Lush and diverse, the rainforests are brimming with diversity and life. But, the rainforests are in danger. Swing from the branches with these rainforest books for kids and then discuss how can children can help save the rainforests during a Family Dinner Book Club.
Books About the Rainforest
The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry is a classic book about the importance of taking care of the rainforest. As a young man snoozes under the Kapok tree, the forest speaks to him about saving their environment.
A Walk in the Rainforest by Kristin Joy Pratt is an alphabet book highlighting all of the living things found in the rainforest from anteaters to vanilla orchids.
Grab the flashlight and jump into Secrets of the Rainforest (Shine-A-Light) book. Shine a flashlight behind each page to reveal hidden content.
Welcome to the Green House by Jane Yolen brings you smack dab inside the rainforest to see all the creatures and plants that live there.
Emily, 10-Year-Old Champion of Rainforest Animals in Need by Cathleen Burnham is the story of a youth activist helping animals in need.
Nature’s Green Umbrella by Gail Gibbons is a good non-fiction book packed with facts about the rainforest including lots of detailed illustrations.
The Umbrella by Jan Brett takes inside the rainforest as a young boy explores and meets lots of creatures that inhabit this lush forest.
In the Rainforest by Kate Duke is an informational book. We learn how the environment is dependent on each other and how scientist work. Includes lots of diagrams and labels.
Tree of Wonder: The Many Marvelous Lives of a Rainforest Treeby Kate Messner will be especially loved by math lovers. Learn about multiples while exploring the rainforest in this one.
Sing your way through the rainforest in The Rainforest Grew All Aroundby Susan K. Mitchell. It is set to the tune, “The Green Grass Grew All Around.” The sidebars provide additional information about the rainforest including animal facts, plant information, and adaptations. Plus, there is a recipe for Rainforest Cookies.
Continue singing in Over in the Jungle: A Rainforest Rhyme by Marianne Berkes which is sung to the tune, “Over in the Meadow.” Plus, kids get to practice counting to ten. This book includes great back matter including body movements for each animal. And, there is information about how the illustrator made the unique illustrations with polymer clay.
For a beginning chapter book pick, check out Afternoon on the Amazon by Mary Pope Osborne. Jack and Annie plunge down the Amazon River on a mission.
Another chapter book pick is One Day in the Rainforestby Jean Craighead George. Can a boy and a naturalist save the rainforest? The kids will need to read to find out.
While reading and discussing all things rainforest, invite the kids to color in Rainforest to Color book too.
Get the Printable Book Lists and Conversation Starters
Grab the printable book list that you can take to the library or share with other families. You also get six conversation starters to spark discussion on the topic.
Just click the button below.
Create a Family Dinner Book Club Featuring the Rainforest
What is a Family Dinner Book Club?
Each month:
- On the first of each month, we provide all the details for your dinner.
- Sarah from Chef Sarah Elizabeth shares a themed menu to compliment the theme for the month.
- Laura from Sunny Day Family shares an activity that relates to the theme.
- And, I share a book list that compliments the themes, conversation starters, and a family service project.
Books and Conversation Starters
For our theme of RAINFOREST, you have found the book list and discussion starters on this page. (see above)
Themed Menu
Check out the themed menu you can eat with your family from Chef Sarah Elizabeth. —> Menu
Book Related Activity
And, visit Sunny Day Family for an activity to do with the theme.—>Clothespin Fireflies
Family Service Project
There are many ways we can take care of the rainforests. In fact, the Rainforest Foundation gives us 10 ideas for protecting the rainforests from avoiding palm oil to creating habitats for migrating animals.
This Family Dinner Book Club can just be the first of many. Join us in a year-long focus of kids making a difference in the world.—>See All The Kids Making a Difference in the World Family Dinner Book Clubs
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