CC Cycle 3 Terrific Picture Book List – Simply Violet Learning

American History for Classical Conversations Cycle 3: Help make it come alive for your student through these terrific picture books for HISTORY and SCIENCE and some ART. This list is for preK-4th grade (although my 6th grade daughter is excited about them in addition to her Essentials literature). I wanted a list that wasn’t overwhelming for each week–maybe a couple books, and ones that my kids actually get excited about. I keep them all on a shelf and only let each week’s books come out after community day. Usually that afternoon/evening after community day is spent by my older kids, who can read, devouring these books. My younger ones love spending that time just looking at the lovely pictures. Then later in the week, I read them aloud to the children. I opted to actually purchase them this year. I find it easier to just pull them off the shelf when I get to that week instead of trying to get from the library (and hopefully they come in by the week I need them). But do what works for your family. Blessings on your cycle 3 year!

I also do these easy crafts and activities that go along with each week of cycle 3 history and science memory work. Found in these guides: Classical Cycle 3 History Guide and Classical Science Exploration Cycle 3 Guide.

Week 1 (Columbus)

The Very First Americans by Cara Ashrose. History. Great Introduction to Native Americans living in America before Columbus. Gives summary of Native Americans in different areas of the country.
Follow the Dream: The Story of Christopher Columbus by Peter Sis. History. Wonderful, simple picture book about Columbus’ dream to reach Asia by boat after learning about Marco Polo’s journeys.
Columbus by Ingri De’Aulaire. History. Longer text heavy picture book, but great for the story of Columbus sailing to the new world (page 7 states they thought the world was flat, this is incorrect, most people knew the earth was round).
Encounter by Jane Yolen. History. Round out the history of Columbus with this book. Story of Columbus coming to America as told by the Taino Indians. Talks about a boy warning his people about the new people and how they changed life for the Taino Indians (some reference to false gods), better for older elementary.

Week 2 (Pilgrims)

Three Young Pilgrims by Cheryl Harness. History. Story of the Pilgrims coming to America told from the perspective of 3 young children. Follows their journey across the Atlantic, that first hard winter, and that first Thanksgiving.
Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas. History. Amazing, true story of how God used Squanto’s terrible capture and voyage to Europe years before the Pilgrims even left for America to help the Pilgrims survive in the New World. My family bring this one out every year at Thanksgiving.
The Body Book by Hannah Alice. Science. Great simple book for younger kids about each basic body system, 2 pages each on bones, muscles, circulatory system etc. See thru panels so students can “see” how it all works together. I loved this book for simple explanations for younger kids. Also used for weeks 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12).
The Mighty Muscular Skeletal System: How do my bones and muscles work? (Slim Goodbody’s Body Buddies). Science. Nonfiction book with details of how bones and muscles work. Gives good descriptions of not only the axial skeleton, but also all the major bones in the body. Fun format that is engaging to elementary readers. (Also used week 3).

Week 3 (Boston Tea Party and American Revolution)

The Boston Tea Party by Russell Freedman. History. Story of what happened on that night when the tea was dumped into the sea. Gives good context to events leading up to that night along with narrative of people who participated. This was one of the first acts to defy British rule and unite the colonies to fight for freedom.
Sam the Minute Man by Nathaniel Benchley. (An I Can Read Book). Good short, read aloud that follows the boy Sam during the first moments of the Revolutionary War at the Battle of Lexington (some men do die in the story).
Let it Begin Here! Lexington & Concord: First Battles of the American Revolution by Dennis Brindell Fradin. History. Starting with Paul Revere’s ride and going through the battles of Lexington and Concord, this book gives a good introduction to the opening events of the Revolutionary War (caution: death, one description of a dad dying before his wife and kids might be hard for some littles to handle).
Paul Revere’s Ride by Longfellow, illustrated by Tend Rand. History. This famous poem set to pictures to bring it to life for little ones.
The Body Book by Hannah Alice. Science. Great simple book for younger kids about each basic body system, good overview of muscles (but doesn’t give differences in types of muscle). See thru panels so students can “see” how it all works together. I loved this book for simple explanations for younger kids. Also used for weeks 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12).
The Mighty Muscular Skeletal System: How do my bones and muscles work? (Slim Goodbody’s Body Buddies). Science. Nonfiction book with details of how bones and muscles work. Gives good descriptions of 3 types of muscles, and also lists out all the major muscles in the body. Fun format that is engaging to elementary readers. (Also used week 2).

