Fly, fly, fly!

Ready to Soar written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld

Riley’s paper airplane is ready for take-off, but criticisms from all the birds threaten to ground the plane, until Riley meets a more supportive friend and rediscovers the joy of soaring.

The Owl Who dared written by Stephanie Stansbie

A little owl is scared of flying, because every time he opens his wings, he tumbles to the ground. Mommy explains to him that it will take a few failures before he succeeds, and soon, the little owl feels brave enough to keep trying. An uplifting celebration of courage and learning how to handle life’s challenges.

Newton and Curie Take flight! Written and illustrated by Daniel Kirk

Curious squirrel Curie observes a baby bird flying and is eager to try too, but when everyone tells her that squirrels cannot fly, she is determined to prove them wrong by conducting her own experiments with the help of her big brother Newton.

Donut: The Unicorn Who Wants to Fly written by Laura Gehl

Donut is a unicorn with a problem: she cannot fly–so she works with all the other creatures in the field and finally accomplishes her goal.

Color the Sky written by David Elliott

A story that celebrates the many colors of birds and the wonder of first flight.

Air Miles written by Bill Salaman

Miles was a difficult dog until he got his own motor car. But now he is growing older, and new challenges are arising. He doesn’t chase balls like he used to. His legs hurt whenever he takes walks. And sometimes he doesn’t hear when Norman calls him. So, when Norman learns that Mr. Huddy’s small airplane is in need of a pilot, Miles takes to the skies.

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.

Mel Fell written and illustrated by Corey Tabor

Readers will delight in turning their book sideways and upside down to follow Mel on her journey from downward fall to triumphant flight in this tale of self-confidence and taking a leap of faith.

Sometimes, you might fall down, down, down, before you learn to fly up, up, up.

Penguin Flies Home: a flight school story written and illustrated by Lita Judge

Even though his penguin friends would rather swim, Penguin dreams of flying.

The Dog Who Wanted to Fly written by Kathy Stinson

Who says dogs can’t fly? Meet Zora: a dog with a big dream and an even bigger personality. All Zora wants to do is learn how to fly so she can catch that pesky squirrel in her yard. But try as she might to prove to her friend Tully–a skeptical cat–that dogs truly can fly, nothing seems to work. Until Zora finds the right motivation, that is.

Wings written by Cheryl B Klein

Follows a baby bird on its first flight, one that starts cautiously and ends with delight.

Nonfiction

We are starlings: inside the mesmerizing magic of a murmuration

Author: Furrow, Robert

A stunning picture book for young nature lovers about starlings and the fascinating phenomenon of murmurations.

Nonfiction

Wings: birds, bees, biplanes, and other things with wings written by Tracey Turner

Wings takes readers on a fact-packed flight over a fascinating subject. Written by Tracey Turner, it offers a bird’s-eye view of the first airplanes, the fastest jet planes, beetles, birds, winged horses, flying dragons–even winged unicorns. There’s fun, easy-to-read information on wings of all kinds, including plenty of STEM material, presented in a mixture of text and speech bubbles that’s perfect for readers aged 7 plus. With Fatti Burke’s stylish and colorful illustrations, Wings is a wonderful journey of discovery.

How to Make a Flying Bird Decoration: https://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/kidscraftsactivitiesblog/2012/03/how-to-make-a-flying-bird-decoration/

Make a Flying Falcon- Paper Tube Craft and Game: https://crackofdawncrafts.blogspot.com/2011/02/make-flying-falcon-paper-tube-craft-and.html?m=1

This Is the Nest That Robin Built activities: http://www.denisefleming.com/pages/book-activities/this-is-the-nest-that-robin-built/activities.html#gsc.tab=0

Flowers in Springtime

Anzu the Great Listener written by Benson Shum

Anzu the kaiju loves to tend to his bonsai. Whenever he feels overwhelmed or unsettled, it helps him pause and reminds him to just…breathe.

Don’t Touch That Flower written by Alice Hemming

Squirrel is apprehensive about the arrival of Spring until he spots a wildflower and tries to claim it as his own, not understanding his overbearing protectiveness is doing more harm than good. Includes information on flowers.

A Crown for Corina written by Laekan Zea Kemp

Corina’s Abuela helps her select flowers that mean something to Corina from the garden for her Mexican flower crown that she will wear on her birthday, and explains the symbolic meaning of a birthday crown.

Tisha and the Blossoms written by Wendy Meddour

Tisha and Mommy are always having to hurry up. What would happen if they slowed down? A gentle, gorgeously illustrated story of mindfulness–and sharing the small moments.

