• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Eclectic Homeschooler

Homeschool Ideas for a Customized Education

Book Lists

Letter O Books

June 7, 2020 by Sarah

Need some ideas for letter O books for your preschool letter of the week? I’ve rounded up a big list of books starting with O and featuring letter O words for you here to incorporate into your homeschool preschool and homeschool for younger elementary kids.

Letter O Books for Preschoolers

Letter O Books for Preschool


Oliver Otter’s Own Office by Barbara deRubertis (Animal Antics A to Z)

This series of books are PERFECT for letter of the week books. They each feature a different letter prominently and all told in a really fun and cute story. In this one Oliver Otter loves his little sister and brother. But the twins are always tearing or poking or losing or soaking Oliver’s homework. What will Oliver do about his double dose of trouble?



Owen by Kevin Henkes

Owen had a fuzzy yellow blanket. “Fuzzy goes where I go,” said Owen. But Mrs. Tweezers disagreed. She thought Owen was too old for a blanket. Owen disagreed. No matter what Mrs. Tweezers came up with, Blanket Fairies or vinegar, Owen had the answer. But when school started, Owen’t mother knew just what to do, and everyone — Owen, Fuzzy, and even Mrs. Tweezers — was happy.



Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef by Marianne Berkes

Learning becomes fun with this book about the ecosystem of the ocean. In Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef, amazing artwork will inspire children in classrooms and at home to appreciate the world around us! Brilliant artwork is the star of this oceanic counting book, based on the classic children’s song “Over in the Meadow”. Kids will sing, clap, and count their way among pufferfish that “puff,” gruntfish that “grunt” and seahorses that “flutter,” and begin to appreciate life in the ocean. And the art will inspire many a project. Plus there are several pages of extension ideas for curriculum and art projects as well as resources on the web and elsewhere.



An Orange in January by Dianna Hutts Aston

Plump, juicy oranges are one of the great pleasures of winter?and one that is usually taken for granted. Now here?s an eloquent, celebratory picture of how those oranges have found their way to the grocery store shelves, and then into kids? tummies! With vivid, glowing paintings, this unique picture book offers a poetic lesson about a plant?s growth cycle and about the produce industry. We follow an orange from blossom to ripe fruit, from tree to truck to market . . . and into the hands of a boy who shares this treat with his friends on the playground, ?so that everyone could taste the sweetness of an orange in January.?



Oscar Otter by Nathaniel Benchley

Oscar Otter builds his very own slide, far up in the mountains. No one can bother him there. Not even his family. But Oscar doesn’t know he is in danger. His enemy, the fox, is watching. But what the fox doesn’t know is that someone is watching him….



Octopus Opposites by Stella Blackstone

Empty, full; push, pull; young, old; hot, cold! The creatures in this vibrant book range from friendly elephants to exotic kookaburras, each with an opposite to share. A companion to Alligator Alphabet and Counting Cockatoos, Octopus Opposites will encourage youngsters to find opposites all over the place in their own worlds.



Olivia by Ian Falconer

Have fun with Olivia…dressing up, singing songs, building sand castles, napping (maybe), dancing, painting on walls, and — whew! — going to sleep at last.



Owl at Home by Arnold Lobel

Owl lives by himself in a warm little house. But whether Owl is inviting Winter in on a snowy night or welcoming a new friend he meets while on a stroll, Owl always has room for visitors!



An Octopus is Amazing by Patricia Lauber

Where can you find 1,920 suction cups? Under the ocean on a common octopus! That’s 240 suction cups on each of its eight arms. And if an octopus loses an arm, it will eventually grow another one. Amazing! Read and find out about the many other ways an octopus is amazing. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.



Each Orange Had 8 Slices by Paul Giganti Jr.

If each orange has 8 slices and each slice has 2 seeds, then how many seeds are there in all? You’ll have fun multiplying, adding, and counting your way through the math puzzles hiding in the world all around you.

Want a Printable Book List? Get it here!




If You Were a Kid on the Oregon Trail by Josh Gregory (If You Were a Kid)

As Josephine Jenkins sets off on the Oregon Trail with her mother and younger brothers to reunite with her father out West, she realizes that her beloved diary has gone missing. Meanwhile, her fellow traveler Stephen Byrd is sad to be leaving his friends behind as his family makes the move to Oregon. Readers will follow Josephine and Stephen along the trail as they camp in the wilderness, look out over incredible landscapes, and prepare for their new lives in the West.



Ostriches (Meet Desert Animals) by Rose Davin

Ostriches can’t fly, but they can run! Learn about how these birds survive in their desert home in this simple Pebble Plus non-fiction book about ostriches for preschoolers and young children.



I Am Otter by Sam Garton

The curious, charming, playful, and internet-famous Otter makes her picture book debut in I Am Otter by author-illustrator Sam Garton. Here’s what Otter has to say about her book: “Hi! I am Otter, and this is a book about me and my best friends, Otter Keeper and Teddy. And it’s about the fun and messy (and little bit scary) adventure we had one day when Otter Keeper was at work. I hope you like the story! (And if you don’t, it’s probably Teddy’s fault.)”



Outdoor Opposites by Brenda Williams

Grab your backpack and head into the countryside for a camping adventure full of contrasts! Little ones love to try out the opposite actions as they sing and dance along. Rhyming lyrics teach about opposites, including high and low and fast and slow.



Outside by Deirdre Gill

In this gentle picture book fantasy, a child’s world transforms through his hard work, imagination, and persistence when he opens the door and steps outside, into to the brave new world of his imagination.