Week 4 (Declaration of Independence)

The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh. History. Lovely story for children of the events that led up to, the writing of the declaration, and what happened afterwards. Our family reads this one every 4th of July.
The Declaration of Independence from A to Z by Catherin Osornio. History. B is for Boston Tea Party, P is for Proclaim. Tells the story of the declaration of independence while following the alphabet. Some A to Z books have unrelated facts, but this one links them together in a story.
The Declaration of Independence in Translation by Amie Jane Leavitt. History. The actual words of the declaration broken down so kids can understand it. Better for grade 2 and up.
When I grow up: Benjamin Franklin by AnnMarie Anderson. History. Great summary of Franklin’s life and how he helped with the declaration and constitution
The Body Book by Hannah Alice. Science. Great simple book for younger kids about each basic body system, 2 pages each on bones, muscles, circulatory system etc. See thru panels so students can “see” how it all works together. I loved this book for simple explanations for younger kids. Also used for weeks 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12).
The Astounding Nervous System (Slim Goodbody’s Body Buddies). Science. Nonfiction book with details of how the nervous system works. Fun format that is engaging to elementary readers. I loved how it gave more details about how nerves send signals, parts of the brain, even the 5 senses. (Also used week 5 science).

Week 5 (George Washington and the US Constitution)

A Picture Book of George Washington by David Adler. History. Great simple picture book about the life of George Washington, including how he led the Continental Army and his precedency.
George Vs. George: The American Revolution as seen from Both Sides by Rosalyn Schanzer. History. Nonfiction book that talks about the differences between George Washington and King George. Wonderful job on details of the Revolutionary War and what each person did afterwards. More text, better for grade 2 and above.
A More Perfect Union: The Story of our Constitution by Betsy and Giulio Maestro. History. Story of how the constitution was written and accepted by the colonies. This is a great book for this week! (Also used week 23).
Dear Benjamin Banneker by Andrea Davis Pinkney. Story of an black man that was born free. He wrote to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson (under President Washington) to petition freedom for his fellow black slaves.
Magic School Bus Senses by Joanna Cole. Explore the senses with Miss Frizzle and the gang. Goes in depth to parts of the eye, ear, nose, tongue, and skin in a fun manner.
The Body Book by Hannah Alice. Science. Great simple book for younger kids about each basic body system, 2 pages each on bones, muscles, circulatory system etc. Has 1 page on Senses. See thru panels so students can “see” how it all works together. I loved this book for simple explanations for younger kids. Also used for weeks 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12).
The Astounding Nervous System (Slim Goodbody’s Body Buddies). Science. Nonfiction book with details of how the nervous system works. Fun format that is engaging to elementary readers. Has a couple pages on senses. (Also used week 4 science.)

Week 6 (Louisiana Purchase)

Lewis and Clark: A Prairie Dog for the President by Shirley Raye Redmond (Step into Reading Level 3). History. Cute, simple introduction to Lewis and Clark. True story of how Lewis and Clark captured a prairie dog to send to President Jefferson.
A Picture Book of Sacagawea by David Adler. History. Story of the only woman on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
How we crossed the West: The adventures of Lewis and Clark by Rosalyn Schanzer. History. Great pictures and selected text from their actual journals helps the travels of Lewis and Clark come alive for children. More text, better for grade 2 and above.
Davy Crockett: A life on the Frontier by Stephen Krensky. (Ready to Read Level 3) History. Good, easy read aloud on the life of Davy Crockett.
The Body Book by Hannah Alice. Science. Great simple book for younger kids about each basic body system, 2 pages each on bones, muscles, circulatory system etc. See thru panels so students can “see” how it all works together. I loved this book for simple explanations for younger kids. Also used for weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12).
The Dynamic Digestive System: How Does my Stomach Work? (Slim Goodbody’s Body Buddies). Science. Nonfiction book with details of how the digestive system works. Fun format that is engaging to elementary readers.

Week 7 (Monroe Doctrine)

The Monroe Doctrine is when President Monroe stated the policy that Europe should not interfere or try to colonize the Americas (this was after the War of 1812). Explore parts of the USA with these books.

