Reading to preschoolers is one of the best pre-literacy activities. Preschoolers listen to books and stories to develop vocabulary, understand print and how it works, and develop social skills. These scarecrow books are perfect for fall and farm themes and can help children build knowledge beyond personal experience.
Books about scarecrows
“Little Scarecrow Boy” by Margaret Wise Brown
The little scarecrow boy wants to go to the corn with his father to scare the crows. But his father said he wasn’t ferocious enough to scare away the crows. He must grow. Will the scarecrow boy become ferocious enough to go to the fields?
Ken Brown’s Scarecrow Hat
The chick admired the Scarecrow’s hat. He agreed it was a good hat. But he would rather have a cane. The chicken knows a man with a cane. Thus begins her great swapping adventure.
“Scarecrow” by Cynthia Rylant
“The Scarecrow’s life is entirely his own.” This gentle and quiet book examines the Scarecrow’s life.
Lonely Scarecrow Tim Preston
The Scarecrow wants to be friends with animals and birds. But the animals are afraid of his flapping coat and flapping hat; they will not go near the Scarecrow. Winter is coming, covering the earth and the scarecrow. The animals saw a happy snowman and played in and around him all day long. But when the snow melts, will they stay and become friends?
“Dance of the Scarecrow” by Jane Yolen
The strong wind blew the scarecrow away from his post. He danced through the corn stubble and around the farm. He dances into the house and overhears a child praying. This statement sent him back to the fields to tend the corn.
Scarecrow Books for Preschoolers
Otis and the Scarecrow Loren Long
The farmer brought a scarecrow to the farm. Otis the tractor tries to make friends. The animals come and try to befriend the Scarecrow. But the Scarecrow stared solemnly at the cornfield and said nothing. Otis wonders how to befriend the Scarecrow.
Mary Packard “The Shy Scarecrow”
Scarecrow Rags is too shy to do his job. The crow eats his corn. The farmer found a hat for Rags to wear. The hat gives him the courage to do his job and scare away the crows.
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Bundles with 14 of my most popular fall resources, including math and literacy group activities! Make learning fun with these hands-on resources!
“Scarecrow” by Christopher Hernandez
Can a scarecrow who is afraid of everything be brave enough to make friends on his farm?
“Barn Dance” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
In the evening, the scarecrow plays the violin in the barn and gathers the animals to dance the barn dance. A scrawny boy from the family (who couldn’t sleep) spent a pleasant evening with them, dancing until morning came.
“The Little Old Lady Afraid of Nothing” by Linda Williams
A little old lady walking home after dark encounters (and follows) a pair of shoes, a pair of pants, a shirt, and other horrific items. But she wasn’t afraid. Something knocks on the door and scares her, but she still won’t be frightened. But she did give them a job in her garden.
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