Science K - Computer Science Books

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems is an engaging, interactive picture book that invites children to take an active role in the story. The bus driver steps away and asks the reader to keep the pigeon from driving the bus—prompting the pigeon to launch into a series of hilarious and increasingly desperate attempts to convince the audience otherwise. The book uses simple, expressive illustrations and speech-bubble dialogue to support early readers and promote comprehension. It’s ideal for teaching persuasive language, voice, and the concept of rules and responsibilities. Kindergarten students love joining in by responding to the pigeon, making it a fun choice for shared reading. It also opens the door for follow-up activities like role play, opinion writing, or creating their own “Don’t Let the Pigeon…” stories. 

YouTube (Animated): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNXyVJSCUWs

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-dHeNfXtgc

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/dontletpigeondri00will

How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan is a playful and imaginative story told from a child’s perspective, offering humorous “instructions” on how to take care of a grandpa. The book flips the traditional caregiver role, as the child becomes the one in charge, planning activities, snacks, and bedtime routines. Its lighthearted tone and charming illustrations make it ideal for discussing family relationships, role reversals, and narrative voice. Teachers can use this story to inspire students to write their own “how-to” guides, encouraging creativity and procedural writing skills. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYLHzL19Z-g

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/howtobabysitgran0000reag_x7m3

Internet Archive Library (Spanish): https://archive.org/details/cmocuidartuabuel0000reag

How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth by Michelle Robinson is a humorous, step-by-step picture book that guides readers through the imaginative process of giving a giant, hairy prehistoric creature a bath. Written as a set of playful instructions, it walks children through tasks like preparing the tub, coaxing the mammoth in, scrubbing behind the ears, and dealing with unexpected messes. The book combines clear sequencing with delightful illustrations, making it perfect for introducing procedural text in a fun and engaging way. It encourages early literacy skills such as following directions, understanding order of events, and using action verbs. Ideal for Kindergarten, this book can also inspire hands-on extension activities like drawing their own “how-to” guides or acting out silly sequences. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_2QCRW2wps

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/howtowashwoollym0000mich_o5k6

"If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" by Laura Numeroff is a circular tale that follows a little mouse who, after being given a cookie, embarks on a chain of increasingly elaborate requests. Each new desire stems from the last, illustrating a humorous and exaggerated example of cause and effect. The story's predictable pattern and engaging illustrations make it an excellent tool for teaching sequencing, prediction, and storytelling structure. Teachers can use this book to spark creative writing activities, help students identify story elements, or explore the concept of consequences. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCDPkGjMBro

YouTube (Animated): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZijedFRUvc

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/ifyougivemouseco0000nume/

"Our Planet: There's No Place Like Earth" by Stacy McAnulty is a vibrant and informative picture book that takes young readers on a journey across the diverse ecosystems of Earth. The book is narrated by Earth itself, offering a unique perspective on how interconnected and precious our planet is. Through engaging illustrations and playful text, it highlights different environments—from the deep blue oceans to the vast deserts and lush rainforests—showing how each unique biome supports its own variety of life. This book helps children understand what an environment is by showcasing the variety of habitats on Earth and emphasizing the importance of each in maintaining the planet's overall health and sustainability.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rk0IMKm8yns

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780811879545

Froggy Bakes a Cake by Jonathan London, illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz, is a delightful picture book that follows Froggy's earnest attempt to bake a birthday cake for his mother all by himself. Eager to surprise her, Froggy gathers ingredients like chocolate, sugar, eggs, and flour, but his lack of baking experience leads to a series of humorous mishaps and a very messy kitchen. This book is particularly suitable for Kindergarten classrooms as it introduces concepts of sequencing, following instructions, and understanding cause and effect. The repetitive and rhythmic text, combined with vibrant illustrations, engages young readers and supports early literacy skills. Additionally, the story provides opportunities for discussions about perseverance, problem-solving, and the value of trying one's best, even when outcomes aren't perfect. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32t88B5d19Y

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/froggybakescake00lond

Perfect Square by Michael Hall is a vibrant and imaginative picture book that explores themes of transformation, resilience, and creativity. The story begins with a red square that is perfectly content with its four equal sides and corners. However, each day of the week, the square undergoes various changes—being cut, torn, shredded, or crumpled—but instead of despairing, it transforms itself into something new and beautiful, such as a fountain, garden, or bridge. This narrative demonstrates how challenges can lead to creative outcomes, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and positive thinking. The book's simple text and bold, colorful illustrations make it accessible and engaging for Kindergarten students. It also provides opportunities to teach concepts like days of the week, colors, shapes, and sequencing. Incorporating this book into the classroom can inspire art projects where students create their own transformations from squares, fostering both creativity and problem-solving skills. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP9ZmNOhZXA

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/perfectsquare0000hall