Embark on a captivating journey into the Arctic realm with these enchanting Arctic animal books for preschoolers. Your toddlers will discover the charm of Arctic animals through tales about polar bears, the comical escapades of a penguin, and the heartwarming story of a musk ox. These stories entertain and nurture lessons about friendship, courage, and being yourself, making learning an adventure.
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Polar Animals Lesson Plans
Are You a Polar Bear?
by Andrew Gabriel
Are You a Polar Bear? by Andrew Gabriel is one of our first Arctic animal books for preschool, and you’ll see why.
It is a captivating Arctic animal tale that follows the journey of a young polar bear in search of his mother. Awakening to her absence, he embarks on a quest through the Arctic landscape, encountering many other fellow Arctic animals along the way – the perfect introduction to polar animals and our theme!
Questions:
- What other animals did the polar bear meet along the way?
- How are the animals different from a polar bear?
- Which Arctic animal would you like to be and why?
Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester
Arctic Animal Books for Preschool
We all know that one person. The one who dresses in the wackiest outfits and says the corniest jokes at parties.
In Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester, prepare to meet the quirkiest, wackiest, and downright uncool penguin in the Antarctic! While all the other penguins are elegant, Tacky is clumsy. When they sing beautiful songs, Tacky belts out cheesy tunes instead; he even wears colorful Hawaiian shirts that are anything but “cool” in the icy wilderness.
But when a group of not-so-friendly hunters threatens the penguins, Tacky’s oddball antics and unconventional charm save the day!
Get ready for a wild ride filled with belly laughs, unforgettable characters, and a heartwarming lesson that celebrates embracing your true, unique self – no matter how tacky you may be!
Questions:
- What is special about Tacky the Penguin?
- How do Tacky's friends feel about him at first?
- Why do the penguins need to watch out for hunters?
- What does Tacky do when the hunters show up? How does he act differently from his friends?
- What happens at the end of the story?
The Walrus and the Caribou
by Maika Harper
The Walrus and the Caribou by Maika Harper is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that tells the story of how a woman’s imagination created animals when the world was new, but she didn’t quite get it right the first time.
The walrus started with antlers, and the caribou started with tusks, but it caused some real problems for the hunters. Guk has to problem-solve to figure out what will work for everyone who lives in the Arctic.
Questions:
- How did the animals get life?
- What are some of the features of the walrus at first?
- What are some of the features of the caribou?
- What problems did the hunters face with these animals?
- What features would your animal invention have?
Cozy by Jan Brett
Arctic Animal Books for Preschool
Cozy by Jan Brett is a delightful children’s book that follows the heartwarming journey of a musk ox calf named Cozy. In the Arctic tundra, Cozy’s warm fur attracts the attention of various Arctic animals seeking shelter from the cold.
As more animals snuggle close to Cozy, his fur becomes a cozy haven for them all.
However, when a fearsome wolf approaches, the animals must work together to protect themselves.
With a blend of stunning illustrations and a touching storyline, Cozy teaches young readers the value of unity, friendship, and finding strength in numbers.
Questions:
- Why do you think the other animals want to stay close to Cozy? What does Cozy's fur remind them of?
- Can you name the animals in Cozy’s fur?
- What happens when the wolf approaches? How do the animals work together to stay safe?
Polar Bear Island
by Lindsay Bonilla
Polar Bear Island by Lindsay Bonilla is a charming children’s book about a polar bear named Parker who lives on a snowy island. Parker’s peaceful life is disrupted when other animals arrive, seeking refuge from the heat of their homes.
At first, Parker is hesitant about sharing his island, but as he gets to know the newcomers, he realizes the value of friendship and unity.
Questions:
- How does Parker, the polar bear, feel when other animals come to the island?
- What does Parker do to try and make the other animals leave? Do you think that's a kind thing to do? Why or why not?
- How do Parker's feelings change about the other animals? What makes him change his mind?
- What do Parker and the other animals do together to make their island a better place for everyone? Why is it important to work together and be friends?
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In the pages of these Arctic animal books for preschool, the polar regions of the world come alive for preschoolers. These tales introduce the captivating creatures of this icy realm and instill important values in playful ways. As the books close, the Arctic’s allure lingers, reminding us of its beauty and the lessons it holds about embracing uniqueness and appreciating the bonds of friendship.
