Read together as your child shares in those first day jitters and excitement to help them be prepared for their teacher, school and new classmates.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for easy shopping on Amazon. CLICK ON the images of each book to learn more and BUY.

First Day of School Books for Kids

Grab this back to school book list and get ready for your child’s first day of school.

Here’s our favorite books…

• ABC Ready for School: An Alphabet of Social Skills
• Butterflies on the First Day of School
• David Goes To School
• If You Take a Mouse to School
• Mae’s First Day of School
• Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
• Monsters Love School
• On the First Day of Kindergarten
• Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes
• The Day You Begin
• The Night Before Kindergarten
• The Kissing Hand
• The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
• The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School
• This School Year Will Be the BEST!
• We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
• School’s First Day of School

Some of these back to school stories I’ve read with my Kindergarten students for the past 20+ years. However many are new authors and new characters that your kids will grow to love time and time again. This is such a special time in your child’s life and this list highlights the best First Day of School books to prepare for a memorable school year.

Looking for more themed book lists? Visit our Virtual Book Club for Kids

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

It’s the first day of kindergarten and Miss Bindergarten is hard at work getting the classroom ready for her twenty-six new students. Each has a special name and animal that represents the alphabet letters with a colorful and rhyming storybook for all Kindergarten children.

This School Year Will Be the BEST! by Kay Winters

In this story, classmates are asked to share what they would most like to happen in the upcoming year. Some kids’ hopes are familiar while others are off-the-wall. Whether it’s looking good on picture day or skateboarding at school, everyone’s wishes are shown in adorably exaggerated illustrations. As the first day arrives, there can be no doubt—this school year will definitely be the best!

Best Books About Starting School

You can help your child get ready for school by reading a few of these adorable books about the First Day of School. They open up conversations for discussing the classroom, the school, their new routine, the teacher and even their classmates.

On the First Day of Kindergarten by Trish Rabe

There’s so much to do on the first day of kindergarten. From making new friends to jumping rope in gym to riding the bus to school. The stories explore a lot of firsts with your child including saying good-bye to Mom and Dad when the school bus pulls up. Perfect for nervous and excited kids about to go to kindergarten. It’s a pretty cool place to be!

The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wig

It’s the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of all—saying good-bye to Mom and Dad. Perfect for parents to read as you’re getting ready to start for your special school year off.

David Goes To School by David Shannon

David keeps his teacher busy with her hands full! From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David’s days at school may have a little bit of trouble in them but they are sure to bring a smile to readers. A great book to take about the rules at school with.

ABC Ready for School: An Alphabet of Social Skills by Celeste Delaney

C is for cooperate. G is for grow. P is for play! This friendly alphabet book helps young children explore a variety of skills related to school readiness. Kids preparing for school will learn social skills from A to Z. The adorable illustrations bring the skills to life with encouraging scenes of fun and learning in the classroom, on the playground, and more.

Books to Ease First Day of School Jitters

At the beginning of school many children and parents experiences some jitters and fears that everything will be ok. The following books are perfect for just this situation and help your child through these anxieties and help easy the first day of school jitters.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

The award winning lyrical text and colorful art carries the story that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. There are many reasons to feel different through this heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone.

Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro

Meet Rosie, a brand-new student who has butterflies in her stomach. She can’t wait to start kindergarten. She’s had her pencils sharpened and her backpack ready for weeks. However on the night before the big day, her tummy hurts. Rosie’s mom reassures her that it’s just butterflies in her belly, and she’ll feel better soon. Much to her surprise, when Rosie says hello to a new friend on the bus, a butterfly flies out of her mouth! As the day goes on, Rosie frees all her butterflies, and even helps another shy student let go of hers, too.

Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube

As Mae’s first day of school get closer she decides she is not going! She’s feels that school is scary! She worries about the other kids don’t like her and writing her name. And even what if she misses her mom? Mae’s anxiety only gets worse as she walks to school. But then she meets Rosie and Ms. Pearl as readers see just how powerful friendships can be.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

As school is starting Chester Raccoon does not want to go. Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. This story is especially helpful for children experiencing times of separation and the worries that come along with it.

Back to School Books with Adorable Characters We Love

Head to school with some of your favorite characters in back to school books! From a special If You Give a Mouse to Pete the Cat and even the beloved Pigeon, each will be a special story to read together as you get ready for your first day of school.

If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff

Head to school with this award winning series as you explore the various elements of going to school for the very first time. If you take a mouse to school, he’ll ask you for your lunch box. When you give him your lunch box, he’ll want a sandwich to go in it. Then he’ll need a notebook and some pencils. He’ll probably want to share your backpack, too.

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes by James Dean

Pete the Cat discovers the library, the lunch room, the playground, and lots of other cool places at school in his school shoes. No matter where he goes, Pete never stops moving and grooving and singing his classic song…because it’s all good.

Monsters Love School by Mike Austin

Summer is over, and now it’s time for the biggest adventure of all…Monster School! These colorful monsters head to school for the first time as they explorer reading, writing and learning your monster history.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

It’s the first day of school and Penelope Rex can’t wait to meet her classmates. However, it’s hard to make human friends when they’re so darn delicious! That is, until she gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all.

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems

Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn’t like it? What if the teacher doesn’t like him? What if he learns TOO MUCH!?! Mo Willems brings to life this beloved character for a special back to school book for kids.

The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School by Deborah Diesen

Mr. Fish is nervously awaiting his first day of school, and he worries about writing his name, drawing shapes, and how to do math. In the story he’s —reassured that school is the perfect place to learn about this new skills.

Here’s a few more First Day of School Book suggestions from our favorite online book Friends:

For more book lists be sure to visit our Virtual Book Club for Kids

DID WE MISS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITES? What are your favorite first day of school books? We’d love to hear about them in the comments.

Here are a few more book suggestions as you begin school….

Additional First Day of School Ideas for Kids

• Magic Dust for the First Day of School with (Printable Poem)
• DIY First Day of School Sign
• First Day of School Interview (Printable)
• 9 Tips for First Day of School Success
• Back to School Resources for Parents
• Back to School STEM Activities

As we head back-to-school this year, the topic of how to make friends once again becomes the focus of our character development conversations around the dinner table. Friends are an important part of our lives. They bring value to our lives in numerous ways.

As my children get prepared to start a new academic school year, we focus on remembering how to make new friends.

How to Make Friends

Although my children are extraverts, they have struggled at different times throughout their early childhood years with making and keeping friends (hey, I’m an adult and I am still practicing this skill of making new friends) 

These are our tried and true methods for making friends:

Tips for teaching kids on how to make friends.

1. Smile

Yes, this sounds so very simple, but our number one tip for making new friends is to “look friendly” to others – one way to do this is to smile. If you are in a classroom with 20 new children, a smile can be a ray of sunshine in your day.  If you are a little nervous about making new friends, a smile may give you a boost of confidence as it is a reminder that you are a kind and happy person that others want to spend time with.

2. Listen to what the other person has to say.  

This is a big deal in our house. We find that the kids are so excited to talk that they forget to listen.  We are practicing being a good listener:

• maintaining eye contact
• repeating back what we hear
• not interrupting
• asking questions about what the other person has to say

3. Be Yourself.  

My kids are funny, quirky and creative.  It is my hope that they find friends who value who they are on the inside.  It is important when making friends to be yourself. Not every child will connect with each other in the same way.  If you don’t like horses and someone asks if you do, do not pretend to like them. Be honest.  Your friendships will have a stronger beginning. *I find that the kids start to notice this more around 2nd grade, but some do earlier.

4. Ask others to play with you. 

My daughter had a really hard time making friends last year.  It was a new school and friendships had already formed.  She really felt sad about not having anyone to play with on the playground.  We practiced inviting each other to come play with us and she eventually starting asking children to come play with her on the parallel bar.

5. Say Hello and Good Morning.  

These words are simple and a great way to start connecting with others. Practice saying them at home prior to school. Make it part of your daily routine and soon your child will be saying them too. 

ACTIVITY: Write about Making Friends

Kids as young as toddlers can help write and draw about making friends. In fact, this activity is one of my favorite first week of school activities to do with kids from preschool to first grade.  You could illustrate several pages each day and combine them together at the end of the week for a delightful home-made book that children can re-read with family members.

CLICK HERE FOR ECE PRINTABLES including the Friends Can booklet

For younger children: limit the pages to 4.  Encourage them to trace 2 circles on each page to represent the friends.

For older children: allow them to complete the book independently.  Encourage them to write and label their drawings.

Learning Objective: Create a DIY book to represent being a good friend with drawings and words.

Focus Skills

• fine motor
• creativity
• writing
• early literacy
• book making

Materials Needed

• Scissors
• Stapler
• Crayons
• Copy of the Friends Can book. This activity is a printable available on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Directions to make the DIY Friends Can Book.

1. Print a set of Friends can booklet.
2. Stack the booklet in the order you want the pages to appear.
3. Staple the left side.
4.  Read the pages with your child. Let the child illustrate each page.

After I print the Friendship books out, I set them out in the writing center for the children to work on in small groups. Here is what our center looked like:

Each child completed their own friendship book.

