I recently received a review copy of Spectacular Spots by Susan Stockdale, which got me thinking about all the many picture books which talk about spots and dots. This list includes 12 titles which are perfect for story time, preschool and elementary classrooms, and/or one-on-one reading at home.
In rhyming text, the author shares information about the function of various animals' spots. This book is newly published by Peachtree Publishers and is great for STEM story times.
Lots of Spots by Lois Ehlert
In this collection, Lois Ehlert describes the features of many animals in very short, pithy poems and accompanies them with illustrations in her signature collage style. (Link is to my review.)
In this collection, Lois Ehlert describes the features of many animals in very short, pithy poems and accompanies them with illustrations in her signature collage style. (Link is to my review.)
Spots, Feathers, and Curly Tails by Nancy Tafuri
In her bold style, Nancy Tafuri celebrates the features that make animals unique - including spots. Children get the chance to guess on every page who belongs to which feather, tail, spot, etc.
The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
Young Vashti feels that she is not an artist, but when she takes her teacher's advice to "just make a mark and see where it takes you," she discovers the hidden depths of her creativity.
Lots of Dots by Craig Frazier
This colorful book shows kids all the places in the world they can find lots and lots of dots!
Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni
Young Vashti feels that she is not an artist, but when she takes her teacher's advice to "just make a mark and see where it takes you," she discovers the hidden depths of her creativity.
This colorful book shows kids all the places in the world they can find lots and lots of dots!
Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni
Two little spots - one blue, and one yellow - are best friends. But what happens when they hug each other so hard they turn green? Will they ever be Little Blue and Little Yellow again? This classic picture book published in 1959 is still a favorite for many kids today.
Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion, illusrated by Margaret Bloy Graham
Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion, illusrated by Margaret Bloy Graham
In this perennial favorite, a spotted dog names Harry runs away to escape from the bath only to return so covered in dirt that he has changed from a white dog with black spots, to a black dog with white spots. Betty White recorded a charming reading of this story for Storyline Online.
Press Here by Herve Tullet
Press Here by Herve Tullet
This unique picture book invites kids to interact with it by instructing them to press, blow, clap, and engage in other actions which appear to have a direct impact on what happens in the illustrations.
Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews
This counting book shows what can be made using one black dot, two black dots, three black dots, etc. First published in 1968, this picture book was revised slightly in 1995 to make it easier to share at story time, and more appealing to young readers.
Dotty by Erica Perl
On the first day of school, Ida brings along everything she needs - including a giant, spotted imaginary friend named Dotty. At first, Dotty isn't the only imaginary friend in class, but over time their numbers begin to dwindle until Ida wonders whether she should start leaving Dotty at home.
Dog’s Colorful Day by Emma Dodd
As Dog travels through town during the day, he finds himself marked by spots of different colors. By the time he gets into the bath at night, he has ten spots to wash away!
Yoo-Hoo, Ladybug! by Mem Fox
A ladybug is hiding on each page of this book, and the reader is challenged to find her! The detailed illustrations make this a poor story time choice, but it's excellent for one-on-one sharing with toddlers.
This counting book shows what can be made using one black dot, two black dots, three black dots, etc. First published in 1968, this picture book was revised slightly in 1995 to make it easier to share at story time, and more appealing to young readers.
Dotty by Erica Perl
On the first day of school, Ida brings along everything she needs - including a giant, spotted imaginary friend named Dotty. At first, Dotty isn't the only imaginary friend in class, but over time their numbers begin to dwindle until Ida wonders whether she should start leaving Dotty at home.
Dog’s Colorful Day by Emma Dodd
As Dog travels through town during the day, he finds himself marked by spots of different colors. By the time he gets into the bath at night, he has ten spots to wash away!
Yoo-Hoo, Ladybug! by Mem Fox
A ladybug is hiding on each page of this book, and the reader is challenged to find her! The detailed illustrations make this a poor story time choice, but it's excellent for one-on-one sharing with toddlers.
