Dive into a world of vivid colors and lively critters with this selection of rainforest books for preschoolers. These enchanting stories transport young readers to the heart of the jungle, where grumpy monkeys, vibrant tigers, and tropical wonders await. Let’s embark on a literary journey through the pages, making learning a thrilling escapade into the diverse and captivating world of the rainforest.
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Rainforest Lesson Plans
If I ran the Rainforest
by Bonnie Worth
In If I Ran the Rainforest, the Cat in the Hat takes readers on an adventure through the rainforest, introducing them to the diverse plants and animals that inhabit this unique ecosystem.
Through whimsical rhymes and colorful illustrations, children learn about the interconnectedness of species and the significance of preserving our rainforests.
- Flip over cards with letters or sight words and name them.
- If you get a Snap! card, get ready to shuffle all your cards back into the middle pile.
- Whoever has the most cards when time runs out wins!
Questions:
- What animals did the Cat in the Hat encounter in the rainforest?
- Why is the rainforest an important place?
- What are some ways we can help take care of the rainforest?
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
Rainforest Books for Preschool
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang tells the story of Jim Panzee, a lovable monkey who wakes up feeling inexplicably grumpy one day. Despite the attempts of his animal friends to lift his spirits through swinging, swimming, and even dancing, Jim can’t seem to improve his mood.
The story takes a heartwarming turn when Jim’s wise and understanding friend Norman suggests that it’s okay to feel grumpy sometimes. This acceptance allows Jim to embrace his emotions, and, in doing so, he discovers that his grumpiness begins to dissipate.
Questions:
- How did Jim Panzee feel at the beginning of the story?
- What advice did Jim's friends give him to try and feel better?
- Why do you think Jim didn't feel better even after trying different activities?
- What did Norman the porcupine tell Jim that made him feel better?
- Can you think of a time when you felt grumpy like Jim? What helped you feel better?
The Secret Life of a tiger
by Przemyslaw Wechterowicz
All the animals in the jungle think Tiger’s a dangerous animal, but there’s a brave and cheerful side to Tiger that we don’t know about.
Tiger does silly things for his friends in the rainforest. He chops a delicious fruit salad for the elephants, gives the orangutans hairstyles, hatches parrot eggs himself, hypnotizes ants, and dances with tapirs.
Tiger’s secret life is more wonderful than everyone gathers from their first impressions, which shows that we should get to know people a little better before making snap judgments.
Questions:
- What do the other animals think about Tiger?
- What is your favorite action that Tiger does in his secret life?
The Umbrella by Jan Brett
Jungle Books
The Umbrella is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Jan Brett. The story is set in the lush and vibrant rainforest, where a little boy named Carlos goes on an adventurous journey to see the animals and plants.
Carlos starts his journey with a small leafy umbrella, and every animal in the jungle is curious about the umbrella and decides to join him on his journey, though Carlos doesn’t know.
The clever illustrations by Jan Brett allow readers to see different perspectives of the unfolding events, as various animals such as a coati, a tapir, a monkey, and a jaguar become part of the growing parade beneath the umbrella.
Questions:
- Who is the main character in The Umbrella, and where does he go on his journey?
- Why do you think Carlos carries an umbrella on his journey through the rainforest?
- Can you name some of the animals that join Carlos under the umbrella during his journey?
- What happens to the umbrella as more animals join Carlos? How do the animals handle the situation?
verdi by janell cannon
Snake Books for Kids
Verdi is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Janell Cannon. The story follows the life of a young python named Verdi, who is vibrant green and proud of it. However, Verdi is not thrilled about the prospect of growing old (I’m with ya, Verdi.) and becoming dull and boring like the older snakes he encounters.
Throughout the book, Verdi tries many tactics to avoid growing up. Despite his efforts, Verdi inevitably matures, and his once bright green color begins to fade.
In the end, Verdi finds that there is still joy and excitement in his life, even as an older snake.
Questions:
- What color is Verdi at the beginning of the story, and why does he like it so much?
- How does Verdi feel about changing color as he grows older?
- What important lesson does Verdi learn about growing up and changing as he interacts with Kaa?
- Can you think of a time when you felt unsure or worried about growing up?
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Delving into some rainforest books with different jungle animals is an exciting and educational adventure for preschoolers. Through vibrant stories, these books spark early curiosity and lay the foundation for a lifelong connection to nature.