If you are short on time, you could have each child work on one page, then assemble it to make a class friendship book as well.

I like that this activity allows for children to participate even though they are on different academic levels.

Toddlers are learning the vocabulary of friendship and how to use a variety of writing utensils. Their pictures may be mostly scribbles with some lines and circles forming.

Preschooler – Kindergarteners are forming bodies and faces. They are able to grasp more abstract concepts of friendship.  I would encourage children of this age to use a minimum of one color per age. If you are 4 years old, then 4 colors should be used. (this paper is still a work in progress). If they have forgotten important details of people, hand them a mirror and encourage them to double-check their illustrations of body parts!

Here’s an example of what Kindergarten writing looks like.

Grade Schoolers – are really past this book, but my oldest wanted to participate too. I never turn away a kid who wants to draw, write and read. These activities allow children to express their creativity.  For struggling readers, making a book for a younger child is a great way to provide opportunities for them to interact with text at their level without being “too young.” When having older children write alongside younger children, it also provides a model for them as well. Extend their learning by having them write a story in paragraph form about how to make and keep friends.

Picture Books about Friendship for Preschoolers

Reading books about friendship with your child is a great way to start a discussion on how the characters in the story made new friends. Ask questions during the story such as: What do you think ___ will do? How would you handle the situation?

Affiliate links included to books:

A Dance of Friendship (Angelina Ballerina) I love Angelina in that she is always such a kind mouseling. This book introduces how to deal with friendship and feelings of jealousy. Read more here

Franklin’s New FriendWhen the moose family moves in, Franklin is initially a bit afraid of moose because of his size.  When the two get to know each other, they realize that despite their differences, they become new friends.  Read more here

Learning to Be a Good Friend: A Guidebook for Kids (Elf-Help Books for Kids)This book is part of a series of stories designed to help children navigate through life situations.  A good springboard for parent / child discussions.  Read more here

Friends: Making Them & Keeping Them (American Girl) Geared for girls 7+, this book covers friendship issues common to grade school girls. Read more here

How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? This story is a perfect introduction to SHOWING young kids how to play with dinosaurs, I mean friends. Geared for children ages 3-5, but would be enjoyed by older and younger children as well. Read more here

Llama Llama Time to Share This book is set in the cute rhythmic pattern of all llama llama books. It is set in a home environment, making it perfect for young children in a homeschooling setting. Read more here

How to Make Friends from the Teach ECE Education Blogger Team:

We are teachers, moms, and homeschoolers of young children sharing FREE resources to parents, teachers, and educators every Wednesday. Stop by any of our blogs for new lesson plans each week.

Here is our Preschool Schedule:

Find on social media using the hashtag #TeachECE

Role Playing How to Be a Good Friend by Mom Inspired Life
Songs About Friendship for Kinder and Pre-K by Capri +3
Teaching Kids About Friendship and Being a Good Friend by Raising Lifelong Learners
Making Friends: Teaching Kids to Learn and Respect Different Names by Munchkins and Moms
How to Play with Friends a Preschoolers Visual Guide and Game by Powerful Mothering
Helping Your Homeschooler Socialize by Still Playing School
Making Friends Even When You Are Homeschooled by Learning 2 Walk
Book Friends by Growing Book by Book
Tips for Helping Preschoolers BE a Good Friend! #TeachECE by The Preschool Toolbox BlogFree Friends Play Dough Printable by Life Over C’s
Working Together to Create a Classroom Community by Fun-A-Day!
Teaching Kids How to Make Friends by The Educators’ Spin On It

You may also find these guides helpful for Back to School…

Let’s get ready to go on an adventure to India through this hand-picked collection of children’s books!

My husband is from India and we are always looking for books for our children to learn about India. We select books to recommend that discuss the land, landmarks, social life, festivals, language, religion, folktales, events, and clothing.

Anything that we can use to encourage our children to learn about their culture since we can’t visit there all the time. Of course, nothing can replace an actual visit to spend time in the daily life of a culture, especially in India.

Here are a few photos of our everyday experiences when we brought our daughter for the first time a few years ago for my sister-in-law’s wedding. She enjoyed a rickshaw ride, playing with the front gate, and even learning to sweep with an Indian broom. 

Here’s a peek at our latest trip to New Delhi India with both of our girls and their cousins.

This post contains affiliate links to Amazon 

Books about India for Kids 

Here are some of the books that we’ve been enjoying in our house about India.

Informational Books about India

Starting with the facts about India is a good place to begin this learning adventure with your child. Take a moment and find on your map where the country of India is located and its 1.38 billion citizens.

• T is for Taj Mahal: An India Alphabet
• India (A True Book: Geography
• India ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of India

• A Kid’s Guide to India
• A Children’s History of India by Subhadra Sen Gupta
• The History of India for Children by Archana Garodia Gupta
  

• I Is for India (World Alphabets)
• Illustrated Atlas of India: A Visual Guide to the Land, Its People and Culture
• Tiny Travelers India Treasure Quest by Susie Jaramillo
• We, The Children Of India by Seth Leila

Books About Daily Life in India

The next types of books to explore are the daily activities that happen in India.

• Going to School in India
• Monsoon Afternoon
• Monsoon
• A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India

• Namaste Is a Greeting by Suma Subramaniam
• Laxmi’s Mooch by Shelly Anand
• I’ll Go and Come Back by Rajani LaRocca
• Gope and Meera: A Migration Story by Ritu Hemnani and Samidha Gunjal

Books for Learning about Clothing from India

One special thing that your child may notice is that fashion can look different when you’re connecting with families from India. Take this time to learn about Saris and Lenghas and even the Bindi’s the women from India will where at times.

• Mama’s Sari
• My Dadima Wears a Sari
• Bindu’s Bindis

• A Sari for Ammi
• Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz
• The Katha Chest by Radhiah Chowdhury
• How to Wear a Sari by Darshana Khiani

Stories from India for Kids

There are so many stories and folktales that have come from India since it’s beginning of civilization, many years ago. You may even spend some time exploring how old India is.

• Be the Change
• Indian Children’s Favorite Stories
• I am Gandhi

• Stories from India
• Monkey: A Trickster Tale from India
• Finders Keepers?: A Bus Trip in India

• Maya and Leela Present: Dances of India
• Shubh Raatri Dost/Good Night Friend
• The Drum: A Folktale from India
• Where Three Oceans Meet by Rajani LaRocca

Books about Food in India

The food that can be found in Indian kitchens and restaurants is full of flavor and aroma. It’s personally one of my favorite types of food. Here’s a peek at a few of our favorite Indian recipes to make with kids.

• Bilal Cooks Daal 
• 10 Gulab Jamuns by Sandhya Acharya (Listen to the Read Aloud)
• P Is for Poppadoms!: An Indian Alphabet Book by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal (Listen to Read Aloud)

• Masala Chai, Fast and Slow by Rajani LaRocca
• India on a Plate!: Indian Food from A to Z by Archana Sreenivasan
• Anni Dreams of Biryani by Namita Moolani Mehra

• What Should I Make?
• Chaat and Sweets (Listen to the Read Aloud)
• Hot Hot Roti for Dada-Ji

• Chaiwala! by Priti Birla Maheshwari
• Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi
• Kalamata’s Kitchen by Sarah Thomas

• One Grain Of Rice by Demi
• The Spice Box by Meera Sriram
• Meera Makes Aloo Paratha by Sangeetha Narayan

Books about Indian Culture for Kids

One thing that can be fun to explore when learning about other countries is the culture that can be seen in the everyday lives of its citizens. These stories highlight all the special things in Indian culture from the eyes of a child.

Here’s a peek at our recent trip to New Delhi, India with our kids with tips for where to travel with kids.

• The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal (Listen to Read Aloud)
• Good Night India (Good Night Our World) by Nitya Khemka
• Mina vs. the Monsoon
  

• Finding Om
• Thread of Love by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal (Listen to Read Aloud)
• Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers by Rajani LaRocca
• Always Anjali

• Pashmina
• Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala
• The Happiest Tree: A Yoga Story

• Tiny Travelers India Treasure Quest 
• Same, Same But Different
• Rapunzel (Once Upon a World)

• Maya
• Indra Nooyi: A Kid’s Book About Trusting Your Decisions (Mini Movers and Shakers)
• Rangoli: Discovering the Art of Indian Decoration

• Mother Goose Goes to India
• Rock by Rock: The Fantastical Garden of Nek Chand
• Ritu Weds Chandni

• Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps by Srividhya Venkat
• I Am An Amazing Asian Girl: A Positive Affirmation Book For Asian Girls by Yobe Qiu
• I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
• Asian Adventures A-Z Foods: Delicious Asian Foods From A-Z by Yobe Qiu
• Asian Adventures A-Z by Yobe Qiu
• American Desi by Jyoti Rajan Gopal
• A Garden in My Hands by Meera Sriram

• Lali’s Feather by Farhana Zia
• Rickshaw Girl by Mitali Perkins
• Lali’s Flip-Flops by Farhana Zia

• Seven Golden Rings by Rajani Larocca
• She Sang for India: How M.S. Subbulakshmi Used Her Voice for Change by Suma Subramaniam
• Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet Singh
• Amma, Take Me To The Golden Temple by Bhakti Mathur
• Amma, Take Me to Tirupati by Bhakti Mathur
• Our World: India by Meera Sriram

Hindi Books for Kids

There are many languages spoken in India. The Indian constitution recognizes 22 major languages of India. Just around half of those living in India speak Hindi.

