Storytime Theme: Zoo
Animal-themed storytimes are always so popular! And if you can squeeze in a lot of different types of animals all in one storytime, even better! I have a love-hate relationship with zoos. I love being able to see wild animals up close and I think that the research and support zoos can give to wild populations is vitally important for a lot of species. But, it breaks my heart to see these wild animals in such small cages.
That being said, a zoo-themed storytime allows a storyteller a chance to introduce kids to a lot of different animals. You can have conversations about how some animals are the same, while others are different. You can talk about animals’ sounds or stripes and spots. There are a lot of different directions you can take a zoo-themed stortyime. I’m sharing just nine books, but there are a bunch more out there and have also included some rhymes and flannelboards, plus a few craft activities as well.
And as always, this doesn’t have to be used in an “official” storytime lesson plan. You can use it as part of a preschool curriculum or even at home for kids who love books about animals! Incorporating activities that stretch the book beyond the covers is a great way to introduce kids to new vocabulary, sensory activities, and opportunities to grow!
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Storytime Theme: Zoo
Books
- Animal Strike at the Zoo, It’s True by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Margaret Spengler
- Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
- Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
- My Heart Is Like a Zoo by Michael Hall
- Never, Ever Shout In a Zoo by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Doug Cushman
- 1, 2, 3 To the Zoo by Eric Carle
- A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
- Stop Snoring, Bernard! by Zachariah Ohora
- What Do They Do With All That Poo? by Jane Kurtz, illustrated by Allison Black
Songs
- Animals at the Zoo – Storytime Sprout
- Monkey See, Monkey Do – Storytime Katie
- Zoo Riddles – Jen In the Library
Activities
- Cupcake Liner Peacock – I Heart Crafty Things
- Paper Plate Elephant – Crafty Morning
- Sloth Handprint Animal – Simple Everyday Mom
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