There are so many lovely things that come with the changing of seasons. One of my favorite in the summer to autumn transition are the sunflowers! Known for being a happy flower with the ability to grow up to 16 feet, I find them fascinating. So, I put together a small collection of sunflower books for you to find and help your little ones learn all about the plant.
First up we have From Seed to Sunflower by Mari Schuh.
This quick picture book focuses on real-life photos of sunflower seeds from the farmers planting them to their blossom, pollination and new growth of seeds. The highlight of this book is bolded and different color science words in the text connected to a glossary at the end of the book. Perfect for ages 4-7.
Second, a sunflower book for your youngest reader.
A Seed Grows by Antoinette Portis
With few simple words per page, this book focuses on the illustrations and key points of the life of a sunflower seed. This book is notable for one of the pages expanding to show how extra-large the sunflower can grow. Bright illustrations will keep your young one’s attention while the quick information soaks in. At the end of the book there are four brief illustrated breakdowns of the main points of the book; parts of a sunflower seed, what the seed needs to sprout, parts of a sunflower plant, and the life cycle of a sunflower plant. This book is great for 1-5-year-olds.
The third book is great for new readers with a level 1 skill set.
Seed to Plant by Kristin Baird Rattini at National Geographic Kids is recommended for ages 4-8. This book has 12 different categories to help readers understand different parts of a plant. Though not focused on sunflowers, readers still learn important information that would apply to a sunflower. National Geographic Kids is also known for having eye catching information, pictures and fun activities in their reads. This book is no exception with a grow your own garden activity, picture quiz and illustrated word banks.
Finally, Cooking With Sunshine by Ellen Lawrence is a perfect STEM picture book for readers 4-9. This in-depth look at how plants get food is loaded with information. With clear labels per page, different bubbles with information, labels, bolded science words, and real-life pictures this book would be perfect for any lesson on plants.
If you’re still looking for more sunflower-themed books you can check out the short list of books below!
Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers by Uma Mishra-Newbery
The Sunflower Sword by Mark Sperring
The Sunflower Field by Kaitlyn Corsiglia
Amanda is a preschool teacher, mother and avid Central Park picnicker. She values community and is an advocate for families in the foster care system. One day she hopes to publish a children's book of her own. In the meantime, you can follow her Instagram, Enchanted Literacy, which encourages imagination and passion for reading.