Hindi is the fourth most spoken language in the world after Mandarin, Spanish, and English.

• My First Hindi Book: Learn Colors, Counting, And Animals In Hindi
• My First Book of Hindi Words: An ABC Rhyming Book of Hindi Language and Indian Culture
• The Toddler’s Handbook
  

• A is for Anaar: My First Hindi Alphabet Book
• My First Hindi Words! (There are more in this series too!)
• Bindi Baby Animals (Hindi): A Beginner Language Book for Hindi Children (There a whole series of these books)

Diwali Books for Kids

One of the most popular festivals in India is Diwali. Here are a few of our favorite books about this festival of lights.

We’ve shared our favorite Diwali books for kids here in this article.

• Diwali (Celebrate the World)
• Binny’s Diwali
• Shubh Diwali!

Holi Books for Kids

Explore and learn about the festival of colors as Hindu families welcome spring.

These are our favorite Holi books for kids.

• Festival of Colors
• Celebrate Holi With Me! 
• Let’s Celebrate Holi! (Maya & Neel’s India Adventure Series)
• Amma Tell Me About Holi!

Books about Hindu Gods

As you explore more about India, you’ll discover that about 95% of the world’s Hindus live in India. Nearly 80% of India’s Population. Here are a few kid-friendly books about Hindu Gods and Hindu festivals.

• Hanuman and the Orange Sun
• Ganesh and the Little Mouse
• Padmini is Powerful

• My Divine Friends
• Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth
• Meet My Hindu Gods Cultural Kids Book

• My First Book Of Hindu Gods and Goddesses
• The Little Book of Hindu Deities: From the Goddess of Wealth to the Sacred Cow
• Classic Tales from India: How Ganesh Got His Elephant Head and Other Stories
• Elephant Prince: The Story of Ganesh

• Ganesha’s Great Race by Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes
• Ramayana for Kids by Rita Gandhi
• The Amma Tell Me Krishna Trilogy: Three Book Set by Bhakti Mathur

• My Little Book of Lakshmi by Penguin India
• My Little Book of Ganesha by Penguin India
• My Little Book of Durga by Penguin India

• My Little Book of Shiva by Penguin India
• My Little Book of Hanuman by Penguin India
• My Little Book of Krishna by Penguin India
• My Little Book of Gods and Goddesses Boxset

• Ten Heroes, The incarnations of Sri Vishnu by Chanel Enjoem
• Little Goloka by Chanel Enjoem
• Please Please Open Your Eyes by Chanel Enjoem

What are the best children’s books about India? 

The collection of choices of books about India has grown quite a bit over the years. This updated list highlights to top picks of children’s picture books all about India.

Which book about India will you read first?

Activities about India For Kids

This past month I had the chance to go into my daughter’s classroom and teach about India. This experience is something I highly recommend to anyone whose family background is from another country. It was so much fun to share with the students and also helps them to discover something special about each other. Here’s the printables we used about India.

As I talked about India with the students I also shared personal photos of our family visiting the sites and landmarks we were sharing in the book. It seemed to bring everything to life for the kids. I know many of them even went home to share with their families what they had learned. 

I also created an India Printable for them each time I visited so that they could share the new words and places they had learned about. Plus it’s a great way for parents to follow up at home.

Want more: Explore our Let’s Learn about India Series

Explore Indian Recipes, Landmarks, Clothing, Animals, Hindi, Music, Arts, Festivals!

This summer have fun exploring these ice cream books together for a tasty read! Take a moment to explore our top picks of summer books for kids.

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Ice Cream Books for Kids

There are so many delicious and colorful books about ice cream to enjoy with your child.

Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems

Curious About Ice Cream (Smithsonian) by Bonnie Bader

Ice Cream: The Full Scoop by Gail Gibbons

Curious George and the Ice Cream Surprise by H. A. Rey

The Little Ice Cream Truck by Margery Cuyler

Ice Cream Summer by Peter Sís

Francesco Tirelli’s Ice Cream Shop by Tamar Meir

The Ice Cream King by Steve Metzger

Vanilla Bean: A Story About Trying New Things by Katie Turner

Ten Scoops on Top! by Sarah R. Joseph

I Like You More Than Ice Cream by Brick Puffington

Is it Warm Enough for Ice Cream? by DK

Saffron Ice Cream by Rashin Kheiriyeh

The Sweetest Scoop: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Revolution by Lisa Robinson

Wemberly’s Ice-Cream Star by Kevin Henkes

Paletero Man/¡Que Paletero tan Cool!: Bilingual English-Spanish by Lucky Diaz

What Can You Do with a Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla

Melt Like Ice Cream by Sarah Selvaggi Hernandez & Tessa Newell

Gorilla Loves Vanilla by Chae Strathie

Groovy Joe Ice Cream & Dinosaurs by Eric Litwin

Izzy The Ice Cream Fairy by Tim Bugbird

I Scream Ice Cream! A Book of Wordles by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Alphabet Ice Cream by Sue Heap

The Sundae Scoop (MathStart 2) by Stuart J. Murphy

Scoop the Ice Cream Truck by Patricia Keeler

Just One More by Jennifer Hansen Rolli

Curious George Goes to an Ice Cream Shop by H. A. Rey & Margret Rey

Splat the Cat: I Scream for Ice Cream by Rob Scotton

The Scoop on Ice Cream!: Ready-to-Read Level 3 by Bonnie Williams

Ice Cream Soup (Step into Reading) by Ann Ingalls

Milk to Ice Cream (Rookie Read-About Science) by Lisa M. Herrington

From Milk to Ice Cream (Who Made My Lunch?) by Bridget Heos

From Milk to Ice Cream (Start to Finish, Second Series) by Stacy Taus-Bolstad

I’m really excited for you and your child to explore all of these books about ice together this summer. Looking for ways to expand this theme? Take this Ice Cream Kindness Challenge, a fun way to encourage sibling kindness.

To go with your adorable Ice Cream Books, we’d recommend making this delicious Gluten Free Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe.

Or you could taste this easy no churn Blueberry ice cream for an ice cream treat with your books.

You can also create this adorable Ice Cream Sensory Bin! Step into a world of imaginative play and sensory exploration as we combine a plastic bin with plastic ice cream cones, ice cream scoops and fun additions to create an irresistible sensory experience

You may also want to explore more themed books during your summer vacation. Here are my top picks for summer books for kids.

Here are a few Virtual Field Trips for kids about Ice Cream to explore after you’ve read your favorite ice cream books for kids.

What do children learn from making ice cream?

Practice problem-solving, estimation, measurement, and other math skills by making ice cream! Cooking activities are a great way to teach kids about how to use measurement tools and apply their math skills in the kitchen.

There are only 3-4 essential ingredients needed for making ice cream: milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. That being said, there are many other ingredients can be used to alter the flavor, texture, and consistency of your ice cream, but these four are the basics. Which makes it perfect to make with kids.

What is the science behind ice cream for kids?

Ice cream is an emulsion—a combination of two liquids that don’t normally mix together. Instead, one of the liquids is dispersed throughout the other. In ice cream, liquid particles of fat—called fat globules—are spread throughout a mixture of water, sugar, and ice, along with air bubbles.

Now that we’ve learn the science, get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this awesome Kool-Aid Ice Cream recipe.

Ice Cream Recipe Books for Your Family

Want to make your own ice cream? Try these ice cream recipe books packed full of delicious ideas for flavors of ice cream to make.

• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home by Jeni Britton Bauer
• Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book by Ben Cohen, Jerry Greenfield, Nancy Stevens
• Salt & Straw Ice Cream Cookbook by Tyler Malek & JJ Goode
• The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz
• The Homemade Ice Cream Recipe Book by Robin Donovan
• The Complete Cuisinart Homemade Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet, Gelato, Ice Cream Maker Book by Jessica Peters

There’s nothing quite like homemade vanilla ice cream. Rich, creamy and delicious, it’s an easy dessert and treat that’s worth the time and effort.

Ice Cream Makers

• Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Machine, 2-Qt.
• Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, 1.5 Quart
• Cuisinart ICE-100 1.5-Quart Ice Cream and Gelato Maker
• Hamilton Beach Electric Automatic Ice Cream Maker
• Ice Cream Maker Attachment for Kitchenaid Stand Mixer,2-Quart
• Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker & Candy Crusher, 2 Quarts

Read for summer reading? Download our Summer Reading Challenge…

You may also enjoy these ice cream activities with your child…

• Hosting an Ice Cream Math Playdate
• Ice Cream Totschool Ideas
• Ice Cream Virtual Field Trips for Kids
• Ice Cream Craft for Kids for End of School Year
• Making Ice Cream with Kids

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Shark Books for Kids of All Ages

Sharks are one of the most fascinating creatures in the ocean—and kids can’t get enough of them! Whether it’s their powerful jaws, sleek shapes, or amazing underwater superpowers, sharks capture the imagination of children of all ages.

