All Together Now: Helping

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.

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.

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.

Be Kind written by Pat Zietlow Miller

When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate contemplates how to make her feel better and what it means to be kind. From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving and thoughtful story explores what a child can do to be kind, and how each act, big or small, can make a difference or at least help a friend.

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.

Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog written and illustrated by Lisa Papp

Madeline Finn hopes Star can become a therapy dog. But first he needs to pass his test. They have been practicing all the skills he needs to master. They practice meeting people. They practice sitting still when a bike goes by. They even practice meeting other dogs. Now Madeline Finn and Star are off to Walker Oaks, a retirement community where Star will take his tests. They face a variety of challenges and meet several new friends. But Madeline Finn can’t stop thinking about an elderly man in a wheelchair, who never smiles. Is there something she and Star can do to help Mr. Humphrey?

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.

Nonfiction

How to Make a Better World written by Keilly Swift

This fun and inspiring guide to making the world a better place and becoming a good citizen is packed with ideas and tips for kids who want to know how to make a difference. If you are a kid with big dreams and a passion for what is right, you’re a world-changer in the making.

All Together Now: City Living

Listen written by Gabi Snyder

Illustrations and easy-to-read text urge the reader to go beyond the noise of the city to listen to a crow’s caw, rain dripping onto a sidewalk, and whispered goodnights. Includes notes about listening.

Keeping the City Going written and illustrated by Brian Floca

An ode to the essential workers keeping the country operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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?

Tiny Kitty, Big City written and illustrated by Tim Miller

Brave, playful kitty undertakes a journey into the crowded city before finding love and kindness in an unexpected place.

Animals Go Vroom! Written and illustrated by Abi Cushman

Strategically placed die-cuts provide clues for readers searching for the noisemakers–and troublemakers–on a busy street.

Out the Door written and illustrated by Christy Hale

Follows a girl through her day in a busy city as she travels to school and back again.

The Bear’s Garden written by Marcie Colleen

A little girl’s creativity, dedication, and imagination turn a vacant city lot into a beautiful community garden.

Kiyoshi’s Walk written by Mark Karlins

Kiyoshi asks his grandfather, the wise poet Eto, where poems come from, and Eto takes him on a walk through the city to seek an answer.

In the City written and illustrated by Christopher Raschka

Illustrations and rhyming text celebrate pigeons as colorful, chatty denizens of the city.

A New Kind of Wild written and illustrated by Zara Gonzalez Hoang

When Ren moves to Ava’s city, he feels lost without the green and magic of his home, but not everything in the city is what meets the eye and Ren discovers that nothing makes you feel at home quite like a friend.

My City written and illustrated by Joanne Liu

A young boy discovers the excitement and unexpected delight of exploring his city–and so will readers of this vibrant picture book.

Nonfiction

Stickmen’s Guide to Cities in Layers written by Catherine Chambers

Explores the different parts of a city layer-by-layer, including the roofs of skyscrapers, water and sewage systems, and building foundations.

A Forest in the City written by Andrea Curtis

A Forest in the City looks at the urban forest, starting with a bird’s-eye view of the tree canopy, then swooping down to street level, digging deep into the ground, then moving up through a tree’s trunk, back into the leaves and branches.

Trees make our cities more beautiful and provide shade but they also fight climate change and pollution, benefit our health and connections to one another, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and much more.

Map making activity: https://www.prekinders.com/map-making-in-pre-k/

Van Gogh Inspired City at Night Art Project: https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/city-at-night-van-gogh-style/

How to Build an Epic Cardboard City With Kids: https://www.pinkstripeysocks.com/2018/08/build-cardboard-city-with-kids-craft.html

Block city painting with Duplos: https://www.stirthewonder.com/block-city-lego-print-mural/

Create a Box City – cutting practice and creativity for kids with Free Printable Doors and Windows:https://www.learnwithplayathome.com/2013/10/create-box-city-cutting-practice-and.html?m=1

Wildlife Rescue

Pangolina written by Jane Goodall

Captured by cruel hunters because her scales are believed to have curative powers, Pangolina is saved by a small girl and her mother who buy her and set her free.

