Storytime Theme: Desert Animals

It’s time to travel across the land to the dusty, sandy desert where animals have grown to adapt to the heat, limited water, and other harsh conditions that exist. Let’s explore desert animals in the this fun, STEM lesson plan for toddlers and preschoolers. The desert may have some of the harshest conditions on the planet, but plenty of animals (and plants) have learned not only to survive, but thrive in those conditions. Learn why camels have long eyelashes or why desert foxes only come out at night. Then read a rousing rendition of The Three Little Pigs from the American Southwest called The Three Little Javelinas. Add a few songs and a fun craft and you’ve got a well-rounded storytime that’s ready to go!

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Storytime Theme: Desert Animals

Books

• Desert Babies by Kristen McCurry
• Desert Night Desert Day by Anthony Fredericks, illustrated by Kenneth Spengler
• I’m a Hare, So There! by Julie Rowan-Zoch
• Over and Under the Canyon by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
• Over on a Desert Somewhere in the World by Marianne Berkes, illustrated by Jill Dubin
• Rattlesnake Dance by Jim Arnosky
• The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell, illustrated by Jim Harris
• Way Out In the Desert by T. J. Marsh and Jennifer Ward, illustrated by Kenneth J. Spengler
• Why Do Camels Have Such Long Eyelashes? by Jack Beard, illustrated by Jayri Gomez

Songs & Rhymes

• We Are Desert Animals – Tidi Kids
• Alice the Camel – Super Simple Songs
• The Animals in the Desert – Fantastic Fun and Learning

Crafts & Activities

• Paper Plate Rattlesnake – In the Bag Kids’ Crafts
• Popsicle Stick Camel – Glued to My Crafts
• Hare Paper Bag Craft – The Super Mom Life