Kindergarten Science - Matter Books

"I Hear a Pickle" is a children's book by Rachel Isadora that explores the five senses through the curiosity and experiences of young children. The book captures the joy and discovery in everyday moments, from the sound of a pickle's crunch to the feel of a fluffy cat, encouraging readers to pay close attention to the world around them. Through its simple yet evocative language and illustrations, it invites kids to explore their senses and the many ways they interact with their environment.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JetHl3q2Idw 

Internet Archive Library (only available in Spanish): https://archive.org/details/ihearpickleandsm0000isad 

"The Listening Walk" by Paul Showers, illustrated by Aliki, is a classic children's book that celebrates the simple pleasures of listening to the sounds of the world. The story follows a young girl and her father as they take a quiet walk through their neighborhood, paying close attention to the myriad sounds around them, from the whistle of a bird to the crunch of gravel underfoot. This gentle tale encourages readers to explore their environment with their ears open, fostering an appreciation for the beauty of the natural and human-made sounds that fill our lives. What is notably interesting are some of the differences between the 1961 and 1991 versions; for some reason, the father isn't smoking a pipe in the 1991 as he seemed to be in 1961, and it is incredible how much not only cars, but people's legs changed in those thirty years! 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLs4r8lHUSg 

Internet Archive Library (1961 version): https://archive.org/details/listeningwalk0000show/mode/2up

Internet Archive Library (1991 version): https://archive.org/details/listeningwalk0000show_f2d9/page/n11/mode/2up

"Look, Listen, Taste, Touch, and Smell: Learning about Your Five Senses" by Pamela Hill Nettleton is a captivating book designed to introduce children to the wonders of their five senses. It takes readers on an exploratory journey, using clear and engaging text alongside colorful illustrations, to explain how sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell enable us to understand and interact with the world. This educational read is perfect for providing young learners with a basic yet comprehensive understanding of sensory perception.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNqe-6QAew0

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/looklistentastet0000nett

"Look What I See" by Judi Barrett is a delightful children's book that encourages curiosity and observation skills among young readers. Through its engaging narrative, the book invites children to explore their surroundings and discover the wonders hidden in plain sight, using a simple game of visual exploration. Barrett's playful text and colorful illustrations captivate the imagination, prompting kids to look closely at the world around them and find joy in the details of everyday life. 

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

"Nobody Hugs a Cactus" by Carter Goodrich is a touching and humorous tale about Hank, a lonely cactus who lives in the desert and believes he prefers to be alone, away from the other desert creatures. However, as the story unfolds, Hank experiences a series of interactions (involving the senses) with various desert animals and a tumbleweed teach him the value of friendship and the importance of opening up to others. This beautifully illustrated book delivers a powerful message about vulnerability, the need for connection, and the unexpected ways friendships can form, all while making readers smile with its witty narrative and endearing characters.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlHhxzUqMk8

"Rain" by Manya Stojic is a vibrant and engaging children's book that celebrates the arrival of rain in the African savanna through the perspectives of various animals. As the landscape shifts from parched to lush, readers follow the anticipation and reactions of creatures like the porcupine, zebra, and lion, each using their unique senses to detect the coming change. Stojic's book masterfully combines vivid illustrations with a simple, rhythmic narrative to convey the transformative power of rain and the interconnectedness of life in a vibrant ecosystem.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUFkmA3SBMw

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/rain0000stoj/mode/2up

"Ten Ways to Hear Snow" is a children's book written by Cathy Camper and illustrated by Kenard Pak, offering a heartwarming exploration of the senses and the quiet beauty of nature. The story follows a young girl named Lina who discovers the various sounds snow makes as she walks to her grandmother's house after a fresh snowfall. This gentle journey highlights the importance of mindfulness and the connections between generations, as Lina learns to appreciate the small, often overlooked sounds of the world around her.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vADtF0QEkw

