Science 1 - Matter Books

"Actual Size" by Steve Jenkins is a visually stunning children's book that brings the concept of size and scale to life by presenting animals and animal parts in their true-to-life size. Through engaging illustrations and informative text, readers can compare their hand to a gorilla's hand, stare into the eye of a squid, or see how they measure up against the world's largest animals. This interactive and educational book encourages curiosity about the natural world and helps children understand the diversity of animal sizes in a tangible way.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AtHdQ1khds

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/actualsize00jenk

"The Best Bug Parade" by Stuart J. Murphy is an engaging children's book that introduces young readers to the concept of comparison and measurement through a colorful and entertaining story about bugs. The bugs organize a parade where they compare themselves in terms of size, length, and height, offering a fun and accessible way to understand basic concepts in the field of measurement. 

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEGrhBc3XxQ

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/bestbugparade0000murp

"How Big Is a Foot?" by Rolf Myller is an engaging children's book that introduces the concept of measurement through an imaginative story. The book tells the tale of a king who wants to give his queen a bed as a birthday present, but the measurement of a foot becomes a problem when everyone's feet are of different sizes. This clever story highlights the importance of using standard units of measurement in a way that is both fun and educational for young readers. Though it is difficult to promote a piece of literature that gets students away from the metric system, the dual languages within both of these books could be a great opportunity for students within your class who speak both of these languages.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5vJrB68K_o

Internet Archive Library (Both English and Hindi): https://archive.org/details/HowBigIsAFoot-Hindi-english/mode/2up

Internet Archive Library (Both English and Tamil): https://archive.org/details/HowBigIsAFoot-Tamil/mode/2up

"Inch by Inch" by Leo Lionni is a charming and beautifully illustrated children's book that tells the story of a small inchworm who measures everything he encounters. The inchworm's talent for measuring helps him cleverly avoid being eaten by birds who demand that he measures their songs or parts of their bodies. This creative tale not only introduces the concept of linear measurement but also celebrates the themes of cleverness and survival through wit. Though this leaves us teaching in the evil imperial system, this book is very well written for really giving students a start to understanding measurement.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlB_xk1-3CE

Internet Archive Library (English): https://archive.org/details/inchbyinch00lion/mode/2up

Internet Archive Library (Spanish): https://archive.org/details/pulgadapulgadapo00lion

"Inch by Inch" by Leo Lionni is a charming and beautifully illustrated children's book that tells the story of a small inchworm who measures everything he encounters. The inchworm's talent for measuring helps him cleverly avoid being eaten by birds who demand that he measures their songs or parts of their bodies. This creative tale not only introduces the concept of linear measurement but also celebrates the themes of cleverness and survival through wit. Though this leaves us teaching in the evil imperial system, this book is very well written for really giving students a start to understanding measurement.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80FXUWXR3HI

Internet Archive Library (English): https://archive.org/details/isbluewhalebigge0000well

Internet Archive Library (Spanish): https://archive.org/details/hayalgomasgrande00robe

"Just a Little Bit" by Ann Tompert and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger is a delightful children's book that tells the story of an elephant and a mouse who try to play on a seesaw but find they can't balance it due to their size difference. Through the help of their animal friends, they learn about concepts of weight, balance, and cooperation. This charming story combines humor and simple physics principles to convey messages about teamwork and problem-solving.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtUpMPwxHq0

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/justlittlebit00tomp

"The Long and Short of It" by Cheryl Nathan is a vibrant and educational children's book that explores the concepts of length and height through a series of playful and relatable scenarios. Through engaging illustrations and simple text, the book compares various objects and animals, inviting young readers to understand and think about the differences between long and short. This book makes learning about measurement an enjoyable and interactive experience, encouraging children to observe and compare the world around them.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeuD-Mit3yI

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/longshortofit0000nath

"Me and the Measure of Things" by Joan Sweeney and illustrated by Annette Cable is a delightful and educational children's book that makes the concept of measurement accessible and fun. Through clear, simple language and engaging illustrations, it explains how various items can be measured in different ways, including weight, volume, length, and temperature, using relatable examples from everyday life. This book encourages young readers to explore the world of measurement around them, fostering curiosity and understanding in a playful manner.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP2wvsech58

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/memeasureofthing0000swee

"Measuring Penny" by Loreen Leedy is an educational and engaging story about a young girl named Lisa who decides to measure her dog, Penny, for a homework assignment. Through the story, Lisa explores various measurement concepts including length, height, weight, and volume using standard and non-standard units. This creative approach not only teaches young readers about the principles of measurement but also encourages them to see the math in everyday activities and objects around them.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXxj3TfTFM4

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/measuringpenny0000leed

If you would like to see some more books on this topic, please take the link below or click on the logo to the left.

Internet Archive Library: Books About Measurement for Kids

"Beautiful Oops!" by Barney Saltzberg is an imaginative and interactive book that celebrates mistakes, showing young readers how a spill, tear, or smudge can be transformed into something wonderful. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging lift-the-flaps, pop-ups, and other tactile elements, Saltzberg encourages children to see the creative potential in errors and accidents. This book teaches the valuable lesson that embracing imperfections can lead to unexpected beauty and innovation, fostering a positive mindset towards creativity and problem-solving.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPO6I6LnBI4

"Bend and Stretch: Learning About Your Bones and Muscles" by Pamela Hill Nettleton and Becky Shipe offers a kid-friendly introduction to the human body's musculoskeletal system. Through simple, engaging text and colorful illustrations, the book explains how bones and muscles work together to help the body bend, stretch, move, and play. It encourages young readers to explore and appreciate the amazing capabilities of their own bodies, making it an excellent resource for teaching early concepts of biology and physical health.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLjZRNWbdN4