Olivia Ocelot Comes to the Rescue by Anne Crary Jantz

Olivia Ocelot lives in the Rainforest in Costa Rica with a lot of other very interesting animals. They all know she is the one to come to if they have a problem, because Olivia Ocelot cares about her friends, and she is a very good detective. In this episode, a bird, Penelope Oropendola, comes to Olivia Ocelot for help. Penelope and her friends have a big problem. Olivia goes out and visits a lot of her neighbors, and asks them all for advice. When she gets an answer, she helps Penelope and her community solve their problem. Olivia Ocelot has come to the rescue, and she is very happy. Next, she is summoned by the dangerous and powerful Jason Jaguar, King of the Rainforest. She goes to see him with great fear and trembling, and the story comes to a happy ending. Olivia Ocelot is very, very happy. Adventurous, exciting, educational, and filled with Nature’s wonders, “Olivia Ocelot Comes to the Rescue” captures the enchantment of the Rainforest, and the tropical beauty of Costa Rica. Olivia’s story emphasizes the power of a community, and celebrates the friendships between some very unique animals.



Orangutan: A Day In The Rainforest Canopy by Rita Goldner

When a young orangutan wakes in his nest of leaves, his day in the rainforest begins. He swings through the canopy searching for food, visits the river below, and encounters other Borneo wildlife-some of which create great danger. At day’s end, the young orangutan settles into a new nest of leaves with his mother, ready for another adventure tomorrow. Full of colorful, whimsical illustrations, the book also includes words to know, fun facts, and activities on related website.



Ovals by Julia Vogel

The Shapes illustrated nonfiction books provide the first lessons on common shapes. Rhyming text and creative illustrations draw attention to where ovals are found in the world around us.



Oranges to Orange Juice by Inez Snyder

Ever wonder how oranges become orange juice? A young girl and her father use a juicer to make orange juice from fresh oranges in this simple non-fiction book about where orange juice comes from.



Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

Joseph had a little overcoat, but it was full of holes—just like this book! When Joseph’s coat got too old and shabby, he made it into a jacket. But what did he make it into after that? And after that? As children turn the pages of this book, they can use the die-cut holes to guess what Joseph will be making next from his amazing overcoat, while they laugh at the bold, cheerful artwork and learn that you can always make something, even out of nothing.



Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall

Thus begins a lyrical journey through the days and weeks, the months, and the changing seasons in the life of one New Englander and his family. The oxcart man packs his goods – the wool from his sheep, the shawl his wife made, the mittens his daughter knitted, and the linen they wove. He packs the birch brooms his son carved, and even a bag of goose feathers from the barnyard geese. He travels over hills, through valleys, by streams, past farms and villages. At Portsmouth Market he sells his goods, one by one – even his beloved ox. Then, with his pockets full of coins, he wanders through the market, buying provisions for his family, and returns to his home. And the cycle begins again.



The Oyster’s Secret by Traci Dunham

Mr. Oyster lives by himself on the ocean floor, patiently waiting to show everyone his beautiful secret. He doesn’t mind when the other sea creatures swim by to show off all their amazing talents and gifts — the crab’s sharp claws for catching food, the angel fish ‘s pretty scales that sparkle and dazzle, the bright pink jelly fish’s long tentacles, and more. What is so special about Mr. Oyster, they all ask? He can’t even swim! But Mr. Oyster knows his true value lies on the inside, and that is what matters. When Mr. Oyster finally reveals his secret, they realize too – true beauty does not rely on what’s on the outside, because it’s inner beauty that matters most of all.



Orangutangled by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

Two orangutans jump for some yummy, juicy mangoes and the next thing they know, Thump! Bump! Crash!—they fall into a gooey, gummy mess and start rolling through the jungle, completely oranguTANGLED! Soon they are passing by a nosy boar, and then he’s quickly swept up, not to mention the frog, the yak…and even a tiger. How will they ever get untangled? Bursting with fun, the bold illustrations and rhyming text filled with sound words make this the perfect read-aloud story for little ones.



Ocelots by Henry Randall (Cats of the Wild)

About twice the size of a house cat, ocelots once awed the ancient people of South America. These small, but powerful hunters continue to captivate the imaginations of people today. Young readers will get a sneak peek into the lives of these wild cats that make their homes in parts of South America, Central America, and North America.



Orange by Sarah L. Schuette (Colors Books)

I really love these very simple books about colors by Sarah L. Schuette. They are short enough for young children and can help to re-enforce colors for them. This basic non-fiction color book for preschoolers introduces some common objects that are orange in color including carrots, pumpkins, and basketballs.

Want a Printable Book List? Get it here!



Are there any other awesome letter O books for preschool that you know of? Be sure to share them in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your favorite books starting with O words or featuring letter O words.

Filed Under: Alphabet, Book Lists, Letters Tagged With: Letter O

Picture Books About Ants for Preschoolers

May 31, 2020 by Sarah

Today I have a nice collection of about 15 picture books about ants for kids. The list includes both fiction and non-fiction ant books for preschoolers and young elementary children. It’s a great variety of stories about ants for preschoolers to compliment your ant thematic unit.

Picture Books About Ants for Preschoolers

Stories About Ants for Preschoolers

If you’re teaching your preschooler about ants then you’ll definitely want to include some great pictures books about ants into your homeschool ant unit study plans. Books have the ability to teach children so much and they can be so much fun to enjoy as a family. So they are a must when it comes to unit studies.

Just be sure to include both fictional stories about ants as well as non-fiction books about ants. Even young children can be introduced to the joy of learning through non-fiction books and there is a great variety of non-fiction books geared towards all ages of children even as young as toddlers these days.

So let’s get to the list of picture books about ants for preschoolers and young elementary children. A lot of these even your toddler will enjoy reading with you too!

Fiction Picture Books About Ants


Two Bad Ants by Chris Van Allsburg

The three-time Caldecott medalist tells the tale of two ants who decide to leave the safety of the others to venture into a danger-laden kitchen.

 

 


One Hundred Hungry Ants by Elinor J Pinczes

One hundred hungry ants march off single file to sample a picnic, but when the going gets too slow, they divide into two rows of fifty, then four rows of twenty . . . until they take so long that the picnic is gone!

 

 


It’s an Ant’s Life by Steve Parker

Presents all kinds of factual information about ants in the form of a scrapbook prepared by one ant.

 

 


The Magic School Bus Gets Ants in Its Pants: A Book about Ants by Joanna Cole

Filming Keesha’s pet ant for a science project fair, the students in Ms. Frizzle’s class take a journey into the lives of ants during which they learn many fascinating facts about the ant community.