Bird House written and illustrated by Blanca Gómez

A little girl and her abuela tend to an injured bird they find in the snow, allowing it to fly around the living room until it is ready to be released.

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.

Home of the Wild written by Louise Greig

A lyrical and uplifting story about a friendship between a boy and a wild fawn, with a tender message of love and letting wild animals be free. Atmospheric illustrations bring the authentic Scottish landscapes to life.

Free written and illustrated by Sam Usher

When a boy and his granddad take care of a little bird, the boy wants to keep it – but Granddad knows it must return to its natural habitat in the wild, where it can spread its wings and be free. And so begins an exhilarating journey into the mountains to return the bird to where it belongs.

When We Fly written and illustrated by Jess McGeachin

A father-daughter story celebrating love, loss, and healing, and one bird’s broken wing that may prove impossible to fix.

Crowbar : the smartest bird in the world written by Jean Craighead George

A child rescues a young crow that has fallen out of his nest during a storm, then tries to prove to his grandpa that Crowbar is a very smart bird.

Penguins Don’t Wear Sweaters! Written by Marikka Tamura

When an oil spill prevents penguins from doing the things they love to do, Big Boots come and dress them in sweaters until they–and the water–can be cleaned. Includes facts about penguins and why dressing them in sweaters is not always a good idea.

The Boy and the Whale written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein

Abelardo defies his father’s instructions and sets out to free a whale caught in their tangled fishing net.

Lotus & Feather written by Ji-li Jiang

A lonely girl finds a friend when she and her grandfather rescue a wounded crane.

Out of the Blue written by Alison Jay

When a giant octopus entangled in fishing line is washed ashore during a big storm and becomes stranded on the beach, a young boy and girl, assisted by various sea creatures, push and pull him back to sea. Includes endnotes on marine life, lighthouses, and items that wash up on beaches.

Nonfiction:

The Snowy Owl Scientist written by Mark Wilson

It’s July on Alaska’s North Slope, and scientist Denver Holt is in Utqiagvik surveying nests. Denver has been coming here since 1992, and the snowy owls he studies have been coming here much longer: thousands of years.  With its mix of coastal, low-elevation tundra and a rich presence of lemmings, the North Slope is the only area in Alaska where snowy owls regularly nest. How do snowy owls decide where they will nest? How do they manage to arrive at locations where food will be abundant? What drives the success of these delicate tundra ecosystems?

Orca Rescue: the true story of an orphaned orca named Springer written by Donna Sandstrom

In 2002, a young orca was discovered in Puget Sound near Seattle, Washington — lost, starving, alone and 300 miles away from her home waters in Canada. Six months later, the orca, named Springer, was rescued, rehabilitated and reunited with her pod near the north end of Vancouver Island. It was the first successful orca rescue and reunion in history!

Magical animal search and rescue center pretend play: http://littleworldsbigadventures.com/magical-animal-search-and-rescue-pretend-play/

Oil spill clean up experiment for kids: https://www.kitchencounterchronicle.com/oil-spill-clean-experiment-kids/

Firefighters Fighting Fires!

Firefighter Flo! Written by Andrea Griffing Zimmerman

Ring! Clang! Firefighter Flo and her team race to stop a fire in this picture book filled with bold art and fun onomatopoeia. Firefighter Flo jumps out of bed! There’s a fire and only a pro like Flo and her team can help. Read along as the firefighters put on their fireproof suits, rush off in their truck, douse the fire with the big hose, and rescue the family pet. The CLANG of the siren and WHOOSH of the fire will have parents and kids reading aloud together.

Fire Chief Fran written by Linda Ashman

What’s a day in the life of a small-town fire department like? In this action-packed adventure, Fire Chief Fran leads her fire-fighters through everything from inspections and drills to dangerous blazes. If a puppy is in danger or a café is ablaze, Fran and her crew are ready to help! When the lights flash and the bells blast, these firefighters leap into action; they need to move fast. With energy and grit, compassion and calm, they help their community in many ways every day.

