Cycle 2 Classical Conversations Picture Booklist (By Week!)
Looking for the perfect Classical Conversations Cycle 2 picture books to read with your children? You’re in the right place! This booklist is packed with engaging read-alouds that connect beautifully to each week of Cycle 2.
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 6-year-old engaged, while also delighting her younger siblings.
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 2 Week 1:
The Elephant from Baghdad by Mary Tavener Holmes (Cycle 2 Week 1 History & Geography). This fascinating true story follows an elephant’s journey from India to Europe as a gift for Emperor Charlemagne. Kids will love the idea of a royal elephant traveling across continents! It’s a great read-aloud as you begin Cycle 2 and introduce children to medieval history and geography, especially Europe and Asia.
See Inside Castles by Katie Daynes (Cycle 2 Week 1 History).
This interactive lift-the-flap book gives kids a detailed look at life inside a medieval castle—from moats and drawbridges to feasts, knights, and defenses. With engaging flaps and vivid illustrations, it’s a fun and informative way to introduce children to the world of Charlemagne and the early Middle Ages.
You Wouldn’t Want to Live in a Medieval Castle! by Jacqueline Morley (Cycle 2 Week 1 History).
This hilarious and informative book gives kids a behind-the-scenes look at what life was really like inside a medieval castle. Children learn about the hard work, smells, and dangers of castle life in the Middle Ages. This book is a fantastic companion to Week 1 history memory work on Charlemagne and early medieval Europe.
Fact Frenzy: Planet Earth – Continents by Lisa Regan (Cycle 2 Week 1 Geography).
This fun and fact-filled book introduces children to the seven continents with colorful illustrations and simple explanations. It’s a great geography introduction as kids learn about landforms, climates, and where people live around the world. A perfect resource to spark curiosity about Earth’s continents!
Continents by Harriet Brundle (Cycle 2 Week 1 Geography).
This book introduces each of the seven continents with bold images and simple text. It helps young children grasp the basics of where continents are located and what makes them unique.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 2:
Life on the Tundra by Jen Green (Cycle 2 Week 2 Science).
This book gives a clear and engaging look at the tundra biome, with vivid descriptions of its cold climate, frozen ground, and the animals and people who live there. It’s a great fit for Cycle 2 Week 2 science memory work on biomes, helping children visualize what life is like in one of Earth’s harshest environments.
Over in the Arctic: Where the Cold Winds Blow by Marianne Berkes (Cycle 2 Week 2 Science).
Set to a playful rhyme, this beautifully illustrated book introduces children to animals living in the Arctic tundra, such as polar bears, snowy owls, and walruses. As kids count and sing along, they also learn about adaptations, habitats, and life in one of Earth’s coldest biomes.
Deserts by Gail Gibbons (Cycle 2 Week 2 Science).
This beautifully illustrated nonfiction book introduces children to the desert biome, explaining its climate, plant and animal life, and how living things adapt to survive in extreme conditions. With clear language and engaging visuals, it’s a great resource for reinforcing Week 2 science memory work on biomes, especially the unique characteristics of deserts around the world.
If I Ran the Rainforest by Bonnie Worth (Cycle 2 Week 2 Science).
In this colorful, rhyming adventure, the Cat in the Hat takes kids on a journey through the layers of the rainforest, introducing them to its incredible plants, animals, and ecosystems. From the forest floor to the emergent layer, children learn how each part of the rainforest works and why it’s so important.
Why Oh Why Are Deserts Dry? by Tish Rabe (Cycle 2 Week 2 Science).
This fun and fact-filled book explains the unique climate, plants, and animals of deserts around the globe, including how living things survive with so little water. A great pick for reinforcing Week 2 science memory work on biomes, especially the desert biome, in a playful and memorable way!
The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry (Cycle 2 Week 2 Science).
Set deep in the Amazon Rainforest, this beautifully illustrated story follows a man who falls asleep beneath a giant kapok tree, and hears the voices of animals who depend on it for survival. Each creature explains how important the tree and forest are to their lives. This book is a powerful and poetic way to introduce kids to the rainforest biome.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 3:
Porcupine’s Picnic by Betsy R. Rosenthal (Cycle 2 Week 3 Science).