 

 


Hey, Little Ant by Phillip and Hannah Hoose

What would you do if the ant you were about to step on looked up and started talking? Would you stop and listen? What if your friends saw you hesitate? That’s what happens in this funny, thought-provoking book. Originally a song by a father-daughter team, this conversation between two creatures, large and small, is bound to inspire important discussions. It might even answer that classic childhood question: To squish or not to squish?

 

 


There’s an Ant in Anthony by Bernard Most

Can you find an ant in the name Anthony? A black ant? A red ant? A fire ant? How about a carpenter ant? Or is the ant in Anthony not an insect at all?

 

 


I Saw an Ant on the Railroad Track by Joshua Prince

What an entertaining trip this is! Children will delight in the playful and musical language, endearing and uniquely styled illustrations, and wonderfully warm story that make this picture book so special. When switchman Jack, eating lunch by his shack, spies an ant walking along the railroad track, he immediately gets worried: it’s an eastbound ant on the westbound track, and that means a train could run SMACK into the little guy. He knows he has to do something to help… Youngsters will feel gratified and reassured by Jack’s affection for the tiny creature: after all, they—just like the ant—are very small in a big world. And they’ll really love the way the adorable little bug has the smarts to save itself!

 

 


The Ants Go Marching by Dan Crisp (Classic Books With Holes)

One by one the ants march to get to shelter from the rain, in this illustrated version of the classic children’s song.

 

 


The Ant and the Elephant by Bill Peet

The elephant is the kindest animal in the jungle, rescuing the giraffe, lion, and rhino, but who will return the favor when the elephant needs help?

 

Want a Printable Book List? Get it here!

 

Non-Fiction Ant Books for Preschoolers


Ant Cities by Arthur Dorros (Lets Read and Find Out Books)

Did you ever wonder where an ant goes when it disappears into an anthill? Underneath the hill, there are miles of tunnels and hundreds of rooms! With simple, easy-to-understand words and colorful illustrations, Arthur Dorros explains the life of a harvester ant for the early reader and even shows readers how to build their own ant farms!

 

 


The Life and Times of the Ant by Charles Micucci

Not mighty in size, but mighty in resourcefulness and industry, the ant has crawled the earth since prehistoric times. It has dwelt in rainforest tree trunks and acorns of oak trees, beneath logs, and under sidewalks. It has protected forests by capturing insects, cleared weeds away from acacia trees, and by growing gardens has released important nutrients into the soil. Seed lifters, dirt diggers, social beings, ants have the most advanced brain of all insects! So watch where you step, especially on a warm day: a small but mighty ant may be underfoot.

 

 


Thinking About Ants by Barbara Brenner

Asks the reader to imagine what it would be like to be an ant, describing what ants look like, what they eat, where and how they live, and more.

 

 


National Geographic Readers: Ants by Melissa Stewart

Ants are everywhere. They creep, they crawl, they climb, and they fall. But they get up and they keep on working. Ants come in all different shapes, different sizes, and different colors. And they do a lot of different jobs. These hard-working little creatures thrive wherever they go, making whatever adaptations necessary in their ever-changing world.

 

 


Are You an Ant? by Judy Allen (Backyard Books)

Backyard Books: Are You an Ant? by Judy Allen with illustrations by Tudor Humphries will give children who love to track ants an inside look at the everyday life of this fascinating insect, as they explore the similarities and differences to themselves.

 

 


Anthill by Petra Bartikova

We see ants almost every day, but have you ever wondered what they do on a daily basis or what it would be like to live inside of an anthill? Now you can find out! This charming, one-of-a-kind board book features dozens of adorable illustrations, educational captions, vocabulary words, cut-out accents, and hidden chambers to be revealed, Anthill will delight kids while they learn all about busy ants and the amazing work they do!

 

Want a Printable Book List? Get it here!

 

Enjoy These Picture Books About Ants

As you plan out your ant thematic unit I hope you and your children enjoy adding these ant books to your reading list. Also be sure to check out the other ant themed posts I have as you work on planning your ant homeschool unit. And have fun!

Filed Under: Animals, Book Lists, Themes, Themes Tagged With: Ants

Letter N Books

May 30, 2020 by Sarah

Find the perfect letter N books for your preschooler to enjoy that feature letter N words. Reading books beginning with N can really help to re-enforce the letter N sound and make the connection between the letter and the words that it starts with.

Letter N Books for Preschoolers

Letter N Books for Preschool


Nina Nandu’s Nervous Noggin by Barbara deRubertis (Animal Antics A to Z)

We love the Animal Antics A to Z books and are working on collecting them all for our own homeschool library. They are so perfect for preschool letter of the week lessons because they incorporate words that start with the letter all throughout the book. In this one Nina Nandu has just moved to a new neighborhood, and she does NOT want to go to a new school. But Granny Nandu and teacher Alpha Betty have other ideas―plus a big surprise for Nina!


The Napping House by Audrey Wood

A cozy bed, a snoring granny, a dreaming child, a dozing dog, a snoozing–WAIT! There’s a surprise in store, and little ones will want to discover it over and over again. So pull on your sleeping cap and snuggle in for a timeless cumulative tale that’s truly like no other.


The Nose Book by Al Perkins

“I see a nose on every face. I see noses every place!” Noses come in all shapes, colors, and sizes and are handy to have for sniffling, smelling, and . . . playing horns? This simple, sometimes silly story offers little ones a first ode to the nose and all that it does.


A Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston

A gorgeous and informative look at the fascinating world of nests. From tiny bee hummingbird nests to orangutan nests high in the rainforest canopy, an incredible variety of nests are showcased here in all their splendor. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, this carefully researched book introduces children to a captivating array of nest facts and will spark the imaginations of children whether in a classroom reading circle or on a parent’s lap.


