The Best Circus Books for Preschool Kids to Read
The Best Circus Books for Preschool Kids to Read
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Hey there, circus enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure under the big top? Whether your child is interested in the lion tamers or enjoy the skills of a tightrope walker, there's a circus book that will be sure to grab their attention!
From Dr. Seuss to Miss Bindergarten, these vibrant stories will whisk preschoolers away to a world filled with circus performers, daring acts, and much more. These books will be a perfect addition to any Circus theme unit.
1. "Bee Bee's Circus" by Mike Downs - Join Bee Bee and her friends as they create their very own circus in this delightful preschool book. With vibrant colors and interactive elements, it's sure to be a hit with young readers.
2. "Sandy's Circus" by Tanya Lee Stone - Inspired by a true story, this book follows the journey of a young girl named Sandy who dreams of running away to join the circus. Filled with circus icons and captivating illustrations, it's a great way to spark imagination in preschoolers.
3. "Skippyjon Jones Cirque de Ole" by Judy Schachner - Skippyjon Jones takes center stage in this circus-themed adventure! Join him as he becomes part of the show and learns some new tricks along the way.
4. "Harold's Circus" by Crockett Johnson - Harold and his purple crayon are back, and this time they're off to join the circus! With Johnson's signature illustrations and a touch of magic, this book is sure to captivate young readers.
5. "Miss Bindergarten Plans a Circus with Kindergarten" by Joseph Slate - Miss Bindergarten and her class are putting on a circus, and everyone's invited! Follow along as they learn new vocabulary words and have a whole lot of fun under the big top.
6. "Peter Spier's Circus" by Peter Spier - Step right up and experience the excitement of the circus with Peter Spier's classic illustrations. From the ringmaster to the flying trapeze, every detail is captured in vivid detail.
7. "The Circus Ship" by Chris Van Dusen - When a circus ship runs aground on a nearby island, chaos ensues! Join the circus animals as they explore their new surroundings in this charming tale.
8. "Counting on the Circus" by Rosanne Litzinger - It's a counting book like no other! Follow the circus performers as they showcase their talents, from the strong man to the trapeze artist.
9. "Secret Circus" by Johanna Wright - Join a young boy as he discovers a hidden circus in the most unlikely of places. With whimsical illustrations and a heartwarming story, it's sure to become a favorite.
10. "The Circus of Stolen Dreams" by Lorelei Savaryn - In this magical tale, a young girl stumbles upon a secret circus where dreams come to life. But when her own dreams are stolen, she must embark on a journey to reclaim them.
11. The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen - When a circus ship runs aground on a nearby island, chaos ensues! Join the circus animals as they explore their new surroundings in this charming tale.
12. "The Circus Lunicus" by R. L. LaFevers - When a small town is visited by a traveling circus with a mysterious past, a young boy sets out to uncover the truth. But what he discovers is beyond his wildest imagination!
13. "The Circus Goes to Sea" by Alison Lester - Join the circus as they set sail on a high seas adventure! From tightrope walkers to lion tamers, there's never a dull moment aboard this floating big top.
14. "The Great Circus Parade" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor - It's time for the annual circus parade, and everyone's getting ready for the big event! Follow along as the performers, animals, and spectators come together for a day of excitement and fun.
15. "Circus Fun" by Jacqueline Davies - Join a group of special education students as they embark on a field trip to the circus. With vibrant illustrations and simple text, it's the perfect book for young readers.
16. "Circus Caps for Sale" by Esphyr Slobodkina - The beloved characters from "Caps for Sale" are back, and this time they're joining the circus! Follow along as they navigate the ups and downs of circus life in this charming tale.
17. "Circus!" by Peter Spier - Step right up and experience the excitement of the circus with Peter Spier's classic illustrations. From the ringmaster to the flying trapeze, every detail is captured in vivid detail.
18. "The Circus Ship" by Chris Van Dusen - When a circus ship runs aground on a nearby island, chaos ensues! Join the circus animals as they explore their new surroundings in this charming tale.
19. "The Circus Lunicus" by R. L. LaFevers - When a small town is visited by a traveling circus with a mysterious past, a young boy sets out to uncover the truth. But what he discovers is beyond his wildest imagination!
20. "The Circus Goes to Sea" by Alison Lester - Join the circus as they set sail on a high seas adventure! From tightrope walkers to lion tamers, there's never a dull moment aboard this floating big top.
21. "The Great Circus Parade" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor - It's time for the annual circus parade, and everyone's getting ready for the big event! Follow along as the performers, animals, and spectators come together for a day of excitement and fun.
22. "Circus Fun" by Jacqueline Davies - Join a group of special education students as they embark on a field trip to the circus. With vibrant illustrations and simple text, it's the perfect book for young readers.
23. "Circus Caps for Sale" by Esphyr Slobodkina - The beloved characters from "Caps for Sale" are back, and this time they're joining the circus! Follow along as they navigate the ups and downs of circus life in this charming tale.
24. "The Circus of Stolen Dreams" by Lorelei Savaryn - In this magical tale, a young girl stumbles upon a secret circus where dreams come to life. But when her own dreams are stolen, she must embark on a journey to reclaim them.
25. "The Circus Ship" by Chris Van Dusen - When a circus ship runs aground on a nearby island, chaos ensues! Join the circus animals as they explore their new surroundings in this charming tale.
26. "The Circus Lunicus" by R. L. LaFevers - When a small town is visited by a traveling circus with a mysterious past, a young boy sets out to uncover the truth. But what he discovers is beyond his wildest imagination!
27. "The Circus Goes to Sea" by Alison Lester - Join the circus as they set sail on a high seas adventure! From tightrope walkers to lion tamers, this book will take children on a fun circus adventure.
You can try these engaging circus-themed learning activities for preschoolers to liven up your Circus Theme Unit:
1. **Balancing Act:**
Materials: Balancing beam or tape on the floor, stuffed animals or bean bags.
Instructions:
- Set up a balancing beam or use tape to create a line on the floor.
- Place stuffed animals or bean bags along the beam or line.
- Encourage children to walk along the beam while balancing, picking up each stuffed animal or bean bag as they go without falling off.
2. **Animal Toss:**
Materials: Plastic hoops, stuffed animal toys.
Instructions:
- Arrange plastic hoops in a circle on the floor, representing different "cages."
- Place stuffed animal toys around the room.
- Invite children to stand behind a designated line and take turns tossing the stuffed animals into the "cages."
3. **Clown Counting:**
Materials: Clown-themed cutouts, numbered cards.
Instructions:
- Place clown-themed cutouts around the room, each with a number written on it.
- Give each child a set of numbered cards.
- Ask the children to find the clown cutouts and match them with the corresponding numbered card.
4. **Juggling Numbers:**
Materials: Bean bags, numbered cones or buckets.
Instructions:
- Set up numbered cones or buckets in a row.
- Give each child a set of bean bags.
- Encourage children to juggle the bean bags while walking along the row of cones or buckets, aiming to drop each bean bag into the bucket with the corresponding number.
5. **Circus Storytime:**
Materials: Picture books about the circus, stuffed animals or puppets.
Instructions:
- Gather children in a circle and read a circus-themed picture book aloud.
- Use stuffed animals or puppets to act out parts of the story or to engage children in interactive storytelling.
- Encourage children to discuss their favorite parts of the story and ask questions about the circus.
These activities combine fun with learning and are perfect for engaging preschoolers in a circus-themed educational experience!