This playful picture book tells the story of a porcupine who invites friends to a picnic, only to discover they all eat different things! It’s a fun and simple way to explore herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, perfectly matching Week 3 science memory work on types of consumers.
Sir Cumference and the First Round Table by Cindy Neuschwander (Cycle 2 Week 3 Math/History).
This clever math story takes place during the time of King Arthur and the Round Table. Children will be introduced to geometry terms like circumference, diameter, and radius, all through a medieval tale of knights and problem-solving. A fun crossover book for reinforcing math concepts and tying in with Cycle 2’s medieval history theme!
You Wouldn’t Want to Be a Crusader! by Fiona Macdonald (Cycle 2 Week 3 History).
With humorous illustrations and engaging facts, this book gives kids a behind-the-scenes look at what it was really like to be part of the Crusades. It brings Week 3 history memory work to life while helping kids understand the hardships and motivations of the time in a kid-appropriate, entertaining way.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 4:
The Noisy Paint Box by Barb Rosenstock (Cycle 2 Week 4 Fine Arts).
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Vasily Kandinsky, one of the first artists to paint abstract art. Kandinsky had a condition called synesthesia, which made him “hear” colors and “see” music. It’s a fascinating way to explore how people perceive light and color differently and ties in perfectly with fine arts this week!
The Magna Carta by Roberta Baxter (Cycle 2 Week 4 History).
This nonfiction book explains the importance of the Magna Carta in simple terms, showing how it limited the king’s power and helped shape ideas about freedom and law. A great companion to Week 4 history memory work, it helps children understand why the Magna Carta is such a big deal, even today!
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 5:
Paolo, Emperor of Rome by Mac Barnett (Cycle 2 Week 5 Geography & History).
Follow a little dog named Paolo as he escapes his hair salon in Rome and explores the city like a true emperor! This story introduces children to famous Roman landmarks and a bit of European culture. A delightful read to go along with Cycle 2 geography and the historical influence of Rome.
You Wouldn’t Want to Be Joan of Arc! by Fiona Macdonald (Cycle 2 Week 5 History).
This humorous, engaging book gives kids a behind-the-scenes look at the life of Joan of Arc, from her visions to her battlefield courage. It ties perfectly with this week’s history memory work and makes the dramatic story of Joan accessible and interesting for young learners.
Joan of Arc by Christine Platt (Cycle 2 Week 5 History).
Part of the “Leaders Like Us” series, this beginner biography gives a clear and respectful overview of Joan of Arc’s bravery and faith, showing how she followed her convictions in the face of danger. It’s a great option for early elementary readers!
A Medieval Feast by Aliki (Cycle 2 Week 5 History).
This classic picture book invites readers into the world of lords, ladies, and feasts during medieval times. It’s a fun, detailed way to explore daily life in the Middle Ages, making it a perfect enrichment read for this week’s history focus.
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson (Cycle 2 Week 5 Fine Arts).
In this whimsical classic, Harold creates an entire world with just a purple crayon and his imagination. As he draws paths, buildings, and landscapes, kids get a playful introduction to perspective, shape, and spatial thinking. This book ties in perfectly with this week’s fine arts focus on drawing and visual perspective!
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 6:
Migration by Gail Gibbons (Cycle 2 Week 6 Science).
This beautifully illustrated nonfiction book explains why and how animals migrate across the globe. It’s a perfect companion to Week 6 science memory work and helps kids understand the journeys animals take to find food, warmth, or a place to raise their young.
High? Low? Where Did It Go? All About Animal Camouflage (The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library) by Tish Rabe (Cycle 2 Week 6 Science).
In this fun and fact-packed book, the Cat in the Hat takes kids on an adventure to explore how animals use camouflage to survive in their environments. From polar bears in the snow to insects that blend into bark, children will discover the amazing ways animals adapt to environmental change.
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak (Cycle 2 Week 6 Science).
