Struggling to make those tricky states of matter click for your young scientists? Look no further than the wonder of picture books! This video unlocks the secret to transforming your classroom into a laboratory of imagination, where learning explodes with vibrant illustrations and playful narratives. Here is a list of great states of matter picture books.
I’m sharing all of these books on video as well! Check out the Picture Books for States of Matter on my Youtube channel.
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States of Matter Picture Books
Many Kinds of Matter by Jennifer Boothroyd
Ice cubes clink in a glass. Steam rises from a pot of boiling water. Solids, liquids, and gases are all around you. But what exactly are solids, liquids, and gases? And how do you tell them apart? Read this book to find out!
Curious Pearl by Eric Braun
When Curious Pearl tries to show her younger brother how to make freezy pops, he doesn’t understand how juice could turn into a frozen pop. As a lover of science, Pearl knows this is her chance to teach her brother all about the states of matter.
What is the World Made Of? by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
Can you make an ice cube disappear? Put it on a hot sidewalk. It melts into water and then vanishes! The ice cube changes from solid to liquid to gas. This picture book is a fascinating exploration of the three states of matter.
This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, uses simple, fun diagrams to explain the difference between solids, liquids, and gases. This book also includes a find out more section with experiments designed to encourage further exploration and introduce record keeping.
What’s the Matter in Mr. Whisker’s Room? by Michael Ross
Mr. Whiskers, the teacher, has that wild look in his eyes again. That’s the look that means, Get ready for hands-on science! This time the subject matter is . . . matter. Using seven science stations, Mr. Whiskers encourages his kids to use all their senses to make observations and draw conclusions. Everyone’s a scientist in Mr. Whiskers’ class, where hands-on mini-experiments lead to Big Ideas — and promote an ongoing passion for independent, open-ended discovery. Back matter includes extra activities.
Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright
B-R-R-R-R! AH-CHOO! Sneezy the Snowman is cold, cold, cold. To warm up, he drinks cocoa, sits in a hot tub, stands near a warm fire–and melts! But the children know just what to do to build him up again–and make him feel “just right”. Hilarity chills the air as Sneezy attempts to warm himself with some silly results.
Use the discussion questions to guide your lesson on states of matter.
Then, after reading this picture book, your students can create their own Sneezy the Snowman to share what they know about the different states of matter.
As a class, create an anchor chart to hang up in the classroom as a guide. Include the different states of matter and examples of each. You can create an interactive one together with your students or use the example one included in the lesson.
Listen on the Podcast
Save this States of Matter Picture Book List
Be sure to save this pin to your favorite read alouds board on Pinterest! You’ll be able to come back to these new October books when you are ready to read them aloud with your students.