Wildfire! Written by Ashley Wolff

Illustrations and easy-to-read text reveal the struggles of forest animals to survive when fire breaks out on Spruce Mountain, and the actions of the firefighters who work through the night to stop the blaze.

Daniel and the Firefighters written by Schwartz, Alexandra Cassel,

Daniel Tiger loves firefighters! Today at school he gets to meet real firefighters and it turns out Dr. Anna is one of them. Daniel did not know that someone could be a doctor and a firefighter! Daniel likes fire trucks, but he also likes boats, dolls, music, and more. Maybe he can grow up to be more than one thing too!

Firefighter Duckies! Written by Frank W. Dormer

Firefighter Duckies fill a busy day with everything from rescuing a whale that is stuck in a tree to helping a monster who is having trouble seeing.

The Berenstain Bears Visit the Firehouse written by Mike Berenstain

Ding, ding, ding! With an alarm bell, a sliding pole, and lots of big trucks, the firehouse is an exciting place to visit. Come along as the Berenstain Bears meet everyday heroes–firefighters!

Otis and the Kittens written and illustrated by Loren Long

When Otis the tractor becomes trapped in a burning barn, after rescuing kittens, his animal friends and local firefighters come to his aid.

Nonfiction

Meet a Firefighter! Written by AnnMarie Anderson

Two children learn the important role of firefighters in their neighborhood.

All About Firefighters written by Jennifer Boothroyd

Every community needs firefighters! Firefighters keep people safe by putting out fires and teaching fire safety. Join Grover and friends in this fun approach to key curricular content and learn all about firefighters.

Bubbly fires science activity: https://thepreschooltoolboxblog.com/community-helpers-theme-for-preschool-bubbly-fires-science-activity/

Put The Fire Out activity with shaving foam and paint: https://besttoys4toddlers.com/put-the-fire-out-fine-motor-play/

DIY Fire Extinguishers -Easy Pretend Play Ideas for Kids: https://brilliantlittleideas.com/diy-fire-extinguishers/

Firefighter hat craft: https://www.allkidsnetwork.com/crafts/fire-safety/firefighter-hat-craft.asp

Rainy Days!

Sunny-side Up written by Jacky Davis

A little girl who is very unhappy when her father says she cannot play outside on a rainy day uses her imagination to make the most out of being indoors.

The Weather’s Bet written and illustrated by Ed Young

Retells the fable, “The Wind and the Sun,” in which Wind, Rain, and Sun attempt to remove the cap of a shepherdess. Collage illustrations include symbols based on seal characters of Chinese pictograms.

Pitter Pattern written and illustrated by Joyce Hesselberth

Lu and her friends spot patterns in their daily activities, including patterns found in music, weather, time, play, shapes, nature, math, and language.

Every Color of Light written by Hiroshi Osada

Illustrations and easy-to-read, rhyming text depict nature darkened by a brief rainstorm then, at sunset, colors brighten, rain drips like crystals, and the bright white moon shines as we fall asleep.

Rain Boy written and illustrated by Dylan Glynn

Wherever Rain Boy goes, rain follows, and when he is invited to Sun Kidd’s birthday party the other children complain that his presence is ruining their fun; now Sun Kidd is hiding in her room because she is upset by her friends’ behavior, and an apparently an endless storm has descended on the world–until they all discover that something wonderful happens when rain and sun finally get together.

Nonfiction

This Raindrop has a Billion Stories to Tell written by Linda Ragsdale

A raindrop has billions of stories to tell. In fact, THIS raindrop has been here since time began! Dive into this beautiful tale of how water has been flowing and falling all around us, fueling and forming much of what we have seen and used for millions of years.

Rain cloud craft: https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/rain-cloud-craft/

Preschool rain theme activities: https://www.preschool-plan-it.com/preschool-rain-theme.html

How to make a weather station: https://nurturestore.co.uk/how-to-make-a-weather-station

Easy Weather Science Experiments for Preschoolers and Toddlers: https://team-cartwright.com/easy-weather-science-experiments/

Magical paper towel art: https://royalbaloo.com/magic-paper-towel-weather-art/