This gentle, beautifully illustrated book shows the quiet changes in nature as autumn turns to winter. As trees shed leaves and the air grows colder, children also observe how animals adapt to environmental change: birds migrate, squirrels gather food, and animals prepare to hibernate. A peaceful and poetic way to introduce how living things respond to seasonal shifts.
Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci by Gene Barretta (Cycle 2 Week 6 History).
This engaging picture book highlights the brilliant inventions and ideas of Leonardo da Vinci, showing how his work during the Renaissance helped shape science, art, and technology. As kids explore Week 6 history memory work about the rebirth of learning, this book brings that time period to life by spotlighting one of its greatest thinkers. A fun and fascinating introduction to Renaissance innovation!
I Am Leonardo da Vinci by Brad Meltzer (Cycle 2 Week 6 History).
This inspiring biography introduces kids to Leonardo da Vinci, a key figure of the Renaissance, known for his incredible curiosity and creativity. Told in a kid-friendly way, it shows how Leonardo’s inventions, artwork, and big ideas reflected the spirit of discovery and learning that defined the Renaissance. A perfect fit for Week 6 history as children explore the rebirth of knowledge in Europe!
Hibernation Station by Michelle Meadows (Cycle 2 Week 6 Science).
This cozy rhyming book shows animals boarding a train to hibernate for the winter. While playful and imaginative, it helps kids remember which animals sleep through the cold season. It’s perfect for reinforcing science memory work on animal behavior in winter.
Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare by Diane Stanley (Cycle 2 Week 6 History).
This beautifully illustrated biography introduces children to William Shakespeare’s life, plays, and world. It connects wonderfully to this week’s history memory work and gives young readers a glimpse into the Elizabethan era and the legacy of the “Bard of Avon.”
Nicolaus Copernicus: The Earth Is a Planet by Dennis Brindell Fradin (Cycle 2 Week 6 History).
This picture biography explains how Nicolaus Copernicus bravely challenged the idea that the Earth was the center of the universe. It introduces kids to the importance of observation, courage, and scientific discovery.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 7:
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (Cycle 2 Week 7 Science).
This classic story tells of the Once-ler, the Truffula Trees, and the Lorax, who speaks for the trees. As factories rise and pollution spreads, kids see the harmful effects of environmental destruction in a way that’s easy to understand.
Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World by Paul L. Maier (Cycle 2 Week 7 History).
This beautifully illustrated biography tells the powerful story of Martin Luther, the German monk who boldly challenged church practices and sparked the Protestant Reformation. With rich historical context and engaging storytelling, children learn how Luther’s courage and faith changed the course of history.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 8:
Ocean Biome by Shirley Duke (Cycle 2 Week 8 Science).
This nonfiction book introduces children to the fascinating world of the ocean biome with its salty water, deep zones, sea animals, and plant life. This book helps kids understand how life in the ocean works and how this vast biome supports so many living things.
Marshes and Swamps by Gail Gibbons (Cycle 2 Week 8 Science).
This engaging nonfiction book explains the difference between marshes and swamps, highlighting the unique plants, animals, and ecosystems found in these wetland biomes. With clear illustrations and kid-friendly explanations, it helps children understand how these watery habitats support life and protect the environment.
Ocean! Waves for All by Stacy McAnulty (Cycle 2 Week 8 Science).
Told from the playful perspective of the ocean itself, this fun and fact-filled book introduces kids to the wonders of the ocean biome—its zones, animals, currents, and importance to life on Earth. With bold illustrations and humor, it makes learning about the largest biome on the planet exciting and memorable. A perfect companion to Week 8 science memory work on aquatic biomes!
Coral Reefs by Gail Gibbons (Cycle 2 Week 8 Science).
This vibrant nonfiction book introduces children to the colorful and complex world of coral reefs, home to thousands of marine species. Gail Gibbons explains how reefs form, the animals that depend on them, and why they’re so important to ocean life. This book helps young learners explore the beauty and biodiversity of reef ecosystems in a clear and engaging way.
Maps and Globes by Harriet Barton (Cycle 2 Week 8 Geography).