The Neighbors by Einat Tsarfati

As a young girl climbs the seven stories to her own (very boring!) apartment, she imagines what’s behind each of the doors she passes. Does the door with all the locks belong to a family of thieves? Might the doorway with muddy footprints conceal a pet tiger? Each spread reveals—in lush detail—the wilds of the girl’s imagination, from a high-flying circus to an underwater world and everything in between. When the girl finally reaches her own apartment, she is greeted by her parents, who might have a secret even wilder than anything she could have imagined!


Noah’s Ark by Jerry Pinkney

For 40 days and 40 nights rain poured from the heavens, enveloping the world. Only Noah had been warned by God of the great floodand only Noah could save life on earth. This powerful story of salvation has fascinated people of all ages for centuries. Now, four-time Caldecott Honor-recipient Jerry Pinkney captures all the courage, drama, and beauty of this ancient parable in rich, glorious paintings. Full of sensitive detail and emotion, his art brings new life and meaning to an important message of peace. This elegant edition of Noah’s Ark promises to give readers strength and hope for many years to come.


Goodnight Numbers by Danica McKellar

This deceptively simple bedtime book, the first in the McKellar Math line, gives your child the building blocks for math success. As children say goodnight to the objects all around them—three wheels on a tricycle, four legs on a cat—they will connect with the real numbers in their world while creating cuddly memories, night after night.


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

There’s nothing quite as cute as a narwhal, and now Little Golden Book fans can take a dive into the sea and meet one of the ocean’s most mysterious animals. With lots of endearing and interesting information and bright illustrations, young readers will be eager to jump into this underwater adventure time and time again!


Usborne Lift the Flap Nativity Book by Felicity Brooks

My children love this version of the story of the nativity. It has so many different little flaps all throughout the book for them to look at as we read it. All the beauty of the story of the birth of Jesus is captured by this charming retelling for very young children, brought to life by Jo Lightfield’s delightful and richly detailed models.


Map My Neighborhood by Jennifer Boothroyd (First Step Nonfiction)

Come along as a girl maps her neighborhood to show her visiting grandmother where everything is. Simple text takes early readers step by step through the types of features a neighborhood map needs to have.

Want a Printable Book List? Get it here!


What Color Is Night? by Grant Snider

Look closer. Grant Snider’s beautiful debut picture book explores the wonders—and colors—of nighttime. For night is not just black and white. Ending in colors yet unseen, and a night of sweet dreams, this lilting lullaby is sure to comfort those drifting off to sleep. With luminous art as spare and glowing as the moon, and lyrical text that reads like a friend leading the way through the wilderness, What Color Is Night? is a rich and timeless look at a topic of endless fascination, and a perfect bedtime read-aloud.


Neptune by Melanie Chrismer (Scholastic News Nonfiction Readers: Space Science)

Scholastic News Nonfiction Readers: Space Science series gives the youngest reader an introduction to Space. Each book includes chapters that help readers identify key details while the photographs, and other text features encourage students to make connections on their own.


The Night Before New Year’s by Natasha Wing

Another title in Natasha Wing’s bestselling Night Before series! It’s the night before New Year’s, and the whole family is determined to stay up until midnight! Everyone?s stocked up on sparkly streamers and festive party hats, but after a night filled with card games and too many cupcakes, the little ones are getting sleepy. . . Can they make it until the clock strikes twelve?


The Berenstain Bears’ New Neighbors by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Papa, Mama, Brother, and Sister are getting new neighbors – The Panda Family. However, Papa isn’t sure that he likes the new neighbors because they are different than the rest of the bears. It’s up to both families to help Papa see that although the Panda family may look different – they are just like everyone else.


A Night Night Prayer by Amy Parker

Amy Parker’s original A Night Night Prayer was remarkably successful, and this new edition offers fresh, whimsical art for a new generation of kids. As toddlers settle in for bedtime, they will love repeating the sweet rhyming text and helping little alpaca say “night night” to lots of his blessings, including his puppy, his kitty, his mommy and daddy, and most of all to God! A Night Night Prayer is a perfect way to settle little ones down for a peaceful sleep and will quickly become a read-it-one-more-time book for children.


Oodles of Noodles by Diana Hendry

Ava and Ben’s mother has gotten a new pasta-making machine. But as soon as the kids leave for school, something very strange happens. The pasta maker goes berserk and soon noodles fill the house, slither under the door, down the sidewalk and all the way to the school! It’s up to Ava and Ben to rescue their mom and stop the flood of noodles before the whole town gets noodled!


North America by Rebecca Hirsch (Rookie Read-About Geography: Continents)

An introduction to the physical features, people, and wildlife of North America. Rookie Read-About: Continents series gives the youngest reader an introduction to the components that make each continent distinctive and exceptional. Readers will get to know each continents’ geography, history, and wildlife.


Numbers by John J. Reiss

From kites, cakes, and candy kisses, young readers can count from 1 to 1,000 using illustrations of fun, familiar objects. With bright, bold artwork, this board book is perfect for parents and little ones to share.


Nurse Nancy by Kathryn Jackson (Little Golden Book)

Nancy loves to play Nurse, but her older brothers are always too busy with their big boy games to play with her. One day, when brother Billy falls and hurts himself, Nurse Nancy is at the ready! This lively, charming book from the 1950s is still fresh today.


Brady Needs a Nightlight by Brian Barlics

Is your child afraid of the dark? Are you having trouble with bedtime? You are not alone! Even those least likely to have a fear of the dark may have a story to share. In this book you will meet Brady, a bat who oddly has a terrible fear of the dark. This poses quite a dilemma for a creature that sleeps in a dark cave and comes out to play at night. Learn how Brady discovers a creative way to solve this problem…with a little help from some special, glowing friends.


The Nuts: Bedtime at the Nut House by Eric Litwin

It’s bedtime at the Nut House, but little Wally and Hazel Nut aren’t ready to go to sleep. “We’re Nuts! We’re Nuts! We’re Nuts!” Why go to bed when you could be singing and howling at the moon? But Mama Nut insists… “All little Nuts need to go up to bed!” Who will win this bedtime tug-of-war? In an unforgettably catchy bedtime adventure, Eric Litwin, author of the best-selling and beloved Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, and artist Scott Magoon invite readers to chime in and join the nutty fun!