If you have a shark-loving child at home, dive into this list of exciting shark books for kids! From fun facts to thrilling underwater adventures, these books are perfect for young readers who are curious about life under the sea.

Plus we’ve included Read Alouds of the books for you to explore!

You can use these to go along with our Shark Virtual Field Trips for Kids!

Fiction Books about Sharks

Fiction Books About Sharks are a fun way to spark imagination and encourage a love of reading! These stories often feature friendly, funny, or adventurous sharks that take young readers on exciting underwater journeys.

Whether it’s a silly shark at school, a brave shark hero, or a toothy creature with a big heart, these books blend humor and creativity to entertain while gently easing fears and building ocean curiosity.

You can find more great books in our Ocean Books for Kids Book List!

If Sharks Disappeared by Lily Williams (Read Aloud)

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating (Read Aloud)

How to Survive as a Shark by Kristen Foote

Oona and the Shark by Kelly DiPucchio (Read Aloud)

Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez (Read Aloud)

Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark by Heather Lang (Read Aloud)

Save the Sharks by Bethany Stahl (Read Aloud)

Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale (Read Aloud)

The Spectacular Lives of Sharks by Annabel Griffin

How to Spy on a Shark by Lori Haskins Houran (Read Aloud)

Surprising Sharks: Read and Wonder by Nicola Davies (Read Aloud)

Nugget and Fang: Friends Forever–or Snack Time? by Tammi Sauer (Read Aloud)

My First Book of Sharks: All About the Largest Fish in the Sea for Kids by Buzz Bishop

Hark! A Shark!: All About Sharks (Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library) by Bonnie Worth (Read Aloud)

Land Shark by Beth Ferry (Read Aloud)

Shark’s Big Surprise by A.H Benjamin (Read Aloud)

Misunderstood Shark: Friends Don’t Eat Friends by Ame Dyckman (Read Aloud)

Ripples Effect by Shawn Achor and Amy Blankson (Read Aloud)

Smart About Sharks by Owen Davey (Read Aloud)

How to Make a Shark Smile by Shawn Achor and Amy Blankson (Read Aloud)

Shawn Loves Sharks by Curtis Manley (Read Aloud)

Shark Nate-O by Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie (Read Aloud)

Sensational Sharks by Tim Flannery and Emma Flannery

Stella: The Shark Who Loves Treasure by Sarah Cullen and Carmen Ellis (Read Aloud)

What If We Had A Pet Shark? by Deanna Chesley (Read Aloud)

I Am the Shark by Joan Holub (Read Aloud)

A Unicorn, a Dinosaur, and a Shark Walk into a Book by Jonathan Fenske (Read Aloud)

Hammy Hammerhead’s (almost) Big Adventure! by Mike Crowder (Read Aloud)

Chompy the Shark: Short Stories and Jokes for Kids Ages 4-8 by Arnie Lightning

Shark in the Dark by Peter Bently (Read Aloud)

The Pout-Pout Fish and the Bully-Bully Shark by Deborah Diesen (Read Aloud)

Shark in the Dark by Nick Sharratt (Read Aloud)

Shark in the Park! by Nick Sharratt (Read Aloud)

Sharks Have Feelings Too by Stephen Bugbee

Walter the Whale Shark: and His Teeny Tiny Teeth by Katrine Crow (Read Aloud)

Shark Detective! by Jessica Olien (Read Aloud)

There Was an Old Mermaid Who Swallowed a Shark! by Lucille Colandro (Read Aloud)

What If You Could Sniff Like a Shark? by Sandra Markle (Read Aloud)

Sharkblock (An Abrams Block Book) by Christopher Franceschelli (Read Aloud)

The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark by Ken Geist (Read Aloud)

Everything Awesome About Sharks and Other Underwater Creatures by Mike Lowery (Read Aloud)

Why We Need Sharks by Logan Rash and Halle Rash

The Dolphin Dentist – No Sharks Allowed by Cheryl DaVeiga (Read Aloud)

Great White Shark by Claire Saxby (Read Aloud)

Sharks! Sharks! Sharks! by Susan Martineau

Clark the Shark: Afraid of the Dark by Bruce Hale (Read Aloud)

Gilbert The Great by Jane Clarke (Read Aloud)

There’s a Shark in the Bath by Sarah McIntyre (Read Aloud)

Sharkabet by Ray Troll

Shark-Mad Stanley Grouth by Andrew Griffin

Bedtime for Baby Shark: Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo by John John Bajet (Read Aloud)

Finny the Shark: School Friends! by Melissa Maxwell (Read Aloud)

Baby Shark: Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo by John John Bajet (Read Aloud)

Baby Shark! by Golden Books (Read Aloud)

My Little Golden Book About Sharks by Bonnie Bader (Read Aloud)

JAWS: Big Shark, Little Boat! A Book of Opposites by Geof Smith (Read Aloud)

Board Books About Sharks

Shark-themed board books are perfect for toddlers who love exploring the ocean world! With bright colors, simple words, and sturdy pages, these books introduce little ones to friendly sharks through fun pictures and easy-to-understand stories.

They’re great for early learning, helping build vocabulary and a love of reading while sparking curiosity about these amazing sea creatures.

That’s not my shark by Fiona Watt

Baby Shark – Finger Puppet Board Book by Little Hippo Books

Good Night Sharks by Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper

Hello, World! Kids’ Guides: Exploring Sharks by Jill McDonald

Don’t Tickle the Shark! by Sam Taplin

Pop-Up Peekaboo! Shark by DK

Priddy Explorers: Sharks: & Other Creatures of the Deep by Roger Priddy

How It Works: Shark by Molly Littleboy

Sharks (Usborne Lift-the-Flap Learners) by Phil Clarke

Sharks Teeth to Tail by Smithsonian Kids First Discovery Books

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Shark by Jeffrey Burton

Never Touch the Sharks! by Rosie Greening

Non-Fiction Books About Sharks

Non-fiction shark books are a great way to teach kids about these fascinating ocean predators! Packed with amazing facts, real-life photos, and fun illustrations, these books help children learn all about different shark species, their habitats, what they eat, and how they survive in the ocean.

Whether your child is a curious preschooler or an older reader hungry for shark knowledge, non-fiction shark books are perfect for inspiring a love of science and the natural world.

DK Eyewitness Books: Shark

Sharks by Gail Gibbon (Read Aloud)

The Ultimate Book of Sharks (National Geographic Kids) by Brian Skerry

1,000 Facts About Sharks by Sarah Wassner Flynn

Children’s Encyclopedia of Sharks by Claudia Martin

National Geographic Kids 5-Minute Shark Stories by National Geographic Kids

Sharks: What Do Great Whites, Hammerheads, and Whale Sharks Get Up To All Day?by Carlee Jackson and Neon Squid

Sharks: a Mighty Bite-Y History by Miriam Forster

So Cool! Sharks by Crispin Boyer

All About Sharks by Jim Arnosky (Read Aloud)

Easy Readers About Sharks

Beginner reader shark books are designed to help young kids build confidence as they start reading on their own. These books use simple sentences, clear vocabulary, and engaging shark stories or facts that capture kids’ interest.

Perfect for early elementary children, beginner reader shark books make learning about sharks exciting and accessible while supporting important reading skills.

Fly Guy Presents: Sharks (Scholastic Reader, Level 2)

The Magic School Bus and the Shark Adventure (Scholastic Reader, Level 2)

Sharks! (Penguin Young Readers, Level 3) by Ginjer L. Clarke

Clark the Shark: Too Many Treats (I Can Read Level 1) by Bruce Hale

Big Shark, Little Shark (Step into Reading)

Sharks! 100 FUN Facts About These Fin-tastic Fish by Stephanie Warren Drimmer

Wild Sea Creatures: Sharks, Whales and Dolphins! by Chris Kratt and Martin Kratt

Wild Sharks! (Wild Kratts) (Step into Reading) by Martin Kratt and Chris Kratt

Amazing Sharks! (I Can Read Level 2) by Sarah L. Thomson

Clark the Shark: Tooth Trouble (I Can Read Level 1) by Bruce Hale

National Geographic Readers: Sharks! (Science Reader Level 2)

Hungry, Hungry Sharks (Step-Into-Reading, Step 3) by Joanna Cole

DK Super Readers Level 2 Great White Sharks

Chapter Books About Sharks

The Great Shark Escape (The Magic School Bus Chapter Book, No. 7) by Jennifer Johnston

Shark Wars by EJ Altbacker

Shadow of the Shark (Magic Tree House Merlin Mission) by Mary Pope Osborne

The Shark Report #1 (Benny McGee and the Shark) by Derek Anderson

Deep-Sea Disaster (1) (Shark School) by Davy Ocean

Stink and the Shark Sleepover by Megan McDonald

I Survived: The Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis

Shark Activity Books for Kids

Shark Facts & Activity Book With Stickers For Kids 5-9

How to Draw Incredible Sharks and Other Ocean Giants: Packed with over 80 Creatures of the Sea

Scratch & Sketch Sharks (Trace Along) by Peter Pauper Press

Shop for Shark Books on Amazon

Ready to dive into the world of sharks?