"They All Saw A Cat" by Brendan Wenzel is an imaginative and thought-provoking picture book that explores perception and perspective through the eyes of various creatures encountering a cat as it walks through the world. The book invites readers to see how the cat appears differently to a child, a dog, a fish, a mouse, and many others, emphasizing how our experiences shape our view of the world around us. With its vibrant illustrations and simple, repetitive text, Wenzel's book encourages children to consider the diversity of perspectives beyond their own, fostering empathy and understanding.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enOMZ1xNq0M

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/they-all-saw-a-cat/mode/2up

"Touch It!: Materials, Matter and You" by Adrienne Mason is an exploratory book that invites young readers to delve into the world of materials and their properties. Through interactive activities, experiments, and clear explanations, the book covers topics like hardness, elasticity, and texture, encouraging children to touch, observe, and think about the materials around them. It's designed to spark curiosity about the science of materials, making it a fantastic resource for introducing basic concepts of matter and its interactions in an engaging and hands-on manner.

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781442058705

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle is a beloved children's classic that tells the story of a caterpillar's journey from egg to butterfly. Over the course of a week, the caterpillar eats through an increasing amount of food, each day indulging in different fruits and other treats, before finally cocooning himself and emerging as a beautiful butterfly. Carle's distinctive collage illustrations and simple, engaging narrative not only introduce concepts of counting, days of the week, and growth cycles, but also delight children with the transformational magic of nature.

YouTube (Animated Version): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75NQK-Sm1YY

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

"Red is Best" by Kathy Stinson, with illustrations by Robin Baird Lewis, is a charming children's book that celebrates the joy of having a favorite color. Through the eyes of a spirited young girl who insists that red items—her red stockings, red paint, and red barrettes—are superior to those of any other color, the story explores themes of individuality and personal preference. Stinson's narrative captures the earnest and sometimes illogical reasons children have for their choices, while Lewis's illustrations vividly bring to life the warmth and enthusiasm of the protagonist's convictions.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-14ufs7absk

Internet Archive Library (English): https://archive.org/details/redisbest0000stin_t7f8

Internet Archive Library (French): https://archive.org/details/lerougecestbienm0000stin_k3j0

Internet Archive Library (Spanish): https://archive.org/details/elrojoesmejor0000stin

"Pinkalicious" by Victoria Kann is a whimsical and colorful children's book that tells the story of a little girl who loves pink so much that she can't stop eating pink cupcakes. Despite her parents' warnings, she indulges until she turns pink herself, leading to a diagnosis of Pinkititis, which can only be cured by a change in diet. This playful tale not only celebrates the joy of favorite colors and treats but also touches on themes of moderation and the consequences of excess, all wrapped up in vibrant illustrations and a humorous storyline.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM2w3ce01PQ

Internet Archive Library (English; only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/pinkalicious00kann

Internet Archive Library (French): https://archive.org/details/roselicieux0000kann

"Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas" by Aaron Blabey is a humorous and engaging children's book that introduces readers to Brian, a piranha with a penchant for fruits and vegetables, much to the dismay of his meat-loving piranha friends. Through a series of funny and persuasive attempts, Brian tries to convince his friends to try his healthier snacks, leading to hilarious reactions and a light-hearted look at dietary preferences. Blabey's playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations not only entertain but also subtly encourage kids to be open to trying new foods, even if they seem unconventional at first.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SkCHbsXak4

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/piranhasdonteatb0000blab_t8v2/mode/2up

"Five Green and Speckled Frogs" is a popular children's song that serves as both an entertaining and educational tool, teaching kids about counting and subtraction in a fun and engaging way. The lyrics tell the story of five speckled frogs sitting on a speckled log, eating some most delicious bugs, and one by one, they jump into a pool, decreasing in number until there are none left. This repetitive and rhythmic song not only helps children practice counting backwards from five but also introduces them to basic math concepts in a playful context.

YouTube (Animated with Background Music): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVQeY8bodYs

Internet Archive Library (French): https://archive.org/details/vert0000seeg

Internet Archive Library (Spanish): https://archive.org/details/verde0000seeg

"Five Green and Speckled Frogs" is a popular children's song that serves as both an entertaining and educational tool, teaching kids about counting and subtraction in a fun and engaging way. The lyrics tell the story of five speckled frogs sitting on a speckled log, eating some most delicious bugs, and one by one, they jump into a pool, decreasing in number until there are none left. This repetitive and rhythmic song not only helps children practice counting backwards from five but also introduces them to basic math concepts in a playful context.

