Cycle 1 Picture Books for Second Semester
Looking for the perfect Cycle 1 picture books to read with your children? This booklist is filled with wonderful books that align with the memory work for the second semester of Cycle 1 in Classical Conversations (weeks 13-24).
Reading good books with my children is one of my favorite parts of homeschooling. It’s a fun and meaningful way for them to learn about fascinating topics!
These books are just the right length to keep my 5-year-old engaged while also delighting her younger sister during our cozy read-aloud times.
I list each book only once in this booklist, but many of them align with the memory work for multiple weeks. Check if your library has them and enjoy reading them with your children throughout the weeks they apply!

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Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 1 Week 13:

Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain by Verna Aardema (Cycle 1 Week 13 History & Geography). This book tells the story of Ki-pat, a herdsman who brings rain to the East African plains. The rhythmic, repetitive style makes it fun and engaging for children. It also introduces African landscapes, culture, and the value of resourcefulness. It’s a great book to read with your children as they begin learning about African history!

We All Went on Safari by Laurie Krebs and Julia Cairns (Cycle 1 Week 13 History & Geography). This story follows a group of children and adults on a journey through Tanzania. It introduces African wildlife, the Maasai culture, and Swahili counting. My girls wanted me to read this book to them over and over again!

Cultural Contributions from Africa: Banjos, Coffee, and More by Holly Duhig (Cycle 1 Week 13 History). This book highlights music, art, storytelling, and innovations that originated from Africa. It’s an excellent resource for understanding Africa’s influence on the world!

Africa by Claire Vanden Branden (Cycle 1 Week 13 Geography). This book introduces children to the geography, cultures, and wildlife of the African continent. It’s a great resource for children to gain a broad understanding of Africa’s diverse landscapes and rich history.

Africa (Discover the Continents: Blastoff Readers, Level 3) by Emily Rose Oachs (Cycle 1 Week 13 Geography). This book introduces children to Africa’s geography, history, cultures, and wildlife. This is a great starting point for children to learn about Africa’s diverse landscapes and people.

Mapping Africa (Mapping the Continents) by Paul Rockett, illustrated by Mark Ruffle (Cycle 1 Week 13 Geography). This book uses colorful maps and pictures to show the continent’s countries, landscapes, and wildlife.

Roar! (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 3): 100 FUN Facts About African Animals by Stephanie Warren Drimmer (Cycle 1 Week 13 Geography). This is a fun book packed with fascinating facts about Africa’s incredible wildlife. It has stunning photos of all kinds of African animals. It’s a great way to learn about Africa’s diverse ecosystems.

How Do You Measure Liquids? (Measure It!) by Thomas K. and Heather Adamson (Cycle 1 Week 13 Math). This book explains tools like measuring cups and cylinders and shows real-life examples of measuring in action.

The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen (Cycle 1 Week 13 Science). In this book, we go on an exciting journey with Ms. Frizzle and her class to explore the layers of the Earth. Children learn about rocks, minerals, and the structure of the planet.

Planet Earth (Closer Look At…) by Margot Channing (Cycle 1 Week 13 Science). This book uses simple explanations and colorful illustrations to explore how the planet works. It’s a great book to introduce children to Earth’s features, including landforms, oceans, and ecosystems.

Hello, World! Planet Earth by Jill McDonald (Cycle 1 Week 13 Science). This is a bright and simple book that introduces young children to the wonders of Earth. It covers topics like land, water, weather, and animals with fun illustrations. It’s perfect for little ones beginning to learn about our planet.

Araminta’s Paint Box by Karen Ackerman, illustrated by Betsy Lewin (Cycle 1 Week 13 Fine Arts). This is a heartwarming story of a young girl named Araminta who dreams of becoming an artist. Set in the 1800s, the story follows her journey as she uses a treasured paint box to express her creativity and leave a legacy for future generations. This book is a great introduction to the Great Artists portion of Fine Arts!
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 1 Week 14:

The Water Princess by Susan Verde and Georgie Badiel, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds (Cycle 1 Week 14 History and Geography). This story is inspired by supermodel Georgie Badiel’s childhood in Burkina Faso. It follows a young girl named Gie Gie, who dreams of bringing clean water to her village. The story highlights the challenges of accessing water in some parts of Africa while celebrating hope and resilience.

Me and the Measure of Things by Joan Sweeney and Katie Kath (Cycle 1 Week 14 Math). This is a fun and simple introduction to measurement concepts for children. This book explains units of length, weight, and volume through relatable examples in a child’s everyday life.