Screws, Nuts, and Bolts by Sian Smith (How Toys Work)

Each book in this series focuses on a type of simple mechanism and examines how it is used to make different toys work. This book examines screws, nuts, and bolts, and uses simple language and labeled photographs to explain the scientific principles behind their use.


The Berenstain Bears Love Their Neighbors by Jan and Mike Berenstain

This book is a story that’s inspired by the story of the Good Samaritan from the Bible. Young readers will understand what loving your neighbor looks like in this addition to the Living Lights series of Berenstain Bears books. Children will learn that being a good neighbor takes more than having a nice home.

Want a Printable Book List? Get it here!

Did I forget any other great letter N books for preschool? I’d love to hear about them. Be sure to drop a comment below and share any other great books starting with N words or featuring letter N words that you think I should add to the list.

Filed Under: Alphabet, Book Lists, Letters Tagged With: Letter N

Letter M Books

May 24, 2020 by Sarah

If you’re looking for letter M books for your preschool letter of the week program you’ve come to the right place. Here is a list of books starting with M and featuring letter M words.

Letter M Books for Preschool

Letter M Books for Preschool


Maxwell Moose’s Mountain Monster by Barbara deRubertis (Animal Antics A to Z)

I always have to include this series first in my letter book lists because we love them! They are so perfect for letter and sound recognition with the repetitiveness. And all wrapped up in an interesting and fun story.

In this one Maxwell Moose loves camping out and making s’mores and telling spooky stories. But what if Maxwell’s imaginary Mountain Monster stories aren’t as imaginary as he thought?

 

 


Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

A baby bird goes in search of his mother in this hilarious Beginner Book edited by Dr. Seuss. When a mother bird’s egg starts to jump, she hurries off to make sure she has something for her little one to eat. But as soon as she’s gone, out pops the baby bird. He immediately sets off to find his mother, but not knowing what she looks like makes it a challenge. The little hatchling is determined to find his mother, even after meeting a kitten, a hen, a dog, and a Snort. The timeless message of the bond between mother and child make.

 

 


If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Numeroff

If a big hungry moose comes to visit, you might give him a muffin to make him feel at home. If you give him a muffin, he’ll want some jam to go with it. When he’s eaten all your muffins, he’ll want to go to the store to get some more muffin mix.

 

 


The Mitten by Jan Brett

When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing. One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax. As the story of the animals in the mitten unfolds, the reader can see Nicki in the borders of each page, walking through the woods unaware of what is going on.

 

 


Mouse Mess by Linnea Asplind Riley

There’s a mouse in the house, and when he wakes up, he’s going to be hungry for a snack. From cookies and crackers to olives, cheese, and sticky jam, MOUSE joyfully munches his way through the kitchen and makes a big MESS!

 

 


Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming

Tippy, tippy, tippy, Pat! That’s the sound three hungry bunnies make when the sun goes down and the moon comes up and Mr. McGreely’s garden smells yum, yum, yummy. While he’s dreaming of his mouth-watering carrots, the bunnies are diving over fences and swimming trenches to get the veggies first! Hammer, hammer, hammer, Saw! That’s the sound Mr. McGreely makes when the sun comes up and the moon goes down and he sees what those twitch-whiskers have done….Nibbled leaves! Empty stalks! Mr. McGreely will build something bigger and better, sure to keep even pesky puff-tails away.

 

 


Millie Waits for the Mail by Alexander Steffensmeier

Millie is unlike most other cows. She chews her cud and grazes in the fields with the others, but she doesn’t enjoy that nearly as much as she loves scaring the mail carrier. It’s too bad the mail carrier doesn’t have as much fun each time Millie comes up with a new way to surprise him. Who knew delivering the mail was going to be such a difficult job?

 

 


Mitt, the Michigan Mouse by Kathy-jo Wargin

This isn’t a picture book, it’s a chapter book with some pictures. But I had to include it because my children (2 and 5) loved this book as our family read aloud. It is the first in a series of about four books. We’re in the middle of reading the second book, Minn from Minnesota and my children are still loving them. Action packed and engaging.

Mitt, as young white-footed mouse, lives happily in a wool mitten deep in the forest until a boy happens by with his rather large dog who snatches Mitt’s beloved home. Mitt embarks on a journey across Michigan to retrieve his warm and cozy mitten, seeing many sights and having many adventures.

 

 


M is for Melody: A Music Alphabet by Kathy-jo Wargin

From the oom pah pah of the brass section to the tickle and tease of the keyboard ivories, “M is for Melody” gives a music lesson in alphabet form. Instruments, composers, terms, and even musical styles are examined from A-Z in easy, read-aloud rhymes and expository, accompanied by colorful and engaging artwork.

 

 


Most Marshmallows by Rowboat Watkins

Most marshmallows are born into marshmallow families, play with marshmallow friends, and go to marshmallow school where they learn to be squishy. Most marshmallows read a book before bed and then fall asleep to dream ordinary marshmallow dreams. But, this book isn’t about most marshamallows, is it? No. That’s because author Rowboat Watkins knows that, just like you, some marshmallows have big dreams, and just like you, these marshmallows can do anything they set their minds to. This sweet and silly book is an inspiring reminder to everyone that by being true to ourselves, each of us has the power to be extraordinary.

 

Want a Printable Book List? Get it here!

 

 


Moon! Earth’s Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty

Meet Moon! She’s more than just a rock―she’s Earth’s rock, her best friend she can always count on. Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she’s always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial “autobiography” in the Our Universe series.

 

 


Tony Baroni Loves Macaroni by Marilyn Sadler

Picky eaters everywhere will identify with young Tony, who will eat nothing but macaroni. This charming tale about a limited palette that is expanded, step-by-step, on a tour through noodle-dom is told in singsong verse. The importance of a balanced diet is addressed ever so subtly in this engaging story.