Explore our carefully curated list of the best shark books for kids—perfect for every age and reading level! From adorable board books for toddlers to exciting chapter books for young readers, this collection has it all.

Discover fun stories, fascinating facts, and colorful illustrations that will spark your child’s curiosity and love for the ocean. Whether for storytime, learning, or gift-giving, these shark books are sure to make a splash! Start building your child’s shark library today—just click to shop the best titles on Amazon!

Learning about sharks is important for kids because it helps them understand the vital role these creatures play in our oceans. Sharks are top predators, which means they help keep the ocean’s ecosystem in balance by controlling the population of other marine animals.

By reading about sharks, children can overcome common fears, develop respect for wildlife, and build a strong foundation for ocean conservation.

Plus, exploring the world of sharks encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for science and nature!

You may also enjoy these activities with your child…

Shark Themed Activities for Kids

This week is the perfect time to get together with a few friends and do a shark themed playdate!  I’ve put together a list of 20+ Shark themed ideas what each of your friends can choose from to bring to the playdate. Or you can do them at home with your little one, whichever works best for you.

I’ve placed an * by the photos that are featured above in the image for easy reference.

• Feed the Shark Alphabet Game by Toddler Approved *
• Newspaper Shark Craft by IHeartCrafty Things
• Shark Virtual Field Trip for Kids
• Finding Shark Teeth with Kids
• Shark Corner Book Marker by Hey Let’s Make Stuff *
• Shark Coffee Filter Suncatcher by A Little Pinch of Perfect
• Shark Cootie Catcher by Easy Peasy Fun
• Shark Sun Catcher by Buggy and Buddy *
• LEGO Sharks by Little Bins for Little Hands *
• Printable Shark Memory Game by Natural Beach Living
• Shark Black Glue Art by Red Ted Art *
• Shark Water Bead Sensory Bin by 3 Dinosaurs *
• Shark Sensory Bottle by Stir the Wonder
• Feed the Shark Counting Game by Rainy Day Mum
• Shark Name Match Game by Toddler Approved
• Facts About Sharks by 3 Boys and a Dog
• Shark Coding Game for Kids by Life with Moore Babies
• STEM Shark Activity: How Do Sharks Float by JDaniel4’s Mom *
• Easy Cardboard Shark Costume by Hello Wonderful
• Shark Themed Printable Unit by 3 Dinosaurs
• Free Shark Easy Reader by 3 Dinosaurs
• Montessori Inspired Shark Activities & Printables by Living Montessori Now
• Shark Fin Jello Cups by Oh My Creative *
• Shark Themed Lollipops by Natural Beach Living *

HOW DID IT GO? Let me know which activity you did for Shark Week with your child in the comments below!

Do you have a shark lover in your life? The funny jokes about sharks here are sure to be a hit!

We recently had the chance to observe some staff members cleaning the shark tank, such a unique experience. Click here to see more photos of our Aquarium Trip!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links where I earn a small commission from your purchase. 

Start off your Shark Week fun with these 12 Shark Toy Animals!

Are you ready to learn how to create art with sharks for Shark Week?  I’m excited to share with you this special art program that will be perfect for your summer art fun with your child.

Sharks Video Art Lessons

What is included in the Sharks Video Art Lessons from ChalkPastels.com?

• 10 Sharks Video Art Lessons
• 20 step-by-step written art tutorials – in two Shark ebook volumes
• Step-by-step instructions
• Techniques encourage both new artists and challenge more advanced ones
• Independent learning for older students
• FAQs
• Glossary of art techniques
• Option to join You ARE an Artist Facebook group for sharing art work and asking questions.

Try a Free Sharks Video Art Lesson

Chalk Pastels has introduced their new Shark Video Art Lessons!

What is included in the Sharks Video Art Lessons?

• 10 Sharks Video Art Lessons including…
  • Great White Shark Smiling
  • Hammerhead
  • Zebra Shark
  • Night Shark
  • Black Tip Reef Shark
  • Flying Sharks
  • Shark Fin
  • School of Sharks
  • Nurse Shark
  • Megaladon
• Two Shark ebook volumes with 20 step-by-step written art tutorials!

Explore additional options from the You Are An Artist Lessons or ebooks

Shark Week Art Tutorials for Kids

Learning how to draw a shark can be challenging for kids but so rewarding once they figure it out. Here are a few tutorials of sharks using various techniques including a few shark chalk pastel tutorials, shark watercolor tutorials, and just drawing them.

A few of them feature Chalk Pastels too so you can get an idea of what the art lessons are like.

Which shark art tutorial was the easiest for your child to follow along and make their own shark? Jump over to our facebook page an be sure to share a photo with us of your shark art project!

Now it’s time for some of our favorite picture books about sharks!

Shark Books for Kids

Finding good books about sharks that don’t all look the same can be challenging in your library or book store.  I’ve found a few new shark picture books that I think are a great addition to your Shark week reading. 

I’ve listed them below with links to Amazon for easy purchase.  There’s so much to learn about sharks and the important role they play in the ocean’s ecosystem.

• Hark! A Shark!: All About Sharks (Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library)
• Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist
• Surprising Sharks: Read and Wonder
• If Sharks Disappeared

• Big Shark, Little Shark (Step into Reading)
• How to Survive as a Shark
• Clark the Shark
• Sharks

• The Magic School Bus and the Shark Adventure (Scholastic Reader, Level 2)
• DK Eyewitness Books: Shark
• How to Draw Incredible Sharks and Other Ocean Giants: Packed with over 80 Creatures of the Sea
• How to Spy on a Shark
• National Geographic Readers: Sharks! (Science Reader Level 2)
• Ultimate Sticker Book: Sharks: More Than 250 Reusable Stickers

Discover the best shark books for kids of all ages! This list includes fun fiction and fascinating non-fiction titles—perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school kids who love ocean adventures.

Shark Videos for Kids

I’ve previewed these videos so that they are approved for younger ages to watch.  Watch on your desktop or phone together and talk about what they see and learn from the videos about sharks. It’s a great time to talk about some of the misconceptions that we have about them. Sharks have been around for over hundreds of millions of years.

There are over 400 types of sharks of them, from the 8-inch-long dwarf lantern shark to the 40-foot-long whale shark. Sharks are efficient predators with a highly developed sense of smell, hearing and sight. But there are some types of sharks that can go up to a year before their next meal depending on where they live in the ocean.

If you’re looking for more shark videos, take a look at our Shark Virtual Field Trip for Kids!

Dive into our exciting shark virtual field trips that let kids explore the underwater world and watch these incredible creatures up close, sparking curiosity and respect for the ocean’s most fascinating predators.

Hope you have fun exploring our oceans and learning about sharks with your child.

Here’s a peek at our recent visit to an aquarium in Arizona what is your closest aquarium to visit and enjoy these unique animals?

As a mom, I love that my kids feel like Jack and Annie are their friends.  I’ve also read the books along with my kids, and can attest that the books deal with some difficult topics at very age appropriate levels.  They have adventure and magic, without the scare.

About the Magic Tree House Chapter Book Series

The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne is a bestselling middle-grade series for young children. The pace, action, and the characters in the book series are all perfectly suited together, ensuring that you are not only able to grab the child’s interest but that you maintain his or her interest throughout the story.

Because they are so popular, most of the books are available in the public libraries. We decided to purchase the entire set all together many years ago – because they are that good – and we have read and re-read the entire collection several times. 

• Age Range: most books are 6-9 years old, towards the end of the series 7-10 years old.
• Recommended Grade Level: 1^st – 4^th Grade, 2^nd -5^th
• Lexile Measures: around 310L. Click on the name of the book below to see the exact Lexile Measure.
• Around 70 pages
• Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
• Price Range $2.97-$15.  Soft cover chapter books in sets are the best value.  Hardcover and books on CD are more expensive than the paperback books.

The books in this article are affiliate linked to Amazon, but you may be able to find them for a discount through Scholastic, used books stores, and even library book sales. Click on the links to read customer reviews and more details about each book.

We have found some of the books at garage sales too! (If they are doubles of what we own, I purchase them and donate them to our local teachers!)

Magic Tree House Chapter Book Series Main Characters

The Magic Tree House chapter books by Mary Pope Osborne revolve around the two main characters, siblings Annie (age 7) and Jack (age 8). In the series, the siblings discover a tree house located in the woods near their home.

The tree house can transport the siblings to different historical periods and places. Beginning with book 29, Jack and Annie receive quests from the ancient wizard Merlin the Magician.

Magic Tree House Chapter Book Series Settings

In the series, the characters get sent to various locations around the World for the purpose of achieving a particular goal, which often involves rescuing an important historical figure or document. The series currently has a total of 51 books. Each volume will often follow an arc that begins and ends in the treehouse. Each story is full of suspense, guaranteeing that the young ones will at one point find themselves in a precarious position, even though things always turn out well in the end.

Meet the author of the Magic Tree House Chapter Book Series – Mary Pope Osborne.  (She raves about the importance of going outside, in your community and spending time with family and friends – going on your own adventures)

Want to Know More About the Magic Tree House Chapter Book Series?

