When the Wind Stops

Yep, we've been reading up on the wind around here and today I have another windy read. When the Wind Stops by Charlotte Zolotow and illustrated by Stefano Vitale, is another picture book read that leans towards science. In this case its a great intro to natural science. The story centers around a conversation between a mom and her son. He's inquisitive, as kids are, and not wanting his day of fun to come to an end asks why the day has to end. His mother tells him that the nothing ends, that the day is just beginning somewhere else. Their discussion flows from one natural occurrence to the next touching on topics like the cycle of seasons, the rain cycle, when the wind stops, mountains to valleys and so on. Striking, bold, modern illustrations accompany this story of the natural cycles of our world.

I shared another windy read on my post titled 'the seasons', check it out here.

I Face the Wind - science concepts

I Face the Wind by Vicki Cobb and illustrated by Julia Gorton is a great early science concept picture book. It's one part simple story and another part science book. Geared towards ages 4-8 this book will get kids excited about science and the world around them. Concepts and principles about air are clearly and simply presented as a great first introduction to young kids. Oh and did I mention engagingly presented? This is not the non-fun science book I read back in school. The illustrations are bold and colorful. They add another wonderful layer to this book that help reinforce the concepts being presented. It's filled with facts and experiments that flow together with the story. The simple supplies you'll need to the handful of experiments include: a clothes hanger, a pencil, a large plastic (grocery) bag, two identical balloons, tape and a ball. Who doesn't have these items on hand? It's great hands on fun and learning!

Try out these great books also by Vicki Cobb for more science fun:

The Seasons

These next books come from my favorite Usborne series known as their "Picture Books". There are dozens of titles to choose from, all beautifully illustrated and accompanied by an engaging AND educational story of the world around us. Sunny Day, The Windy Day, The Snowy Day, and The Rainy Day, all by Anna Milbourne are four of my favorites from this series. As a mom of two preschoolers, I love doing 'unit type studies' with my kids. You know pick a theme for the week and find interesting, engaging and educational books and activities to do with them. I love covering the seasons each year as we go from one to the next and these books can be a center to these studies year after year.

Other titles in the Picture Book Series: The Butterfly, How Deep is the Sea?, How High is the Sky?, In the Pond, In the Castle, In the Nest, On the Farm, How Big is a Million?, On the Moon, On the Seashore, Under the Ground, also including Picture Book Classics such as; The Gingerbread Man, The Railway Children, The Secret Garden and LOTS more...