The Ultimate Montessori-Friendly Book List
NOTE: This is currently an ongoing project so expect the list to be updated regularly as I continue to add our favorite children’s books to it and finish adding the summaries to those currently available.
On this page I’ve compiled some of our favorite Montessori-friendly children’s books.
Simply click on a category and suggested books will appear.
Interested in learning more about what criteria I consider to be important when selecting books for our Montessori-inspired home? Click here to read more.
If you have any recommendations or things you’d like to see added in terms of categories or any additional picture book suggestions that you would like to see included on this page, I’d love to hear about them! Feel free to send me an e-mail or connect with me through social media, and we’ll be sure to check them out.
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS AT NO COST TO YOU. THIS MEANS I MAY RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION IF YOU MAKE A PURCHASE USING THESE LINKS.
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An informative tale illustrating the process of how wool is made into clothing.An informative tale illustrating the process of how wool is made into clothing. -
rhymingWritten to the tune of 'This Old Man', here's a fun introduction to jazz music that features nine of the best jazz legends.Written to the tune of 'This Old Man', here's a fun introduction to jazz music that features nine of the best jazz legends.
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natureAfter traveling the world, Miss Rumphius sets out to make the world a more beautiful place by planting lupine seeds along the coast of Maine.After traveling the world, Miss Rumphius sets out to make the world a more beautiful place by planting lupine seeds along the coast of Maine.
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architecturePhotographs of famous buildings around the world mirror children's creative building constructions in this text that also features short, playful poems along with biographical information of the featured architects.Photographs of famous buildings around the world mirror children's creative building constructions in this text that also features short, playful poems along with biographical information of the featured architects.
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ChristmasMaya Angelou presents Christmas as a time for hope, peace, love, and kindness among all.Maya Angelou presents Christmas as a time for hope, peace, love, and kindness among all.
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rhymingSimple, rhyming text and fun illustrations highlight the importance of our skin -- and how it is unique to everyone. A beautiful celebration of diversity that also highlights the interconnectedness between everyone.Simple, rhyming text and fun illustrations highlight the importance of our skin -- and how it is unique to everyone. A beautiful celebration of diversity that also highlights the interconnectedness between everyone.
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natureWendy and her family take walks along Rambling Road throughout the year, and along the way she collects treasures that she finds.Wendy and her family take walks along Rambling Road throughout the year, and along the way she collects treasures that she finds.
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perserveranceA young boy wishes he knew how to whistle so that he can call his dog to him, and he practices and practices until he learns how.A young boy wishes he knew how to whistle so that he can call his dog to him, and he practices and practices until he learns how.
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Laura and Mary enjoy summertime and spend their days playing outdoors and helping their Ma and Pa.Laura and Mary enjoy summertime and spend their days playing outdoors and helping their Ma and Pa.
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Set in China, three Buddhist monks inspire a village towards cooperation and sharing.Set in China, three Buddhist monks inspire a village towards cooperation and sharing.
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A young boy helps his new puppy feel comfortable in his new home and comforts him throughout the night.A young boy helps his new puppy feel comfortable in his new home and comforts him throughout the night.
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nature, new homeElly MacKay’s Butterfly Park pairs beautifully unique illustrations with a charming story about the power of community and friendship and the importance of persistence.Elly MacKay’s Butterfly Park pairs beautifully unique illustrations with a charming story about the power of community and friendship and the importance of persistence.
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rhyming, environmental awarenessA celebratory story about hand-me-down old clothes.A celebratory story about hand-me-down old clothes.
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kindness, perserverance, JudaismA young girl is determined to knit a hat for her special friend, Mrs. Goldman.A young girl is determined to knit a hat for her special friend, Mrs. Goldman.
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natureA young girl enthusiastically explores the outdoors with her grandma throughout northern Minnesota's changing seasons.A young girl enthusiastically explores the outdoors with her grandma throughout northern Minnesota's changing seasons.
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ChristmasLaura celebrates Christmas with her family and enjoys playing in the snow, eating Molasses candy, and receiving a special gift in her stocking.Laura celebrates Christmas with her family and enjoys playing in the snow, eating Molasses candy, and receiving a special gift in her stocking.
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GratitudePat Brisson details all the hard work and preparation that accompanies the production of food.Pat Brisson details all the hard work and preparation that accompanies the production of food.
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ChristmasThis beautifully illustrated book featuring the Silent Night carol is a wonderful addition to your family's Christmas book collection.This beautifully illustrated book featuring the Silent Night carol is a wonderful addition to your family's Christmas book collection.