The writing in the Magic Tree House Chapter Books is simple to read for young readers, but not babyish, and has great pacing. Historical facts and events are interwoven into the fiction story line. There is a non-fiction Magic Tree House Chapter Book series that accompany some of the stories.  We have found these books informative in nature and a little bit harder to read.

As the series progresses, you will notice that the language changes from simple, to a bit more sophisticated. They start to get harder with the Merlin Mysteries, book 29 and later. With the change in language, you will also see that the plot changes to incorporate more fun, making it ideal for older readers who may be interested in this kind of stories too. One thing that does not change is the level of scariness incorporated throughout the series.

I personally feel like the books deal with tough topics such as war in very age appropriate ways. If you ever feel that a topic may be more advanced than your child is ready for – read the book prior to them reading it. We found that discussing the books we both had the chance to read not only showed our children that reading was important, but also gave us the opportunity to discuss some topics that would not normally come up in dinner table conversations.

Any parent who has school going children between the ages of five and eight years will find that the series makes for a great evening read. While the series is ideal for first and second-grade children, they can also be read to advanced kindergartners. We purchased the set of books 1-41 for my daughter when she was 4 years old and read them out loud to her one chapter at a time. 

At the end of each chapter we would predict what we thought would happen next. At the beginning of each new day, we would take turns summarizing previous events in the story.

She then read them all within a few month span of time when her reading took off in kindergarten and again in grade 3, because she “couldn’t remember” every story and they were worth her time to re-read.

Not into the Magic Tree House? Try these chapter books for kids who don’t like to read.

Note: The Magic Tree House Series later books are also referred to as Merlin Missions.

Magic Tree House Chapter Book Series and Activity List

Here is a list of books 1-53 with an easy related activity parents or teachers could do with their child after reading the book to further extend learning.

For free lesson plans connected with each book, visit Mary Pope Osborne’s Classroom Adventures Program. On this site, visitors click on the icon of the book they are looking for lesson plans for.  If you are a teacher and have created a lesson plan to accompany one of the chapter books, you can submit your idea to be featured here as well.

From painting a scene from the book to creating a timeline of important events, here are a list of the books and an easy activity you can do before, during, or after reading the book. Amazon Affiliate Links to Books

Many of the Magic Tree House Series come in both print and audiobook editions. The library audio book versions are narrated by the author, Mary Pope Osborne.

#1: Dinosaurs Before Dark – Make a dinosaur diorama

#2: The Knight at Dawn –  Dress up as a knight (directions to make your own shield here) and play pretend.

#3: Mummies in the Morning – Visit a museum (We went to the Science Museum of Minnesota They have a mummy on exhibit.)

#4: Pirates Past Noon – Write your own treasure map.

#5: Night of the Ninjas – Take a trial martial arts class at a local studio.

#6: Afternoon on the Amazon – Draw a picture of the Amazon.

#7: Sunset of the Sabertooth – Write a story that takes place at the time of cave people and woolly mammoths.

#8: Midnight on the Moon – Bake moon bread.  Directions to make it here.  FACT TRACKER: Space

#9: Dolphins at Daybreak – Visit the ocean. Look for dolphins.  FACT TRACKER: Dolphins and Sharks

#10: Ghost Town at Sundown – Research online what clothing looked like in the past.

#11: Lions at Lunchtime – Watch an educational video about African animals.

#12: Polar Bears Past Bedtime –Make a small world play space with ice and polar animals. FACT TRACKER Polar Bears and the Arctic

#13: Vacation Under the Volcano – Find Rome on a map of the world. FACT TRACKER Ancient Rome and Pompeii

#14: Day of the Dragon King – Make a paper dragon with crayons and water color paint. FACT TRACKER China: Land of the Emperors Great Wall

#15: Viking Ships at Sunrise – Find Ireland on a map or globe. FACT TRACKER Vikings

#16: Hour of the Olympics – Write a comparison essay. How are the Olympics similar today and in ancient times? FACT TRACKER Ancient Greece and the Olympics

#17: Tonight on the Titanic –  Check out a book from your local library about the Titanic. FACT TRACKER Titanic

#18: Buffalo Before Breakfast Make a list of plants and animals found on the Great Plains.

#19: Tigers at Twilight Crayon and water color paint a water color resist scene of the forest in India.

#20: Dingoes at Dinnertime Pick two animals from the story and compare them.

#21: Civil War on Sunday Create a timeline of important dates in USA history.

#22: Revolutionary War on Wednesday Write a list comparing life during the revolutionary war to life today. FACT TRACKER American Revolution

#23: Twister on Tuesday Discuss your family emergency plan in the event of bad weather. FACT TRACKER Twisters and Other Terrible Storms

#24: Earthquake in the Early Morning – Research and find out where and why earthquakes occur.

#25: Stage Fright on a Summer Night Write, practice, and perform a short play for your family.

#26: Good Morning, Gorillas – Write a short story with a gorilla as the main character.

#27: Thanksgiving on Thursday – Cook a Thanksgiving feast (no matter what time of the year it is!) FACT TRACKER Pilgrims.

#28: High Tide in Hawaii – Cut a surfboard shape out of tag board and decorate it. FACT TRACKER Tsunamis and other Natural Disasters.

#29: Christmas in Camelot Use a compass and make up a direction game to “save” one of your toys.

#30: Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve * Cut a sponge and dip in grey paint. Sponge paint a castle.

#31: Summer of the Sea Serpent Make up a riddle of your own.

#32: Winter of the Ice Wizard Create a 3-D ice castle using ice cubes and salt.

#33: Carnival at Candlelight Make a lantern using a mason jar, wax paper, permanent marker and battery operated tea light.

#34: Season of the Sandstorms *Color on sandpaper.  Can you make a camel?

#35: Night of the New Magicians Chalk a giant Eiffel Tower on your sidewalk or driveway.

#36: Blizzard of the Blue Moon Print a picture of you on a pieces of paper.  Use a q-tip to stamp a ton of snowflakes on the picture to make it look like a blizzard.

#37: Dragon of the Red Dawn Order or make your own sushi! Here’s how we set our DIY sushi station at home.

#38: Monday with a Mad Genius Design and build a simple machine.

#39: Dark Day in the Deep Sea Visit an aquarium or pet store with fish.  Read more information about each. FACT TRACKER Sea Monsters

#40: Eve of the Emperor Penguin  Make a set of penguin math counters using lids. Act out penguin word problems. Step by Step directions on how to make them here. FACT TRACKER Penguins and Antartica

#41: Moonlight on the Magic Flute Listen to one of Mozart’s masterpieces.

#42: A Good Night for Ghosts. Tell a ghost story FACT TRACKER Ghosts

#43 Leprechaun in late winter Design and build your own leprechaun trap. FACT TRACKER  Leprechauns and Irish Folklore

#44 A ghost tale for Christmas time. Do something nice for others.

#45 A Crazy Day with Cobras Hide & Seek with plastic snakes.

#46 Dogs in the Dead of Night  Write about your favorite scene of the book. FACT TRACKER Dog Heroes

#47 Abe Lincoln at Last! Find and count the $ with Lincoln on it in your house.  FACT TRACKER Abraham Lincoln

#48 A Perfect Time for Pandas Visit an arboretum and find bamboo FACT TRACKER Pandas and Other Endangered Species

#49 Stallion by Starlight Read 2 more books about horses. Compare and contrast.

#50 Hurry Up! Houdini Learn and perform a magic trick.

#51 High Time for Heroes

#52 Soccer on Sunday  Grab your soccer ball and head outside for a quick game. Work on passing the ball.

#53 Shadow of a Shark – Sculpt a shark out of play dough or clay. Don’t forget the dorsal fin.

#54 Balto of Blue Dawn Find and watch a short video clip on dogsledding.  We liked this one What Your Kids Can Learn From Sled Dogs on YouTube. It’s 3 minutes long. Preview your videos first. Some I watched on YouTube about dogsledding contained profanity. FACT TRACKER Dogsledding

54 fun and easy activities for the Magic Tree House Books!

See all the Magic Tree House Series on Amazon here.

Camping Books for Kids

Camping is the perfect way to spark a love for nature, adventure, and family fun—and what better way to get kids excited about the great outdoors than through books! Whether you’re planning a real camping trip or just want to bring the magic of the wilderness indoors, these camping-themed books for kids are packed with stories about tents, s’mores, wildlife, and outdoor exploration.

From picture books for little ones to early reader books for budding readers, this collection is sure to inspire imaginations and encourage a deeper appreciation for nature.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Here’s my top picks of camping books for kids to read.

