Are you looking for some Forest Animals children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension ideas? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Forest Animals of any kind are a wonderful theme and are filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Forest Animals books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you like or dislike Forest Animals, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. The Hat by Jan Brett
In this well-loved book, The Hat, Hedgie the hedgehog discovers the wisdom of the adage “Don’t go poking your nose where it doesn’t belong”—but only after curiosity gets this prickly fellow in a pickle.
“Winter was on the way. Lisa took her woolen clothes out of the chest and carried them outside. She was hanging them up in the fresh air, when a strong wind blew one of her stockings off the line”
When Lisa’s red-and-white woolen stocking blows off the clothesline, Hedgie finds it and sticks his nose inside, only to discover his prickles prevent him from pulling out of it. Soon all the farm animals are coming around to chuckle at silly Hedgie’s stocking cap. But in the end, nimble-witted Hedgie gets the last laugh.
Literacy Extensions:
- Forest Animals Literature List
- Student Booklet: “Into the Woods”
- Forest Animals Counting
- My Forest Animals Story: Student Worksheets
2. Little Fox in the Forest by Stephanie Graegin
A wordless picture book in which two friends follow a young fox deep into the woods and discover a wondrous and magical world.
When a young girl brings her beloved stuffed fox to the playground, much to her astonishment, a real fox takes off with it! The girl chases the fox into the woods with her friend, the boy, following close behind, but soon the two children lose track of the fox.
Wandering deeper and deeper into the forest, they come across a tall hedge with an archway. What do they find on the other side? A marvelous village of miniature stone cottages, tiny treehouses, and, most extraordinary of all, woodland creatures of every shape and size. But where is the little fox? And how will they find him?
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Favorite Forest Animals” Classroom Book
- “Forest Senses” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Two Forest Animals
- Forest Animals Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. Moose’s Book Bus by Inga Moore
In Inga Moore’s charming companion to A House in the Woods, Moose’s library outing soon has the whole woodland community crowding into his house to read together. Leave it to Moose to find a solution—on wheels!
The author reunites the cast of A House in the Woods for another tale of friendship and ingenuity. When Moose runs out of stories to tell his family after dinner, he ventures to the town library for books. No sooner had he settled in at home to read them aloud than Bear, Badger, Fox, Hare, Mole, the Three Wild Pigs, and even the Beavers crowd in to listen.
Soon everyone is packed in like sardines. What’s a clever Moose to do? With its warm, whimsical cast and a snug woodland setting evoked by earthy illustrations, this playful nod to the power of books and libraries to create community will reward new and returning fans alike.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: Forest Animals
- Forest Animals Story Parts Worksheet
- Brown Bear Art Project
- Forest Animals Number & Ten Frame Match Game
4. The Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi
When a young girl named Kikko realizes her father has forgotten the pie he was supposed to bring to Grandma’s house, she offers to try and catch him as he makes his way through the woods. She hurriedly follows her father’s footprints in the snow and happens upon a large house she has never seen before.
Curious, Kikko peers through the window, when she is startled by a small lamb wearing a coat and carrying a purse. Even more surprising, the lamb speaks, asking her in a kind voice, “Are you here for the tea party?” Suddenly, Kikko realizes her trip through the woods has turned into something magical.
Kikko’s blend of courage and reticence along with her inquisitive nature makes her a character children will relate to, and the many unexpected twists and turns of her adventure keep the intrigue growing. There is an ambiguous ending, in which it is not clear whether Kikko imagined the tea party or if the animals simply disappeared back into the woods. What do you think really happened?
Literacy Extensions:
- Forest Animals Literature List
- Forest Animals Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Forest Animals Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Owl Art Project
5. Animal Families: Forest by Nosy Crow
Find out the different names for mother and father animals that live in the forest. Then just lift the flap to find the babies and learn what they are called.
There’s even a gatefold ending that includes the group names of the animals. This striking, satisfying introduction to animal families features screen-printed artwork and bold neon ink to capture the attention and imagination of all children.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Favorite Forest Animals” Classroom Book
- Forest Animals Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Forest Animals Shapes Art Project
- Forest Animals Add & Subtract Match Game
6. Bear Came Along by Richard T. Morris
A cheerful and action-packed adventure about the importance of friendship and community from a successful author and illustrator duo!
Once there was a river flowing through a forest. The river didn’t know it was capable of adventures until a big bear came along. But adventures aren’t any fun by yourself, and so enters Froggy, Turtles, Beaver, Racoons, and Duck.
These very different animals take off downstream, but they didn’t know they needed one another until thankfully, the river came along. This hilarious picture book and heartfelt message celebrates the joy and fun that’s in store when you embark together on a ride of a lifetime.
Literacy Extensions:
- Forest Animals Word Bank
- Forest Animals Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Forest Animals Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Forest Animals Roll & Cover Math Games
7. If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Numeroff
“If you give a moose a muffin, he’ll want some jam to go with it…”
If a big hungry moose comes to visit, you might give him a muffin to make him feel at home. If you give him a muffin, he’ll want some jam to go with it. When he’s eaten all your muffins, he’ll want to go to the store to get some more muffin mix,
In this hilarious sequel to, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, the young host is again run ragged by a surprise guest. Young readers will delight in the comic complications that follow when a little boy entertains a gregarious moose.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Forest Senses” Student Booklet
- Forest Animals Make a Short Vowel Word
- Forest Animals Sight Word Games
- Forest Animals Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. Woodland Dreams by Karen Jameson
In this story young readers say goodnight to beloved woodland animals as they prepare to sleep. This sweet bedtime book is at once a picture book and a lullaby, pairing familiar bedtime routines with nonfiction elements.
Little ones will follow along as each animal returns to their warm and cozy woodland home. Each adorable animal has their own special nighttime routine.
And once every creature is tucked in tight, shhh . . . It’s time for everyone to say goodnight.
From the fox curling up in her den to the turtle dozing off in his shell, Woodland Dreams will send your little one off to sleep with a gentle and loving goodnight.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Favorite Forest Animals” Classroom Book
- Forest Animals Letter & Sound Match Game
- Forest Animals Build a Word
- Forest Animals Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many Community Helper children’s books you can choose from. From fiction to nonfiction, the list of Community Helper 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.”
