Weather and the water cycle books for children
Weather themed books for children. From sunny skies to wild storms, weather has a way of capturing children’s imaginations. These books spark curiosity, inspiring kids to ask big questions like “why does it snow?” or “what causes thunder?” They can explore patterns, compare climates, and even connect it all to real-world issues like climate change. Fun stories and activities – think crafting clouds or staging a mini storm – make learning hands-on. Perfect for sparking young minds and, let’s be honest, a great choice for a rainy afternoon! This list features books by David McKee, Debi Gliori, Hannah Pang, Sam Usher, Maggie Li, Grahame Baker-Smith, Dianne Hofmeyr and Carol Thompson, James Carter, Tamsin Mori and more.
Children’s books about the weather – our recommendations
Weather books for EYFS and KS1
Elmer’s Weather by David McKee. 
Magic Windows by Ladybird. 
Stormy Weather by Debi Gliori. Little Explorers: Weather by Dynamo Ltd
Gives young children a fun, hands-on way to learn about seasons, the water cycle, and the atmosphere! With over 30 flaps to lift, this interactive board book turns big science ideas into bite-sized discoveries. Bold illustrations and simple text keep things engaging, making it a great pick for curious minds aged 3–6. Part of the Little Explorers series, it’s all about learning through play – because science should always come with a bit of excitement! Highly recommended.
This Drop of Water by Anna Claybourne, illustrated by Sally Garland. 
Little Kids First Big Book of Weather by Karen De Seve. 
All About Weather by Huda Harajli. Teeny Tiny Science: I See a Cloud: A Book about the Water Cycle by Saskia Gwinn
Teeny Tiny Science: I See a Cloud by Saskia Gwinn explains the water cycle to young children through the story of two children and their dog. The book describes how water moves from sea to sky and back again, with labelled illustrations by Daniela Sosa. Developed with guidance from a science consultant, it also includes a QR code for an audio recording, supporting early years science at home or in school. Highy recommended for 3-5 year olds.
Seasons by Hannah Pang, illustrated by Clover Robin. 
National Trust: Big Outdoors for Little Explorers: Snow by Anne-Kathrin Behl. 
Drip by Maggie Li. Pattan’s Pumpkin by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Frane Lessac
Pattan’s Pumpkin brings a Southern Indian flood myth to life with warmth and creativity. When floodwaters threaten their land, farmers Pattan and Kanni carve a boat from an enormous pumpkin to save animals, seeds, and food. Chitra Soundar’s storytelling celebrates ingenuity and a deep bond with nature, while Frané Lessac’s vivid illustrations, inspired by traditional Indian art, add a stunning visual layer. It’s a beautiful tale of survival and harmony.
After the Storm by Nick Butterworth. 
The Big Freeze by Pippa Curnick. 
Storm Dragon by Dianne Hofmeyr and Carol Thompson. 
How the Weather Works by Christiane Dorion. 
Meet the Weather by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Bethan Woollvin. 
Curious Questions & Answers about Weather by Philip Steele. 
The Weather by Maike Biederstadt. 
The Snowflake by Benji Davies. 
Storm by Sam Usher. 
Sun by Sam Usher. 
Rain by Sam Usher. 
The Rhythm of the Rain by Grahame Baker-Smith. 
Lift-The-Flap Questions and Answers about the Weather by Katie Daynes. 
Explore My World: Weather by Lisa Gerry. 
Look Inside: Wild Weather by Emily Bone, illustrated by Bao Luu. You’re Safe With Me by Chitra Soundar and Poonam Mistry
You’re Safe With Me by Chitra Soundar is a gentle, poetic tale set in an Indian forest. As a storm rumbles through the night, Mama Elephant soothes the baby animals with comforting words, explaining the sounds and sights in a way that eases their fears. The rhythmic text pairs beautifully with intricately detailed illustrations inspired by traditional Indian art. This heartfelt bedtime story is perfect for calming little ones and introducing them to the wonders of wild weather.
See Inside Weather and Climate by Katie Daynes and Russell Tate. 
Once Upon a Raindrop by James Carter and Nomoco. 
Flow, Water, Flow! by Dom Conlon and Anastasia Izlesou. Weather books for children in KS2
Everything by National Geographic Kids. 
Water Cycles by Sam Falconer. 
Weather by John Farndon. When The Storm Comes by Polly Ho-Yen
Polly Ho-Yen drops four children – Mali, Jonesey, Fara, and Petey – into the middle of a wild storm, with only the school library for shelter. As the weather outside gets worse, they’re forced to rely on each other to get through it. The well-written and compelling story weaves in teamwork, resilience and unlikely friendships, with a powerful and diverse cast. There’s plenty for KS2 pupils to discuss, and it’s ideal for book clubs. With extreme weather, climate change and a powerful ending, When The Storm Comes is highly recommended for 8+ year olds. Read our full review.
The Brainiac’s Book of the Climate and Weather by Rosie Cooper. 
The Weather Book by Lonely Planet Kids. 
Hurricane and Tornado by DK. 
The Weather Weaver by Tamsin Mori. 
Extreme Weather for Kids by Matthew Cappucci. 
Extreme Weather by Kathleen Simpson, illustrated by Stephanie Hathaway. Click the buttons below to purchase all of the books in this book list, as well as class sets of any of these books and many more, from Bookshop.org UK. Or buy the 20 most popular titles from this list from Amazon – ideal for gifts or your classroom library.
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Weather and water cycle resources for teachers
- Met Link from the Royal Meteorological Society has a page for teachers about the water cycle, including free lessons, and activities to try. There’s also a wider range of activities here.
- Anglia Water has produced a downloadable pack of lessons and activities for teaching the water cycle in KS2. Activities include ‘water cycle in a bag’ and ‘how to grow a rainbow’.
- BBC Teach class clips offer a range of interactive activities and videos to explain the water cycle process to KS1 and KS2. There’s also a section for KS2 on climate and the seasons here, and there’s a section for KS1 here and a section on climate change here.
- The Met Office has compiled water cycle learning resources suitable for KS2 classes. These include lesson ideas and practical activities. There’s also a wider range of weather-based activities here, and a “first explorations” resource for KS2 here.
- Royal Geographical Society’s website features an excellent set of free resources and downloadables to help teach this topic to KS1 children.
BISAC NAT036000, JNF048000 Weather | Thema YR, WNWM, YNNV2
