Popular amusement parks are filled with thrilling attractions for kids of all ages. There are kiddie rides for toddlers that move at a slow rate of speed and stick close to the ground. And then there are somewhat tempered rides, like the swings, that take passengers on an enjoyable spin from high above. But the main draw at ever single park is the span of tracks that twist, turn, and form loops in the sky. Rollercoaster books for kids capture the awesome velocity of carts defying gravity as they carry screaming people on a mind-blowing journey from start to finish.
The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster!
Mo Willem's has another winner to add to his best-selling Pigeon books! In this zany story, Pigeon's body language humorously conveys the wide range of emotions that comes with riding a roller coaster. Waiting in a long line while experiencing a mix of anxiety, excitement, fear, and exhilaration, Pigeon is ready to burst. Sparse bubble text punctuated with some surprisingly big words make this book especially fun to read aloud.
Children's Books About Fear of Rollercoasters
Roller coasters are fascinating rides that elicit a wide range of emotions, oftentimes a blend of excitement, fear, nervousness, and exhilaration. Families flock to amusement parks, taking a break from swimming and other summertime activities, seeking out the the tallest, fastest rides that will give them a thrill. The fear triggers the release of endorphins that gives some passengers a natural high, and a desire to ride the coaster over and over again. For others, the nerves get the better of them, sometimes before they even make it to the front of the line. Here is a list of picture books featuring characters who overcome their fear of rollercoasters and dig deep to find the courage to ride the fastest, steepest attractions in the park.
Roller Coaster
A picture paints a thousand words. Such is the case in this entertaining story about a group of passengers getting ready to ride a thrilling roller coaster. The text graces the pages in clever font, mirroring the slow climbs and fast descents of a speedy thrill ride. But the real entertainment and amusement can be found by examining the faces of all the people before, during, and after their adventure. Kids will discover new details every time they read this funny, fast-paced picture book.
The Thrills and Chills of Amusement Parks
A fast and fun read about the science behind all the rides at amusement parks. Some advanced topics are introduced to readers who will learn all about motion, momentum, and gravity. There are some fun quizzes and activities in the back to test readers on their knowledge. Vocabulary is easy enough for emerging readers to decipher, and the physics and engineering concepts will challenge bright minds.
The Roller Coaster Ride
A little boy and his daredevil grandma are headed out for an exciting day. They have plans to spend time at the beach. But more importantly, there is a rollercoaster right by the ocean that they plan on riding together. There are lots of fun moments captured in this book about a day of adventure at an amusement park.
Fox Tails: The Biggest Roller Coaster
A leveled reader book that is just right for kids who love amusement park rides. Fritz and Franny, a pair of fox siblings, along with their dog, Fred, excitedly explore the park in search of the biggest, scariest, fastest . When they come across the roller coaster, they anxiously wait in line for their turn to ride. A fast, fun read with short paragraphs and fun illustrations that capture the joy kids feel when aboard their favorite thrill ride.
When Amelia Earhart Built a Roller Coaster
Everyone knows Amelia Earhart was the first female pilot to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean. Little readers will love getting a sneak peak into her life as a little girl. She was born with an adventurous spirit and unbridled curiosity to learn, invent, and explore the world. Amelia played football, played endlessly along the river bluffs, and even built her very own rollercoaster. A fantastic introductory book about one of the most historic figures associated with flight.
The Berenstain Bears Ride the Thunderbolt
This easy reader book will whisk kids away for a day of fantastic fun at Bear Country Amusement Park. Vibrant pictures capture the expressive faces of the Bear family as they experience the thrill of riding a big roller coaster. Minimal bold text makes it easy for emerging readers to finish this book independently, preferably before a fun visit to a nearby amusement park!
Braver Than Brave
Wanda is tired of always living in the shadow of her bigger, much braver brother. The day finally comes when she can prove that she is not a little scaredy-cat. The siblings are visiting an amusement park famous for its rollercoaster- the Coaster of Doom. Will Wanda have the courage to buckle up for the frightening climbs, drops, and loops of this thrill ride? Or will she chicken out like always? A fun book for kids with valuable lessons about the definition of bravery and staying true to yourself.
Nonfiction Rollercoaster Books for Children
Fortunately, everyone can enjoy exploring the pictures of real rollercoasters in nonfiction books that describe how they were constructed. Kids will have a lot of fun comparing attractions they have ridden with those featured in these stories that are full of facts about amusement park rides. These books include detailed descriptions of the technology that allows the carts to travel at fast speeds along the tracks and take upside down loops without dropping to the ground. Readers will learn about the tallest rollercoasters in the world and the engineering work that keeps people safe while riding them.
Amazing Structures: Roller Coasters
Readers are given a basic lesson in physics as they learn about how rollercoasters are constructed. This non-fiction book is filled with colorful photographs that depict gravity-defying movement across tracks high in the sky. A solid choice for young children interested in how things work, perhaps even providing inspiration for a career in engineering. Lots of activities and discussion material included in the last few pages.
Engineering Marvels: Kingda Ka Roller Coaster
When Kingda Ka first opened to the public in 2005, it was considered the most ambitious rollercoaster engineering feats to date. The Six Flags theme park in New Jersey made headlines for the breathtaking, heart-stopping rider that attracted thrill-seekers from around the country. This picture book will fascinate budding engineers who will get a behind-the-scenes look at this amazing structure. Kids will learn how it was constructed and the many challenges the engineers had to overcome in order to design a safe, record-breaking ride.
R is for Roller Coaster: An ABC Guide for Future Thrill Seekers
This ABC book takes readers on an exhilarating ride. The author, a roller coaster expert and enthusiast, shares her passion for these rides with readers. Kids will learn engineering terminology, the words for parts of the ride, and how these machines are designed. Full color photography brings the experience of this thrill ride to life! The most impressive coasters are captured in motion, perhaps causing stomachs to lurch, hearts to race, and palms to sweat even from the comfort of the couch at home.
World's Fastest Roller Coasters
Every roller coaster enthusiast will enjoy reading this book chock full of history and facts. This non-fiction book has thirty pages filled with short paragraphs just right for beginner readers. It covers fascinating information about the origins of the roller coaster and the way technology has progressed through the years. Glossy photos capture people riding the biggest, fastest, scariest roller coaster around the world.
The Lollipop Book Club is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.