Suggested Reading

Looking for a book on a particular topic, or something new?
Start here and see some great choices!

Anytime of the Year:

Miss Mingo Weathers the Storm by Jamie Harper



This book is not only a great introduction to weather terminology; it also makes connections to ways animals are able to adapt and react to changing weather. Also look for Miss Mingo and the First Day of School and Miss Mingo and the Fire Drill, both also by Jamie Harper.


Winter Wonders:

What Do Animals Do in Winter? How Animals Survive the Cold, by Melvin and Gilda Berger

This is an informative book for young readers.


Skating Day, by Mercer Mayer
This is a fun story of "Little Critter's" adventures in ice skating. It's suitable for emerging readers.


Hibernation Station, by Michelle Meadows
This is a cute story for little ones about hibernating animals.


Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen
This is a beautiful story about about a little girl who goes owling with her father. It's a story to be enjoyed by young readers (or anyone).


Wind-Wild Dog, by Barbara Joosse
This story follows "Ziva" from the time she's a puppy until she's a hard working sled dog. It's an interesting book for all to enjoy and includes a glossary of mushers' terms.


First Snow in the Woods, by Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick
This story has gorgeous photographs and follows a fawn as the season changes to winter.


Winter Friends, by Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick
Similar to First Snow in the Woods, but this story is intended for younger children.

Under the Snow, by Melissa Stewart

The reader takes a tour of field, forests, ponds, and wetlands to discover how animals survive the chilly winter weather.  Detailed illustrations by Constance R. Bergum show us things such as ladybugs packed into a gap in an old stone wall and a frog buried in mud at the bottom of a pond.  It's an interesting educational journey for the reader!

Those Darn Squirrels!, by Adam Rubin

This is a comical tale about "Old Man Fookwire" and his experience with some crafty squirrels once his favorite birds have migrated south for the winter.

Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner

Follow a young girl and her father as they cross-country ski and discover all different kinds of animal activity in the winter.

Iris Has a Virus, by Arlene Alda

This is a humorous and informative book.  We follow "Iris" through her first stomach virus experience.


Spring Superiors:


A Green, Green Garden, by Mercer Mayer

Emergent readers will enjoy this story as they read how "Little Critter" learns that planting a garden is a lot of fun and a lot of work.  He also learns that all his hard work results in something he can enjoy:  a green, green garden!

It's Earth Day!, by Mercer Mayer

Young ones can follow "Little Critter" as he decides to do his part to slow down global warming.  "Little Critter" recycles, plants trees, makes a climate control machine, and is on a mission to help the polar bears.

When The Wind Stops, by Charlotte Zolotow

This is a lovely story told by a mother to her son explaining how "nothing ends...it begins in another place or in a different way."  The boy learns about the cycles of day and night, wind and waves, rain, seasons and more.  Young, curious minds will appreciate the explanations about nature offered in this story.

The Spring Visitor, by Juli Kangas

Mouse "Edgar Small" discovers a Robin's egg on his doorstep.  He introduces it to various nearby animals and they all help reunite the egg with his mother.  Beautiful illustrations by the author add a special charm to this book.

Bunny's Garden, a Golden Book

For the wee little ones, this book features characters from the evergreen children's classic pat the bunny.  Tiny hands can lift flaps to help bunny find delightful surprises in his garden.

Spring Is Here!  A Story About Seeds, by Joan Holub

Emergent readers follow the "Ant Hill gang" as they plant seeds and watch them grow.

Handsprings, by Douglas Florian

This collection of poems and paintings celebrates spring.

Birds, by Kevin Henkes

This book takes a look at birds of different sizes, shapes, and colors.  A book to be enjoyed by bird appreciators.

Eddie's Garden and How to Make Things Grow, by Sarah Garland

School-aged children will have fun following "Eddie" as he prepares his garden, plants seeds, nurtures the plants, and eventually enjoys the fruits of his labor.  This book also includes a planting guide and useful tips for the garden.

I Can Save The Earth!  One Little Monsters Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, by Alison Inches

"Max the Little Monster" wastes electricity, stays indoors, and litters until he sees how exciting and beautiful the Earth is and realizes it needs his help to stay that way.

We Planted a Tree, by Diane Muldrow

Two families on opposite sides of the Earth plant trees and watch them grow learning all the benefits trees provide.

Trees, by Lisa Jane Gillespie

This is an informative book about how trees grow and the important role they play in the environment and our lives.  In addition, this book provides Internet links for learning more about trees and forests.


Nibbles, A Green Tale, by Charlotte Middleton
This story follows "Nibbles," a little guinea pig determined to save the dandelions in his town.  Through "Nibbles" experience, young ones are able to see the reward of planting and gardening and leaving the world a better place than it was found.
Calvin Can't Fly, by Jennifer Berne
"Calvin" the young starling loves to read books, so much so that he forgets to learn how to fly.  When migration time rolls around, what will "Calvin" do?  Young readers will enjoy this story about how we're all different, which creates the opportunity for us to all learn from one another. 

City Dog, Country Frogby Mo Willems
Willems presents a reflection on the seasons and the natural course of a friendship that will resonate with readers of any age.  Jon J. Muth's expressive watercolors beautifully illustrate the story.



Summer Sizzlers:


Who's in the Forest by Phillis Gershator

Play peek-a-boo with animals in the forest and learn about their activity both during the day and at night.


The Beeman, by Laurie Krebs
Young ones can learn about the the basics of beekeeping as they follow the story of a young boy learning from his grandpa, "the Beeman."
Readers will discover the vital part that bees play in the natural world.  In addition, there's a delicious apple and honey muffin recipe at the end of the book!
Summer Is..., by Charlotte Zolotow
 This poetic text evokes the special qualities of each season and joys that each season brings.



Autumn Amazers:



How Rocket Learned to Read, by Tad Hills
For those beginning to read, this is a great story about a dog, "Rocket," who learns to read from a little bird.  In the little bird's class, he first learns the sounds of each letter of the alphabet, then discovers the excitement of listening to stories, and finally learns to read.  This story may also bring some comfort to those just starting school.


Parent/Teacher Shelf:


The Curious Kid's Science Book: 100+ Creative Hands-On Activities for Ages 4-8 by Asia Citro



150+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids: The Very Best and Easiest Playtime Activities from FunAtHomeWithKids.com! by Asia Citro

Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors by Doorley, Rachelle


A Little Bit of Dirt: 55+ Science and Art Activities to Reconnect Children with Nature by Asia Citro

10 Mindful Minutes by Goldie Hawn

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