Hi, I’m Becca and I love science themed picture books.
Ever since my daughter was born, I’ve been on the hunt for the best science themed picture books. I’m a sucker for a book that appeals to both little kids AND big kids, with beautiful illustrations.
I’ve found quite a few biology themed ones that I love, that I’ve read to my high school students. When I’ve shared with other teachers that I do read-alouds with my high schoolers they often look at me like I’m crazy. And yes…. not every student loves them. But the vast majority will actively listen and look at all the pictures as I read and flip pages under the document camera. (They will especially listen if they know there is an assignment that will follow. If you need assignment ideas, check out this blog post).
The trick to pulling students in? Finding the right book. When looking for a picture book to read my high school students, I generally look for books that meet these criteria:
- Not too babyish. Yes, it’s a picture book. But it needs to include older themes or concepts that students can relate to, ponder, or learn from.
- Great illustrations.
- Not too long. For example, The Lorax is 72 text-heavy pages. Minds will be wandering by page 30.
Ready for my favorites? Let’s dive in!! Note: This blog post contains affiliate links.
INTRO TO BIOLOGY BOOK RECOMMENDATION
This was actually one of the hardest units to find a good book for. I looked for books on characteristics of life, viruses, or just introduction to biology in general. My top pick as of now is “This Thing Called Life” by Christian Borstlap. In only a few words per page, it explores what life is all about: reproducing, breathing, feeling, surviving. After reading this book, brainstorm with students the characteristics of life.
While it was tough to choose a book for the top spot, I’d like to give “Many: The Diversity of Life on Earth” by Nicola Davies an honorable mention. It introduces the concept of biodiversity, how we are all connected, and why biodiversity is important to protect. A great topic for the beginning of biology!
CELLS BOOK RECOMMENDATION
There are surprisingly few picture books on cells that work well for a read-aloud. Most out there are more text-heavy and informational opposed to engaging. My favorite cells book is called “Cells: An Owner’s Handbook” by Carolyn Fisher. It zooms in to the life of a cell, and explains how cells function, grow, divide, and keep us alive.
ECOLOGY BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
I have two books to share with you here! The first, “The Great Kapok Tree” is near and dear to my heart. My 1st grade teacher read it to us when I was young, and we put on a class play (I was the leopard) and I’ll never forget it. In this book, rainforest animals all whisper arguments to a sleeping logger on why he should not cut down their beloved home. Highly recommend you busting out different voices for each of the animals.
Another book I came across more recently that focuses on human impact is called “The Wump World” by Bill Peet. It has the same feel as The Lorax, but is shorter and really drives home the concept of Earth stewardship. If you aren’t a fan of Seuss, give this one a try.
GENETICS BOOK RECOMMENDATION
I’m a sucker for a good picture book that rhymes, and this one is no exception. “The Secret Code Inside You” by Rajani LaRocca explains DNA and genetics in a way that is simple and thought provoking. “Why aren’t you fuzzy like a dog or buzzy like a bee?…. In the center of each cell too small for eyes to see, there lie detailed instructions for what it’s supposed to be.”
EVOLUTION BOOK RECOMMENDATION
“How Did I Get Here” by Philip Bunting is a story from the big bang to your birthday. How did species evolve from star dust? What were the first life forms? “Then one night, only a few years ago, some of those particles that were once part of stars, and Earth, and probably another life form or two- became you.” (Is your mind blown thinking about this?)
TAXONOMY AND CLASSIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS
I initially picked this book up at random from the public library and was sooooo pleasantly surprised! “Don’t Call Me Bear!” by Aaron Blabey is so stinking charming. It is a story of a koala named Warren who wants you to know he is a marsupial, NOT a bear. Yelling is a must when you read this book aloud (he is very frustrated).
Another adorable book with a similar vibe is “Xander’s Panda Party” by Linda Sue Park. Xander is a panda, and is throwing a bear party. As invites go out, he realizes he would like to also extend an invitation to Koala, which opens the door to other species. “Soon Rhinoceros sent word: It may sound a bit absurd, but I won’t come without my bird.” (hello symbiosis!)
So you read the book, now what? Check out this blog post on follow-up activities you can complete with high school students after a read-aloud.
I hope you enjoy a few of those titles! If you teach earth science, go browse my earth science book recommendations.
Rock on,
