Their faces appear to be permanently smiling, perhaps a nod to the benefits of a life of leisure. With reputations for taking long naps and, even when awake, or hanging idly from tree branches as if resting in a hammock, these mammals star in children's books all about sloths. Readers will love getting a sneak peak into the lives of furry critters who are often the butt of jokes in stories that guarantee lots of giggles.
Eric Carle's signature collage illustrations introduce young readers to the sloth, as well as to other beautiful animals in the Amazon rain forest. All of the creatures are curious as to why this creature does everything so slowly, from swinging through the trees to eating, and even falling asleep. He doesn't run fast, hunt for food, or swing quickly through the trees like all the others. Sloth is unfazed by all of the questions until one suspicious looking jaguar asks him why he is so lazy. Young children will learn quite a bit by his response.
Non-Fiction Sloth Books for Kids
Sloths seem to be very popular characters in popping up on children's stories everywhere. Perhaps it's their reputation for being lazy that makes them such endearing creatures. Or maybe the fact that they are incredible tree climbers just like raccoons, swinging effortlessly from branches. Truth is, there is so much more than meets the eye with these wild creatures that often get a bum rap. These fun reads will give your kids a glimpse into the lives of these fascinating animals. Pair some of these sloth picture books with an adorable plush toy for a creative gift for kids who love lazy, tree-dwelling animals.
Bunny is full of energy and wants to play. Sloth wants to do what he does best- sleep! This cute board book for toddlers may feel a little bit like your own bedtime routine. Fortunately, sloth wins this battle and the best friends finally nod off to sleep together.
A fun spin on Rock-a-Bye Baby about a baby sloth whose cradle is rocked by a breeze. His mama comes to the rescue and soothes her baby sleep. A unique bedtime book for toddlers who will fall asleep listening to this story.
A darling story about a baby who finds every excuse to delay bedtime. Mommy Sloth insists it's time for sleep, but Baby Sloth must first have a snack, sing to the birds, and say goodnight to the moon. The setting may be a bit different, but the litany of excuses will ring familiar to parents of little ones who are uncooperative at bedtime.
This little critter has a stubborn streak when it comes to going to sleep. Some of this furry fellow's procrastination antics around bedtime may seem a bit familiar. Little readers are encouraged to interact with the sloth by patting his back or singing him a lullaby. A very cute, original bedtime story for toddlers!
A chunky, lift-the-flap board book about sloths perfect for preschoolers. Each flap reveals a different fact about these slow creatures with long claws. The vibrant pictures capture the essence of a lush rain forest where little readers get a peak at what life is like for these super slow animals.
Sometimes being lazy and slow has its advantages. In a jungle that is abuzz with wildlife activity, sloth hangs about observing all the wonders around him. He is finally rewarded for his keen eyes and lethargic nature with a maginificent site. This sturdy board book is filled with photographic images of the cutest critters around.
An inspiring little board book about the importance of appreciating the little things in life. Little ones are encouraged by creatures who savor the beauty around them. Positive affirmations fill the pages of this delightful book that will resonate with adults as well as with the toddlers on their laps.
This darling baby book has a finger puppet that pokes through die cut holes. Babies and toddlers will love learning about what sloths do best- nap! Colorful pictures bring the natural habitat to life in this interactive little book.
Sasha's middle name, Patience, is a bit of a misnomer. She moves at such a frenzied pace, jumping from one thing to the next without taking time to enjoy any of it. Her attention span is short and her impatience with just about everything is troubling. Fortunately, she forms an unlikely bond with a creature who behaves in an opposite manner- Mr. Sloth. He doesn't begin a new endeavor until he has finished his prior activity, and exhibits a slow mindfulness that catches Sasha's eye.
This fun book will teach kids that anyone can don a cape and be a superhero. Sloth may not be able to fly and he is certainly not fast on his feet. But the things he does do well, like camouflage amongst the leaves and move very slowly, prove to be assets. One day an anteater steals some mangoes, so it's up to a superhero of sorts to capture this thief and return the fruit to its rightful owner! Kids will laugh out loud at the sloth's unconventional, albeit effective, methods for saving the day.
This is the story of an animal who, some would claim, is not the right fit for his job. His name is Slothy Claus and it's his mission to deliver toys and chocolates to little girls and boys on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, his sluggish demeanor prevents him from completing his mission. When lots of little girls and boys wake up on Christmas morning, they find that their stockings are empty. This heartwarming story is a gentle reminder to children that Christmas has meaning beyond receiving presents.
his is children's book about a sloth that teaches a valuable lesson to readers. The narrator of this book orders a sloth for a pet. It's a mail-order service, and when the pet finally arrives, the owner is a bit disappointed. The animals can't do tricks or really anything at all for that matter. But maybe he isn't as useless as he seems at first. Companionship may be the best gift of all.
This photographic, non-fiction book is one of the best for young children who want to learn about this slow-moving animal. Phenomenal photographs feature sloths living their best lives, along with other creatures, in tropical rain forests. Easily accessible text accompanies each photo, and then a sidebar is packed with supplemental information for readers eager to learn more. Kids will read all about their habitats, what they eat, and how they stay safe from predators.
An adorable little critter with a very active imagination has a hard time settling into peaceful slumber. Images of slithering snakes and prowling jaguars fill his mind with worry. Fortunately, his loving mother teaches him how to calm his anxious mind and shrink his fears so they don't interfere with sleep. This picture book about a sloth is great for little ones overcome with a bout of bedtime anxiety.
This photographic gift book is perfect for anyone who needs a reminder to slow down and enjoy life. Every page features a picture of sloths basking in their natural habitats. Words of wisdom that accompany each photo will inspire readers, young and old, to relax and appreciate the little things. This appealing book about sloths also has some interesting information about these happy creatures.
