Summer Books For Your Classroom

While they tend to pick several favorites that they return to again and again, children enjoy reading new and exciting books as well. Allie, creator of the blog No Time for Flash Cards, has put together a great list of summer reads inspired by Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" that your students are sure to love! Caterpillar Book List:

  1. "Percival the Plain Little Caterpillar" by Helen Brawley
  2. "Bob and Otto" by Robert O. Bruel
  3. "The Crunching Munching Caterpillar" by Sheridan Cain
  4. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle (of course!)
  5. "From Caterpillar to Butterfly" by Deborah Heligiman

As you read about caterpillars, here are a few learning extensions you can explore. Consider giving your students first-hand experience with the life cycle by raising your own butterfly farm. Complete with habitat and voucher for live larvae, Insect Lore's Live Butterfly Garden provides a great starter kit for this learning exercise. Plan a fun excursion around the school yard where children can search for live caterpillars and you can discuss, as a class, the perfect habitat for these insects. Think about incorporating fun crafts during art time or making character puppets to go along with your story choices. This summer theme provides many opportunities for fun and learning!

Happy Birthday "The Very Caterpillar" - Caterpillar Books | No Time for Flash Cards