The Best Books About Penguins for Elementary Students

There is something about penguins that fascinate kids. Maybe it's their childlike appearance or their funny way of walking. Whatever it is, it engages kids in learning. This selection of books are sure to have your students eager to learn more.

NONFICTION

Penguin ChickLet's Read and Find Out Science by Betty Tatham

This Let's Read and Find Out Science Book is a great read aloud book for young children and can even be read independently by those in early elementary grades (2nd and 3rd). It follows the life of one young penguin from egg to adulthood and chronicles the obstacles a penguin faces on his way to adulthood. It also features a section at the end "Find Out More About Penguins" and provides two interactive activities to try.

Penguin Watch Me Grow by DK Publishing

This book is written for elementary school children ages 4 to 8 and provides young children with an introduction to the life cycle of a Penguin. It offers close up photos and fact boxes that provide additional information. This is an excellent book for teaching children how to access information in nonfiction books.

Plenty of Penguinsby Sonia Black

This book depicts a variety of penguins and their day to day activities. It is written in rhyme and is designed for early elementary students ages 4-8. Filled with factual information.

Antarctica by Helen Cowcher

This beautifully illustrated book features the Emperor penguin, Adelie Penguin, and the Weddel Seals during the winter and spring in Antarctica. The intrusion of men in a helicopter frightens the penguins away from their eggs. A nice introduction for elementary students to how man affects the environment and the importance of preserving our natural world. Although the book addresses real issues facing the wildlife in Antarctica it is a fictionalized version presented from the animal's point of view.

FICTION

Penguin Puzzle: Magic School Bus Chapter Book by Joanna Cole