A realistically illustrated non-fiction picture book about the life of a sloth named Perezoso. This three-fingered fellow lives in the rain forest. Readers will get a glimpse at her life in a natural habitat, like searching for food and staying safe from predators. Children will also learn how she gives birth to her offspring. This book is chock full of terminology and includes a lot of detailed information.
Andy is an anteater who is set in his ways. He knows what he likes and is not interested in trying new things. Andy is especially not going to deviate from his favorite food- ants! But he is faced with a dilemma when his friend, Sam, invites him for a sleepover. Will Andy open his mind to playing with new toys and trying new foods? A good lesson for children who will learn that having an open mind is the best way to enjoy life.
This is the tale of two best friends who are as different as night and day. Peter is a homebody who is most comfortable and content lingering in the trees. Ernesto is an adventurer who has a strong desire to explore places far away. One day Ernesto heads out to satisfy his urge to learn about all the exciting places beyond the safety of home. During their separation, they miss each other more than they could have imagined and learn something important about themselves along the way. A humorously illustrated graphic novel about sloths and that will warm the hearts of readers.
Opposites attract in this story of an unlikely friendship between an impulsive fox and a slow-moving sloth. They two head out for a day of fun at the local swimming pool. Although their destination is the same, their paths are quite different. The fox races to the pool, knocking over everyone and everything in his way. The sloth, on the other hand, makes many pit stops to literally smell the roses and appreciate all the little things he passes on his way. A delightful children's book about a sloth and his best friend.
A group of children discovery a mysterious animal slumbering high up in a tree in their backyard. Determined to figure out its identity, they get busy searching for clues. For some reason, these super sleuths miss clues that are all over the news. A sloth has escaped from the local zoo! A fun story for preschoolers who will hope that they, too, will find a surprise visitor in a tree one day.
This is a festival like no other. Instead of loud music and dancing fans, this is an event where all the biggest fans of sleep gather together and partake in their favorite pastime. Snuggleford Cuddlebun, the sleepiest of all, enjoys this snoozy event by lounging in her hammock. She enjoys milk and honey refreshments and nods off to sweet lullabies. A perfect bedtime story for little ones who should take a hint from Snuggleford and go to sleep.
An endearing story about a busy family that learns a valuable lessons from a leisurely creature. Amy and her parents have schedules that require them to maintain a frantic pace. Everything they do is at warp speed, from chores to work to eating. But when a sloth shows up one day, they get a glimpse at a what life is like when you slow down to enjoy it. Eventually, Amy and her parents learn to appreciate long dinners, strolls around the neighborhood, and quality time together.
There is a very special place in Costa Rica called the Avarios Sloth Sanctuary. Readers are taken on a photographic journey to this location where sloths of every age frolic and play. The pictures of the baby sloths are particularly adorable. Kids will also learn some interesting facts about sloths, and a little potty humor is tossed in to elicit some giggles.
An inspirational story about setting goals and going after them. A pair of sloths want to participate in The Great Rainforest Race, despite their lazy predisposition. Overcoming great odds, they manage to find both the energy and courage to run the race. This heartwarming story will have readers rooting for the slow critters until they cross the finish line.
This coloring book is the perfect way to top off a themed gift. Nearly 100 pages of the cutest sloths in their natural environment. Pictures are printed on white, heavy paper stock to prevent easy ripping and color bleed-through.
Highly original story about a special friendship. The expression "opposites attract" couldn't be more true than with this unlikely pairing of a speedy squirrel and a sluggish animal. The two sign up for jobs working in a pickle factory so they can earn money for a new bike. Unfortunately, they are not a good match for factory work and wind up fired. Readers will enjoy their quit wit and creative problem solving to buy that bike after all.
Sloth and Paloma are best friends. So when Paloma invites her furry friend for a sleepover, her friend excitedly accepts. It's her first time spending the night at a friend's house and she is feeling pretty confident. After all, she is the ultimate sleep expert. But much to her dismay, Paloma has other plans for the night, and they don't involve sleeping. How will she possibly make it through a night full of activity with no time to rest? A funny story with illustrations that add humor to the situation.
Harris is determined to make a new friend, but not just any old friend. He has spotted a lazy animal lying around in a tree who looks like the perfect playmate. So he devises all kinds of fun plans that include an awesome party and yummy picnic. But nothing seems to pique the interest of this slow animal who just wants to sleep. After a long and aggravating day, Harris is about to give up. Then he hears a rustling noise and wonders if he will finally meet his elusive buddy.
Looking for a gift for a friend? This colorful journal may be just the thing. The cover is adorned with sloths happily swinging from branches. There are almost 200 pages ready for someone to write, draw, and doodle. The diary has a lock and comes with two keys so that a child's personal thoughts can be kept private.
An adorable animal peaks out behind a petite book filled with all kinds of facts and trivia. There is also space dedicated for children to write the name and other fun details about their own little sloth stuffed animal. A small novelty gift that is sure to delight kids who are fascinated with these lazy creatures.
A telling story about a little girl who wishes she had special kind of pet. Her reason? Life is busy and she dreams of slowing down with a friend by her side. She envisions taking long, lazy walks without a care in the world. And although these critters have moths in their hair, they are amazing at climbing trees and swinging from the branches. This perfectly rhyming story is fun to read out aloud.
An adorable, fictional book filled with all kinds of funny, interesting things. For instance, their favorite ice cream flavor is Cookies and Dream. Also, kids will learn that they can never get enough of their favorite past time- napping! Each of the 100+ pages has a picture of a cute sloth and a sentence or two about a fun fact (only some of which are true) about these beloved creatures.
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