There is something about penguins that fascinate kids. Maybe it’s their childlike appearance or their funny way of walking. Whatever it is, it engages kids in learning. This selection of books are sure to have your students eager to learn more.
NONFICTION
Penguin ChickLet’s Read and Find Out Science by Betty Tatham
This Let’s Read and Find Out Science Book is a great read aloud book for young children and can even be read independently by those in early elementary grades (2nd and 3rd). It follows the life of one young penguin from egg to adulthood and chronicles the obstacles a penguin faces on his way to adulthood. It also features a section at the end “Find Out More About Penguins” and provides two interactive activities to try.
Penguin Watch Me Grow by DK Publishing
This book is written for elementary school children ages 4 to 8 and provides young children with an introduction to the life cycle of a Penguin. It offers close up photos and fact boxes that provide additional information. This is an excellent book for teaching children how to access information in nonfiction books.
Plenty of Penguinsby Sonia Black
This book depicts a variety of penguins and their day to day activities. It is written in rhyme and is designed for early elementary students ages 4-8. Filled with factual information.
Antarctica by Helen Cowcher
This beautifully illustrated book features the Emperor penguin, Adelie Penguin, and the Weddel Seals during the winter and spring in Antarctica. The intrusion of men in a helicopter frightens the penguins away from their eggs. A nice introduction for elementary students to how man affects the environment and the importance of preserving our natural world. Although the book addresses real issues facing the wildlife in Antarctica it is a fictionalized version presented from the animal’s point of view.
FICTION
Penguin Puzzle: Magic School Bus Chapter Book by Joanna Cole
Ms. Frizzle and her classroom take a magical trip to Antarctica where they meet penguins and explore enormous icebergs. When the kids are turned into Penguins they need Ms. Frizzle’s help to solve the mystery. A great book for independent readers.
PICTURE BOOKS
The Emperor’s Egg by Martin Jenkins
This delightful story explains the role of the male emperor penguin in raising the young. Captivating illustrations engage young elementary school children in learning about penguins.
Penguin Pete by Pete Marcus
The adorable Penguin Pete worries that he is too small and wants to grow up and do all the things big penguins do. Kids love to read this book to see how Penguin Pete learns to walk and swim.
Without You Book and CD by Sarah Weeks
A baby Emperor Penguin sings the narrative to accompany the pages of the book, honoring his father and the role he plays in keeping the chick safe and warm while the mother is away. A must have for early elementary classrooms.
Penguins 123 (board book) by Kevin Schafer
Great book for encouraging counting. Bright and colorful images and written in rhyme. Includes the numeral and the written version of each number.
Penguins ABC (board Book) by Kevin Schafer
A wonderful ABC book that relates each letter to the life of the Penguin. A for Antarctica, B for baby… F for family. I terrific book for teaching the alphabet and phonemic awareness to early elementary grades.
Counting Penguins by Betsey Chessen
This simple text is an inviting and fun way to include math concepts in your Penguin Unit.
Busy Penguins by John Schindel
This board book is beautifully illustrated and contains simple text that is ideal for the beginning reader. A great book for elementary classrooms and school libraries.