How to Make a Cherry Pie and See the USA. History. This super fun book shows different parts of the USA that are used to make pie pans, bowls, measuring cups, and pot holders that are needed to make a cherry pie. The companion book to How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World.
The Town the Fooled the British: A War of 1812 Story by Lisa Papp. History. Story of a boy who helped save the town of St. Micheals during the War of 1812.
The Stared Spangled Banner by Peter Spier. History. This famous song comes to life with pictures to explain the words of the song. This song was inspired by the War of 1812 at the Battle of Baltimore.
The Body Book by Hannah Alice. Science. Great simple book for younger kids about each basic body system, 2 pages each on bones, muscles, circulatory system etc. See thru panels so students can “see” how it all works together. I loved this book for simple explanations for younger kids. Also used for weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12).

Week 8 (Missouri Compromise)

The Missouri Compromise allowed the state of Missouri to join the Union as a slave state and the state of Maine to join as a free state. These books introduce the idea slavery and how slaves were trying to get to freedom.

Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter. History. Story of one slave family who followed the Drinking Gourd (the Big Dipper) to get to freedom in the north. This was part of the Underground Railroad.
Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Levine and Nelson. History. Story of a slave named Henry and how his family was sold, then he mailed himself to freedom in the north.
The Body Book by Hannah Alice. Science. Great simple book for younger kids about each basic body system, 2 pages each on bones, muscles, circulatory system etc. See thru panels so students can “see” how it all works together. I loved this book for simple explanations for younger kids. Also used for weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12).
The Amazing Circulatory System: How does my heart work? (Slim Goodbody’s Body Buddy Books). Science. Nonfiction book with details of how the circulatory system works, parts of blood, and bone marrow. Fun format that is engaging to elementary readers. (Also used week 12 science).

Week 9 (Secession of the Southern States)

Crossing Bok Chitto: A Chowtaw Tale of Friendship & Freedom by Tim Tingle. History. Story that takes place before the Civil War. The slaves on one side of the Bok Chitto River were slaves and the other were free. If the slave crossed the river, they were free.
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford. History. Touching story of Harriet’s journey to freedom and then making trip after trip to lead more slaves to freedom (just like Moses led the Israelites to freedom).
The Little Soldiers in the Body: Immune System. Science. Non-fiction book about how our immune system works: antibodies, spleen, types of immune cells, and history of Louie Pasture. Pictures are a bit detailed.

Week 10 (Manifest Destiny)

The Manifest destiny was the belief that Americans were destined to spread across North America. It fueled the Westward expansion, which started with the Louisiana purchase and led to the Oregon Trail and the Gold Rush. These books show life as a pioneer or during this Westward expansion.

Dakota Dugout by Ann Tuner. History. Spread across North America as a pioneer. Simple story of a Grandma telling the story of how it was to live on the prairie in a dugout house.
Apples to Oregon by Deborah Hopkinson and Nancy Carpenter. History. Charming story of how apples got to Oregon in a covered wagon. My kids loved this book! (This book is mostly a tale, but apple trees did really go west on a covered wagon to Oregon during the Westward expansion).
If you Traveled West in a Covered Wagon by Ellen Levine. History. Q &A format that describes traveling west to Oregon in a covered wagon. Would you ride the entire trip? How would you cross rivers?
The Body Book by Hannah Alice. Science. Great simple book for younger kids about each basic body system, 2 pages each on bones, muscles, circulatory system etc. See thru panels so students can “see” how it all works together. I loved this book for simple overview explanations for younger kids. Doesn’t give details about specific parts such as larynx or bronchi. Also used for weeks 2, 3, 4 5, 6, 7, 8, 12).
The Remarkable Respiratory System (Slim Goodbody’s Body Buddies). Science. Nonfiction book with details of how the respiratory system works. Goes in depth with each part (pharynx, bronchioles, etc). Fun format that is engaging to elementary readers.

