Take a Trip to the Rainforest with These Fascinating Picture Books for Preschoolers

Are you looking for some exciting rainforest books for preschoolers? Look no further! Taking a trip to the rainforest can be a thrilling experience for preschoolers, and these top ten picture books about the rainforest will help them learn about the diverse range of plants and animals that make up this magical ecosystem. From colorful illustrations to captivating stories, these books will take young readers on a journey of discovery and exploration. Not only will these books help children learn about the rainforest, but they also provide an opportunity to introduce important concepts such as conservation and sustainability.

Other Resources for Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers

I’ve created circle time lesson plans and resources as well as math and literacy activities to accompany a unit on the Rainforest. I’ve found them to be very exciting and meaningful for the students in this unit of study and would love for you to check them out and see if they’d be useful to your students and classroom as well.

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The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest

Written and illustrated by Lynne Cherry, The Great Kapok Tree is a beloved classic in children’s literature. It tells the story of a man who falls asleep under a huge kapok tree and is visited by various rainforest animals who plead with him to spare the tree from being cut down. This book teaches young kids about the importance of rainforests and the devastating effects of deforestation. The beautifully detailed illustrations and lyrical language make it a joy to read aloud to preschoolers. Plus, the book includes additional facts and resources about the Amazon Rain Forest, making it a valuable teaching tool for early childhood educators.

The Umbrella

In “The Umbrella,” author and illustrator Jan Brett takes readers on a journey through the rainforest with a little frog named Carlos. Carlos is excited to explore the rainforest with his new umbrella, but quickly realizes that it’s not big enough to protect him from the heavy rain. Along the way, he meets various rainforest animals who offer to share their shelter with him. The story teaches young kids about the different animals and habitats of the rainforest while also promoting the value of kindness and friendship.
Brett’s signature intricate illustrations make “The Umbrella” a feast for the eyes, with rich, vibrant colors and attention to detail that bring the rainforest to life on every page. The book also features a glossary of rainforest animals and plants at the end, making it a valuable educational resource for both kids and teachers.
Overall, “The Umbrella” is a charming and educational picture book that’s perfect for preschoolers. Its simple yet engaging story, beautiful illustrations, and educational value make it a great addition to any early childhood classroom or home library.

Way Up High in a Tall Green Tree

“Way Up High in a Tall Green Tree” is a book written and illustrated by Jan Peck that explores the vibrant life of the rainforest. This colorful and engaging picture book follows a young girl who ventures deep into the rainforest and discovers its unique flora and fauna.
The book’s rhythmic prose and catchy rhymes make it an enjoyable read-aloud for preschoolers. Each page is packed with detailed illustrations that showcase the different layers of the rainforest and the various animals that live within them.
Through “Way Up High in a Tall Green Tree,” children can learn about the different species of monkeys, parrots, and other creatures that call the rainforest home. They can also discover the fascinating relationships between the different plants and animals that make up this rich ecosystem.
The book’s message encourages young readers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the rainforest while emphasizing the importance of preserving it for future generations.
“Way Up High in a Tall Green Tree” is an excellent addition to any early childhood classroom as it not only teaches children about the rainforest but also introduces them to concepts like biodiversity and conservation.

Slowly, Slowly, Slowly, Said the Sloth

Slowly, Slowly, Slowly, Said the Sloth is a charming book by Eric Carle that features the slow-moving, tree-dwelling mammal, the sloth. The book follows the story of the sloth, who prefers to take things at his own pace, while the other animals of the rainforest urge him to move faster. The sloth takes his time in responding to the others’ questions and requests, ultimately teaching them the importance of slowing down and taking a moment to appreciate the world around us.
This book is an excellent addition to any early childhood classroom, as it teaches children about the importance of taking their time, and not rushing through life. The beautiful illustrations in this book also make it visually engaging for young children, and help to spark their imagination and curiosity about the natural world. By teaching children about the importance of being mindful and present, Slowly, Slowly, Slowly, Said the Sloth helps to foster important social and emotional skills in young children. Overall, this book is a must-read for any young child, and is a valuable addition to any early childhood classroom.

Roly Poly Pangolin

Roly Poly Pangolin is a lovely picture book that introduces young kids to the world of pangolins in the rainforest. The book is written by Anna Dewdney and illustrated by M.T. Anderson, and it tells the story of a young pangolin named Roly Poly who is searching for food in the rainforest. As he scurries through the forest, he meets various animals and learns about the unique qualities of each of them. Eventually, Roly Poly finds his favorite food and returns to his home to share it with his family.
What’s great about this book is that it introduces kids to an animal that they may not be familiar with. Pangolins are fascinating creatures, and this book teaches kids about their habits and characteristics. It also helps them develop empathy for the creatures that live in the rainforest and encourages them to appreciate the diversity of the world around them.
The book is beautifully illustrated, with vibrant colors and engaging characters that capture the attention of young readers. The story is simple and easy to follow, with a clear message about the importance of family and the value of curiosity. Overall, Roly Poly Pangolin is a great addition to any early childhood classroom that wants to introduce young kids to the wonders of the rainforest.

