Preschool Storytime Ideas
Scarecrows
During the fall, even children who live in the city can appreciate a “Scarecrow” themed storytime. In many instances, picture books are their first exposure to farms, farming, harvest, and scarecrows. It fits in with both Halloween and Thanksgiving without being a holiday storytime, so everyone can be included. I follow these stories by making a simple paperbag puppet.
Brown, Margaret Wise. BIG RED BARN. This rhyming story about colors and farm animals includes a scarecrow.
Brown, Margaret Wise. THE LITTLE SCARECROW BOY. Father Scarecrow says he may not be fierce enough, but little scarecrow goes to the field alone to try scaring away the birds.
Cazet, Denys. NOTHING AT ALL! In this nearly wordless book, each animal makes a noise but scarecrow doesn’t speak until the very end.
Davis, Lee. P.B. BEAR’S SCARECROW. A rebus book illustrated with photographs.
Martin, Bill. BARN DANCE! A young boy joins the animals and scarecrow in a barn dance.
McGeorge, Constance. WALTZ OF THE SCARECROWS. Sarah discovers why Grandpa dresses his scarecrows in ballgowns and tuxedos.
Rylant, Cynthia. SCARECROW. A quiet book about the gentle life of a scarecrow.