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/bendstretchlearn0000nett

"Chopsticks" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Scott Magoon is a heartwarming and creatively illustrated children's book about two chopsticks who are the best of friends and do everything together. However, when one of them gets hurt (breaks), they are forced to take a break from each other, leading the injured chopstick to discover new talents on its own. This delightful story explores themes of friendship, independence, and the discovery of one's abilities, teaching children about the importance of individual growth and the strength of friendship even when apart.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IypeCjUFwSQ

"Giraffes Can't Dance" by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees is an inspiring and heartwarming story about Gerald, a giraffe who believes he cannot dance because of his awkwardness and long legs. The narrative unfolds at the Jungle Dance, where Gerald, feeling sad and excluded, discovers that with the right music and a bit of confidence, he too can dance beautifully. This beautifully illustrated book teaches children about the importance of individuality, self-acceptance, and the joy of dancing to your own rhythm, making it a cherished read for its positive message and vibrant artwork, while simultaneously repeating the concept of stretching as different animals dance in different ways.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UNRduYI_04

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781408301982/mode/2up

"Iggy Peck, Architect" by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts is a delightful story about a young boy named Iggy who has an undeniable passion for building and architecture from a very young age. Despite facing obstacles, including a second-grade teacher who doesn't appreciate his talent, Iggy's creativity and persistence shine through when he saves the day with his architectural skills during a class trip. This engaging and beautifully illustrated book celebrates creativity, perseverance, and the joy of pursuing one's passion, inspiring children to explore their own interests and talents, no matter the challenges.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsDG0s_1TX8

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/iggypeckarchitec0000beat

"Jack's House" by Karen Magnuson Beil is a cleverly written children's book that tells the story of a house being built from the ground up, but with a twist on the traditional nursery rhyme "This is the House that Jack Built." The book follows the construction process through the eyes of the workers, machines, and materials involved, rather than Jack himself, who is revealed to have a different role in the process. Within the book, there are many examples of breaking and bending. With engaging illustrations and rhythmic, cumulative text, this story not only teaches about how houses are built but also introduces concepts of teamwork and the importance of each person's role in a project.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03qBixEbSb0

"The Most Magnificent Thing" by Ashley Spires is an inspiring tale of a young girl and her best friend, a dog, who set out to make the most magnificent thing. Along the way, she cuts, assembles, and breaks parts. Despite her hard work, the girl faces frustration and failure along the way, leading to a moment of anger and a realization about the importance of perseverance and creativity. This beautifully illustrated book teaches children the value of not giving up on their ideas, the lessons found in mistakes, and the joy of the creative process, encouraging young readers to embrace challenges and the iterative nature of creating something new.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM8oN4yzJqw

Internet Archive Library (Spanish): https://archive.org/details/laideamasmaravil0000spir

"The Most Magnificent Thing" by Ashley Spires is an inspiring tale of a young girl and her best friend, a dog, who set out to make the most magnificent thing. Along the way, she cuts, assembles, and breaks parts. Despite her hard work, the girl faces frustration and failure along the way, leading to a moment of anger and a realization about the importance of perseverance and creativity. This beautifully illustrated book teaches children the value of not giving up on their ideas, the lessons found in mistakes, and the joy of the creative process, encouraging young readers to embrace challenges and the iterative nature of creating something new.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM8oN4yzJqw

Internet Archive Library (Spanish): https://archive.org/details/laideamasmaravil0000spir

"Pretzel" by Margret Rey and illustrated by H.A. Rey is a classic children's book that tells the story of Pretzel, the longest dachshund in the world. Despite his impressive length and ability to twist into many shapes, Pretzel struggles to win the affection of Greta, a dachshund who doesn't seem impressed by his long body. The tale is a heartwarming story of how Pretzel eventually wins Greta's heart through an act of bravery, showcasing themes of self-acceptance, perseverance, and the idea that love isn't based on appearances.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvkfGwawJWE

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/pretzel0000reym_r5p1

"Stretch" by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Scott Menchin is an interactive and playful children's book that encourages readers to stretch along with the story's protagonist, a lively dog. Through engaging illustrations and simple, inviting text, the book explores the many ways and reasons why stretching is beneficial, both for fun and fitness. It promotes physical activity and the joy of movement, making it an excellent choice for encouraging young readers to get active and explore the limits of their own flexibility.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVuWLZunQBA

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/stretch0000cron

"Twist with a Burger, Jitter with a Bug" by Linda Lowery and illustrated by Pat Dypold is a lively and colorful children's book that invites readers to move their bodies in fun and imaginative ways. Through catchy rhymes and vibrant illustrations, the book encourages kids to twist, jitter, wiggle, and hop alongside an array of whimsical characters and scenarios, from burgers to bugs. This engaging read-aloud is designed to inspire physical activity and dance, making it a delightful choice for energetic young readers and an interactive classroom or bedtime story.

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/twistwithburgerj00keep

"Zoo Zen: A Yoga Story for Kids" by Kristen Fischer and illustrated by Susi Schaefer is a charming children's book that introduces young readers to yoga through a delightful narrative. The story follows Lyla, a young girl who demonstrates various yoga poses with the help of her animal friends at the zoo, from balancing like a flamingo to stretching like a cat. With its rhythmic text and colorful illustrations, "Zoo Zen" encourages kids to explore the fun and benefits of yoga, promoting mindfulness, flexibility, and physical activity in an engaging and accessible way.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8t1TjWr3K0

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/zoozenyogastoryf0000fisc/mode/2up