If you’re teaching a unit on river habitats, or just need a good read, here are some of our favorite river books for kids. (And be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for an extra river-themed surprise!).
River-themed Plans and Printables
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OUR FAVORITE RIVER BOOKS FOR KIDS
The River by Hanako Clulow
This is the first on my river book list because it’s our current favorite. Follow a fish on her epic journey as the river winds through mountains, forests, and plains. The stunning artwork and surprises like a “magical” fish on every page makes reading this book and learning about the river so interactive and interesting.
Above and Below by Hanako Clulow
Another gorgeously illustrated picture book to compliment The River is Above and Below, by the same author/illustrator. The innovative split-page layout of this book allows readers to (literally) uncover a hidden world of nature, as they turn the half pages. This is a title you’ll reach for over and over when learning about habitats, as it features eight of the most common ones — and shows what’s “above” and “below” each place in nature.
That’s Not My Otter by Fiona Watt
Are you familiar with the “That’s Not My” series? The touchy-feely board book series is typically suggested as a beginning book for babies and toddlers — but I love this series for preschoolers and beginning readers too because it is full of repetitive, predictable text which helps kids gain confidence in reading. That’s Not My Otter is just one of the 50+ titles in this series, and is SO cute for the river theme.
Otters, Snails and Tadpole Tails by Eric Ode
I adore everything by Eric Ode and his newest book of poems pays homage to the river and wetlands. From river otters, beavers, salamanders, frogs, heron, and more — this watercolor-painted collection is a celebration of art, poetry, and healthy ecosystems.
My Very First Our World Book by Matthew Oldham
I included this title on the list of river books for its eye-catching “seek-and-find” spread all about “Running Rivers.” This non-fiction title is one we reach for over and over to learn about “our world” as its versatile enough you can use it for many learning units — not just rivers. (Also includes colorful 2-page spreads on rainforests, deserts, coral reefs, and more!). The hardcover book has rounded corners and thick pages, perfect for preschool hands to handle and interact with.
Look Inside Our World Book by Emily Bone
This Look Inside title is like My Very First Our World’s big sister. Written for slightly older children, Look Inside Our World still has the bold illustrations, rounded corners and thick/sturdy pages — but also includes over 80 interactive flaps to lift. Each spread shares simple explanations to complex questions about some of the features in our world, including “Running Rivers.”
1,000 Things in Nature by Hannah Watson
Dear heavens, this is another series we adore and I had to include on the river book list because there is a beautifully illustrated spread of nature “things” you’d find in streams and rivers. We used this book as a study guide during our preschool river theme to learn the names of plants, animals, flowers, and other things we might find in nature if we visited the river. (This book will also come in handy for LOTS of other nature-themed learning!)
The River Challenge by Bear Grylls
If you’ve got chapter book readers or want a fun read aloud, The River Challenge is an inspirational adventure for young survival experts, written by Bear Grylls — bestselling author, TV host, and world traveler. This title in his popular middle grade adventure series is about Jack who is up for anything . . . as long as he doesn’t have to get wet. But then he slips into a shallow stream and is pulled out of the fast-flowing river gorge by Bear Grylls. Bear helps Jack overcome his fear of water as they work together to build a raft, navigate the river’s whitewater rapids, and more. Will Jack sink, or swim?
Try reading this adventure aloud . . . possibly while coloring the waves of some river coloring pages!
DOWNLOAD & PRINT A RIVER COLORING PAGE
One of my secret weapons for exposing my kids to lots of books is to keep their hands busy during read-aloud time so that they will listen better/easier. Coloring pages are a great way to do this! And these “river” coloring pages are the perfect complimentary activity when reading river books to kids. Download and print yours!
