Showing posts with label Spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring. Show all posts

SEEDS! Good Books about Plant Life Cycles for Kindergarten Level Readers

The wonder of Spring!
The earth warms and plants come back to life. Roots and tops emerge like magic from little seeds!

To open up the wonder of life cycles and seeds we've pulled together this list of the Easiest Non-Fiction Practice Readers: books at the Kindergarten reading level. 

**all ratings from GoodReads


bookcover of BEANS!  (Plants: Life Cycles)  by Gail Saunders-Smith
BEANS!
(Plants: Life Cycles)
by Gail Saunders-Smith, PhD

Large text and simple sentences help newer readers explore the natural world. This book takes children from Burpee seed packet to planting, flowering, picking, and snapping.

I like the format of this book. It uses very simple phrases --no capitalization -- along with suitable photographs.
Table of Contents
Bean Seeds
Planting Beans
Bean Pods

Words to Know
Read More
Internet Sites
Index/Word List
sample page #1 from BEANS!  (Plants: Life Cycles)  by Gail Saunders-Smith

sample page #2 from BEANS!  (Plants: Life Cycles)  by Gail Saunders-Smith

sample text
beans in a packet
beans in a seed
beans in a hole
beans in a garden
beans in a blossom
beans in a pod
beans in a basket
Reading Information
Word Count: 36
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reader:  0.8 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 11375
Lexile: NP


bookcover of WATCH CORN GROW  (Watch Plants Grow!)  by Kristen Rajczak
WATCH CORN GROW
(Watch Plants Grow!)
by Kristen Rajczak

Photographs and simple sentences show corn and corn silk and give children corny facts.
 
Word Count: 52
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reader:  0.8 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141538
Lexile: 380L

Available in Spanish
-- Como Crece El Maiz! 


bookcover of SEEDS!  (Nature Walk)  by Rebecca Stromstad Glaser
SEEDS!
(Nature Walk)
by Rebecca Stromstad Glaser

Ironic that this is the only book on this list that is Common Core since it is nearly impossible to locate at a reasonable price.

Check your library.  The publisher describes it thusly:  "Describing several examples of seeds, this photo-illustrated nature walk guide shows very young readers how to identify seeds and tells how the seeds spread. Includes photo glossary and quiz."

Common Core Suggested Common Core Suggested
Word Count: 106
Page Count:  24
Accelerated Reader: 0.9 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 154134


bookcover of WATCH APPLE TREES GROW  (Watch Plants Grow!)  by Mary Ann Huffman
WATCH APPLE TREES GROW
(Watch Plants Grow!)
by Mary Ann Huffman

Children will read about the life cycle of apple trees and the importance of bees.

Word Count: 86
Page Count:  24
Accelerated Reader: 0.9 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141537
Lexile: 380L
Available in Spanish
-- Mira Como Crece El Manzano!  


bookcover of WATCH GRASS GROWS  (Watch Plants Grow!)  by Kristen Rajczak
WATCH GRASS GROWS
(Watch Plants Grow!)
by Kristen Rajczak

Children think they know a lot about grass, but in this book they will discover that there are many different types of grass, some of which are very tall.

Word Count: 54
Page Count:  24
Accelerated Reader: 0.9 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141539
Lexile: 380L
Available in Spanish
-- Mira Como Crece El Cesped!


bookcover of WATCH PEAS GROWS  (Watch Plants Grow!)  by Therese M. Shea
WATCH PEAS GROWS
(Watch Plants Grow!)
by Therese M. Shea

Children will read about the life cycle of peas and will probably be surprised by their pretty flowers.

Word Count: 78
Page Count:  24
Accelerated Reader: 0.9 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141540
Lexile: 380L
Available in Spanish
-- Mira Como Crecen Los Guisantes!


bookcover of WATCH PINE TREES GROWS  (Watch Plants Grow!)  by Therese M. Shea
WATCH PINE TREES GROWS
(Watch Plants Grow!)
by Therese M. Shea

Children will read about how useful pine tree are and how those big trees start off as tiny seeds.

Word Count: 64
Page Count:  24
Accelerated Reader: 0.9 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141541
Lexile: 380L
Available in Spanish
-- Mira Como Crecen Los Pinos!


bookcover of WATCH TULIPS GROWS  (Watch Plants Grow!)  by Kristen Rajczak
WATCH TULIPS GROWS
(Watch Plants Grow!)
by Kristen Rajczak

Children will read about how beautiful tulips grow from bulbs.

Word Count: 57
Page Count:  24
Accelerated Reader: 0.9 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 141542
Lexile: 380L
Available in Spanish
-- Mira Como Crecen Los Tulipanes!



For Fiction that would compliment these books see  SPRING! books for Kindergarten level readers



compiled by Pam
updated March 2014

Topic: SPRING!
books for Kindergarten level readers

SPRING has always been a popular topic on the GoodKids websites.  Here, finally, is a list of books just for children reading at the Kindergarten level.
  • A couple of the books are about all 4 seasons.
  • One book earned a Starred Review from Publisher's Weekly
  • Two of the books are available in Spanish! 