Measuring Penny by Loreen Leedy (Cycle 1 Week 14 Math). This is a story about a girl named Lisa who measures her dog, Penny, in every way imaginable. It introduces children to length, weight, and volume in a creative and engaging way.

Balloons Over Broadway: The Inspiring True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade by Melissa Sweet (Cycle 1 Week 14 Math). This book tells the true story of Tony Sarg, the creative puppeteer behind the giant balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It includes using linear measurements so it’s a great read for math this week!

Basher: Rocks & Minerals: A Gem of a Book by Simon Basher and Dan Green (Cycle 1 Week 14 Science). This is a fun introduction to the world of geology. It personifies rocks, minerals, and gemstones, giving each its own quirky personality and fun facts.

Rocks (Planet Earth) by Marcia Zappa (Cycle 1 Week 14 Science). This is a great introduction to the world of rocks, exploring their types, formations, and uses. It explains igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks in an easy-to-understand way.

What Are Metamorphic Rocks? (Let’s Rock!) by Molly Aloian (Cycle 1 Week 14 Science). This book introduces children to metamorphic rocks and explains how these rocks form, their characteristics, and where they can be found.

What Are Sedimentary Rocks? (Let’s Rock!) by Natalie Hyde (Cycle 1 Week 14 Science). This book explains how sedimentary rocks are formed, their unique features, and where they can be found.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 1 Week 15:

My Israel and Me by Alice Blumenthal McGinty, illustrated by Rotem Teplow (Cycle 1 Week 15 Geography). This is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces children to the culture, history, and diversity of Israel. It explores the land’s traditions, landmarks, and people. This book is a wonderful way to teach children about Israel’s rich heritage and the connections people feel to the land.

The World Made New: Why the Age of Exploration Happened and How It Changed the World (National Geographic Timelines) by Marc Aronson and John W. Glenn (Cycle 1 Week 15 History). This book is a great resource for older children, but there are a few pages that focus on Prince Henry that I like to show my children.

What Was the Age of Exploration? by Catherine Daly (Cycle 1 Week 15 History). This book explains the reasons behind explorers’ journeys to new lands, the challenges they faced, and how they shaped the world. This is an excellent chapter book for kids to learn about this pivotal era in history in an easy-to-understand way.

The Metric System by David A. Adler, illustrated by Edward Miller (Cycle 1 Week 15 Math). This book explains units including meters, liters, and grams, showing how they are used in everyday life. It has colorful illustrations, simple examples and makes learning the metric system fun!

To the Top! Climbing the World’s Highest Mountain (Step-Into-Reading, Step 5) by S. A. Kramer (Cycle 1 Week 15 Science). In this book, we read the stories of famous climbers, including Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. It explains the dangers and triumphs of reaching the summit. This is a great book for young readers!

Tenzing Norgay (Little People, BIG DREAMS) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Bandana Tulachan (Cycle 1 Week 15 Science). This book tells the inspiring story of Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa mountaineer who, alongside Edmund Hillary, became one of the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

Two at the Top: A Shared Dream of Everest by Uma Krishnaswami, illustrated by Christopher Corr (Cycle 1 Week 15 Science). This book explores the different backgrounds of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, their shared determination, and teamwork. It focuses on their friendship, courage, and perseverance!

How Does Chocolate Taste on Everest?: Explore Earth’s Most Extreme Places Through Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch and Taste by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe (Cycle 1 Week 15 Science). This book takes us on an exciting journey to Earth’s most extreme places, including Mount Everest, the Sahara Desert, and the Amazon rainforest. It uses the five senses to vividly describe what it feels like to experience these unique environments.

Mount Everest (Natural Wonders of the World by Lisa M. Bolt Simons (Cycle 1 Week 15 Science). This book dives into Everest’s geography, history, and the challenges faced by climbers who attempt to reach its summit.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 1 Week 16:

Discover the Mayans: A Child’s Journey Into the Ancient World (Civilizations) by Ethan Braxton (Cycle 1 Week 16 History). This book explores Mayan culture, achievements, daily life, and architecture. It’s an excellent resource for children to begin learning about the ancient Mayan civilization.

Maya, Incas, and Aztecs (DKfindout!) by D.K Publishing (Cycle 1 Week 16 History). This is an informative and visually engaging introduction to the Maya, Inca, and Aztec peoples. It’s packed with colorful images, timelines, and fun facts.

Squares, Rectangles, and other Quadrilaterals by David A. Adler, illustrated by Edward Miller (Cycle 1 Week 16 Math). This is a fun book that introduces children to the world of geometry. It explains different types of quadrilaterals, their properties, and how to identify them.

