“I’d love some additional book ideas on volcanoes, dams, bridges, and the human body to read aloud to my 7 year old son…he’s still learning how to read!”
-Kelly

Kelly,

Here’s some of our suggestions for your first topic (Volcanoes), we hope your son likes them!

-Emily, Living Books Librarian

Volcanoes by Franklyn BranleyThis is a “Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science” book–great for very early readers, so your son may be able to read this on his own, depending on his ability. A simple introduction to volcanoes.

What’s Inside the Earth? by Herbert Zim
This series of “What’s Inside” books by Zim are unique–each section has a “simple” explanation, with larger text and wider spacing between lines for young readers to read themselves, and then a more detailed page follows–for the parent/teacher to read to the child. Illustrated with helpful diagrams.

Junior Science Book of Volcanoes by Patricia Lauber
This series is by Garrard publishing and is comparable to their “Dicovery Biographies” but on science topics. A good overview of volcanoes for early readers, and all of elementary level.

Volcano! by Walter Buehr
Buehr weaves the stories of famous volcanic eruptions into this look at volcanoes in general. For upper-elementary readers, but can be read aloud to younger readers.

The Secrets of Vesuvius by Sara C. Bisel
This is a “Time Quest Book” painting a picture of life during a historic event alternating between a story from the past and the modern-day archaeological discovery/excavation of that event. Here is the story of Pompeii and the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.

Volcano: The Eruption and Healing of Mount St. Helens by Patricia Lauber
Illustrated with vivid photographs, this tale of a specific volcano tells not only the story of the eruption, but how the ecosystem was restored after the devastating activity. Also includes general information and diagrams of volcanoes.

All About Volcanoes and Earthquakes by Frederick Pough
For a more in-depth, but still approachable for elementary children, look at Volcanoes, try this “All About” book. It’s text is readable, and in a narrative style and the clear two-color illustrations enhance the descriptions.