**all ratings from GoodReads


bookcover of SPRING IS HERE!: A Story About Seeds  (Ant Hill) by Joan HolubSpring Is Here!: A Story About Seeds
(Ant Hill)
by Joan Holub
Will Terry (Illustrator) 

3.44 avg rating — 16 ratings

The little guys from Ant Hill find and plant some seeds, then patiently wait until spring to enjoy the plants that appear.

sample page from SPRING IS HERE!: A Story About Seeds  (Ant Hill) by Joan Holub

Reading Information:
Word Count: 97
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reading level: 0.7 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 159250
Lexile: 190L


bookcover of Spring  (Watching the Seasons) by Emily C. DawsonSpring
(Watching the Seasons)
by Emily C. Dawson
Common Core Suggested Common Core Suggested

This one might not be available unless your library has it.

The book uses photos to show how spring weather affects animals, plants, and people.

Word Count: 106
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reader: 0.8 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 154043


bookcover of Here Comes Spring, And Summer And Fall And Winter  (DK CHILDREN)  by Mary Elizabeth MurphyHere Comes Spring, And Summer And Fall And Winter
(DK CHILDREN)
by Mary Elizabeth Murphy

This book follows all 4 seasons. Crunching leaves, cold snow, pretty blossoms... it's very cute, with colorful drawings of a momma dog and her puppy.

sample page #1 from Here Comes Spring, And Summer And Fall And Winter  (DK CHILDREN)  by Mary Elizabeth Murphy
This is momma.
sample page #2 from Here Comes Spring, And Summer And Fall And Winter  (DK CHILDREN)  by Mary Elizabeth Murphy
This is the facing-page with her darling.
Word Count: 171
Page Count:  32
Accelerated Reader: 0.8 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 54330
Lexile: BR


bookcover of It's Spring, Dear Dragon  (Dear Dragon)  by Margaret HillertIt's Spring, Dear Dragon
(Dear Dragon)
by Margaret Hillert

3.71 avg rating — 7 ratings

The boy and his dragon enjoy spending a spring day playing outside.

sample page #1 from It's Spring, Dear Dragon  (Dear Dragon)  by Margaret Hillert

Common Core Suggested Common Core Suggested

Word Count: 240
Page Count:  32
Accelerated Reader: 0.8 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 132595
Lexile: BR
--Espanole!
Es Primavera, Querido Dragon = It's Spring, Dear Dragon


bookcover of Silly Lilly And The Four Seasons  (Toon Books)  by Agnes RosenstiehlSilly Lilly And The Four Seasons
(Toon Books)
by Agnes Rosenstiehl



**Starred Review** PublishersWeekly
3.14 avg rating — 116 ratings

Agnes Rosenstiehl is a popular children's author in France, and in this little book her Lilly changes clothes and activities as the seasons flow, one to another.

This is another book that takes a look at the 4 seasons.

sample page #1 from Silly Lilly And The Four Seasons  (Toon Books)  by Agnes Rosenstiehl

sample page #2 from Silly Lilly And The Four Seasons  (Toon Books)  by Agnes Rosenstiehl

 You can find a more in-depth review with more sample pages here:  Review: SILLY LILLY AND THE FOUR SEASONS

Word Count: 223
Page Count:  36
Accelerated Reader: 0.8 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 121606
Lexile: BR
--sample pages available


bookcover of What Happens In Spring?  (Four Super Seasons)  by Alex ApplebyWhat Happens In Spring?
(Four Super Seasons)
by Alex Appleby

Spring is pretty exciting after a cold winter, and in this book the focus is said to be on the "growth of new plants, animals coming out of hibernation".

Word Count: 51
Page Count: 24
Accelerated Reading level: 0.9 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 164158


bookcover of Apple Tree  (Neighborhood Readers)  by Autumn Leigh  Apple Tree
(Neighborhood Readers)
by Autumn Leigh

I'm sorry but I couldn't find a description for the contents of this book.

Word Count: 123
Page Count: 16
Accelerated Reader:  0.9 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 121790
--Espanole!
El Manzano


For Non-Fiction books with a focus on seeds and plant growth see, SEEDS! Good Books about Plant Life Cycles for Kindergarten Level Readers


compiled by Pam
updated March 2014

Spring! Popular Books for Kids

Spring is here!!!
And my good buddy Shan has given me a list of books that are really popular at the library where she works.  We hope you and yours enjoy them.

**all ratings from GoodReads 


bookcover of Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons  by Il Sung Na
Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit: A Book of Changing Seasons
by Il Sung Na

**Starred Review** SchoolLibraryJournal
3.82 avg rating — 434 ratings 

What do the animals do when the snow falls to the ground and all the trees are bare? Some fly long distances, while some swim to warmer waters. Some take a long, warm sleep where they live, while others have a thick, cozy coat and can stay in the snow!

As with Il Sung Na's previous books, Snow Rabbit, Spring Rabbit is filled with rich illustrations, charming animals, and a simple, lyrical text—all wrapped up in a gorgeous package. It's a gentle introduction to the ideas of adaptation, hibernation, and migration, and an exhuberant celebration of changing seasons.