 

 


Magnets Push, Magnets Pull by David A. Adler

Magnetism is all around us–even the earth is a giant magnet. A world without magnets would be a world without cell phones, computers, and more!

 

 


The Matzah Man: A Passover Story by Naomi Howland

We are Christians who observe Passover each year. So this year we came across this book during the week of Passover. My kids got quite a kick out of it and thought it was pretty fun. It’s a matzah cracker version of The Gingerbread Boy story.

A bold little man made of matzah jumps out of the baker’s oven and leads him and everyone in the neighborhood—all of whom are preparing for Passover—on a merry chase. With colossal chutzpah, the Matzah Man taunts Cousin Tillie as she is cooking brisket, Auntie Bertha trying on her new spring shoes, and Grandpapa Solly making gefilte fish. He at last arrives on the doorstep of clever Mendel Fox, who offers him a hiding place under the Passover matzah cover—and when the seder meal begins, that’s the end of the Matzah Man!

 

 


Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney

Maps can show you where you are anywhere in the world! A beloved bestseller that helps children discover their place on the planet, now refreshed with new art from Qin Leng. Where are you? Where is your room? Where is your home? Where is your town? This playful introduction to maps shows children how easy it is to find where they live and how they fit in to the larger world.

 

 


Over in the Meadow by Olive A. Wadsworth

Over in the Meadow in the sand in the sun Lived an old mother turtle and her little turtle one. So begins this classic nursery poem, written by Olive A Wadsworth in the late 19th century, a favorite counting rhyme for generations of children. Anna Vojtech’s sweet illustrations depict a sun-drenched meadow filled with loving animal families-from mother turtle with her one baby to ten little beavers embraced by their doting mother. There are lots to count in the cleverly designed pictures, and sharp-eyed youngsters will delight in finding a corresponding number of background details on each spread.

 

 


Memorial Day by Emma Carlson Berne (Holidays in Rhythm and Rhyme)

Memorial Day honors soldiers who fought and died for the United States. On this day, communities gather to remember soldiers’ sacrifices and celebrate the beginning of summer. Sing along as you explore Holidays in Rhythm and Rhyme!

 

 


Milk: From Cow to Carton by Aliki (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

In this non-fiction book, readers take a fun-filled and informative tour of the milk’s trip from green grass, to cow, to a cool glass on the table. It begins with grazing cows, proceeds through milking and a trip to the dairy, and ends with some different foods made from milk.

 

 


Mirror Me! by Julie Aigner-Clark (Baby Einstein)

Okay you might argue that this is a baby book. And while you would be right, I can assure you that most preschoolers will also love it. All of my children (7 months, 2, and 5 at the moment) still love this book. Each page has a mirror on it and an action your child should “try” for themselves while looking in the mirror. Like Can you stick out your tongue like Frog? Puff up your cheeks like Cow? Scrunch up your nose like Jane the Monkey? Look in the mirror and try! Babies don’t necessarily copy the action, but my five year old (and sometimes my 2 year old) love to do that part. But all babies and children love to look at themselves in the mirror. It’s a really simple yet fun book.

 

 


Upstairs Mouse, Downstairs Mole by Wong Herbert Yee

This isn’t a picture book, it’s a beginning chapter book but it includes lots of colorful pictures. So it would be a great early read aloud option.

Mouse and Mole are neighbors. Mouse lives inside an oak tree, and Mole lives in a hole underneath. They are neighbors, but they are also friends. Sometimes friends make mistakes—but they always try to help each other out. That is what Mouse and Mole do.

 

 


Just Me and My Mom by Mercer Mayer

Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter is spending a special day with his mom in this classic, funny, and heartwarming story. Whether the duo is at the museum, the aquarium, or the toy store, both parents and children alike will relate to Little Critter’s beloved story.

 

 


Money Madness by David A. Adler

What’s all this madness about money? Long ago, people traded rocks or sheep for the items they wanted, but rocks were heavy and sheep ran away. This beginning guide to economics will have readers thinking about the purpose, and not just the value, of money.

 

 


Mole Music by David McPhail

Mole has always led a simple life, but lately he feels something is missing. When he first hears someone playing a violin, Mole realizes that he longs to make beautiful music, too. Through practice and patience, Mole learns to play. And even though he plays alone, in the privacy of his underground home, his music has an effect on others that is more magical than Mole will ever know.

 

 


Monkey and Me by Emily Gravett

A little girl and her toy monkey love imitating different animals, everything from jumping like kangaroos to waddling like penguins! Open this book and play along with them.

 

 


Move! by Robin Page

Animals move! Follow them as they swing, dance, float, leap, and slide from page to page, then learn why these animals move the way they do, from the jumping spider who dances to impress and then floats away on a thread of silk, to the roadrunner who flies, but not too far, and would rather run to catch its prey.

 

 


The Mushroom Fan Club by Elise Gravel

Elise Gravel is back with a whimsical look at one of her family’s most beloved pastimes: mushroom hunting! Combining her love of exploring nature with her talent for anthropomorphizing everything, she takes us on a magical tour of the forest floor and examines a handful of her favorite alien specimens up close. While the beautiful coral mushroom looks like it belongs under the sea, the peculiar Lactarius indigo may be better suited for outer space. From the fun-to-stomp puffballs to the prince of the stinkers―the stinkhorn mushroom―and the musically inclined chanterelles, Gravel shares her knowledge of this fascinating kingdom by bringing each species to life in full felt-tip-marker glory.

 

 


Music Is… by Brandon Stosuy

From music writer and The Creative Independent/Kickstarter Editor in Chief Brandon Stosuy, comes an entertaining new board book that introduces the many moods, styles, and senses of music to the youngest audiophiles—because music is for everyone, and music is for you.

 

 


The Marvelous Mustard Seed by Amy-Jill Levine

Discover the surprising potential of one small seed in The Marvelous Mustard Seed. Based on Jesus’ parable of the Mustard Seed, this inspiring children’s book shows young readers that one tiny seed—just like one small child—carries a world of potential.