This book gives young readers a clear and simple introduction to how maps and globes work, including directions, symbols, and how to find places around the world. It’s a great compliment for Week 8 geography memory work, helping children learn how to read and use maps to explore God’s world!
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 9:
The Reason for Seasons by Gail Gibbons (Cycle 2 Week 9 Science).
Gail Gibbons clearly and colorfully explains how the tilt of Earth’s axis and orbit around the sun cause our seasons. This is a great book to read as you talk about how the sun affects the Earth.
The Sun, Our Nearest Star by Franklyn M. Branley (Cycle 2 Week 9 Science).
This classic nonfiction book introduces young readers to the sun’s role in our solar system, explaining how it gives light, warmth, and energy to the Earth and helps life grow.
The Sun and the Solar System by Nancy Dickmann (Cycle 2 Week 9 Science).
This engaging nonfiction book introduces children to the sun’s role at the center of our solar system and how each planet moves in orbit around it. With vibrant images and simple explanations, kids will learn about the sun’s energy, the order of the planets, and the basics of how our solar system works.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 10:
The Planets by Gail Gibbons (Cycle 2 Week 10 Science).
This book is a great introduction for kids to all eight planets in our solar system. It explains their sizes, orbits, and special features, making it a great resource to support Week 9 science memory work.
There’s No Place Like Space by Tish Rabe (Cycle 2 Week 10 Science).
Part of the Cat in the Hat Learning Library, this rhyming adventure takes readers on a fun journey through the solar system. Each planet gets a short and silly spotlight, making it easy for kids to remember key facts. It’s a playful and engaging way to reinforce Week 9’s focus on the planets!
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 11:
Stone Soup by Marcia Brown (Cycle 2 Week 11 Geography).
This classic folktale, set in a small European village, teaches the value of sharing and community. As three clever soldiers create soup from stones, the whole village joins in to contribute. It’s a wonderful story to read while exploring Eastern Europe and the traditions of hospitality and generosity found in many cultures.
Rechenka’s Eggs by Patricia Polacco (Cycle 2 Week 11 Geography).
Set in Russia, this heartwarming story tells of an old woman named Babushka who decorates beautiful Ukrainian-style Easter eggs, called pysanky. When she rescues an injured goose, a series of miracles begins! This book is a lovely tie-in to Eastern European geography and traditional folk art.
Living in Russia by Jesse Burton (Cycle 2 Week 11 Geography).
This nonfiction picture book gives children a look at daily life in Russia, from city life in Moscow to traditions, food, holidays, and landscapes across this vast country. With real-life photos and simple text, it helps kids connect with Eastern Europe geography by exploring what it’s like to live in modern-day Russia.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 12:
Napoleon vs. the Bunnies by J.F. Fox (Cycle 2 Week 12 History).
This hilarious and true tale shares one of the lesser-known moments in Napoleon’s life, when a rabbit hunt went unexpectedly wrong! It’s a fun way for kids to remember Napoleon Bonaparte and helps lighten up the more serious parts of his story. A great read-aloud to spark interest in Week 12’s history memory work.
Napoleon: The Story of the Little Corporal by Robert Burleigh (Cycle 2 Week 12 History).
This well-told biography introduces young readers to Napoleon’s rise from a poor boy on Corsica to one of the most powerful leaders in Europe. It balances the good and the difficult parts of his life and leadership in a way that’s clear and age-appropriate.
The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole (Cycle 2 Week 12 Science).
In this exciting adventure, Ms. Frizzle and her class blast off on a field trip through space! As they visit each planet and experience a few unexpected twists, kids learn key facts about our solar system in a fun and memorable way.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 13:
You Wouldn’t Want to Be on Apollo 13! by Ian Graham (Cycle 2 Week 13 Science).
This exciting and humorous book tells the dramatic true story of the Apollo 13 mission and the astronauts’ fight to survive after a mid-space emergency. With engaging illustrations and fun facts, it helps kids understand the challenges and bravery behind space exploration. A perfect match for Week 13 science memory work on U.S. space missions!
Inventions by Mark Bergin (Cycle 2 Week 13 History).