Rectangle Time by Pamela Paul, illustrated by Becky Cameron (Cycle 1 Week 16 Math). This is a charming story about a boy and his cat who share special reading time together. As the boy learns to read, the cat humorously observes the changes in their routine, offering a unique perspective on the joy of books and learning.

The Magic School Bus Blows Its Top: A Book About Volcanoes by Joanna Cole and Gail Herman, illustrated by Bob Ostrom (Cycle 1 Week 16 Science). In this book, Ms. Frizzle and her class go on an exciting adventure as they learn about volcanoes. It explains how volcanoes form, erupt, and shape the Earth.

Oh, the Lavas That Flow! All About Volcanoes by Todd Tarpley, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz and Joe Mathieu (Cycle 1 Week 16 Science). This is such a fun book that teaches children about how volcanoes form, erupt, and shape the Earth. Any book from the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library is a winner!

Volcanoes For kids: Educational science book for learning about volcanoes by Samuel John (Cycle 1 Week 16 Math). This book explains how volcanoes form, erupt, and impact the environment in simple language for children.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 1 Week 17:

Living in . . . South Africa: Ready-to-Read Level 2 by Chloe Perkins, illustrated by Tom Woolley (Cycle 1 Week 17 Geography). This book introduces children to life in South Africa through the eyes of a local child. It explores South African culture, traditions, landmarks, and daily life.

South Africa: A Benjamin Blog and His Inquisitive Dog Guide by Anita Ganeri (Cycle 1 Week 17 Geography). This book, presented as a travel diary, follows Benjamin and his curious dog as they explore the country’s culture, landmarks, history, and wildlife.

Circle, Square, Moose by Kelly Bingham, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky (Cycle 1 Week 17 Math). This is a hilarious story where Moose disrupts a book about shapes. As the narrator tries to teach readers about circles, squares, and triangles, Moose’s antics take over the story, creating chaos and fun.

Volcanoes by Gail Gibbons (Cycle 1 Week 17 Science). This is a beautifully illustrated introduction to volcanoes. The book explains how volcanoes form, what happens during an eruption, and the different types of volcanoes found around the world.

The Science of Natural Disasters: The Devastating Truth About Volcanoes, Earthquakes, and Tsunamis by Alex Woolf, illustrated by Andy Rowland (Cycle 1 Week 17 Science). This book explores the science behind some of the Earth’s most powerful natural disasters. It explains how volcanoes erupt, earthquakes occur, and tsunamis form.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 1 Week 18:

Ancient Civilizations: Aztecs, Maya, Incas!: With 25 Social Studies Projects for Kids by Anita Yasuda, illustrated by Tom Casteel (Cycle 1 Week 16 Geography). This book introduces children to the fascinating histories and cultures of these three ancient civilizations. It It also has fun hands-on projects to help children explore daily life, achievements, and traditions of these cultures.

Stone Age Geometry: Triangles by Gerry Bailey (Cycle 1 Week 18 Math). This book combines math and history to teach children about triangles through a Stone Age setting. It uses engaging stories and illustrations to show how triangles were used in early tools, shelters, and art, while introducing key geometric concepts.

Triangles by David A. Adler, illustrated by Edward Miller (Cycle 1 Week 18 Math). This book teaches children about the properties of triangles. It explains different types of triangles including equilateral, isosceles, and scalene. It’s a great introduction to geometry for young children!

Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Raúl Colón (Cycle 1 Week 18 Science). This is the story of Marie Tharp, a pioneering scientist who created the first detailed maps of the ocean floor.

The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor by Joanna Cole, illustrated by Bruce Degen (Cycle 1 Week 18 Science). In this book, Ms. Frizzle and her class go on an underwater adventure and explore ocean habitats, marine life, and the science of the ocean floor.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 1 Week 19:

Life Among the Anasazi (Ancient Americas) by Rachel Stuckey (Cycle 1 Week 19 History). This book introduces readers to the daily life, culture, and achievements of the Anasazi people. It explores their unique cliff dwellings, farming techniques, and social structures.

Happy Pi Day to You! All About Measuring Circles by Bonnie Worth and Aristides Ruiz, illustrated by Joe Mathieu (Cycle 1 Week 19 Math). This book introduces readers to the concept of circles, circumference, diameter, and the mathematical constant pi. We love any book we have read from the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library!

Round by Jennifer Ward and Lisa Congdon (Cycle 1 Week 19 Math). This book celebrates all things round in nature. From seeds and bubbles to the moon and raindrops, the book explores how round shapes appear in the world around us.

Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi by Cindy Neuschwander, illustrated by Wayne Geehan (Cycle 1 Week 19 Math). This story follows Sir Cumference and his son Radius as they solve a riddle to save Sir Cumference, who has been turned into a dragon. Through their quest, readers are introduced to the concept of pi and how it relates to circles.

Stone Age Geometry: Circles by Gerry Bailey (Cycle 1 Week 19 Math). This book combines math and history to teach children about circles in a fun way. Set in the Stone Age, the book uses stories and illustrations to show how circles were used in tools, shelters, and art.

The Circles All Around Us by Brad Montague, illustrated by Kristi Montague (Cycle 1 Week 19 Math). This is a sweet story about connection, kindness and community. It talks about how we can expand our circles of care and friendship to include more people, making the world a better place.

A Is for Oboe: The Orchestra’s Alphabet by Lera Auerbach and Marilyn Nelson (Cycle 1 Week 19 Fine Arts). In this book, each letter of the alphabet highlights a musical instrument, or term, paired with poetic descriptions and beautiful illustrations. This is a great book for introducing children to music and the beauty of orchestras.

Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo by John Lithgow, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez (Cycle 1 Week 19 Fine Arts). This is a story about a boy who attends a concert near a zoo. Chaos ensures when the animals escape and take over the orchestra, each playing an instrument with hilarious results.

Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay by Susan Hood, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport (Cycle 1 Week 19 Fine Arts). This is the true story of Ada Rios, a young girl from a poor community in Paraguay, and her journey to play in an orchestra using instruments made from recycled materials.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 1 Week 20:

Let’s Look At Canada by Joy Frisch-Schmoll (Cycle 1 Week 20 Geography). This book introduces young readers to the geography, culture, landmarks, and traditions of Canada.

Follow Me Around Canada by Wiley Blevins (Cycle 1 Week 20 Geography). This book highlights Canada’s geography, landmarks, wildlife, and cultural traditions through fun facts and colorful photographs.

Stickmen’s Guide to Earth’s Atmosphere in Layers by Catherine Chambers, illustrated by John Paul de Quay and Venitia Dean (Cycle 1 Week 20 Science). This is a fun book that explores the layers of the Earth’s atmosphere. It uses stick figure characters and detailed illustrations to explain concepts like the troposphere and stratosphere in a simple way.

The Atmosphere by Jason D. Nemeth (Cycle 1 Week 20 Science). This book explains the layers of Earth’s atmosphere and their importance to life on the planet. It covers weather, air composition, and how the atmosphere protects us.

The Layers of Earth’s Atmosphere by Elizabeth Borngraber (Cycle 1 Week 20 Science). This book explores the different layers of Earth’s atmosphere and explains the unique features and functions of each layer.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 1 Week 21:

One Million Trees by Kristen Balouch (Cycle 1 Week 21 History). This story is about a young girl who joins her family in planting trees to help restore a forest in Canada. We learn how to plant trees, say a little French, do some math and cooking, and learn interesting facts about trees!

Moose, Goose, Animals on the Loose!: A Wildlife ABC Paperback by Geraldo Valério (Cycle 1 Week 21 History). This is a fun alphabet book celebrating Canadian wildlife. Each letter introduces a different animal.

Earth’s Hemispheres (Where on Earth? Mapping Parts of the World) by Todd Bluthenthal (Cycle 1 Week 21 Science). This book explains how the planet is divided into northern, southern, eastern, and western halves and explores their unique features.

Latitude and Longitude (Map Basics) by Kristen Rajczak (Cycle 1 Week 21 Science). This book is a great introduction to the geographic grid system that helps us locate places on Earth. It explains how latitude and longitude lines work, their significance, and how they are used on maps.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 1 Week 22:

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick, illustrated by Sophie Blackall (Cycle 1 Week 22 History). This is a sweet story of a bear named Winnie, who inspired the beloved character Winnie-the-Pooh. The story follows a Canadian soldier, Harry Colebourn, who rescued Winnie during World War I and brought her to the London Zoo, where she met author A. A. Milne and his son, Christopher Robin.

South America (Blastoff! Readers, Level 3: Discover the Continents) by Emily Rose Oachs (Cycle 1 Week 22 Geography). This book is a great introduction to the geography, wildlife, cultures, and landmarks of South America.

Mapping South America (Mapping the Continents) by Paul Rockett, illustrated by Mark Ruffle (Cycle 1 Week 22 Geography). This book teaches children about the geography of South America through colorful maps and illustrations.

20 Fun Facts About Machu Picchu by Janey Levy (Cycle 1 Week 22 Geography). This book explores Machu Picchu’s history, architecture, and cultural significance.

