5 Great Children’s Books that Teach About the Seasons

5 Great Children’s Books that Teach About the Seasons

Every season brings a distinctive change to our everyday lives. We wear different clothing, eat different food and even take part in different activities and traditions. Students love to learn about the differences between the seasons and how the year is organized around them. The following books can help teachers illustrate these differences and are perfect for kindergarten through second grade classes.

The Year at Maple Hill Farm by Alice and Martin Provensen

A personal favorite, this book shows how the seasons direct what happens on a farm throughout the year. It takes readers through the farm chores and activities, month by month. The text is simple and softly humorous.  The Year at Maple Hill Farm is a great story that teaches both about the seasons and farm life.

The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons

This book tells the story of a young boy and an apple tree. Throughout the year, Arnold uses the tree as a tool for imaginative fun. As the seasons change, so does the tree and Arnold’s use of the tree. The Seasons of Arnold’s Apple Tree shows the unique relationship between people and nature, helping readers understand how much we depend on nature for food and fun.

Sunshine Makes the Seasons by Franklyn M. Branley

The new edition of this book is a lot more colorful and easier to read than the original. It tells the science behind the seasons; how the earth is tilted and rotates around the sun to create what we know as winter, spring, summer and fall. An experiment using an orange, pencil and flashlight is included to help students better understand the concept.

The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri

This book is perfect for children who are just learning to read, thanks to short, easy-to-read sentences and repetition. It’s about a busy squirrel that can’t stop to enjoy time with his friends, because he’s working to gather food for the winter. Because squirrels are common all over the country, kids will be able to observe what they read in their own back yards with a new understanding and fascination.

Seasons by Blexbolex

This book is a visual story told by through the stunning illustrations of artist Blexbolex. Seasons explores the relation between time and the seasons by showing how everything that we see and do changes throughout the year. The book encourages readers to observe the world in greater detail to see the associations between the seasons, time and the cycle of life.

The concept of seasons can be taught using all the subjects, including math, science, art, music, history, writing and, of course, reading! I hope your students enjoy reading these books!

As a freelance writer, Melanie Foster enjoys sharing valuable information about pedagogy and life-long learning. In addition to regularly contributing articles to OnlinePHDPrograms.com, Melanie also writes for numerous other websites and blogs related to self-guided learning and teaching. Please leave any questions or comments for her below.