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Books are hands-down the best resource when it comes to at-home learning. Here are a few engaging, kid-tested books that have served as the basis of many a homeschool lesson.
Picture Books:
Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski: This has been a longtime favorite at our house and is at the top of the list for a reason. There are beautiful, detailed illustrations on every page featuring countries and the people, cultures, animals, food, languages, and geography that make them special.
Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure by Camille Andros: All of Camille’s books are intelligent and engaging, but we especially love this one right now. It teaches kids about the scientific method without them even realizing it because they’re so immersed in the story and illustrations. I love the extra learning section in the back too.
What Should Danny Do and What Should Darla Do by Ganet and Adir Levy: Kids get to make choices choices on every page that determine which way the story goes. They teach kids in a safe an effective way how their choices lead to consequences, good and bad. All of my kids love these!
The Ultimate Book of Animals by Anne-Sophie Baumann: A book that teaches fun facts about animals and include pop-ups, lift-flaps, and turning wheels that make it so fun for kids.
The Pop-Up Guide: Space by Sophie Dussaussois: a 3-D book to teach your kids all about space and the space program.
When Charley Met Emma by Amy Webb: We used this book along with a lesson from Scholastic to teach our kids have more in common than they think with that other kids with limb differences or any kind of disability, and that everyone deserves kindness and friendship.
The Keeper of Wild Words by Brookie Smith: Did you know that in the Oxford Junior dictionary, certain nature-based words like “moss,” “blackberry,” “bluebell,” are replaced by more tech-savvy words like “blog,” “chatroom,” and “database?” “Cauliflower” and “clover” are also replaced by “broadband” and “cut and paste.” (Insert fuming emoji.) The Keeper of Wild Words is the story of a little girl who learns about nature with her grandma and helps her find a way to keep these important words from vanishing from the English language.
Lola Dutch When I Grow Up by Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright: I love using this book as a basis for talking about all the different things we can be when we grow up, that it’s okay not to know yet, and that picking more than one thing or changing your mind is absolutely acceptable.
Big Words for Fearless Girls by Stephanie and David Miles: I love the way this book expands my children’s vocabulary while giving them bite-sized bios of women who have changed the world.
Activity Books:
Discover the Wonders of Water by Discover Talking Pen: These talking STEM-based books entertain my kids for ages. They click on different images on the page and learn something new. We even use the pen to record our own special messages to our kids. Use code kim10 for ten percent off your purchase.
642 Things to Write About and 642 Things About Me by Chronicle Books: I LOVE these books for creative writing and drawing. Good for kids five and up who can read and write.
This Is How We Do It: A Day in the Life of You and 59 Other Kids Around the World by Matt Lamothe: Such a beautiful way to teach your kids about other cultures from home. This activity book version of the picture book where your child writes and draws about a day in his/her own life while learning about how other kids live. This book is a great conversation starter for diversity and gratitude.
Draw Here: An Activity Book by Hervé Tullet: We’ve long loved Hervé Tullet and his books (like Press Here), so they instantly took to this activity book, which is even more interactive than his picture books.
Buddy Quest: A Journey to Becoming Better Friends at Home by Georgia Anderson: Georgia is an emotions coach who specializes in the John Gottman method for improving relationships. Basically, she is an expert at helping people get along. These books are a heaven sent for kids who need to become better friends and let go of some sibling rivalry.
We Are In An Artivity Book! An Elephant and Piggie Book by Mo Willems: Elephant and Piggie are regulars around here. If you don’t have those books yet, drop everything and order them here. This activity book is witty and entertaining, just like the books we love!
Paint By Sticker: Create 10 Pictures One Sticker At A Time: Paint by Number, but without the mess? yes please. These books are so fun. Kids from 7 to 17 will love them.
National Geographic Kids Magazine: My mom got my daughter a subscription for Christmas, and it has been the best present. I love that I can pop them in my purse when we’re on the go, too.
Let’s Explore by Our Family Passport: You can print these cute travel-themed activity books from home. They’re a fun way to learn about other places and feel like you’re traveling, even when you can’t!
What other engaging children’s books and activity books help you teach your kids at home?
