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4 Picture Book Read-Alouds Perfect for Learning and Exploring

Wondering what to read next with your child? These engaging stories will get their attention!

By Peachtree Publishing October 9, 2022

Children love reading stories over and over (and over) again. These four delightful books are enjoyable to return to—for both reader and listener—while also great for exploring concepts like respect and generosity, as well as topics like gardening and community collaboration. 





The Littlest Elephant
Written and illustrated by Kate Read

Children just starting to learn about boundaries will delight in this playful romp about the importance of respecting others. Ellie has just learned to swim and can’t wait to get to the water. But she’s not always good at being mindful of the other creatures in the jungle. With beautiful and humorous illustrations, this book will delight children who will love finding all the critters.





Wombat Said Come In
Written by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrated by Brian Lies

Meet intriguing Australian animal characters in an engaging story about helping friends in need. A bushfire is roaring outside, but Wombat is safe and cozy in his burrow. Then one by one, a variety of animal friends show up at the door, terrified and seeking a place to stay. When you have the heart of a wombat, there’s always room for one more! Ideal for reading aloud, this story has plenty of humor and heart.





Logan’s Greenhouse
Written by JaNay Brown-Wood and illustrated by Samara Hardy 

Explore new produce that grows in a chilly climate inside a greenhouse. Children can compare and contrast the different items Logan sees in his garden as he looks for carrots for a pet playdate with friends. A recipe for winter carrot soup is included for little chefs and adults to try together. Read this book with the other books in the Where in the Garden? series—Amara’s Farm, Miguel’s Community Garden, and the forthcoming Linh’s Rooftop Garden—and learn about fruits and vegetables that grow in every season!





Bioblitz!
Written by Susan Edwards Richmond and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman 

Follow along as two teams compete to identify the most species on a biodiversity count day at the local park. With dozens of different species to spot, kids will pore over the pages and count along with the lists compiled in each habitat. This fun book introduces the concept of citizen or community science, a practice of public participation, and collaboration in contributing to scientific research. Many parks and environmental organizations have citizen science events throughout the country where children can help scientists learn about environmental patterns in that community. And after reading Bioblitz!, kids will be eager to join in their community’s citizen science activities.


Get your copies of The Littlest Elephant, Wombat Said Come In, Logan’s Greenhouse, and Bioblitz! wherever you buy books.