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

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/fivegreenspeckle00basa

"I Do Not Eat the Colour Green!" by Lynne Rickards, illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain, is a delightful children's book that tackles picky eating habits with humor and creativity. The story centers around Marlene, a young girl who is adamant about not eating anything green, convincing herself that she dislikes all green food without ever trying it. Through a clever narrative and vibrant illustrations, the book gently encourages children to explore and reconsider their own food preferences, promoting the message that trying new foods can be a surprising and rewarding adventure.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4xLiyD4-ZQ

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/idonoteatcolourg0000rick

"Five Green and Speckled Frogs" is a popular children's song that serves as both an entertaining and educational tool, teaching kids about counting and subtraction in a fun and engaging way. The lyrics tell the story of five speckled frogs sitting on a speckled log, eating some most delicious bugs, and one by one, they jump into a pool, decreasing in number until there are none left. This repetitive and rhythmic song not only helps children practice counting backwards from five but also introduces them to basic math concepts in a playful context.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI6JUlmTc-k

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/littlegreenpeasb0000bake

"Blueberries for Sal" by Robert McCloskey is a classic children's book that captures a simple, yet adventurous day of blueberry picking on a hill in Maine. The story follows little Sal and her mother as they go blueberry picking, mirroring a similar journey of a mother bear and her cub on the same hill, leading to a gentle and humorous mix-up. McCloskey's delightful illustrations and the engaging narrative not only celebrate the joys and surprises of childhood but also explore themes of mother-child bonding and the gentle rhythms of nature. Note that the only copy available for viewing without a "patron with disabilities" account is the link below, but requires zooming in on your browser. There are full-sized versions available for the "patrons with disabilities" accounts.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-YuifRw7zY

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/BlueberriesForSal-Eng-RobertMccloskey/mode/2up

"Little Blue Truck" by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry, is a heartwarming tale of friendship, kindness, and the importance of helping others. The story centers around a small blue truck that befriends all the animals he meets on his route, proving that being kind and friendly brings its own rewards. When a big, important dump truck gets stuck in the mud, it's the Little Blue Truck and his animal friends who come to the rescue, teaching readers about the power of teamwork and how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference. Though "Blue" is in the title, there is no question that this book explores other colours, and with each colour, there is often a sound.

YouTube (Animated Book): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zGyVkL1vOg

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

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/littlebluetruck0000sche

"Harold and the Purple Crayon" by Crockett Johnson is a classic children's book that unleashes the power of imagination through its simple yet profound narrative. The story follows Harold, a young boy who creates a world of his own with nothing but a purple crayon and his imagination, drawing everything from paths to sail on to mountains to climb. Johnson's inventive tale encourages children to explore their creativity, showing that with a little imagination, anything is possible, and every problem has a creative solution.

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

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl94zwz8cKU

Internet Archive Library (English): https://archive.org/details/harpercollinstre0000unse/page/96/mode/2up

Internet Archive Library (Spanish): https://archive.org/details/haroldyellapizmo0000john

"Purplicious" by Victoria Kann is the engaging sequel to "Pinkalicious," focusing on Pinkalicious as she grapples with her peers' shifting preferences away from her beloved pink to the color black. Feeling isolated and bullied for her love of pink, she discovers the beauty and power of purple, a color that embodies her individuality and resilience. Through vibrant illustrations and a story that speaks to the challenges of staying true to oneself amid peer pressure, "Purplicious" teaches children about self-acceptance, the strength found in embracing what you love, and the importance of finding friends who appreciate you for who you are.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBtsYYwsSt4

"Purplicious" by Victoria Kann is the engaging sequel to "Pinkalicious," focusing on Pinkalicious as she grapples with her peers' shifting preferences away from her beloved pink to the color black. Feeling isolated and bullied for her love of pink, she discovers the beauty and power of purple, a color that embodies her individuality and resilience. Through vibrant illustrations and a story that speaks to the challenges of staying true to oneself amid peer pressure, "Purplicious" teaches children about self-acceptance, the strength found in embracing what you love, and the importance of finding friends who appreciate you for who you are.