Wildflower written by Melanie Brown

When little Daisy finds herself blooming in a garden she is happy to stretch her petals to the sky. How lovely it feels to be a flower in bloom! Until, Rose tells her that she doesn’t belong in the garden. Daisy is a weed, and just gets in the way. Other flowering plants and herbs in the garden agree with Rose, but some of the other garden inhabitants don’t. They suggest that Daisy is actually a wildflower, that can grow within or outside of gardens and has a purpose all of her own. Is Daisy a weed or a wildflower?

Have You Ever Seen a Flower? Written and illustrated by Shawn Harris

A child experiences a flower by seeing its colors, smelling its fragrance, and imagining a tiny world within it.

Welcome Flower Child: the magic of your birth flower written and illustrated by Brigette Barrager

Illustrations and rhyming text describe the birth month flowers, including March’s daffodils, June’s roses, and September’s asters, as well as how each represents children born in that month.

Dear Little One written by Nina Laden

This lyrical picture book celebrates all the wonder and beauty in the natural world, featuring Mother Nature personified. From the treasure of flowers to the mystery of insects this book encourages children to explore their world and be grateful for all that surrounds them.

Nonfiction

Flowers and plants written by Andrea Debbink

This field guide highlights 100 flowers and plants found throughout the world. Readers will gain a greater understanding about these living things and will be able to identify them in the wild. Features include a helpful introduction to the topic, a glossary, additional resources, and an index.

Georgia O’Keeffe: she saw the world in a flower written by Gabrielle Balkan

Have you ever wondered exactly what your favorite artists were looking at to make them draw, sculpt, or paint the way they did? In What the Artist Saw: Georgia O’Keeffe, meet famous American painter Georgia O’Keeffe. Step into her life and learn what led her to look closely at nature and paint her iconic paintings of flowers and bones. See the vast New Mexico landscapes that inspired her work. Have a go at producing your own close-up still-life artworks!

Dissecting a flower – preschool botany: https://www.giftofcuriosity.com/preschool-botany-lesson-part-3-dissecting-a-flower/

Homemade Watercolors from Fresh Flowers: http://www.learnplayimagine.com/2013/08/homemade-paint-natural-watercolors.html

Magic Blooming Flower Kids’ STEM Activity: https://thestemlaboratory.com/magic-blooming-flower/

Spring Science Activity for Kids: Chromatography Flowers: https://buggyandbuddy.com/spring-science-activity-for-kids-chromatography-flowers/

Caterpillars and Butterflies

Make Way for Butterfly written and illustrated by Ross Burach

Butterfly learns from Bee that he too is a pollinator and can help in the important work of pollinating plants.

The Digger and the Butterfly written and illustrated by Joseph Kuefler

Digger and his friends meet a hungry caterpillar who chooses Digger as its safe place to make a cocoon, making Digger cease his work to care for the small creature who surprises him and his friends.

Becoming Charley written by Kelly DiPucchio

Unlike all the other caterpillars Charley sometimes wonders what it would be like to be a fawn or a waterfall, so when the day comes to form her chrysalis, Charley must decide who she will become.

Goodnight, Butterfly written and illustrated by Ross Burach

Butterfly wakes up while Porcupine is having breakfast, and Porcupine tries to explain what it means to be nocturnal and Butterfly considers the advantages of a nighttime life while trying to get back to sleep.

How Beautiful written by Antonella Capetti

When a caterpillar is called “beautiful” one day, he wonders, what could that mean? No one has the same answer. A bear declares that honeycomb is beautiful, the squirrels find dry leaves are beautiful, and a mole loves his beautiful burrow. All the while, the blackbird disagrees with each answer! Will the caterpillar ever find out what beautiful means?

Nonfiction

What’s inside a caterpillar cocoon?: and other questions about moths & butterflies written and illustrated by Rachel Ignotofsky

Have you ever wondered what happens inside a caterpillar cocoon? Or how moths and butterflies are related? Or what the difference is between a cocoon and a chrysalis? Wonder no more!

My Book of Butterflies written and illustrated by Geraldo Valério

This stunning exploration of butterflies from around the world is a companion to My Book of Birds. Geraldo Valério grew up in Brazil, watching white butterflies visit the vegetable patch behind his house. As he got older, he learned more about these unique and beautiful insects, which can be found on every continent except Antarctica. In this gorgeous album, Geraldo presents his favorite butterfly species from around the world.

Easy Butterfly and Chrysalis Craft for Kids: https://www.aboutamom.com/easy-butterfly-chrysalis-craft-for-kids/

Pom Pom Caterpillar Craft: https://www.messylittlemonster.com/2020/01/caterpillar-craft.html?m=1

Monarch butterfly facts and printables: https://mother2motherblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Combined-Monarch-Butterfly-Activities.pdf

The Winter Season

Out Cold: A Little Bruce book written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins

The mice want to celebrate winter doing all their favorite outdoor things. But poor Bruce is inside with a cold. Luckily, the mice decide to bring the winter fun indoors.

