Are you looking for some Penguins themed children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Penguins can be a great theme to engage your students. It is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Penguins books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Explore with your children the theme of Penguins by trying these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. If You Were a Penguin by Wendall & Florence Minor
What would you do if you were a penguin? This wonderful rhyming picture book helps young readers imagine what life as a penguin is like. Learn some interesting and fun facts about penguins!
A perfect read-aloud for teachers and parents to share with young children as they imagine what life as a penguin is like!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: If I Were a Penguin
- I See Penguins Student Color and Count Booklet
- Penguin Acrostic Poem
- Paper Plate Penguin Art Project
2. Tacky the Penguin by Helen Leister
A delightful tale about being true to yourself even when it means being a little different from everybody else. Tacky’s the odd bird out among all his friends. Will this rare penguin teach old penguins some new tricks and help save the day? This hilarious series following the adventures of one outstanding penguin is a modern classic.
Tacky likes to do splashy cannonballs and greet his friends with a loud, “What’s happening?” His fellow penguins find his odd behavior somewhat bothersome. But when fearsome poachers come to the iceberg hunting for penguins, Tacky’s odd ways may be just the thing that saves the day.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: If I Were a Penguin
- Story Retelling: Act it Out
- Penguin Math Dice Games
- Penguin Facts Art Project
3. The Emperor’s Egg by Martin Jenkins
Students who are wild about penguins and classrooms doing units on them will find this book an action-packed read. This charming, oversize picture book is full of fabulous facts about nature’s most devoted dad.
Can you imagine spending the winter outdoors in Antarctica without anything at all to eat? That’s just what the male Emperor penguin does. While his mate is off swimming in the ocean and catching loads of fish, he stands around in the freezing cold with an egg on his feet. He stays there for two whole months, keeping it warm and waiting for it to hatch.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: The Penguin
- Penguins Story Parts Worksheet
- Penguins Paper Plate Art Project
- Penguin & Snowflakes Number Match Game
4. A Penguin Year by S. Bonner
An introduction to the Adelie penguins of Antarctica. The author describes the physical characteristics, habits, and natural environment of these penguins.
The author gives us a simple, but informative year in the life of Adelie penguins. From when the penguins move from the ocean to their Antarctic Island to lay their eggs. Along with when the chicks are finally old enough to leave with their parents and return to the sea.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “All About Penguins”
- “I See Penguins” Student Booklet
- “Penguins” Student Story
- Penguins Roll & Cover Math Game
5. Penguins, Penguins Everywhere by Bob Barner
Penguins sliding on their tummies and swimming in the sea! Penguins cuddling for warmth and hiding in the shade! A wide variety of these irresistibly charming animals from climates warm and cold dance across the pages of this book.
The colorful collage images and whimsical verse make this a funny, bouncy, informative introduction to the world of penguins. The simple text makes this book perfect for the youngest readers while giving information on all 17 penguin species.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: If I Were a Penguin
- Story Retelling Worksheet
- Penguin Venn Diagram
- Penguin Add & Subtract Match Game
6. Penguins by Judith Hodge
Full-color photos fill every page, showing penguins in their natural habitats. The book is filled with facts and make fine introductions to nature studies that can be used in classrooms.
Nature-loving kids will be amazed at the stunning photography that captures the penguins in their natural habitat. These fascinating flightless birds are shown at the Antarctic coastline and neighboring islands. They show penguins on land, on ice packs, and hunting for food in the sea.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: The Penguin
- Story Sequence Worksheet: Sequence events of the story
- Penguins Sight Word Game
- Penguin Numbers & Ten Frames
7. Little Penguin’s Tale by Audrey Wood
Seven little penguins snuggle together in a cozy huddle as their Grand Nanny Penguin tells them a story of long, long ago. “Once there was a little penguin just like you,” she begins. But wait! One of the seven little penguins isn’t listening! Just like the penguin of long, long ago, he’s sneaking away into the snowy, polar world to have some fun.
As Granny relates each exciting episode of her story, the seventh little penguin encounters the very same adventures in his travels.
The surprising climax of Grand Nanny’s story has her little penguins dancing in the snow. Readers will discover how some of us can just hear a story, and others have to experience it.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Penguin Tale” Classroom Book
- Penguins Student Story
- Penguins Letter & Sound Match
- Penguins Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. The Penguins by Beatrice Fontanel
Brilliant color photographs set the stage for readers to learn about their favorite wild animals in the Animal Close-Ups series. The author describes the life of a penguin over the course of a year, from finding a mate to hatching chicks.
Some great photos of penguin pups make this book eye appealing. A molting penguin photo gets the attention of the reader. She also addresses different kinds of penguins and how scientists have studied them at the end of the book.
Literacy Extensions:
- Penguins Writing Station Words
- Penguins Build a Word
- Penguins Art Project
- Penguins Roll & Bump Math Game
Finally, there are so many Penguins children’s books you can choose from. From Penguins fiction to nonfiction, the list of 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.”