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assisted livingWhen her grandmother has to move into an assisted living facility, Emily and her mother sew a one-of-a-kind quilt to help keep her memories of home by her side.When her grandmother has to move into an assisted living facility, Emily and her mother sew a one-of-a-kind quilt to help keep her memories of home by her side.
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In Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars, Douglas Florian presents 20 playful poems about space for young astronomers.In Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars, Douglas Florian presents 20 playful poems about space for young astronomers.
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Recipe: Mama Panya's Pancakes, generosityMama Panya begins to worry there will not be enough food when her son invites everyone he meets at the market to a pancake dinner. This is a heartwarming tale about community and generosity.Mama Panya begins to worry there will not be enough food when her son invites everyone he meets at the market to a pancake dinner. This is a heartwarming tale about community and generosity.
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kindness, judaismIn this modern Jewish folktale, a young girl knits a mother and her baby a special gift.In this modern Jewish folktale, a young girl knits a mother and her baby a special gift.
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natureFeaturing soft, muted, and simple earth-tone colors, author Julie Fogliano’s book is a charming story about patience and anticipation. Written with a simple rhyming text, a boy and his faithful companions – a dog, a bunny, and a turtle – plant a garden and then have to wait for it to emerge.Featuring soft, muted, and simple earth-tone colors, author Julie Fogliano’s book is a charming story about patience and anticipation. Written with a simple rhyming text, a boy and his faithful companions – a dog, a bunny, and a turtle – plant a garden and then have to wait for it to emerge.
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rhymingWhen baby needs to sleep, it becomes a family affair as each member of the family joins in the singing and tapping and dancing in this lyrical lullaby.When baby needs to sleep, it becomes a family affair as each member of the family joins in the singing and tapping and dancing in this lyrical lullaby.
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natureNick spends the summer with his grandma in the woods in Wisconsin and discovers a raft that helps unearth his passion for art and nature.Nick spends the summer with his grandma in the woods in Wisconsin and discovers a raft that helps unearth his passion for art and nature.
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Recipe: Bee-Bim Bop, rhymingA young girl enthusiastically helps her mother prepare bee-bim bop.A young girl enthusiastically helps her mother prepare bee-bim bop.
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Lola is eager to grow a flower garden with some help from her mom.Lola is eager to grow a flower garden with some help from her mom.
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rhyming, birthdaySeven persnickety eaters set out to bake their patient and loving mother 'a breakfast made of all the foods that kept them in such happy moods' as a surprise for her birthday.Seven persnickety eaters set out to bake their patient and loving mother 'a breakfast made of all the foods that kept them in such happy moods' as a surprise for her birthday.
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Sewing + WeavingNell loves to knit, and she especially loves to knit for others. Eventually she inspires her friends to take up knitting as well.Nell loves to knit, and she especially loves to knit for others. Eventually she inspires her friends to take up knitting as well.
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Laura and Mary help their family prepare for the coming winter season.Laura and Mary help their family prepare for the coming winter season.
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Recipe: Mandoo, New Year'sSeven-year-old Marisa is excited about helping her family make dumplings for their annual New Year's Eve celebration, but she's worried no one will like them when they turn out a bit different than the rest.Seven-year-old Marisa is excited about helping her family make dumplings for their annual New Year's Eve celebration, but she's worried no one will like them when they turn out a bit different than the rest.
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A pair of siblings sneak downstairs and find their parents singing and dancing while cleaning up the kitchen at night.A pair of siblings sneak downstairs and find their parents singing and dancing while cleaning up the kitchen at night.
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kindness, friendshipWhen his friend is hospitalized, Mr. Nick knits a special gift to brighten her spirits.When his friend is hospitalized, Mr. Nick knits a special gift to brighten her spirits.
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Recipe: Teacakes, acts of serviceA young boy recalls the special bond he shared with his grandmother and fondly remembers how they would bake teacakes every Saturday afternoon during the summer.A young boy recalls the special bond he shared with his grandmother and fondly remembers how they would bake teacakes every Saturday afternoon during the summer.
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perserveranceInspired by the life of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space, this book demonstrates that anything is possible with confidence, hard work, and determination.Inspired by the life of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space, this book demonstrates that anything is possible with confidence, hard work, and determination.
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Recipe: Lemon Bar CakeA grandson joins his grandfather in the kitchen to bake a lemon bar cake.A grandson joins his grandfather in the kitchen to bake a lemon bar cake.
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rhymingA girl eagerly anticipates becoming a big sis and then subsequently experiences the wonderful -- and sometimes challenging -- position this can be.A girl eagerly anticipates becoming a big sis and then subsequently experiences the wonderful -- and sometimes challenging -- position this can be.