Just One Flake written and illustrated by Travis Jonker

Determined to catch a perfect snowflake, Liam sticks out his tongue and tries a number of tricks, all to no avail, but after giving it one last shot, he grabs one in an unexpected way.

Go, Sled! Go! Written and illustrated by James Yang

Go, sled, go! What could be more exciting than a thrilling sled ride? Maybe when a few unexpected creatures join the adventure? Before long, there’s a bunny, a moose, a snowman, and even a baker with cakes on the sled, and more surprises are headed their way. Repetitive words and large type make this a perfect book for beginning readers. And the laughs and surprises keep coming until the very satisfying end.

Snow Horses: A First Night Story written by Patricia MacLachlan

On a snowy New Year’s Eve, two black horses pull a sleigh through town, spreading love and joy to the community.

The Winter Bird written by Kate Banks

Forest animals help an injured nightingale survive the winter in a comforting story of friendship and resilience, lyrically told and gorgeously illustrated. As the days grow shorter and the air becomes colder, the spring birds fly south for winter–all except for a nightingale with a broken wing. Unable to fly, the nightingale worries about how to prepare for weather it’s never had to experience before. Luckily, the forest animals who are used to frosty conditions help the nightingale navigate the cold as its wing heals. Though the unfamiliar season proves challenging, and even a little scary at times, the nightingale discovers there’s beauty to be found in even the harshest weather–and with that comes newfound gratitude for the return of spring.

Maisy’s Snowy Day written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins, Lucy author, illustrator.

Maisy wakes up in the morning to find that it’s snowing–what an exciting surprise! She and her friends bundle up and head to the park to play.

So Much Snow written by Kristen Schroeder

Seven forest creatures, from a tiny mouse to a giant moose, hunker down in a snowstorm as they wonder when the snow will stop.

Emile and the Field written by Kevin Young

Emile loves the field close to his home–in spring, summer, and fall, when it gives him bees and flowers, blossoms and leaves. But not as much in winter, when he has to share his beautiful, changeable field with other children … and their sleds.

We Want Snow! a wintry chant written by Jamie Swenson

In this raucous, rhyming plea for snow, a group of youngsters imagines the cold-weather delights they’ll enjoy once winter arrives. From sledding down hills and skating on ponds to building snow forts and snowmen to sharing crackling fires and mugs of hot cocoa, they want snow and plenty of it! The snow can’t arrive soon enough. But once the flakes start to fall, are the youngsters in for more than they bargained for?

Nonfiction

Building Snow Forts written by Dana Meachen Rau

Learn how to build snow forts with these fun activities.

Nature Stories

Would You Come Too written by Liz Garton Scanlon

Illustrations and rhyming text explore playing outside and immersing oneself in nature.

When the Sakura Bloom written and illustrated by Narisa Togo

Why do the Japanese make such a fuss over cherry blossom season? Sure, they’re beautiful, but is there something deeper that the rest of us are missing? When the Sakura Bloom by Nariso Togo sheds light on the cultural significance of cherry blossom season in Japan, and an insight into the unique mindset of its people. Through subtle text and gentle imagery readers will see the importance of slowing down to appreciate the moment. That comfort, not despair, can be found in the inevitable cycles of the seasons. How change can usher in opportunities and rejuvenation.

Grasshopper 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.

Outside In written by Deborah Underwood, Deborah

Illustrations and easy-to-read text reveal ways nature affects our everyday lives, such as providing food and clothing, and showing when to go to bed and when to get up.

The Music of Life written and illustrated by Louis Thomas

In Paris, Lenny has trouble starting to compose his symphony until he discovers that there is music all around him in everyday life.

Green on Green written by Dianne White

Illustrations and simple, rhyming text highlight the animals, fruits, feelings, and colors that characterize each season of the year.

Mae the Mayfly written by Denise Brennan-Nelson

Soon after Mae the mayfly hatches she is nearly eaten by a trout, sending her into hiding, but knowing she has only one day to enjoy the world gives her courage to venture out again.

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.

While You’re Away written by Thodōrēs Papaiōannou

A story about what might be going on in nature while we are busy in our own lives.

If I Was the Sunshine written by Julie Fogliano

Illustrations and simple, rhyming text explore the nature of connection and relationships.

Nature and Me: a guide to the joys and excitements of the outdoors

Children are used to hearing about how important it is to protect nature, but they may not fully understand how the natural world can positively impact their emotional wellbeing. With that in mind, this book looks to show children how nature can be fun, uplifting, consoling and even offer companionship.

