With the emphasis on healthy foods for preschoolers, a storytime on watermelon can be fun and a great way to talk about healthy snacks. Sing the Raffi song, “Down By the Bay” which talks about watermelons. If possible, serve slices of watermelon at the end of storytime. For an easy art project, make paper plate watermelon fans, like those seen on Crafts by Amanda.
Appelt, Kathi. WATERMELON DAY. Jesse hopes her small watermelon will grow big enough for their annual family reunion.
Berenstain, Stan and Jan. THE BERENSTAIN BEARS AND THE DOUBLE DARE. Brother thinks about joining Grizzly’s gang, until they dare him to steal a watermelon.
Crum, Shutta. DOZENS OF COUSINS. At a boisterous family reunion, the kids enjoy sweet watermelon.
Galindo, Mary Sue. ICY WATERMELON/SANDIA FRIA. In this book containing English and Spanish text, a family reunion shows three generations enjoying watermelon.
Koller, Jackie French. PETER SPIT A SEED AT SUE. Four kids hold a contest to see who can spit a watermelon seed the farthest.
Milgrim, David. EDDIE GETS READY FOR SCHOOL. A boy decides to bring a whole watermelon to school for a snack.
Moser, Lisa. WATERMELON WISHES. A boy and his grandpap plant watermelons in the garden.
Pizzoli, Greg. THE WATERMELON SEED. In this exuberant picture book, a crocodile thinks there is a watermelon growing in his stomach.
Thompson, Lauren. MOUSE’S FIRST SUMMER. Mouse and Minka enjoy a picnic at the park in this story that emphasizes the names of colors.
Thong, Roseanne. ROUND IS A TORTILLA: A BOOK OF SHAPES. In this look at the concept of shapes, the examples come from Latino culture, including triangles of watermelon.