YouTube (Animated): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paw2RGSdwG0

YouTube (Sung Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7tvOtt1itA

"One Gray Mouse" by Katherine Burton, illustrated by Kim Fernandes, is a captivating children's book that combines counting elements with the exploration of colors and animals in a vibrant, tactile world. Through the story, readers follow a gray mouse as it encounters various colorful animals, from one gray mouse to ten pink pigs, each set against a backdrop of richly textured pages designed to engage young readers' senses. This educational and interactive book not only introduces basic counting skills but also encourages children to learn about different animals and colors, all while enjoying the rhyming text and the three-dimensional, felt-like illustrations.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHM4AEn6SPo

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/blackrabbit0000leat_y1j6

"The Black Rabbit" by Philippa Leathers is a clever and charming tale about a rabbit who is followed by a large, scary black rabbit, only to discover that this ominous figure is actually his own shadow. As the rabbit tries to escape his fearsome follower through various methods, he learns about shadows and how they work, ultimately leading to an understanding and acceptance of his constant companion. This delightful story combines gentle humor with a light lesson on fear, perception, and the science of shadows, all conveyed through engaging illustrations and a relatable narrative for young readers.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oORn0RMjTcU

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/blackrabbit0000leat_y1j6

"Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes" by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean, tells the story of Pete the Cat and his brand-new white shoes. As Pete walks down the street, 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. Despite the mishaps, Pete keeps his cool, singing his song and moving along, teaching readers about colors, resilience, and the positive outlook of embracing whatever comes your way with a song in your heart.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj_z6zGQVyM

YouTube (Animated): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GSnmRZlgc4

Internet Archive Library (PDF): https://archive.org/download/generic-Pete-the-Cat--I-Love-My-White-Shoes/Pete_the_Cat-_I_Love_My_White_Shoes.pdf

"Color Dance" by Ann Jonas is a vibrant and engaging children's book that explores the concept of color mixing and the beauty of colors in motion. Through the use of dancers with scarves in the primary colors of red, yellow, and blue, the book illustrates how these colors blend to create secondary colors—orange, green, and purple. Jonas's creative presentation not only introduces young readers to basic principles of color theory but also celebrates the artistry and joy of dance, making it a visually stimulating experience that combines learning with imaginative play.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxp7bWHtMhI

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/colordance00jona/mode/2up

"The Crayon Box That Talked" by Shane DeRolf, illustrated by Michael Letzig, is a thought-provoking children's book that delivers a powerful message about diversity and cooperation. Through the story of a box of crayons that initially don't get along due to their different colors, the book teaches the importance of accepting and valuing each other's unique qualities. As the crayons learn to work together, they create a beautiful picture, illustrating how collaboration and understanding can lead to something wonderful, making it an ideal story to help children appreciate the strength in diversity and the beauty of coming together to create something new.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri1lNeucMZ0

"Curious George Discovers the Rainbow" by H.A. Rey and Margret Rey is part of the beloved Curious George series that blends adventure with learning. In this installment, George's natural curiosity about his surroundings leads him to explore the science behind rainbows. Through a series of engaging misadventures, George learns about light, colors, and weather patterns, ultimately discovering how rainbows are formed, all while captivating young readers with his characteristic mischief and wonder, encouraging them to discover and learn about the world around them.

YouTube (Cartoon): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNfw37sx_Z8

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im3wTtNNn3E

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/curiousgeorgedis0000cher

"How the Crayons Saved the Rainbow" by Monica Sweeney, illustrated by Feronia Parker Thomas, is a vibrant and heartwarming story about unity and the power of creativity in overcoming adversity. The book tells the tale of the Sun and Clouds who stop being friends, leading to a world without rainbows until a box of crayons decides to take matters into their own hands. Through their determination and collaboration, the crayons bring color back to the world, teaching young readers about the importance of teamwork, the beauty of diversity, and the impact of art in bringing joy and color into our lives.