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Esperanza works with her abuela to create weavings to sell at the market.Esperanza works with her abuela to create weavings to sell at the market.
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In this collection of stories by Shirley Hughes, Alfie goes camping with his father, sets up shop in his backyard, searches for a stray sheep, and visits the seashore.In this collection of stories by Shirley Hughes, Alfie goes camping with his father, sets up shop in his backyard, searches for a stray sheep, and visits the seashore.
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A collection of 20 sweet and playful poems about Annie Rose and her older brother, Alfie, that are sure to be popular among young children.A collection of 20 sweet and playful poems about Annie Rose and her older brother, Alfie, that are sure to be popular among young children.
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ChristmasA boy learns how to harvest Myrrh resin from trees under the patient guidance of his father. At the marketplace, they meet a spice merchant who is assisting three strangers in finding the perfect gift for a very special baby.A boy learns how to harvest Myrrh resin from trees under the patient guidance of his father. At the marketplace, they meet a spice merchant who is assisting three strangers in finding the perfect gift for a very special baby.
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natureGorgeously detailed illustrations accompany more than two dozen poems about winter.Gorgeously detailed illustrations accompany more than two dozen poems about winter.
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AgricultureFollow along as a family prepares their farm for the upcoming winter season. This book details how they work together to care for their homestead.Follow along as a family prepares their farm for the upcoming winter season. This book details how they work together to care for their homestead.
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In this rendition of 'Old McDonald', Rachel Isadora presents fourteen African animals and their sounds.In this rendition of 'Old McDonald', Rachel Isadora presents fourteen African animals and their sounds.
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Inspired by a true story, Margaret and the Moon recounts how Margaret Hamilton's code saved the Apollo 11 mission and encourages kids to tackle problems and never give up on their dreams.Inspired by a true story, Margaret and the Moon recounts how Margaret Hamilton's code saved the Apollo 11 mission and encourages kids to tackle problems and never give up on their dreams.
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Recipe: Gulab Jamuns, subtraction
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ChristmasA beloved apple tree is destroyed by a winter storm, and a young girl is devastated. Her thoughtful father then surprises her with a special gift for Christmas.A beloved apple tree is destroyed by a winter storm, and a young girl is devastated. Her thoughtful father then surprises her with a special gift for Christmas.
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natureWhen Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano chronicles the emotions and feelings that often accompany the passage of time and the changing of seasons.When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano chronicles the emotions and feelings that often accompany the passage of time and the changing of seasons.
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rhymingA humorous book about a baby who accompanies his mother to an outdoor market in Nigeria.A humorous book about a baby who accompanies his mother to an outdoor market in Nigeria.
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When a young boy has trouble falling asleep, he decides to count the stars in the sky outside his home. His father joins him and they go on a night adventure to discover how many stars are in the sky.When a young boy has trouble falling asleep, he decides to count the stars in the sky outside his home. His father joins him and they go on a night adventure to discover how many stars are in the sky.
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birdsA pair of siblings observe birds in their backyard, taking special note of the robin who never leaves her nest or sings like the rest of the birds.A pair of siblings observe birds in their backyard, taking special note of the robin who never leaves her nest or sings like the rest of the birds.
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An endearing story about the special relationship a boy has with his grandfather.An endearing story about the special relationship a boy has with his grandfather.
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perserveranceIrene Bobbin, the daughter of a dressmaker, volunteers to deliver a ball gown to a duchess when her mother falls ill. In order to arrive on time, she must battle a fierce snowstorm and other obstacles along the way.Irene Bobbin, the daughter of a dressmaker, volunteers to deliver a ball gown to a duchess when her mother falls ill. In order to arrive on time, she must battle a fierce snowstorm and other obstacles along the way.
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father-daughter, rhymingA father plays along in a silly game of hide-and-seek with his daughter. Kids are sure to enjoy finding Emily Greene on each page.A father plays along in a silly game of hide-and-seek with his daughter. Kids are sure to enjoy finding Emily Greene on each page.
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A simple story of persistence and patience and, ultimately, trusting in your own beliefs — all wonderful traits to instill in a young child.A simple story of persistence and patience and, ultimately, trusting in your own beliefs — all wonderful traits to instill in a young child.
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Follow along as a girl and her family build a new house in the country from the ground up.Follow along as a girl and her family build a new house in the country from the ground up.
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Count along as a family goes shopping and then prepares a meal to eat together.Count along as a family goes shopping and then prepares a meal to eat together.