Llama Llama Loves Camping by Anna Dewdney

The Camping Trip by Jennifer K. Mann

Curious George Goes Camping by H. A. Rey & Margret Rey

A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen

S Is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet by Helen Foster James

Froggy Goes to Camp by Jonathan London

Love You S’more by Melinda Lee Rathjen

Good Night Campsite by Adam Gamble & Mark Jasper

A Campfire Tail by Sarah Glenn Marsh

C Is for Camping by Greg Paprocki

When We Go Camping by Margriet Ruurs

Scaredy Squirrel Goes Camping by Melanie Watt

Our Great Big Backyard by Laura Bush and Jenna Bush Hager

Ruby’s Sleepover by Kathryn White

The Three Little Pigs Go Camping by Tony Bradman

Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping by Peggy Parish

Biscuit Goes Camping by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Pete the Cat Goes Camping by James Dean & Kimberly Dean

Camping with the President by Ginger Wadsworth

Hello, World! Let’s Go Camping by Jill McDonald

Nana the Great Goes Camping by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Just Me and My Dad (Little Critter) by Mercer Mayer

Maisy Goes Camping by Lucy Cousins

Brave Little Camper by Carmen Crowe

You’re Always Enough by Emily Ley

Mrs. Peanuckle’s Hiking Alphabet by Mrs. Peanuckle

The Hike by Alison Farrell

Hike It: An Introduction to Camping, Hiking, and Backpacking through the U.S.A. by Iron Tazz

Camping with Unicorns by Dana Simpson

Camp Time in California (Magic Tree House) by Mary Pope Osborne

Daniel Goes Camping! by May Nakamura and Jason Fruchter

Flat Stanley Goes Camping by Jeff Brown and Lori Haskins Houran

Humphrey’s Creepy-Crawly Camping Adventure by Betty G. Birney

Bailey Goes Camping by Kevin Henkes

Let’s go on a hike! by Katrina Liu

Hiking Day by Anne Rockwell

Explorers of the Wild by Cale Atkinson

P.J. Funnybunny Camps Out By Marilyn Sadler

Ladybug Girl and Bingo by Jacky Davis

Fatima’s Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq

Whether you’re heading into the woods for a family camping trip or creating a cozy campsite right in your living room, these fun camping books for kids are the perfect way to fuel imaginations and spark a love for the outdoors.

From silly campfire tales to stories of nature and friendship, there’s something for every young reader to enjoy. So grab a flashlight, curl up with a good book, and let the camping adventures begin—no bug spray required!

Camping Activities for Book Extensions

Going camping this summer? Add an outdoor escape room game to your outdoor adventure.

This free printable i spy outdoor adventure find and color activity is full of campfires and tents, trees and flowers, and all kinds of outdoor adventures!

Say and count syllables in this self-checking camping theme-muffin tin syllable counting game.

Don’t forget to explore one of our Camping Virtual Field Trips!

You can explore our book list of the best summer books for kids here.

You may also enjoy these activities with your child…

Let’s dive into the ocean with these colorful books!

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ocean Books for Kids

As a mom and teacher here I’m sharing with you my favorite ocean themed books to read with your child. I’ve classified the books into various ocean animals like fish, whales, sharks, and more to easily find what your child is interested in at this moment.

You can use our Table of Content for quick book browsing.

Each of the ocean book categories also has ocean themed activities to go with the books as well. Perfect for book extension or a book club activity. You could even host an ocean playdate!

Start your journey to the ocean with a few Ocean Virtual Field Trips!

A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea by Jessica Law

Commotion in the Ocean by Giles Andreae

Deep in the Ocean by Lucie Brunellière

A Dive into the Deep by Tessa Pfeifer

Hello, World! Ocean Life by Jill McDonald

Over and Under the Waves by Kate Messner

The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor by Joanna Cole

Where Do Ocean Creatures Sleep at Night? by Steven J. Simmons

Ocean Themed Activities for Kids:

• Beach Themed Muffin Tin Syllable Game
• Sight Word Game with Sand and Seashells
• 38 Ocean Themed Activities for Kids
• Virtual Field Trip to the Ocean
• 10 Ocean Activities for Summer Fun
• Host an Ocean Themed Playdate
• Under the Sea Paper Plate Craft
• Ocean Sand Art Project
• Ocean Animal Coffee Filter Craft
• Visit your Local Aquarium

Crab Books

A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle

The Brave Little Crab by Beth Costanzo

You’re a Crab!: A Moody Day Book by Jenny Whitehead

Crab Activities:

• Watercolor House for Hermit Crab Puppets
• Paper Plate Crab Craft
• Handprint Hermit Crab

Coral Reef Books

On Kiki’s Reef by Carol Malnor

Coral Reefs by Gail Gibbons

The World of Coral Reefs by Erin Spencer

Corel Reef Activities

• Coral Reef Activities for Preschool
• Coral Reef Art Project
• Coral Reef Printmaking Project
• Light Up Reef Craft

Fish Books

Swimmy by Leo Lionni

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

Only One You by Linda Kranz

Fish Everywhere by Britta Teckentrup

Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On by Lois Ehlert

The Secret Life of Fish: The Astonishing Truth about our Aquatic Cousins by Doug Mackay-Hope

Fish Activities:

• Fish Art and Science Craft Idea
• Swimming Fish Letter Game
• Paper Plate Fish Craft
• Fish Themed Sight Word Game

Octopus Books

Inky the Octopus by Erin Guendelsberger

The Octopus Escapes by Maile Meloy

Octopus Escapes Again! by Laurie Ellen Angus

Octopus Opposites by Stella Blackstone

Octopus Activities:

• Fine Motor Octopus Craft
• Cardboard Bubble Wrap Octopus Craft
• Easy Paper Octopus Craft
• Octopus “O” Craft
• Paper Plate Octopus Craft

Shark Books

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating

Save the Sharks by Bethany Stahl

Sharks by Gail Gibbons

Want more? Explore our large collection of Shark Books for Kids!

Shark Activities:

• Shark Activities for Kids
• Crayon Resist Whale Shark Art Project
• Finding Shark Teeth with Kids

Seashell Books

What Lives in a Shell? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld

Seashells: More Than a Home by Melissa Stewart

It’s a Seashell Day by Dianne Ochiltree

The Beachcomber’s Companion by Anna Marlis Burgard

A Shell Is Cozy by Dianna Hutts Aston

The Mother’s Day Shell by Amelia Grantham

Seashell Activities:

• Watercolor Seashell Craft
• Alphabet Seashell Game
• Sight Word Seashell Game
• Rainbow Seashell Art Project
• Storytelling Seashells
• Shell Necklace Craft

Ocean Sea Life Books for Kids

Seashells, Crabs and Sea Stars: Take-Along Guide by Christiane Kump Tibbitts

Spencer and Vincent, the Jellyfish Brothers by Tony Johnston

Think of an Eel: Read and Wonder by Karen Wallace

Artie the Pufferfish: A book about a fish’s creative journey by Diana Mulder

A Dolphin’s Wish: How YOU Can Help Make a Difference and Save Our Oceans by Trevor McCurdie

Save the Ocean (Save the Earth) by Bethany Stahl

Ocean Animal Activities:

• Paper Chalk Art Jellyfish Craft
• Suncatcher Jellyfish Craft
• Bouncy Ball Stamped Pufferfish Kids Craft

Sea Otter Books

Good Night, Little Sea Otter by Janet Halfmann

If You Take Away the Otter by Susannah Buhrman-Deever

Together (Emma Dodd’s Love You Books) by Emma Dodd

Sea Otter Activities:

• Paper Bag Sea Otter Craft
• Sea Otter Lunch Bag Puppet
• Sea Otter Paper Plate Craft

Seahorse Books

Sully the Seahorse: A book about self-esteem and resilience by Natalie Pritchard

Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle

Amazing Red Seahorses: Facts For Kids by Aaliyah Aaberg

SeaHorse: Fun Facts on Water Animals for Kids by Michelle Hawkins

Seahorse Activities:

• Seahorse Craft for Kids with Lacing Practice
• Watercolor Seahorse Craft
• Seahorse Art Project
• Watercolor Stencil Seahorse Art Project

Sea Turtle Books

One Tiny Turtle by Nicola Davies

Follow the Moon Home by Philippe Cousteau

Sea Turtles by Gail Gibbons

Little Turtle and the Changing Sea by Becky Davies

Poky, the Turtle Patrol by Diana Kanan

June Moon by Kathleen Souza

Into the Sea by Brenda Z. Guiberson

Sea Turtle Journey – a Smithsonian Oceanic Collection by Lorraine A. Jay

Sea Turtle Activities:

• Sea Turtle Life Cycle Flextangles
• Oil Pastels Sea Turtle Art Project
• Bubble Wrap Design Sea Turtle Craft for Kids
• Sea Turle Bookmark Corner
• DIY Sea Turtle Stamp Art Project
• Sea Turtle Sun Catcher

Whale Books

Whales by Gail Gibbons

The Heart of a Whale by Anna Pignataro

If I Were a Whale by Shelley Gill

The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson

Rory: An Orca’s Quest For The Northern Lights by Sarah Cullen & Carmen Ellis

Breathe by Scott Magoon

The World of Whales: Get to Know the Giants of the Ocean by Darcy Dobell

Baby Beluga by Raffi

The Blue Whale by Jenni Desmond

I’m a Narwhal (Little Golden Book) by Mallory Loehr

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton

The Lost Narwhal by Tori McGee

Whale Activities for Kids

• Egg Carton Whale Craft
• Popsicle Sticks Whale Craft
• Watercolor Whale Craft
• Easy Origami Whale
• Whale Paper Craft

Non-Fiction Ocean Books

Marine Biologists on a Dive (Kid Scientist) by Sue Fliess

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts! by Bethanie & Josh Hestermann

Ultimate Oceanpedia by Christina Wilsdon

Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series) by Yuval Zommer

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne

The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World’s Coral Reefs by Kate Messner

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea by Julia Rothman

Look Inside Seas and Oceans by Megan Cullis

Secrets Of The Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist by Evan Griffith

Explore Earth’s Five Oceans by Bobbie Kalma

The Ultimate Collection of Ocean Themed Books and Activities for Kids

There are so many great books about the ocean for kids, many are recently published. Which one on this list are you planning to read first with your child?

