old Jayden loves the outdoors, but his mother is nervous about him playing in their neighborhood. With the help of his neighbor Mr. Curtis, can Jayden help Mama see that nature and beauty are all around?

Trees written by Tony Johnston

Part poetry, part celebration of nature, turn the page of this book and enter the majestic world of trees.

Hansel and Greta written by Jeanette Winterson

Greta lives with her brother, Hansel, on the edge of a great forest, a forest in danger of destruction. GreedyGuts, their aunt, doesn’t appreciate Hansel and Greta’s plans to replant trees and save the forest. In fact, she thinks they’re horrible little vegetarians. GreedyGuts doesn’t give two hoots about nature. She favors luxury and living it up: eating, shopping, and partying hard. And so she hatches a plan to get rid of the meddling, do-gooder kids, deep in the woods.

Percy’s museum written by Sara O’Leary

A young boy moves from the city, where there was always something to do and someone to do it with, to the country. His new home just isn’t the same, but at least it’s summertime — flowers are blooming, baby birds are hatching, and caterpillars are transforming into butterflies. Percy tastes wild strawberries, climbs trees and tries to catch fish in the river with his bare hands. Even at night, the garden is full of life. When he gets home, Percy likes to draw pictures of what he has seen that day. He collects interesting leaves and rocks, and insects in jars. Percy discovers that being alone doesn’t have to be lonely, but explorers often share their findings. So, Percy creates a way to show his collection…

Grasshopper written and illustrated by Tatiana Ukhova

In this colorful and moving wordless picture book told from the up-close perspectives of a young girl and a grasshopper, a garden comes alive with creatures, plants, and surprises of nature.

Nature weaving: https://www.thechaosandtheclutter.com/archives/nature-weaving

Fun twig art: https://twitchetts.com/2016/06/diy-twig-art.html/

Oceans of Possibilities: The Ocean

The Tale of the Whale written by Karen Swann

A whale takes a child on adventure across the ocean, and together they explore the wonders of the ocean world, but also the sad state of plastic pollution–and the child returns home to try and help the whale to save his marine home.

Milo is Missing Something written and illustrated by Vern Kousky

A small yellow octopus hatches from his egg and begins searching for something he is certain he is missing on an undersea adventure that leads to new friendships along the coast, an exploration of a sunken shipwreck and the discovery of a loving family

The Sea Knows written by Alice B. McGinty

In this playful, rhyming celebration of the marine world, readers can explore all of the wondrous things the sea knows. It knows huge whales and small krill; it knows short crabs and tall giant kelp; it knows brightly colored starfish in shallow pools; and in the inky depths it knows the alluring jewel of an anglerfish’s glowing lure.

Grandpa across the Ocean written and illustrated by Hyewon Yum

When a little boy visits his grandfather on the other side of the ocean, everything is unfamiliar and boring until time together proves that Grandpa can be a lot of fun.

Curious Critters. Marine written by David FitzSimmons

A variety of marine animals, including birds, fish, and invertebrates, pose for portraits against a white background while narrating distinctive aspects of their natural histories.

Field Trip to the Ocean Deep written and illustrated by John Hare

In this wordless picture book, a student is accidentally left behind on a field trip to the ocean deep.

Swashby and the Sea written and illustrated by Beth Ferry

No-nonsense Captain Swashby is used to the sea meeting all of his needs and when, after his retirement, new neighbors disturb his solitary life, the sea helps in just the right way.

Nonfiction:

A Turtle’s View of the Ocean Blue written by Catherine Barr

Dive into this stunning guide that explores the underwater world, its wildlife, the challenges it’s facing and how you can help to protect it. Join your sea turtle guide as you navigate every inch of our oceans, from the sunlit surface to the deepest, darkest depths. This beautiful book will help you explore the five oceans on our planet, meeting the creatures who live there and finding out just how their incredible surroundings work. From tides and currents, to migrations and conservation, see our oceans in action and learn how you can help to save them.

Ocean: A Visual Miscellany written by Ricardo Henriques

Which ocean is the largest? Who was the first explorer to sail around the world? Is the ocean truly blue?

Rich with information and beautifully designed, this miscellany offers readers a tsunami of aquatic facts big and small. Ocean is a reminder that while much is known about this vast environment, much, much more remains a mystery.

Layers of the Ocean activity: https://www.teach-me-mommy.com/layers-of-the-ocean/

Ocean activities for preschoolers: https://empoweredparents.co/ocean-activities-for-preschoolers/

Bubble print ocean layers craft: http://joyfullyweary.blogspot.com/2012/09/bubble-print-ocean-layers.html

Ocean facts: https://blog.littlelives.com/explain-to-kids-the-ocean-97adcf2ba224