Arctic Animal Books That Will Warm Your Heart

From polar bears to beluga whales, Arctic animals are majestic and fascinating creatures. These beautiful Arctic animal books are so warm and cuddly, students might ask to read them year-round! 

#1 The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett

Jan Brett’s books have lovely, old-world-style stories and unique side panels with pictures, and this is no exception. Her version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is visually stunning and provides a lot of insight for our students into life in the Arctic region. It’s also a fantastic book to teach children how to “read” the pictures in a book.

#2 Bedtime for Little Bears by David Bedford

This is a sweet book about a mother polar bear and her little cub who just isn’t tired at bedtime. The bears take a walk to see all of the other polar animals getting ready for bed. When they finish their walk, the little cub can barely keep his eyes open. The illustrations in this book are fantastic, and the length of the text is just right for even the youngest preschoolers.    

#3 The Magic School Bus Arctic Adventure

Ms. Frizzle is a wacky, hands-on teacher who always takes her class on wild adventures to learn about the topic at hand. In this adventure, they visit the Arctic and lose their bus/jet in a snowstorm. This book includes lots of factual information that is simple enough for our young students to understand.    

#4 Polar Babies by Susan Ring

This book has very simple text and beautiful illustrations. Great for young readers that are just starting on their journey. One of the most endearing polar bear books around.

#5 That’s Not My Polar Bear by Fiona Watt

All of the Usborne books in this series (That’s Not My Plane, That’s Not My Fairy, That’s Not My Snowman, etc.) are simple board books with an element of “touch” that little kiddos just love. The simple, repetitive text makes this Arctic animal book a good candidate for one of the first books preschoolers can “read” to themselves. They are also a hit with younger children as well!

#6 A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett

This book is a beautifully illustrated tale about a polar bear who decides to walk through the arctic. A great addition when studying polar animals. Laced with questions throughout, it invites students to engage in read-aloud time.

#7 Arctic Animals (Who’s That) by Tad Carpenter

Written in a riddle-type format, this book will engage students to guess which animal is hiding under the movable flaps. This book provides a great way to increase student engagement and interest.

#8 Way Up in the Arctic by Jennifer Ward

Award-winning author Jennifer Ward delivers another student favorite with Way Up in the Arctic. Students can sing along to this Arctic animal book set to the tune “Over in the Meadow.”

#9 Hello, Baby Beluga by Darrin Lunde

Written from the perspective of the baby beluga, students will learn how these fascinating animals live, what they eat, and ways they communicate. It’s sure to be a favorite!

#10 Polar Opposites by Erik Brooks

Bringing opposites to life through an adorable story of a BIG polar bear and a tiny penguin Zina. Illustrated with beautiful watercolor pictures, this is a great book to pair with additional opposites activities.

More Ways to Continue the Freezing Fun

Books are a great gateway to even more learning and fun. Process art takes a wintery spin with this Polar Bear Process Art project. Students continue learning through sensory integration using paints.

Additionally, there are many other polar animal activities such as poems, songs, patterns, and sorts that can add to this theme. No matter the format, any way to continue the learning and fun is sure to be a winner!

Learn more about polar bears at this website from the World Wildlife Federation.

Polar animal facts, habitat information, and more are available at the National Geographic for Kids website.