This visually rich book introduces kids to some of the most important inventions in history, from the printing press to the light bulb. It helps explain how these inventions changed everyday life and shaped the modern world.
The Mighty Steam Engine by Yvonne Ng (Cycle 2 Week 13 History).
This beginner-friendly nonfiction book shows how the steam engine worked and why it was so important during the Industrial Revolution. It explains how steam power changed travel and factories, making it a great companion to Week 13 history memory work focused on inventions and progress in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Nate the Great Saves the King of Sweden by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat (Cycle 2 Week 13 Geography).
In this mystery adventure, Nate the Great helps solve a puzzling case involving a letter from Sweden! As kids follow the clues, they’re also introduced to the idea of international locations and Scandinavian geography.
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca (Cycle 2 Week 13 Science).
This beautifully illustrated nonfiction book tells the story of the Apollo 11 mission, from liftoff to moon landing and safe return. With poetic language and detailed drawings, it brings the wonder and courage of space exploration to life.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 14:
Solids, Liquids, Gases, and Plasma by David A. Adler (Cycle 2 Week 14 Science).
This engaging nonfiction book explains the four states of matter with fun examples, clear illustrations, and even a few easy experiments. It helps kids understand how solids, liquids, gases, and plasma behave in everyday life.
Knit Your Bit by Deborah Hopkinson (Cycle 2 Week 14 History).
Based on true events, this story follows a young boy who joins a knitting campaign for soldiers during World War I. It shows how even kids helped support the war effort from home. A heartwarming and inspiring tie-in to Week 14 history memory work about World War I and how ordinary people made a difference.
Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick (Cycle 2 Week 14 History).
This beautiful, true story tells how a real bear named Winnie was adopted by a soldier during World War I and later became the inspiration for Winnie-the-Pooh. It’s a gentle and touching way to explore a piece of World War I history and its surprising connection to a beloved literary character.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 15:
The Metric System by David A. Adler (Cycle 2 Week 15 Math).
With simple explanations and helpful illustrations, this book introduces children to metric units of length, weight, and volume. It’s a fun and approachable way to support Week 15 math memory work as kids learn how to measure using meters, grams, and liters.
Your Passport to Turkey by Nancy Dickmann (Cycle 2 Week 15 Geography).
This engaging nonfiction book takes kids on a journey through Turkey’s culture, geography, language, and food. It helps students connect with the country they’re learning about in geography memory work, making Turkey feel like a real place full of stories, people, and traditions.
Your Passport to Iran by Sara Petersohn (Cycle 2 Week 15 Geography).
This colorful book gives kids a close-up look at Iran’s history, people, and customs. It’s a great way to bring Week 15 geography to life, showing children what daily life is like in one of the countries they’re studying on the map.
Syria by Julie Murray (Cycle 2 Week 15 Geography).
With simple text and real photographs, this book introduces young readers to the country of Syria: its cities, food, language, and traditions. It helps children better understand the region they’re learning about in Week 15.
World War I by Gwenyth Swain (Cycle 2 Week 15 History).
This well-organized picture book introduces young readers to the major events, people, and impact of World War I. It explains tough topics in a gentle, age-appropriate way and helps bring clarity to Week 15 history memory work about this important global conflict.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 16:
Portrait of an Artist: Claude Monet by Lucy Brownridge (Cycle 2 Week 16 Fine Arts).
This beautifully illustrated biography introduces children to the life and work of Claude Monet, one of the most famous Impressionist painters. It explains how he used color and light to capture the beauty of the world around him, especially gardens, water, and sky.
Monet’s Cat by Lily Murray (Cycle 2 Week 16 Fine Arts).
This whimsical story follows a mischievous cat who leaps into the dreamy, colorful paintings of Claude Monet. As she explores his famous artwork, children are introduced to the soft brushstrokes and light-filled style of Impressionism. A playful and creative way to help kids connect with Monet’s art during Week 16’s fine arts focus!
To Root, to Toot, to Parachute: What Is a Verb? by Brian P. Cleary (Cycle 2 Week 16 English).
This playful, rhyming book makes learning about verbs fun and easy! With silly examples and colorful illustrations, kids will quickly understand that verbs are action words, things you can do!