Patterns in Peru: An Adventure in Patterning by Cindy Neuschwander, illustrated by Bryan Langdo (Cycle 1 Week 22 Geography). In this book, two children, Emily and Ben, explore Peru and learn about patterns. They encounter patterns in art, textiles, and nature, solving problems along the way using math concepts.

Your Passport to Peru (World Passport) by Ryan Gale (Cycle 1 Week 22 Geography). This book explores Peru’s landmarks, traditions, and daily life. It’s a great book for children about Peru’s vibrant culture.

South America by Claire Vanden Branden (Cycle 1 Week 22 Geography). This book provides an overview of South America’s diverse landscapes, from rainforests to mountains, as well as its unique traditions and history.

Wacky Weather: All About Odd Weather Events by Todd Tarpley, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz and Alan Batson (Cycle 1 Week 22 Science). This book explores strange and fascinating weather phenomena, including snow in the desert and raining frogs. Another great read from the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library!

Oh Say Can You Say What’s the Weather Today? All About Weather by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz (Cycle 1 Week 22 Science). This book introduces children to the basics of weather, including clouds, storms, and seasons. This is a very engaging book to help children understand more about different kinds of weather.

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Weather by Karen de Seve (Cycle 1 Week 22 Science). This book explains concepts including clouds, rain, storms, and seasons in a simple way for children. It’s a great resource with stunning photographs and lots of fun facts.

Explore My World: Weather by Lisa M. Gerry (Cycle 1 Week 22 Science). This book explains weather patterns, seasons, and how weather affects the world around us.

The Magic School Bus Inside a Hurricane by Joanna Cole, illustrated Bruce Degen (Cycle 1 Week 22 Science). In this book, Ms. Frizzle and her class explore the science of hurricanes. They learn how hurricanes form, their structure, and the effects they have on the environment.

Mozart: The Wonder Child: A Puppet Play in Three Acts by Diane Stanley (Cycle 1 Week 22 Fine Arts). This book tells the life story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in the form of a puppet play. It captures Mozart’s extraordinary talent, his musical achievements, and the challenges he faced.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 1 Week 23:

Clouds by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Frane Lessac (Cycle 1 Week 23 Science). This book explains rain clouds, storm clouds, and fair-weather clouds. It’s a great way to introduce children to the different types of clouds in the sky.

Clouds by Mary Meinking (Cycle 1 Week 23 Science). This book introduces children to the different types of clouds and their role in weather patterns. It explains how clouds form, the weather they bring, and their importance to Earth’s atmosphere.

The Cloud Book by Tomie dePaola (Cycle 1 Week 23 Science). This is an engaging book for children that explains the different types of clouds, their names, and how they form.

What Are Clouds? by Ellen Lawrence (Cycle 1 Week 23 Science). This book explains how clouds form, the different types of clouds, and the role they play in weather.

What Are Clouds Made Of? by Debbie Vilardi (Cycle 1 Week 23 Science). This book teaches children about the science behind clouds. It explains how clouds form, what they are made of, and the different types of clouds.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 1 Week 24:

Puffin Adventures: A Day in the North Atlantic by Little Worm Books (Cycle 1 Week 24 Geography). This is a delightful story that follows a puffin exploring its ocean habitat. It introduces children to the puffin’s daily life, its environment, and the challenges it faces. It’s a great way to introduce children to the North Atlantic!

Maps & Globes by Jack Knowlton and Harriet Barton (Cycle 1 Week 24 Science). This is a great way to introduce children to the basics of cartography. It explains how maps and globes are used, the different types of maps, and the key parts of a map.

There’s a Map on My Lap! All About Maps by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz (Cycle 1 Week 24 Science). This book is a great introduction of the basics of maps and how to read them. These books from the Cat in the Hat’s Learning library are super fun and engaging and have an incredible amount of information!

Basher History: US Presidents: Oval Office All-Stars by Dan Green and Edward Widmer, illustrated by Simon Basher (Cycle 1 Week 24). This is a fun guide to the presidents of the United States. Each president is introduced with unique, humorous illustrations and memorable facts.
If you’d like a printable version of this list of this Cycle 1 picture book list for weeks 13-24, just enter your email below. This printable version is perfect for taking to the library or saving on your phone for easy access. It will be delivered straight to your inbox!
Do you have any favorite Cycle 1 books? I’d love to hear which ones grab the top spots for you and your family!
I requested SO many of these from the library and am getting ready to order the ones I couldn’t borrow. Thank you for the printable book list!!!
You are so welcome! I hope you enjoy them! 🙂