Rainforest Animals

“Rainforest Animals” by Jill McDonald is perfect for young preschool children. The text shares interesting facts and information, while the illustrations are big and bright to keep children’s attention. The book does a fantastic job introducing unique and fascinating animals of the Rainforest to a young audience.

Over in the Jungle: A Rainforest Rhyme

“Over in the Jungle: A Rainforest Rhyme” is a beautifully illustrated picture book that features different animals living in the rainforest. Written by Marianne Berkes and illustrated by Jeanette Canyon, this book uses a familiar counting rhyme to teach young children about the rainforest ecosystem. Each page showcases a new animal and describes its unique characteristics and behavior.
The colorful and lively illustrations capture the attention of children, making it a great read-aloud book for the early childhood classroom. The use of rhyme and repetition also makes it easy for children to remember and join in on the reading.
This book is a great tool for introducing young children to the diversity and interconnectedness of the rainforest ecosystem. It teaches them about different animals and their roles in maintaining a healthy environment. It also highlights the importance of preserving the rainforest and its inhabitants.
Overall, “Over in the Jungle: A Rainforest Rhyme” is an engaging and educational book that is perfect for the early childhood classroom. It encourages children to appreciate and respect the natural world around them, while also providing an entertaining reading experience.

The Magic School Bus Presents the Rainforest

One of the most popular children’s books, The Magic School Bus Presents the Rainforest, is a perfect addition to any early childhood classroom. The book, written by Tom Jackson, takes young readers on a journey through the Amazon rainforest with the beloved Ms. Frizzle and her class.
I love that this presentation of the Magic School Bus has the fun characters, but real photographs and informational text to present to your preschooler or kindergartener. The images are so beautiful and engaging, you can’t help but be fascinated by the wonder of the rainforest.
In addition, The Magic School Bus Inside the Rainforest offers opportunities for cross-curricular learning. Teachers can integrate science, language arts, and social studies lessons, and incorporate activities such as making rainforest dioramas, writing letters to conservation organizations, and conducting experiments.
Overall, The Magic School Bus Presents the Rainforest is an excellent resource for introducing young children to the beauty and importance of the rainforest and sparking their curiosity about the world around them.

National Geographic Kids: Little Kids First Big Book of the Rainforest

This book is BIG – it’s not one you can read with kids in one circle time. I recommend choosing one section that the children may be interested in, and reading it ahead of time so you can summarize information and present it in a quick engaging way with the children without them losing interest. However because the pictures are big beautiful photos, the children love to look at this book on their own in centers as well. It’s full of interesting information and can be used to teach some aspects of informational text.

Rain Forest Adventure

Rain Forest Adventure, by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker has bright illustrations and follows a bird, mouse and rabbit as they venture through the rainforest and meet different animals. I love that it has short rhyming sentences that can expose children to important literacy concepts while they learn about unique animals found in the rainforest.

Rumble in the Jungle

“Rumble in the Jungle” is a delightful and charming picture book that young kids are sure to enjoy. Written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by David Wojtowycz, this book takes young readers on an adventure through the rainforest, where they will encounter a host of interesting animals such as leopards, monkeys, and snakes.
The book features fun rhymes and colorful illustrations, making it an engaging and entertaining read for young children. The illustrations are particularly impressive, capturing the vibrant colors and intricate details of the rainforest in a way that is sure to capture children’s attention.
In addition to being fun and entertaining, “Rumble in the Jungle” is also educational, teaching children about the various animals that call the rainforest home. It also helps to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and protecting these animals and their habitats.
Overall, “Rumble in the Jungle” is a fantastic book for young kids who love animals and are interested in the rainforest. It is a great addition to any early childhood classroom, helping to promote literacy skills while also teaching important lessons about the natural world.”

Rainforest Colors

Rainforest Colors by National Geographics Kids is a bright and colorful book that teaches young children about the different hues found in the rainforest. The book features various animals and plants that are native to the rainforest, with each page highlighting a different color.
What makes this book great for early childhood classrooms is its simplicity and colorful illustrations. It helps young children learn about colors while also introducing them to the unique wildlife found in the rainforest. It also helps foster a sense of curiosity and appreciation for nature at a young age.
Overall, Rainforest Colors is a fun and engaging book that introduces young children to the diverse colors found in the rainforest. Its colorful photos make it a great addition to any early childhood classroom.

Why are These Books Great for the Early Childhood Classroom?

Picture books about the rainforest offer a wonderful way to teach young children about the environment, conservation, and biodiversity. Not only do they capture a child’s imagination with their bright colors and playful illustrations, but they also serve as powerful educational tools.

For starters, picture books about the rainforest help young children to develop their knowledge and appreciation for the natural world. They teach kids about different species of animals, plants, and trees that exist within the rainforest. Furthermore, they expose children to the importance of preserving natural habitats and protecting the animals and plants that call them home.

Additionally, picture books are great for promoting early literacy skills. They encourage children to develop a love for reading and storytelling, which can foster their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Through stories, kids learn about the world around them and become better equipped to explore new ideas, express their thoughts, and develop their own imaginative abilities.

Moreover, picture books can serve as excellent classroom resources for teachers. They can be used to introduce science and social studies topics, inspire art projects, and stimulate classroom discussions. They can also be used to teach language skills, such as vocabulary development and phonemic awareness, in an engaging and interactive way.