Categories: Books

Super Books About Strawberries for Pre-K Students

Are you planning on incorporating strawberries into your Pre-K students’ studies this year? Have you already written a list of berry themed stories to factor into your lesson plan? If not, I’d like to make several book suggestions. Here’s a quick look at each one:

“The Berry Book”

In my opinion, Gail Gibbons’ “The Berry Book” would make a suitable, introductory read. It covers the basics of berry production. You could feasibly pair it with Inez Snyder’s book “Berries to Jelly” and Janet Steven’s “Cook-a-Doodle-Doo” as part of a farm-to-table discussion. Snyder’s book is rooted in fact. Steven’s book, on the other hand, is not. Its storyline focuses on a rooster that decides to make strawberry shortcake.

“Sweet as a Strawberry”

Sally Smallwood’s book “Sweet as a Strawberry” is another one that I would recommend reading. Its storyline focuses on how strawberries smell, look, feel and taste. Other produce items are mentioned in the book as well. As such, I’d suggest using the book as an introduction to a hands-on arts and science activity. For example, you could read the book and then have the children work with strawberry paint or scented craft dough.

“Life Cycles: Strawberries”

Robin Nelson’s book “Life Cycles: Strawberries” has classroom value as well. As the book’s title indicates, the storyline focuses on how strawberries grow. It contains simple language and full-color photos that the kids are apt to gravitate to. I’d suggest reading it in conjunction with Deborah Hopkinson’s book “Saving Strawberry Farm.” Its storyline focuses on berry farming during America’s early years. Listening to it may give the children a better appreciation for the rigors of farming.

“The First Strawberries”

If you are looking to include folktales and a smidgen of cultural diversity into your plans, I’d suggest going with Joseph Bruchac’s book “The First Strawberries.” Its storyline focuses on a Native American legend. Personally, I found the illustrations and storyline intriguing. You may want to consider pairing it with Molly Bang’s book “The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher” or Janelle Taylor’s “Dudley and the Strawberry Shake.” Both have intriguing storylines as well.

“The Giant Jam Sandwich”

Want to give the kids a case of the giggles? If so, you may want to grab a copy of John Vernon Lord’s book “The Giant Jam Sandwich.” Its fictional storyline focuses on a group of people that choose an ingenious way to handle their area’s pest problem. Although it would be a stretch, you could feasibly use the book to launch into a discussion about pollination. If you do decide to go that route, you may want to read it in conjunction with Sue Hall’s book “Pollinator Bee.”

“The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Hungry Bear”

Last on my list is Don Wood’s book “The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Hungry Bear.” As you can well imagine, its storyline focuses on a mouse’s ardent attempts to keep a gorgeous strawberry out of the clutches of a bear. In addition to the cute storyline, the book features great illustrations too. You may want to consider pairing it with Marilyn Singer’s book “Will You Take Me to Town on Strawberry Day” and a round of action rhymes or dramatic play.

Source: Personal Experience