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physical geographyA perfect book to introduce alongside Montessori's land and water form studies.A perfect book to introduce alongside Montessori's land and water form studies.
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life cycleReaders will learn about the life cycle of a pumpkin when a young boy is relunctant to throw away his old jack-o'-lantern and instead sets it out in his garden to decompose naturally.Readers will learn about the life cycle of a pumpkin when a young boy is relunctant to throw away his old jack-o'-lantern and instead sets it out in his garden to decompose naturally.
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natureA boy is enchanted with the first snowfall of the year.A boy is enchanted with the first snowfall of the year.
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environmental awareness, rhymingBased on a true story, Molly's Organic Farm recounts how a stray cat found a home on an organic farm. Kids are introduced to the different aspects of organic gardening through Molly's eyes.Based on a true story, Molly's Organic Farm recounts how a stray cat found a home on an organic farm. Kids are introduced to the different aspects of organic gardening through Molly's eyes.
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nature, environmental awareness, new homeWhen Caroline moves into a new home on Meadowview Street, she's disappointed to discover there's no meadow! She takes matters into her own hands and slowly transforms her family's suburban yard into a meadow and, in the process, inspires her neighbors to do the same.When Caroline moves into a new home on Meadowview Street, she's disappointed to discover there's no meadow! She takes matters into her own hands and slowly transforms her family's suburban yard into a meadow and, in the process, inspires her neighbors to do the same.
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Recipe: Rainbow Stew, rhymingA rainy summer day turns out to be a perfect opportunity for a grandpa and his grandkids to harvest vegetables from his garden and then prepare Rainbow Stew together.A rainy summer day turns out to be a perfect opportunity for a grandpa and his grandkids to harvest vegetables from his garden and then prepare Rainbow Stew together.
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animal tracks, nature, rhymingWhen Finn sets off on a nature walk with her dog, Skeeter, readers are introduced to animal tracks and scat for common forest animals. Additional zoological information is provided for each animal encountered.When Finn sets off on a nature walk with her dog, Skeeter, readers are introduced to animal tracks and scat for common forest animals. Additional zoological information is provided for each animal encountered.
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nature, rhyming, poetryA mother shares her enthusiasm for dance with her daughter throughout the changing seasons.A mother shares her enthusiasm for dance with her daughter throughout the changing seasons.
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perserverance, environmental awarenessDetermined to help her mother, Ixchel comes up with a creative way to learn to weave and, in the process, helps clean up her Guatemalan village and inspires others in the community to help.Determined to help her mother, Ixchel comes up with a creative way to learn to weave and, in the process, helps clean up her Guatemalan village and inspires others in the community to help.
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natureWritten in free verse, this book is a portrayal of a quiet fishing excursion by siblings in the early morning hours on a Canadian lake.Written in free verse, this book is a portrayal of a quiet fishing excursion by siblings in the early morning hours on a Canadian lake.
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environmental awarenessA young boy named Liam inspires others to make the world a prettier place – one garden at a time. The book creatively illustrates how small, intentional acts can have a long-lasting and far-reaching impact.A young boy named Liam inspires others to make the world a prettier place – one garden at a time. The book creatively illustrates how small, intentional acts can have a long-lasting and far-reaching impact.
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rhymingHighlighting a community coming together to turn an empty lot into a garden, Phyllis Root's Anywhere Farm encourages kids that as long as you have access to soil, water, sunshine, and seeds a farm can be cultivated anywhere!Highlighting a community coming together to turn an empty lot into a garden, Phyllis Root's Anywhere Farm encourages kids that as long as you have access to soil, water, sunshine, and seeds a farm can be cultivated anywhere!
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rhymingReminiscent of Ludwig Bemelmans' Madeline, Miss Lina's Ballerinas is a fun tale about ballet, mathematics concepts, and the importance of being flexible and open to change.Reminiscent of Ludwig Bemelmans' Madeline, Miss Lina's Ballerinas is a fun tale about ballet, mathematics concepts, and the importance of being flexible and open to change.
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Recipe: My Grandma's Thunder CakeA grandmother helps her granddaughter overcome her fear of thunder by embarking on an adventure to collect all the ingredients to bake a special cake before the storm arrives.A grandmother helps her granddaughter overcome her fear of thunder by embarking on an adventure to collect all the ingredients to bake a special cake before the storm arrives.
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nature, environmental awarenessThree suburban kids work to restore a pond in their neighborhood.Three suburban kids work to restore a pond in their neighborhood.
If you’re interested in our favorite read aloud chapter books, be sure to check out this post: Montessori-Friendly Read Alouds Perfect for Preschoolers.
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