Did I miss your favorite ocean book? Please tell me in the comments below which is your favorite!

For more book themed fun with your child, be sure to sign up for our free Virtual Book Club for Kids.

You may also enjoy these ocean themed activities for your child…

Explore these popular Ocean Virtual Field Trips for Kids

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

June Books for Kids

Summer is here, and with it comes endless sunshine, sticky popsicles, and just the right amount of wiggle room in the daily routine to dive into a good book. As a mom and former Kindergarten teacher, I know how important it is to keep little minds active during the break—without making it feel like schoolwork.

That’s why I’ve hand-picked a special collection of June books that are perfect for your child’s summer days. Whether you’re reading together on a shady porch swing or your child is flipping pages solo in a cozy corner, these stories are sure to make summer fun, meaningful, and packed full of imagination.

Summer Themed Books

My Awesome Summer by P. Mantis by Paul Meisel
Told from the hilarious point of view of a praying mantis, this book is both laugh-out-loud funny and sneakily educational. Kids will love the comic-style illustrations while learning about the insect’s life cycle.
Perfect for: Budding bug lovers and curious readers who enjoy a unique perspective.

And Then Comes Summer by Tom Brenner
This lyrical ode to summer captures all the joyful anticipation of the season—ice cream trucks, flip-flops, lemonade stands, and late sunsets.
Perfect for: Sparking sensory memories and setting the mood for a carefree summer day.

The Night Before Summer Vacation by Natasha Wing
Inspired by The Night Before Christmas, this fun rhyming story captures the chaos, excitement, and anticipation of getting ready for a family trip.
Perfect for: Families heading out on vacation who want a relatable and silly pre-trip read.

Summer Is for Cousins by Rajani LaRocca
A heartfelt story about a big Indian American family gathering at the lake, this tale celebrates the joys of cousins, outdoor play, and shared memories.
Perfect for: Kids who treasure family time and summertime reunions.

Summer Vacation, Here I Come! by D.J. Steinberg
With rhymes full of humor and heart, this book captures classic summer moments—from ice cream to camping—in short, accessible poems.
Perfect for: Young readers who like quick, punchy stories and lots of seasonal laughs.

Mouse’s First Summer by Lauren Thompson
Simple text and gentle illustrations follow Mouse and Minka as they explore a summer picnic. It’s a sweet introduction to summer activities for younger readers.
Perfect for: Preschoolers and early readers easing into seasonal reading.

The Best Summer Books for Kids

ACTIVITY IDEAS: Summer Activity Bundle for Kids!

Father’s Day Books

How to Catch a Daddysaurus by Alice Walstead
This heartwarming rhyming book celebrates the bond between daughters and their dads, highlighting everyday moments of love and care.
Perfect for: A Father’s Day read-aloud that affirms the special relationship between girls and their dads.

Girl Dad by Sean Williams
A joyful celebration of the bond between fathers and daughters, Girl Dad highlights playful adventures and loving moments shared between them. With vibrant illustrations and rhythmic text, it’s the perfect read for dads and their little girls.
Perfect for: Father’s Day or anytime dads want to celebrate their special relationship with their daughters.

My Dad Is Amazing! by Sabrina Moyle
Bold, bright, and bursting with energy, this book from the creators of Hello!Lucky! is a celebration of all the amazing things dads do.
Perfect for: Giggles, hugs, and reading with a superdad.

Dad by My Side by Soosh
This sweet, tender book shows a father’s love through dreamy illustrations and minimal text—an ideal bedtime story.
Perfect for: Dads who love to cuddle up for storytime with their little ones.

Made for Me by Zack Bush
This tender, rhyming story captures the awe and love a father feels for his child from the moment they’re born. It’s soft, sweet, and deeply heartfelt.
Perfect for: Bedtime snuggles and reminding kids just how much they’re loved.

My Dad Loves Me! by Marianne Richmond
A charming celebration of the many ways dads show love, from playing and exploring to comforting and guiding.
Perfect for: Sharing a moment of appreciation with the awesome dad in your child’s life.

ACTIVITY IDEA: Easy Father’s Day Craft

Swimming Books for Kids

Curious George Goes Swimming by H. A. Rey
George’s curiosity gets the best of him as he heads to the pool and stirs up mischief in the most charming way.
Perfect for: Young swimmers building confidence or prepping for their own splashy adventures.

Dino-Swimming by Lisa Wheeler
Dinosaurs in swim class? Yes, please! This rhyming romp blends humor and water safety in a way kids adore.
Perfect for: Dino fans who need a nudge to enjoy the pool.

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari wants to be brave, but that diving board is really high. A touching story about overcoming fear and trying something new.
Perfect for: Kids facing new challenges and learning to take the leap.

Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Make Waves by Lauren H. Kerstein
Rosie the dragon and her boy Charlie head to the pool—and things don’t quite go as planned. Silly, sweet, and full of friendship.
Perfect for: Imaginative kids and those learning the value of patience and teamwork.

1, 2, 3, Jump! by Lisl H. Detlefsen
This cheerful picture book introduces swim lessons step-by-step, showing the fun (and the nerves) of the first splash.
Perfect for: Little ones gearing up for swim lessons or who are new to the water.

Cannonball by Sacha Cotter
With bright illustrations and a unique voice, this joyful book is all about finding your style and making a splash—your way.
Perfect for: Free spirits who love being themselves and making bold moves.

The Best Collection of Water Books for Kids

ACTIVITY IDEAS: Water Activities for Summer Fun with Kids!

Ocean Books for Kids

Over and Under the Waves by Kate Messner
A beautifully written and illustrated look at life above and below the ocean surface, blending storytelling and science.
Perfect for: Nature lovers and beachcombers curious about ocean ecosystems.

Commotion in the Ocean by Giles Andreae
Playful rhymes and silly sea creatures make this a perennial favorite for storytime fun.
Perfect for: Wiggly listeners and ocean-animal enthusiasts.

Ocean! Waves for All by Stacy McAnulty
Narrated by the ocean itself, this clever book is packed with fun facts and personality.
Perfect for: Kids who like their nonfiction with a splash of sass.

Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry
A salty old sea captain and a spirited little girl become unlikely friends in this touching tale.
Perfect for: Fans of heartwarming stories with subtle humor and a strong setting.

A House for Hermit Crab by Eric Carle
With Carle’s signature collage art, this story follows a hermit crab as he grows and decorates his new shell.
Perfect for: Preschoolers learning about growth, change, and creativity.

Shark Lady by Jess Keating
The inspiring true story of Eugenie Clark, a fearless female scientist who loved sharks and changed how the world sees them.
Perfect for: Aspiring marine biologists and kids who love powerful role models.

Take a moment now to explore more of our favorite Ocean Books for Kids!

ACTIVITY IDEAS: 30+ Ocean Activities for Kids

Juneteenth Books for Kids

The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating the End of Slavery in the United States by Alliah L. Agostini
A thoughtful, age-appropriate introduction to Juneteenth, complete with vibrant illustrations and clear explanations.
Perfect for: Families looking to celebrate and honor this important day in American history.

The History of Juneteenth by Arlisha Norwood PhD
Part of the “History of” series, this engaging nonfiction book explores the origins and significance of Juneteenth.
Perfect for: Curious kids ready to dive deeper into the historical context of the holiday.

Juneteenth: A Children’s Story by Opal Lee
Written by the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” herself, this book tells the story through the eyes of children and connects past to present.
Perfect for: Teaching kids how one person (even a child!) can help create change.

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson
Told from a child’s perspective, this poetic and beautifully illustrated story captures the emotion and significance of emancipation day.
Perfect for: Sharing history through the power of storytelling and beautiful prose.

Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper
Mazie learns about the struggles and triumphs of her ancestors as she prepares to celebrate Juneteenth with her family.
Perfect for: Younger readers learning about family history, freedom, and celebration.

Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan
A powerful tribute to Opal Lee’s activism, this book celebrates courage, perseverance, and the ongoing fight for justice.
Perfect for: Inspiring kids to dream big and stand up for what’s right.

ACTIVITY IDEAS: 4 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth with Kids

Final Thoughts on June Books

No matter where summer takes you—whether it’s the beach, the backyard, or just a cozy corner of the couch—these stories are perfect companions for sunny days and growing minds. As a mom and former Kindergarten teacher, I know how powerful books can be in helping kids explore, connect, and dream. I hope this June collection brings joy, sparks curiosity, and makes your month full of laughter, learning, and love.

Want to keep the reading fun going all month long?

Be sure to download our free June Activity Calendar, packed with themed story days, simple activity ideas, and fun ways to build a love of books all summer long.

You may also enjoy these activities with your child this summer…