Reading Information:
Page Count:  24
no AR information available
 Lexile: 450L
--sample pages and reviews available


bookcover of Splish, Splash, Spring  by Jan CarrSplish, Splash, Spring
by Jan Carr
Dorothy Donohue (Illustrator)
 3.52 avg rating — 44 ratings


The bright paper-collage illustrations detail all the many delights of spring!

Word Count: 96
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reader: 1.6 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 47519



bookcover of SPRING THINGS by Bob Raczka
Spring Things
by Bob Raczka
Judy Stead (Illustrator)

3.67 avg rating — 33 ratings 

Nature is busy budding and flowering; baby animals are being born; gardeners are planting; and everywhere children are running and playing. In rhyming text, the author celebrates Spring.

Page Count:  32
no reading information available
--sample pages and reviews available


bookcover of IT'S SPRING  by Samantha Berger
It's Spring
(Scholastic)
by Samantha Berger
Pamela Chanko (Illus.)

3.75 avg rating — 48 ratings

A robin, a rabbit, a deer, a duck, and many other animals help to spread the word that spring is finally here! With happiness and cheer the animals welcome spring's green trees, blossoming flowers, and bright, sunny sky!

Word Count: 134
Page Count: 30
Accelerated Reading level: 2.2 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 137773


bookcover of Clifford's Spring Clean-Up  by Norman Bridwell
Clifford's Spring Clean-Up
by Norman Bridwell

3.61 avg rating — 169 ratings

This Clifford adventure finds the big red dog hard at work getting the house clean, or trying to, as he shakes to pieces Emily Elizabeth's rugs and digs up weeds at a vacant lot for Earth Day.

Word Count: 375
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reader: 2.3 / points: 0.5
AR
quiz: 17517
Lexile: 500L


bookcover of Skunk's Spring Surprise  by Lesléa Newman
Skunk's Spring Surprise
by Lesléa Newman
Valeri Gorbachev (Illustrator)

3.17 avg rating — 35 ratings

When Skunk wakes from her long winter nap, she can't wait to see all her friends. But they're nowhere to be found! Do they think she stinks? Poor Skunk is fuming ... until she discovers the real reason her friends are missing.
Word Count: 444
Page Count: 
Accelerated Reader: 2.5 / points: 0.5
AR quiz: 107426
Lexile: 380L


bookcover of IT'S SPRING by Linda Glaser
It's Spring!
by Linda Glaser
Susan Swan (Illus.)

 3.44 avg rating — 27 ratings 

A boy observes the arrival of spring and its effects on plants and animals. Includes suggestions for nature study projects.

Word Count: 941
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reader: 3.1 / points: 0.5
AR
quiz: 57475


bookcover of NEW BEGINNING: Celebrating The Spring Equinox  by Ellen Jackson
The Spring Equinox: Celebrating the Greening of the Earth

by Ellen Jackson
Jan Davey Ellis (Illustrator)

3.35 avg rating — 20 ratings

This is a detailed look at the history and festivals behind this special day, which occurs in the third week of March in the Northern Hemisphere. Jackson begins with ancient Mexico and the Mayans, who believed that special ceremonies were needed to rejuvenate the Earth; otherwise, it would remain cold and lifeless. She mentions other festivals and holidays that are celebrated around this time, such as Passover; Easter; No Ruz, a 13-day Iranian festival; and Holi, an Indian holiday. The book ends with a note that not all spring celebrations are rooted in ancient times, such as Earth Day. A retelling of the story of Ostara, the goddess of dawn and springtime, is included, as are some examples of seasonal activities. The attractive illustrations are as cheery and colorful as a warm and sunny spring day, adding to this informative look at the vernal equinox. Lisa Gangemi Kropp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

Word Count: 1,569
Page Count: 32
Accelerated Reader: 5.1 / points: 0.5
AR
quiz: 120512


bookcover of SPRING by Gerda Muller
Spring
by Gerda Muller

4.52 avg rating — 27 ratings

One of a series of four books without text, which lead the young child through the seasons of the year. Full of fun, active illustrations, this chunky board book shows the joys of playing with lambs, sowing seeds, painting Easter eggs and watching baby birds.

Spring shows children playing with lambs, sowing seeds, painting Easter eggs, and watching baby birds. (Ages 1-5)

Reading Information - wordless
Page Count: 10


POOH'S FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT SPRING (My Very First Winnie the Pooh)  by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
Pooh's Favorite Things About Spring
(Scholastic)
by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld

4.20 avg rating — 5 ratings

One sunshiny spring day, Pooh enjoys a happy, humming walk through the Hundred-Acre Wood. He follows a buzzing bee to a honey tree, and finds plenty of flowing rivers, waving flowers, and smiling friends to greet along the way. This cheery Pooh story introduces young children to the concept of spring, and points out that in many ways, the best thing about spring is ... everything!

Page Count:  32
no reading information available
--sample pages and reviews available

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