Science 1 - Living Systems Books

 "Is it a Living Thing?" by Bobbie Kalman helps young readers understand the essential characteristics of living things, such as breathing, growing, needing food, and reproducing. With colorful photographs and clear, age-appropriate explanations, the book encourages children to observe and differentiate between living and nonliving things in their environment. It also introduces simple scientific vocabulary to support early learning. This book serves as a strong foundational resource for introducing life science concepts in the early grades.

Epic Books: https://www.getepic.com/app/read/7618

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/isitlivingthing0000kalm

​"Living and Nonliving" by Andrea Rivera is a concise and engaging book designed to introduce young readers to the fundamental differences between living and nonliving things. Structured into five easy-to-read chapters, the book explains the science behind what makes something alive—such as growth, reproduction, and response to the environment—and contrasts these traits with nonliving objects. Vibrant, full-color photographs accompany the text, enhancing comprehension and engagement. Additionally, bolded glossary words and a key stats section help reinforce vocabulary and concepts, making it an excellent resource for early science education. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ACLWlv2Rjc

Epic Books: https://www.getepic.com/app/read/58739

Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/livingnonliving0000rive

"Living or Nonliving?" by Kelli Hicks introduces young readers to the basic characteristics that define living things, such as the ability to grow, move, and reproduce. Using simple language and real-world photographs, the book contrasts living things like animals and plants with nonliving objects like rocks and toys. It encourages children to observe the world around them and ask questions about what they see. This book is a great tool for helping Grade One students begin to categorize and understand the natural world. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mac7ov9hAJU

Epic Books: https://www.getepic.com/app/read/18562

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/livingornonlivin0000hick

​"What's Alive?" by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld is an engaging introduction to the concept of living and nonliving things, tailored for young readers. Part of the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, the book uses simple language and relatable examples to explain how living things grow, need food, and reproduce. Through colorful illustrations and interactive questions, it encourages children to observe the world around them and identify what is alive. This book serves as a valuable resource for early science education, fostering curiosity and foundational understanding of life science concepts. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlfdA8jMOD8

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/whatsalive00zoeh

Plants Need Sunlight by Christine Petersen is a nonfiction book that explains the vital role sunlight plays in the life of a plant. Using clear language and vivid photographs, it introduces young readers to the process of photosynthesis and how plants use sunlight to make their own food. The book also explores what happens when plants don’t get enough sunlight. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkxLYFW9ZdE

Epic Books: https://www.getepic.com/app/read/10795

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/plantsneedsunlig0000pete

A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long, is a poetic and visually stunning introduction to the world of seeds. Through lyrical language and detailed watercolor illustrations, the book explores the diverse forms, functions, and life cycles of seeds—from their dormancy to their awakening and growth into plants. It highlights seeds' various adaptations for survival and dispersal, showcasing examples from around the globe. With its blend of science and art, the book serves as both an educational resource and a celebration of nature's wonders. It's an ideal read for young readers curious about botany and the natural world. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jErMBB6fu8w

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/seedissleepy0000asto

The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle is a beautifully illustrated picture book that follows the journey of a tiny seed as it travels through the seasons. Along the way, the seed faces various dangers, such as being burned by the sun or eaten by birds, while others around it do not survive. Eventually, the tiny seed lands in the right place, takes root, and grows into a giant flower. The story introduces young readers to the needs of a plants in a creative and engaging manner. 

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

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/tinyseed0000carl_o5q3

What Do Living Things Need? by Elizabeth Austen is a beginner-friendly nonfiction book that introduces young readers to the basic needs of living organisms. Through simple text and colorful photos, it explains how all living things need food, water, air, and shelter to survive. The book highlights examples from both the plant and animal kingdoms to show how different organisms meet these needs. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TphCmrEE4_4

Epic Books: https://www.getepic.com/app/read/42733

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/whatdolivingthin0000aust

There are many other books availible for viewing about the topics of living/non-living things and the needs of living things at a wide array of elementary reading levels. Here are two links to see such collections of books:

Internet Archive Library: Living Things and Non-Living Things