The Magic School Bus and the Science Fair Expedition by Joanna Cole (Cycle 2 Week 16 Science).
In this adventure, Ms. Frizzle takes her class on a time-traveling journey to meet some of the world’s most famous scientists, like Isaac Newton, Galileo, and Marie Curie. Kids will learn about their discoveries and inventions while enjoying a fun and fast-paced story.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 17:
Franklin and Winston by Douglas Wood (Cycle 2 Week 17 History).
This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of the friendship between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, two leaders who worked together during World War II. It shows how their partnership and trust helped guide the Allied forces through one of the most challenging times in history. A perfect read to support Week 17 history memory work as children learn about the key figures who helped shape the outcome of the war.
World War II by Elizabeth Raum (Cycle 2 Week 17 History).
This clear and age-appropriate nonfiction book gives kids an overview of World War II, including its causes, major events, and key figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. With helpful photos, maps, and timelines, it helps young learners understand the global impact of the war and how the Allies worked together to bring peace. A solid companion to Week 17 history memory work on this important time in history.
World War II by Mary Pope Osborne (Magic Tree House #36) (Cycle 2 Week 17 History).
In this exciting chapter book, Jack and Annie travel back in time to World War II, where they meet real-life heroes and face the dangers of war-torn Europe. Blending adventure with historical facts, this story helps kids understand the bravery and sacrifice of those who served.
Your Passport to Germany by Nancy Dickmann (Cycle 2 Week 17 Geography).
This engaging nonfiction book gives kids a colorful and informative look at Germany’s culture, language, geography, and daily life. With fun facts and real-life photos, it helps students connect with the country they’re learning about in Week 17 geography memory work.
The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco (Cycle 2 Week 17 History).
Based on a true story from the author’s own family, this moving book tells of a young girl living in Nazi-occupied France who discovers that her mother is secretly helping hide a Jewish family. Through friendship, danger, and bravery, children get a tender yet powerful glimpse into life under occupation, the horrors of World War II, and the quiet acts of resistance and courage.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 18:
Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot by Margot Theis Raven (Cycle 2 Week 18 History).
This inspiring true story tells how U.S. Air Force pilot Gail Halvorsen, known as the “Candy Bomber,” dropped chocolate and gum to children in Berlin during the post-WWII Berlin Airlift. Told through the eyes of a little girl named Mercedes, it brings Week 18 history memory work to life with a message of kindness, hope, and generosity during a difficult time in history.
Your Passport to Italy by Nancy Dickmann (Cycle 2 Week 18 Geography).
This colorful nonfiction book introduces kids to Italy’s geography, culture, food, and famous landmarks—from the canals of Venice to the ruins of ancient Rome. It’s a fun and informative way to support Week 18 geography memory work as children learn about Europe, helping them connect what they memorize on the map to real places and people.
Madeline and the Cats of Rome by John Bemelmans Marciano (Cycle 2 Week 18 Geography).
In this charming addition to the classic Madeline series, Madeline and her classmates travel to Rome, where they tour the city’s famous sites and help rescue a group of stray cats. With playful rhymes and beautiful illustrations of Italian landmarks, this story gives children a delightful introduction to Rome’s geography and culture. A wonderful companion to Week 18 geography memory work focused on Central Europe and Italy!
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 19:
How to Build an Orchestra by Mary Auld (Cycle 2 Week 19 Fine Arts). This is a fun and colorful book that teaches kids about each section of the orchestra as a conductor puts it together. It explains instruments in a simple way and includes music to listen to as they learn!
A Child’s Introduction to the Orchestra by Robert Levine (Cycle 2 Week 19 Fine Arts). This is an engaging book that introduces children to orchestral instruments and classical music through fun stories and illustrations.
Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo by John Lithgow (Cycle 2 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 (Cycle 2 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.
Nainai’s Mountain by Livia Blackburne (Cycle 2 Week 19 Geography).