 

Want a Printable Book List? Get it here!

 

Did I miss any of your favorite letter M books for preschool? Be sure to share any other books starting with M words that you think I should add to the list.

Filed Under: Alphabet, Book Lists, Letters Tagged With: Letter M

Picture Books About Cats for Children

May 23, 2020 by Sarah

Do you need some children’s books about cats for homeschool or just because your child loves cats? I’ve rounded up some must read picture books about cats that are great for toddlers and preschoolers.

Picture Books About Cats for Children

Cat Stories for Preschoolers

My 5 year old has shown a sudden interest in learning more about cats. So I decided to take a break from our currently scheduled unit studies to do a little mini unit study on cats.

I’ve already lined up lots of great cat activities (see a few of them here). But one of the things I really like to do with our themed units is to have a good selection of books to read from. My children learn so much through books and we love reading together.

A little tip… As you consider what books to include in your own unit studies be sure to include a mixture of fiction AND nonfiction. Even young children need to be introduced to nonfiction books and there are a lot of great picture book options out there for younger children too.  When I’m selecting books for a unit study I will try to make sure at least a third of the books are nonfiction because this is where our primary learning is coming from. And then adding in the fiction books are great for reinforcing a topic and making it even more engaging.

So I’ve broken down this list down into fiction and non-fiction so you can select several from each type as you build your own cat theme unit.

 

Fiction Picture Books About Cats


They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel
The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws . . . In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see?

 

 


Three Little Kittens by Jerry Pinkney
Young children all know the Mother Goose rhyme of the kittens who have lost their mittens, but they’ve never seen it illustrated with so much energy, beauty, and flair. Preschoolers will delight in these cuddly kittens as they frolic outside in the falling leaves, get their whiskers sticky while eating a just-baked apple pie, and do the washing-up under Mama Cat’s watchful gaze.

 

 


Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin
It almost seems like a list of picture books about cats would be incomplete without Pete! Who doesn’t love Pete? Well, if you haven’t introduced Pete the Cat to your preschooler then now is the time.

It’s about a cat named Pete who goes walking down the street wearing his brand-new white shoes. Along the way, his shoes change from white to red to blue to brown to WET as he steps in piles of strawberries, blueberries, and other big messes! But no matter what color his shoes are, Pete keeps movin’ and groovin’ and singing his song…because it’s all good.

This story is great because it not only gets you talking to your preschooler about colors, different foods, etc. but it also has a lesson about not letting life’s little hiccups slow you down and to find the good in every situation.

 

 


Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton
It’s Splat’s first day of school, and he’s worried. What if he doesn’t make any new friends? Nervous kitties wondering about friends and school will enjoy laughing along with Splat the Cat!

Just in case, Splat decides to bring along his pet mouse, Seymour, and hides him in his lunchbox. The teacher, Mrs. Wimpydimple, introduces Splat to the class and he soon starts learning all his important cat lessons.

But when Seymour escapes and the cats do what cats do (they chase mice!), Splat’s worried again. Maybe now he’ll lose all his friends, old and new! Just in time, wise Mrs. Wimpydimple takes charge and teaches everyone an important new lesson.

Maybe Cat School is going to be okay after all! A fun school story to share in the classroom or at home.

 

 


The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
Poor Dick and Sally. It’s cold and wet and they’re stuck in the house with nothing to do . . . until a giant cat in a hat shows up, transforming the dull day into a madcap adventure and almost wrecking the place in the process!

 

 


Captain Cat by Inga Moore
Captain Cat loves cats. In fact, he has more cats on his ship than he has sailors. On one voyage, he discovers a remote and lonely island where the little-girl Queen has never even seen a cat. When Captain Cat’s furry companions trounce the rats infesting the island, the Queen begs Captain Cat to trade her the cats for untold treasure. Does he? Could he? What happens next? Never fear, fellow travelers! The purr-fect solution is on the horizon — and is sure to satisfy both pet-lovers and adventurers.

 

 


If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff
If you give a cat a cupcake, he’ll ask for some sprinkles to go with it. When you give him the sprinkles, he might spill some on the floor. Cleaning up will make him hot, so you’ll give him a bathing suit . . .

 

 


Have You Seen My Cat? by Eric Carle
A little boy worries about his missing cat and travels to different places in search of his pet. The sturdy pages of this board book slide out to reveal the numerous feline counterparts–including lions, leopards, and tigers–the boy encounters along the way. It isn’t until the last page that he finds his missing pet—and receives a wonderful surprise!

 

 


The Cat Book by Silvia Borando
Who’s that, curled in a ball? Call out his name to wake him! Now turn the page and see him give a big stretch, waiting for you to pat him. Purr, purr, purr. Aww. But what’s that? Fleas! Quick, squish them with your finger! As this pampered cat’s day progresses, readers will have their hands full, acting as umbrella and towel and even clapping their hands loudly to save a bird . . . oh no!

 

 


Clifford’s Kitten by Norman Bridwell
Pangs of jealousy prompt Clifford, the big red dog, to compete for Emily Elizabeth’s attention when she takes in a stray kitten.

 

 


City Cat by Kate Banks
A plucky stray cat takes a Grand Tour in Kate Banks’ story of a family on a European vacation. As the family travels from one city to the next, the cat finds its own means–by bus, boat, train, truck, and bike–to tag along on the trip, visiting historic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Cathedral of Notre Dame along the way. Readers will pore over the spreads to find where City Cat is hiding in each city, and detailed back matter explains the history behind the sites in each locale.

 

 


Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
It is Kitten’s first full moon, and when she sees it she thinks it is a bowl of milk in the sky. And she wants it. Does she get it? Well, no . . . and yes. What a night!

 

 


Cat Knit by Jacob Grant
This book is such a riot. I actually lol-ed. So cute! Cat and Yarn are the best of friends. They have so much fun playing together, the two are inseparable. Until the day Girl takes Yarn away. When Yarn Returns, he is completely changed, no longer Cat’s bright and jolly friend. Cat is mad! Soon, Cat begins to miss his best friend, and he just might realize that a little change isn’t so bad after all.