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

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/howcrayonssavedr0000moni

"Mix It Up!" by Hervé Tullet is an interactive picture book that invites young readers to explore the magic of colors through the simple act of mixing them. With each page turn, Tullet encourages children to pretend to blend colors, smudge, and shake the book to see what happens, leading them on a playful journey of discovery about how primary colors combine to create secondary ones. This imaginative book doesn't just teach about colors; it engages children in a hands-on learning experience, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a love for the surprises that come from experimenting with art.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLxFNtNZa4E

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/mixitup0000tull

"Mixed: A Colorful Story" by Arree Chung is a vibrant and meaningful picture book that tells the story of a community of colors living in harmony, until divisions based on color lead to a segregated and less vibrant life. Through engaging illustrations and a simple yet profound narrative, Chung explores themes of diversity, acceptance, and the beauty of coming together to create something new. As the colors learn to mix and live in harmony, the story delivers a powerful message about the importance of embracing differences and the richness that inclusivity brings to communities, making it a timely tale for readers of all ages.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp3cemzfRzY

"Monsters Love Colors" by Mike Austin is a vibrant, energetic children's book that celebrates creativity, imagination, and the joy of mixing colors. Through the playful antics of colorful monsters, the story introduces young readers to the primary colors and the fun of creating new colors by mixing them together. Austin's lively illustrations and simple, engaging text encourage children to experiment with art and learn about color theory in a fun, accessible way, making it a perfect read for budding artists and little learners fascinated by the rainbow of colors in the world around them.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfXAIW2tXu8

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/monsterslovenewc0000aust

"Monsters Love Colors" by Mike Austin is a vibrant, energetic children's book that celebrates creativity, imagination, and the joy of mixing colors. Through the playful antics of colorful monsters, the story introduces young readers to the primary colors and the fun of creating new colors by mixing them together. Austin's lively illustrations and simple, engaging text encourage children to experiment with art and learn about color theory in a fun, accessible way, making it a perfect read for budding artists and little learners fascinated by the rainbow of colors in the world around them.

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

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/mousepaint0000wals/mode/2up

"A Rainbow of My Own" by Don Freeman is a touching story about a young boy who dreams of having a rainbow to play with. After a rainstorm, he embarks on an imaginative journey to chase after a rainbow, hoping to capture its beauty and keep it for himself. Freeman's gentle narrative and charming illustrations capture the wonder of rainbows and the power of imagination, ultimately leading the boy to find a way to bring the joy and colors of a rainbow into his own room, reflecting the idea that the beauty of nature can always be found close to home.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDJ8_1En5bg

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780140503289

"What Makes a Rainbow?" by Betty Schwartz, illustrated by Dona Turner, is an enchanting and educational picture book designed to teach young children about colors and the natural phenomenon of rainbows. Through a clever interactive format that includes ribbons of colors appearing with the turn of each page, the story follows Little Rabbit as he asks his friends what makes a rainbow, with each animal adding a different colored ribbon to the rainbow. This engaging narrative not only introduces the basic colors but also encourages curiosity and exploration, culminating in a magical pop-up rainbow that delights readers, illustrating the wonder of how rainbows are formed in a simple, understandable way.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2aypaRsCjI

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/whatmakesrainbow0000schw

"White Rabbit's Colour Book" by Alan Baker is a charming and educational story that follows the curious White Rabbit as she experiments with dipping into pots of red, yellow, and blue paint, discovering the magic of color mixing. Through her adventures, young readers learn about primary colors and how they combine to create secondary colors. Baker's clear, engaging narrative and vibrant illustrations not only teach color theory in a fun, accessible way but also encourage exploration and creativity, making it an ideal book for introducing young children to the joys of colors and painting.

YouTube (Read Aloud): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgr8Yh5NJ8k

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/whiterabbitscolo00bake