Nature Kids Crafts and Activities: https://thecraftingchicks.com/nature-kids-crafts-activities/

Make your own paint brushes: https://www.applegreencottage.com/DIY-nature-paint-brushes-kids/

Exploring Nature

Mae the Mayfly by Denise Brennan-Nelson

Soon after Mae the mayfly hatches she is nearly eaten by a trout, sending her into hiding, but knowing she has only one day to enjoy the world gives her courage to venture out again.

Nesting by Henry Cole

Two robins build a nest together and raise their chicks, navigating a year of changing seasons and serpentine predators.

Green on Green by Dianne White

Illustrations and simple, rhyming text highlight the animals, fruits, feelings, and colors that characterize each season of the year.

Outside In by Deborah Underwood

Illustrations and easy-to-read text reveal ways nature affects our everyday lives, such as providing food and clothing, and showing when to go to bed and when to get up.

Southwest Sunrise by Nikki Grimes

Jayden expects to see nothing but brown his first morning in New Mexico, but after being surprised by colorful rocks, flowers, birds, and animals, he wonders if this place could become home.

In Paris, Lenny has trouble starting to compose his symphony until he discovers that there is music all around him in everyday life.

On My Mountain by François Aubineau

Both the shepherd and the wolf live on the mountain. They love their home and want to feel safe there. This book tells the same story, in identical words, from both the wolf’s perspective and that of the shepherd. Read the wolf’s story then flip it over and read the shepherd’s story and see the landscape that each of them sees. A good reminder of how humans should behave in the wild and on this earth that we share.

A Stone Sat Still written and illustrated by Brendan Wenzel

Told in rhyming verse, a stone is considered from a variety of environmental and emotional perspectives, as it sits where it is, surrounded by grass, dirt, and water, an unchanging certainty in the world.

The Hike written and illustrated by Alison Farrell

Three friends set out on a day hike to explore their local forest, intending to climb to the top of the hill, where they will plant a flag, read a poem, and release feathers into the wind.

At The Pond written and illustrated by Geraldo Valério

On a dull gray day, a boy puts his dog on a leash and they walk to a shimmering pond where snowy white swans swim freely. One of the swans invites the boy and dog for a ride. They climb on its back and sail into a stunningly beautiful landscape, dotted with wildflowers, spoonbills and ibises. Foxes, rabbits and deer appear in this paradise, then butterflies and even bigger, more beautiful flowers. Geraldo Valério, a master of wordless picture books, explores the nature of true friendship and love in his newest creation.

My Mindful Walk with Grandma by Sheri Mabry

When a girl walks through the woods with her Grandma, she is so excited about their destination that she misses out on what is around her, but with Grandma’s help, she learns how to breathe, be peaceful, and find herself in nature.

Nature Scavenger Hunt: https://www.mrsmerry.com/free-nature-scavenger-hunt-printable/

Nature I Spy tray https://busytoddler.com/2016/05/nature-i-spy-with-toddlers/

Outdoor Sticky Nature Mural: https://www.icanteachmychild.com/outdoor-sticky-mural-for-toddlers/

Learning Science the Montessori Way

Teach Me to do it Myself by Maja Pitamic

This practical book is filled with fun, simple and inexpensive activities that you can do with your preschooler. Each activity has a picture next to its description, a numbered list of directions, a list of what you will need and similar activities to try. The book is divided into sections:

• Life Skills
• Developing the Senses
• Language Development (including letters, word building, and first sentences)
• Numeracy Skills (learning numerals, learning quantities, adding and subtracting numbers and quantities, and shopping number and numeral vocabulary)
• Science Skills

Some examples of the activities are:

• Distinguishing sounds with objects such as 2 pan lids or a jar of coffee to shake
• Musical scales using 5 glass bottles with varying levels of water.
• Discovering colors using paint color sample strips
• Understanding volume and estimation with water in different glass sizes
• Making land models with disposable dishes, paint and play dough

The book How to raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way has a chapter on exploring the wider world with the key idea that children are little scientists, with a drive for discovery. It includes ideas for working in the family garden, taking a walk in the forest, and making your own nature museum. Another chapter includes ways to build sensory awareness and sensory activities that help children learn such as texture matching.

Review: The Truth About Nature

The Truth About Nature: A Family’s Guide to 144 Common Myths about the Great Outdoors by Stacy Tornio and Ken Keffer

This book could be a useful resource for those incorporating science into their storytimes. The 144 myths are arranged by season and are accompanied by forty strange-but-true nature facts, 32 assorted legends, and 16 activities/experiments. There are quick tips at the beginning of the book to help you use the book to best advantage and a great index in the back to help match your storytime topic to book topics. Check it out!