 

 


I Am A Cat by Galia Bernstein
A simple house cat named Simon encounters some bigger cats: Lion, Puma, Panther, Tiger, and Cheetah. Each of the big cats has something to say about Simon not being “cat” enough. According to them, he just doesn’t measure up. He doesn’t have Lion’s mane or Cheetah’s spots. He doesn’t sleep in trees like Panther or climb mountains like Puma. He’s small and fuzzy, not big and strong. But ultimately, Simon shows the big cats that he’s just like them . . . only smaller.

 

 


Sleepy Kittens by Cinco Paul and Ken Daurio (from Despicable Me)
If your family is a fan of the Despicable Me movies then your kids will get a riot out of this cat book because it’s featured in the movie. Three little kittens aren’t sleepy at all! One wants to jump, another wants to play, and the last wants a bite to eat. But after Mama Cat brushes their fur, gives them some milk, and sings them a lullaby, one, two, three little kittens drift off to sleep. With gentle, rhythmic verse, little ones will love to snuggle up with these soft, cozy kitties at bedtime.

Want a Printable Book List? Get it here!

 

Non-Fiction Children’s Books About Cats


DK Eyewitness Books: Cat by Juliet Clutton-Brock
See a jaguar swimming, a cat that can outrun a car, a leopard who lost his spots, and a black panther stalking its prey. Learn why cats need whiskers, how they purr, how the Manx cat lost its tail, and why a tiger is striped. Discover how cats communicate, how cats find their way home, why the black cat has been both persecuted and pampered, why they are said to have nine lives, and more. From domestic cats to the beasts prowling in the wild, Eyewitness: Cat looks at these beautiful mammals that are a part of our world.

 

 


DK Touch & Feel Kitten by Dorling Kindersley
Although this is more for babies, toddlers and preschoolers still love touch and feel books! Plus, I needed a book for my 7 month old to enjoy too. 🙂 Fuzzy kittens prance, play, and lick their fur on the pages of this fun first book for babies and toddlers. True to its name, Touch and Feel Kitten makes words like silky, rough, smooth, and scratchy come to life for your child as her fingers stroke a cat’s silky chest, feel a rough pink tongue, and touch other interesting textures.

 

 


The Everything Book of Cats and Kittens by DK
Everything a child wants to know about cats and kittens, from breeds, features, pet care, and grooming, to discovering how their cats communicate with us and one another. Learn what cats are showing by their body language, know where they wander off to outside, and what they are trying to say to you. Discover the secrets of the playful and curious characters of these amazing pets in this fun, lively book. Packed with wonderful pictures and adorable cat facts, Cats and Kittens takes you into their fascinating world. Find out about the individual features of different breeds and how to take the best care of them, and be amazed by their intelligence and agile antics.

 

 


See How They Grow: Kitten by Jane Burton
Nice clean photographs on plain white backgrounds really make this one pop. The book shows the development of a kitten from birth to ten weeks old. This entire series is great for showing how different animals grow from babies to adults. I’d recommend finding the white background hardcover options though. The paperback ones are a little too busy and distracting with the backgrounds.

 

 


Ultimate Sticker Book: Kitten: More Than 60 Reusable Full-Color Stickers by DK
This one starts off as a sticker book but if you help your child put all the cats in the right places then it has a lot of interesting information about cats in it too. It’s a fun way for kids to learn about kittens in a hands-on way. See them play, snuggle, and cuddle. They’ll learn fascinating facts that include information about breeds, how to take care of a kitten, and what to do if you find a stray.

 

 


National Geographic Readers: Cats by Joan Marie Galat
This series of books are really great non-fiction books for kids. They feature gorgeous bright and glossy pictures and lots of interesting information. In this one about cats, your child will learn all about cats from house cats to big cats, readers will learn all about their favorite furry felines.

Want a Printable Book List? Get it here!

 

Enjoy These Cat Stories for Preschoolers

Of course many of these children’s books about cats can be read to children other than preschoolers but these ones are great for preschoolers. They are also great cat books for toddlers if you have a toddler that loves to read with you too.

Filed Under: Animals, Book Lists, Themes, Themes Tagged With: Cats

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to page 3
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Free Letter Q Printable Do a Dot Pages
  • Free Letter H Printable Do a Dot Pages
  • Letter L Books
  • L is For… Things That Start With L for Preschool
  • U is For… Things That Start With U for Preschool

Categories

  • Book Lists
    • Character Training
    • Holidays
    • Letters
    • Science
    • Seasons
    • Themes
  • Grades
    • 1st Grade
    • 2nd Grade
    • 3rd Grade
    • 4th Grade
    • Family (Multi-Age)
    • Kindergarten
    • Pre-k
    • Preschool
    • Toddler
  • Homeschooling Methods
    • Unit Studies
  • Homeschooling Tips
    • Homeschooling 101
  • Subjects
    • Alphabet
    • Art
    • Character Training
    • Nature
    • Phonics
    • Reading
    • Science
    • Spelling
  • Themes
    • Animals
    • Holidays
    • Nature
    • Places
    • Science
  • Uncategorized

Copyright © 2025 Eclectic Homeschooler

Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

and get the free printable book list as a thank you

Already a subscriber? Don't worry, you won't be added twice.

We will not share or sell your personal information. Read our privacy policy here.

x

Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

and get the free printable book list as a thank you

Already a subscriber? Don't worry, you won't be added twice.

We will not share or sell your personal information. Read our privacy policy here.

x

Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

and get the free printable book list as a thank you

Already a subscriber? Don't worry, you won't be added twice.

We will not share or sell your personal information. Read our privacy policy here.

x

Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

and get the free printable book list as a thank you

Already a subscriber? Don't worry, you won't be added twice.

We will not share or sell your personal information. Read our privacy policy here.

x

Sign Up For Our Free Newsletter

and get the free printable book list as a thank you

Already a subscriber? Don't worry, you won't be added twice.

We will not share or sell your personal information. Read our privacy policy here.

x