Are you looking for some Birthday children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension ideas? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Birthdays are such a wonderful theme and are filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Birthday books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you like or dislike Birthday, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Boa’s Bad Birthday by Jeanne Willis
It is Boa’s birthday. It is going to be the best one ever. Or so he hopes. He invites his friends to his party. He thinks they will all bring him wonderful presents or will they?
Each time one of his jungle friends arrives for his party, Boa bolsters his hopes for a wonderful present only to be disappointed. Orangutan gives him a piano; but Boa has no fingers! Monkey brings him sunglasses; but Boa can’t wear them without ears and a nose! Boa is having a bad birthday! What will happen next?
Literacy Extensions:
- Birthday Word Bank
- “Birthday” Student Counting Booklet
- Birthday Cupcake Art Project
- Birthday Build a Word Game
2. Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish by Beth Perry
A joyful picture book that celebrates every kid’s favorite day of the year! The book is full of adorable art from the illustrator of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, and I Wish You More.
The most important rule is #1: It must be your birthday. After that’s been established, a crew of hilarious animal’s help take readers through a joyous romp that covers the most important elements of every year’s most essential holiday. It includes singing; closing your eyes and making a wish; blowing out candles on a cake, then settling into bed and dreaming of your wish coming true.
Literacy Extensions:
- “For My Birthday” Classroom Book
- “Birthday Senses” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Birthday vs Muffins
- Birthday Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. When’s My Birthday by Julie Fogliano
In this enthusiastic celebration of all things BIRTHDAY, acclaimed author Julie Fogliano and award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson bring you the perfect birthday book! Join the excited narrator as she lists all the things that will make her birthday the BEST birthday.
When’s my birthday?
Where’s my birthday?
How many days until my birthday?
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “My Birthday Party”
- Student Booklet: “Birthday Counting”
- Birthday Numbers, Number Words & Ten Frames
- My Birthday Story: Student Worksheets
4. A Birthday for Frances by Russell Hoban
Tomorrow is Gloria’s birthday, and her party is sure to be fun for everyone, except Frances, that is, who wishes it was her own birthday.
Frances is not sure whether or not to give Gloria a present. She is the kind of little sister who can’t catch, can’t throw and who when playing hide-and-seek, always hides in places where part of her is sticking out.
Literacy Extensions:
- Birthday Literature List
- Birthday Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Birthday Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Birthday Party Hat Art Project
5. The Backwards Birthday Party by Tom Chapin
Have a happy birthday, the backwards way! Full of fun and based on the hit song from Tom Chapin and John Forster, this is a celebratory birthday bash like no other.
Put your clothes on inside out, heat up the ice cream, and hang on to your party hats—because everything’s out of whack at the backwards birthday party! Here comes the zaniest birthday party you’ll ever attend.
Literacy Extensions:
- “For My Birthday” Classroom Book
- Birthday Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Birthday Art Project
- Birthday Number & Ten Frames
6. The Best Birthday Party Ever by Jennifer Larue Huget
My birthday is 5 months, 3 weeks, 2 days, and 8 hours away. Today I’m starting to plan my party. So, what if the Big Day’s not exactly around the corner? This little girl is planning her party now.
She has to if she wants to have the best birthday party ever. She’ll have the tallest birthday cake in the world, plus camels, elephants, a Ferris Wheel, and a castle.
Kids will laugh out loud at the girl’s wild plans, and love the oh-so-sweet ending, which involves a modest but fun party. The author brilliantly captures what it feels like to be the Birthday Girl, a feeling many children will relate to.
Literacy Extensions:
- Birthday Word Bank
- Birthday Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Birthday Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Birthday Roll & Cover Math Games
7. The Birthday Queen by Audry & Don Wood
Happy Birthday to you! Today is the most exciting day of the year, and the Birthday Queen knows exactly how to fill it with fun surprises!
From decorating your home to baking your favorite cake, the Birthday Queen doesn’t forget a thing as she creates a party beyond your wildest dreams! Children will laugh with delight as she tests a wild assortment of games and clowns, wraps your gifts, and splashes the kitchen with huge bowls of colorful frosting. Here come your guests! Now it’s time to celebrate! homemade birthday parties.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Birthday Senses” Student Booklet
- Birthday Make a Short Vowel Word
- Birthday Sight Word Games
- Birthday Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. The Birthday Book by Todd Parr
Learn about all the wonderful ways to celebrate a birthday with this beloved bestselling author and illustrator Todd Parr!
With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, Todd Parr explores all the different things you can do on your birthday: a day that’s all about you!
From spending your birthday by yourself to having a big party, receiving presents to receiving hugs, this book is a lively, inclusive introduction to birthday celebrations for any family.
Literacy Extensions:
- “My Birthday Party” Classroom Book
- Birthday Letter & Sound Match Game
- Birthday Build a Word
- Birthday Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many Birthday children’s books you can choose from. From fiction to nonfiction, the list of Birthday 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.”