Set in Taiwan, this touching story follows a granddaughter and her Nainai (grandmother) as they journey up a mountain filled with memories and meaning. Through beautiful illustrations and lyrical storytelling, children get a glimpse of the landscapes, culture, and family traditions in Taiwan. A lovely way to bring Week 19 geography memory work to life as kids explore the heart of Southeastern Asia through story.
I Dream of Popo by Livia Blackburne (Cycle 2 Week 19 Geography).
This gentle, emotional story follows a young girl who moves from Taiwan to the United States, but stays connected to her beloved Popo (grandmother) through dreams, phone calls, and memories. With soft, expressive illustrations, the book offers a beautiful look at Taiwanese culture, language, and family bonds, making it a meaningful read alongside Week 19 geography memory work on Southeastern Asia.
Living in South Korea by Chloe Perkins (Cycle 2 Week 19 Geography & History).
This engaging nonfiction picture book introduces young readers to daily life, traditions, and landmarks in South Korea. With bright illustrations and simple text, it gives children a glimpse into modern Korean culture while helping them connect geography to real people and places.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 20:
Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed by Lesléa Newman (Cycle 2 Week 20 Fine Arts).
Based on a true story, this charming book tells how a cat named Ketzel walked across piano keys and helped her owner, a real composer, create a piece of music that was entered in a competition! It introduces children to the world of music composition, creativity, and the joy of unexpected inspiration.
Wishes by Muon Thi Van (Cycle 2 Week 20 Geography).
Told through poetic, powerful text and moving illustrations, this story follows a family’s journey from Vietnam as they leave home in search of safety and a new life. Inspired by the author’s own experience, it gives children a tender glimpse into the refugee experience, while offering a heartfelt connection to Vietnam and South Central Asia.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 21:
But and For, Yet and Nor: What Is a Conjunction? by Brian P. Cleary (Cycle 2 Week 21 English).
This lively, rhyming book makes learning about conjunctions fun and memorable! With colorful illustrations and silly sentences, kids are introduced to words like but, for, yet, and nor, and how they connect thoughts in a sentence.
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Peter Sís (Cycle 2 Week 21 History).
This powerful picture book memoir shares what it was like to grow up in communist Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. Through detailed illustrations and journal-style notes, Peter Sís gives readers a personal look at life behind the Iron Curtain, showing how creativity and truth can survive even under strict control.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 22:
Inky’s Amazing Escape by Sy Montgomery (Cycle 2 Week 22 Geography).
Based on a true story, this book tells how Inky the octopus escaped from the National Aquarium of New Zealand by slipping through a tiny gap and making his way back to the ocean! With fun illustrations and fascinating facts about octopuses, this story gives kids a peek into marine life in New Zealand, making it a perfect fit for Week 22 geography memory work on Australia and Oceania.
Here are our favorite picture books for Cycle 2 Week 24:
Grandad Mandela by Zindzi, Zazi, and Ziwelene Mandela (Cycle 2 Week 24 History).
Told through a conversation between Nelson Mandela’s great-grandchildren and his daughter, this book gently introduces kids to Mandela’s fight for freedom and the end of apartheid in South Africa. With moving illustrations and simple explanations, it helps young learners understand the importance of justice, courage, and forgiveness. A meaningful and personal way to bring Week 24 history memory work to life.
The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip by Joanna Cole (Cycle 2 Week 24 Science).
In this electrifying adventure, Ms. Frizzle and her class shrink down and travel inside a power plant, through wires, and even into appliances to explore how electricity works! With fun illustrations and easy-to-understand explanations, this book makes complex science concepts exciting and clear.
Let’s Investigate Electricity by Jacqui Bailey (Cycle 2 Week 24 Science).
This informative and engaging book breaks down the basics of electricity—how it’s made, how it moves, and how we use it every day. With kid-friendly explanations, illustrations, and fun investigations, it helps children understand the science behind circuits, conductors, and static electricity.
Printable Cycle 2 Booklist
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Do you have any favorite Cycle 2 books? I’d love to hear which ones grab the top spots for you and your family!
Thank you for putting this together! I would live a printable version.
You are so welcome! To get a printable version, you can just enter your email in the form at the bottom and I’ll email you the printable version 🙂