Habitats Books for Kids

1. Habitats

 by William B. Rice

I love starting out every science unit with a book that covers a broad overview of the topic while using vibrant pictures.

This one checks both boxes! After finishing this read-aloud, students are always eager to learn more. Plus, it’s a level J, so it’s the perfect addition to the classroom library as well!

2. Land Habitats

by Bobbie Kalman 

After introducing the topic of habitats, it’s time to dive deeper into specific habitats around the world.

Your students will learn about various land habitats as well as the weather, vegetation, and animals in each.

3. Water Habitats

by Molly Aloian 

We of course can’t learn about land habitats without following it with water habitats.

In this book, students will learn about the different types of water habitats (lakes, rivers, oceans, and swamps). It’s my personal favorite on this list as I find ocean habitats fascinating!

4. Plant Adaptations

by Lundgren

After introducing the different types of habitats around the world, it’s important to teach about adaptations as well!

This book does a wonderful job of giving a basic introduction to plant adaptations. It’s best for early learners and can lead to many further research questions!

5. How and Why Do Animals Adapt?

This informative book does such a great job of teaching students about how and why animals adapt. It dives into adaptations due to climate, habitat changes, and even opportunistic behaviors.

I can almost guarantee that your students will want to learn more about the new species discussed in this book!

6. What If There Were No Bees?: A Book About the Grassland Ecosystem

What If There Were No Bees is not only extremely engaging, but it also covers a crucial question that we all should be asking.

It’s a great science read-aloud to show students the importance of each species in an ecosystem and how the chain reaction works.

1. What is a Habitat?

This video by Discovery Education is the perfect intro to get your students excited about your habitat unit! It’s just over 5 minutes and shows amazing real videos of different habitats around the world!

2. Home Sweet Habitat

Home Sweet Habitat is a great follow-up video as it discusses similar concepts but uses animations, diagrams, and text (instead of just real videos).

Throughout the video, your students will learn (or review) habitats, food webs, and adaptations.

3. Exploring Micro-Habitats: Life Under Logs

I love this video as it’s one that can be easily brought to life. What kid doesn’t like exploring outside?

After learning about micro-habitats, take your class outside to do some hands-on observations. Just be sure to discuss how to safely explore without harming the habitats!

4. What are Tundras?

As someone who has taught and lived in Arizona for years, the Tundra can be slightly hard to wrap my brain around.

This video by National Geographic is the perfect way to show your students about this mysterious habitat.

5. Animal Adaptations

After reading the above book about animal adaptations, this is a great video choice to make the concepts a bit more concrete.

It’s a short 2-minute video that helps deliver the same information in a different way.

6. How We Can Keep Plastic Out of our Ocean

This is an eye-opening video to help show students the negative impact that humans can have on different habitats.

Hopefully, it will inspire some to take action in their own community!