Are you looking for some Birds children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension ideas? This list may be just what you are looking for!
The Bird theme is such a wonderful theme and is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Bird’s books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you like or dislike Birds, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
Late one winter night a little girl and her father go owling. The trees stand still as statues and the world is silent as a dream. Whoo-whoo-whoo, the father calls to the mysterious nighttime bird. But there is no answer.
Wordlessly the two companions walk along, for when you go owling you don’t need words. You don’t need anything but hope. Sometimes there isn’t an owl, but sometimes there is.
A gentle, poetic story that lovingly depicts the special companionship of a young child and her father as well as humankind’s close relationship to the natural world.
Literacy Extensions:
- Birds Word Bank
- Bird Student Counting Booklet
- Owl Art Project
- Birds Build a Word Game
2. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Mrs. Mallard was sure that the pond in the Boston Public Gardens would be a perfect place for her and her eight ducklings to live. The problem was how to get them there through the busy streets of Boston. But with a little help from the Boston police, Mrs. Mallard and Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Quack, Pack, and Quack arrive safely at their new home.
This brilliantly illustrated, amusingly observed tale of Mallards on the move has won the hearts of generations of readers. Awarded the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children in 1941, it has since become a favorite of millions.
Literacy Extensions:
- “My Favorite Bird” Classroom Book
- “All About Birds” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Birds
- Birds Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. Little Owls Night by Dirya Srinirvason
It is evening in the forest and Little Owl wakes up from his day-long sleep. He begins to watch his friends enjoying the night.
Hedgehog sniffs mushrooms, Skunk nibbles at berries, Frog croaks, and Cricket sings. A full moon rises and the Little Owl can’t understand why anyone would want to miss it.
Could the daytime be nearly as wonderful? Mama Owl begins to describe it to him, but as the sun comes up, Little Owl falls fast asleep.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “Birds Can”
- Student Booklet: “Birds Counting”
- Birds Numbers, Number Words & Ten Frames
- My Bird Story: Student Worksheets
4. Red & Lulu by Matt Tavares
Separation and miles cannot keep a determined cardinal from his loved one in an ode to serendipity and belief that is destined to be a Christmas classic.
Red and Lulu make their nest in a particularly beautiful evergreen tree. It shades them in the hot months and keeps them cozy in the cold months, and once a year the people who live nearby string lights on their tree and sing a special song: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree. But one day, something unthinkable happens, and Red and Lulu are separated. It will take a miracle for them to find each other again. Luckily, it’s just the season for miracles.
Literacy Extensions:
- Birds Literature List
- Birds Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Birds Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Paper Plate Bird Art Project
5. Little Owl Lost by Chris Houghton
Uh-oh! Little Owl has fallen from his nest and landed with a whump on the ground. Now he is lost, and his mommy is nowhere to be seen!
With the earnest help of his new friend Squirrel, Little Owl goes in search of animals that fit his description of Mommy Owl. But while some are big (like a bear) or have pointy ears (like a bunny) or prominent eyes (like a frog), none of them have all the features that make up his mommy. Where could she be?
Literacy Extensions:
- “My Favorite Bird” Classroom Book
- Birds Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Birds Art Project
- Birds Number & Ten Frames
6. Owl Babies by Martin Waddell
A tender tale to remind the youngest of children that Mommy always comes back. “I want my mommy!”
Three baby owls awake one night to find their mother gone, and they cannot help but wonder where she is. What is she doing? When will she be back? What scary things move all around them?
Stunning illustrations from striking perspectives capture the anxious little owls as they worry. Not surprisingly, joyous flapping and dancing and bouncing greet the mother’s return, lending a celebratory tone to the ending of this comforting tale.
Literacy Extensions:
- Birds Word Bank
- Birds Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Birds Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Birds Roll & Cover Math Games
7. The Orange Bird by Jason Grandt
With its orange head, leaf wings, and bird body, Orange Bird is a true Disney original! Get to know this sweet, fun-loving bird in this all-new Little Golden Book.
Literacy Extensions:
- “All About Birds” Student Booklet
- Birds Make a Short Vowel Word
- Birds Sight Word Games
- Birds Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. Birds Love Homework by V Moua
Everybody knows that birds cannot cook. Well, try telling that to Sammy. This little bird is out to prove once and for all that birds CAN cook—or can’t they? You will have to read the book to find out!
This is a picture book series about a quirky bird named Sammy and his amusing misadventures with his friend, Turkey. Sammy is a little red bird with a BIG personality.
Literacy Extensions:
- “My Birds Party” Classroom Book
- Birds Letter & Sound Match Game
- Birds Build a Word
- Birds Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many Birds children’s books you can choose from. From fiction to nonfiction, the list of Birds books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
