How does that old poem go about “weathering the weather?” Whether the weather is rainy, windy, cloudy, hot, or anywhere in between, we sure do talk about it all the time. Here are our favorite weather books for kids to use across your curriculum.
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Fiction – Best Weather Books for Kids
1. May I Come In? by Marsha Diane Arnold (PreK-1)
Thunderstorms can be scary! Racoon searches for a friend’s company in this fun rhyming read aloud. The sweet ending has a perfect message for your classroom community.
2. Pignic by Matt Phelan (PreK-1)
The pigs have a list of requirements for their perfect picnic. Tree climbing, kite-flying, and of course, their favorite nibbles. A rainstorm threatens to ruin it all, but ends up supplying one last thing: MUD!
3. A Year With The Wind by Hanna Konola (PreK-1)
Beginning and ending with a spring breeze, this poetic text describes the wind’s activities in each month of the year. The simple, geometric illustrations are perfect to inspire classroom artwork.
4. The Weather Girls by Aki (PreK-1)
The diverse and endearing “Weather Girls” travel in a posse reminiscent of Ludwig Bemelmens’s Madeline as they joyfully observe the weather in each season.
5. Tap Tap Boom Boom by Elizabeth Bluemle (PreK-2)
This rhythmic and rollicking text perfectly captures the frenzy caused by a rainstorm in the city – and the fun surprise waiting afterwards. The sound words, bursts of dialogue, small details, and impactful punctuation make this a great writing mentor text, too.
6. Sun by Sam Usher (PreK-2)
Sam and his granddad don’t let sweltering temperatures stop their planned picnic, but they do run into some unexpected fellow diners as they vie for the perfect spot. Check out Snow and Rain by the same author as well.
7. The Rain Came Down by David Shannon (PreK-2)
How does the weather make us feel? Go on the raucous journey from grouchy to calm in this classic cause-and-effect rainy day tale from a favorite author.
8. Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse (PreK-3)
When a community withstands prolonged oppressive weather, there’s nothing quite like the collective celebration when it finally lifts. This jubilant story of relief from a city heat wave is timeless.
9. When the Wind Blows by Linda Booth Sweeney (PreK-2)
Windy days get a bad rap, but the grandmother and grandson in this story make the best of one, with their giggling, kite-flying adventures. We love the robust verbs throughout the text.
10. On a Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemanga (K-3)
A young girl discovers the wonders of exploring the woods on a wet day. If you’re working on determining author’s message; what better message is there than, “Going outside is way more awesome than playing video games?”
11. Cloudy with Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett (K-3)
This meteorological spoof is a perennial favorite. Get your students laughing and inspire creative writing with weather reports of orange juice showers and tomato tornadoes in this classic tall tale.
12. Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco (1-4)
Patricia Polacco shows how to turn weather events into personal memoirs like no one else. This story of a childhood thunderstorm tradition is a worth a read every year.
Nonfiction – Best Weather Books for Kids
13. Rainbows (Amazing Sights of the Sky) by Martha E. Rustad (PreK-2)
Rainbows are universally fascinating, but what actually makes them appear? Share this straightforward explanation to help students understand this cheerful weather event.
14. National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Weather by Karen de Seve (PreK-2)
Keep this reference book on hand to answer all your students’ weather questions. Connections between the weather and peoples’ and animals’ needs inspire critical thinking.
15. Fly Guy Presents: Weather by Tedd Arnold (K-3)
This easy reader character duo learn a lot when they go on a field trip to a weather station. The content vocabulary list alone makes this a worthy addition to your collection.
16. Types of Precipitation (Water All Around Us) by Nadia Higgins (K-3)
Learning through music is the best! Books in the Water All Around Us series each include a catchy song, accessible online. Get your students’ toes tapping as they learn about rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
17. Weather by DK (1-4)
This pocket-sized handbook is perfect for a weather investigation center in your classroom. Clearly laid out sections cover topics from cloud types to super winds.
18. Next Time You See a Cloud by Emily Morgan (2-5)
This thoughtful narrative is perfect for a middle grade read aloud. Pause to marvel at the impressive photographs and unpack the information presented in each spread.
19. Green City: How One Community Survived a Tornado and Rebuilt for a Sustainable Future by Allan Drummond (2-5)
Many students are familiar with the terror of a weather-related disaster from the media, or unfortunately, personal experience. This story of collaborative recovery efforts after a 2007 tornado offers a hopeful outlook.
20. Al Roker’s Extreme Weather by Al Roker (3-7)
As relatable as the author’s TV broadcasts, this fresh title packs tons of information about weather forecasting and the conditions that lead to extreme weather events. Back to you, Al.
21. Eye of the Storm: NASA, Drones and the Race to Crack the Hurricane Code by Amy Cherrix (Gr. 5-7)
Titles in the Scientists in the Field series are always noteworthy for tackling topics from unique angles. Learn alongside students about ongoing innovations in storm forecasting. Plus, use this text as an example of top-notch research writing.
22. Meteorology: Cool Women Who Weather Storms by Karen Bush Gibson (Gr. 5-7)
Chapters outline the history and importance of meteorology and provide mini-biographies of three notable female contributors to the field. Plenty of informational text features keep it interesting.
What are your favorite weather books for kids? We’d love to hear about them in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, check out our lists of space books and STEM books.
