Best Books about Movement for Children of All Ages
Our list of the best books about movement encourages dancing, jumping, stretching, and clapping. Young children have a lot of energy. Kids love to move. They need to move. Not only do books about movement speak to that innate drive, but they are also fun to read aloud. Especially for children who may not be as interested in reading, books with motions offer a creative method of engagement. While interactive books with flaps and buttons are wonderful, sometimes you just need an excuse to get the wiggles out. Here are 15 Reading Boots favorite books about movement for readers of all ages.
Books About Movement for Ages 0-3
Barnyard Dance
Barnyard Dance, by Sandra Boynton. It’s time for a hoedown. Get up and dance with the farm animals. Not only are there animal sounds, but also kids will enjoy strutting with the ducks and twirling with the pigs. Simple, rhyming text gives this book a great dancing beat.
From Head to Toe
From Head to Toe, by Eric Carle. Can you bend your neck like a giraffe? I can do it. Learn the parts of the body while moving along with animals. The familiar refrain will have children chiming in as they move their bodies.
Llama Llama Hoppity-Hop
Llama Llama Hoppity-Hop, by Anna Dewdney. Lovable Llama Llama is ready to tap, clap, stretch, and hop in this fun board book. While the text is simple and rhythmic, children will enjoy going through the motions with Llama Llama.
Use this fun strategy with the book!
Duck & Goose, Let’s Dance!
Duck & Goose, Let’s Dance!, by Tad Hills. Duck and Goose are always ready for some fun. Now you can learn a new dance with them. Available as a board book, this book uses bright, bold colors and simple text to engage young readers.
Clap Your Hands
Clap Your Hands, by Lorinda Bryan Cauley. Stretch, wiggle, roar, and stick out your tongue as you move along with animals. Young readers will love the simple, rhyming text and cute animal pictures.
Books About Movement for Ages 3-6
Can You Make a Scary Face?
Can You Make a Scary Face?, by Jan Thomas. Eek! There’s a bug on you. What can you do to get it off? Your child will love giggling, wiggling, and moving about as he/she tries to get shake that bug off.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, by Michael Rosen and Helen Roxenbury. With repetitive rhymes and fun to act out phrases, your child is sure to love chiming in with this classic story. Cross a river, wade through tall grass, and run through a forest on your quest to find a bear. But, what happens when you actually find that bear?
If You’re a Monster and You Know It
If You’re a Monster and You Know It, by Ed Emberley and Rebecca Emberley. Stomp, wiggle, and giggle as you pretend to be a monster. As a rewritten version of “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” your child will recognize familiar chants and refrains.
It’s a Tiger!
It’s a Tiger!, by David LaRochelle. Similar to We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, journey through the jungle as you hide from a tiger. As you flee, run, push vines, and duck your head through a story that is exciting without being too scary. Enjoy a few laughs and acting out this silly tale.
Hip, Hop, Jump!
Hip, Hop, Jump!, by Lauren Thompson. See how much fun moving can be in this colorful book. While wiggling, waving, and stomping, your child can learn the parts of the body and practice following directions. The simple text and bright pictures are easy for children to follow.
Waddle!
Waddle!, by Rufus Butler Seder. Using simple text and fun scanimation pictures, this book gets children in the mood to move. Get ready to waddle, prance, hop, and stomp with the various animals in this book.
Books About Movement for Ages 6-8
Boogie Monster
Boogie Monster, by Josie Bissett. A boogie monster has arrived from outer space and is ready to dance. Now, you can join the fun as you wiggle, roll, and even pretend to be a helicopter. The lyrical rhythm, colorful pictures, and fun motions will keep children entertained.
The Snowy Day
The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats. Experience a child’s wonder at a fresh snowfall. Crunch through the snow with your feet in different positions. With beautiful collage illustrations, this classic book captures the wonder of winter. The simple text and short sentences are perfect for young readers.
Stretch
Stretch, by Doreen Cronin. Get creative with stretching as you follow along with a dog showing off the many ways to get limber. However, don’t think you’ll just be doing downward dog yoga poses. Reach for the trees and catch a breeze throughout this colorful, interactive book.
Caps for Sale
Caps for Sale, by Esphyr Slobodkina. A peddler selling caps walks through town with the hats on his head. But, what will happen when he takes a nap under a tree? Your child will stretch, giggle, and stomp acting out the peddler’s motions throughout this book.
It’s time to get up, dance, and move with these movement-inspired books!
Get your Reading Boots on and enjoy the journey!