Week 11 (Civil War)

A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln by David Adler. History. Simple, concise history of Lincoln’s life. Covers his younger years, presidency, Civil War, and his assassination.
Abraham Lincoln by Ingri d’Aulaire. History. Longer, text heavy book but great story of Lincoln’s life from childhood to Presidency.
If you Lived at the time of the Civil War by Kay Moore. History. Q&A format about the Civil War. Who fought in the war? How did life change?
The Exciting Endocrine System: How do my Glands Work? (Slim Goodbody’s Body Buddies). Science. Nonfiction book with details of how the endocrine system works. Great diagrams and pictures. I really like how it goes in depth on seven gland (pineal, pancreas, adrenals etc) and how the hormones work. Fun format that is engaging to elementary readers.

Week 12 (Robert E Lee)

A Picture Book of Robert E. Lee by Robert Adler. History. Simple, concise history of General Robert E. Lee’s life, includes the surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.
Louisa May’s Battle: How the Civil War lead to Little Women by Kathleen Krull. History. Story of how Louisa was a nurse in the Civil War and how this helped shape her writing, eventually leading to her writing of Little Women.
The Body Book by Hannah Alice. Science. Great simple book for younger kids about each basic body system, 2 pages each on bones, muscles, circulatory system etc. See thru panels so students can “see” how it all works together. I loved this book for simple explanations for younger kids. Also used for weeks 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10).
The Amazing Circulatory System: How does my heart work? (Slim Goodbody’s Body Buddy Books). Science. Nonfiction book with details of how the circulatory system works, parts of blood, and bone marrow. Fun format that is engaging to elementary readers. Has sections on parts of the blood and some purposes. (Also used week 8 science).

Week 13 (14th Amendment)

I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. History. Make the Civil Rights Movement MLK’s Speech come alive with a picture book of his famous speech.
Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Fredrick Douglass by Lesa Cline-Ransome. History. Story of the famous African American slave Fredrick Douglass and his learning to read. He eventually escaped from slavery went on to be a leader in the anti-slavery movement.
Atoms: My First Science Textbook #3 by Mary Wissinger. Science. I love this series of books for explaining atoms to little learners. It has cute pictures and easy explanations of these hard concepts. (Also used week 14).
The Year with Grandma Moses by W. Nikola-Lisa. Fine Arts. See Grandma Moses’ paintings with selected writings through the changing of the seasons. Has simple text for younger kids with her paintings.

Week 14 (Tycoons)

The Man Who Loved Libraries: The Story of Andrew Carnegie by Andrew Larsen. Wonderful story of the tycoon Carnegie, how he came to America, worked hard, and gave back by opening libraries.
Smoke Stacks and Spinning Jennys: Industrial Revolution by Sean Price. History. Non fiction book that explains the industrial revolution in easy terms. Includes sections about new inventions and working conditions,
Atoms: My First Science Textbook #3 by Mary Wissinger. Science. I love this series of books for explaining atoms to little learners. It has cute pictures and easy explanations of these hard concepts. Has a section on what is an element and the periodic table. (Also used week 13).
Picasso for kids by Margaret Hyde. Fine Arts. Has pictures of Picasso’s work and talking points for kids.

Week 15 (Immigrants)

The Memory Coat by Elvira Woodruff. History. Story of a Jewish family fleeing persecution to come to America. The boy wants to keep his tattered coat from his mother (who passed), but will it keep him from passing inspection on Ellis Island?
When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest. History. Story of a Jewish girl coming to America and seeing the Statue of Liberty and immigrating to America.
Protons and Neutrons: My First Science Textbook #1 by Mary Wissinger. Science. Learn about protons and neutrons with Pete the proton and Ned the neutron. This is my new favorite series of books for explaining atoms to little ones. It has cute pictures and easy explanations of these hard concepts.
Electrons: My First Science Textbook #2 by Mary Wissinger. Science. Learn about electrons with Ellie the Electron. This is my new favorite series of books for explaining atoms to little ones. It has cute pictures and easy explanations of these hard concepts.
My Name Is Georgia: A Portrait by Jeanette Winter. Fine Arts. Simple, engaging story of the life of Georgia O’Keeffe told in first person. I love the sample paintings and simple message of this book.

Week 16 (US and WWI)

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick. History. Story of the bear that inspired Winnie the Pooh, set in World War 1. This is a favorite book we take out every cycle. (Also used Cycle 1 Week 22 and Cycle 2 Week 14-15).
DK Findout World War I. History. Great book for general information on WWI. (Also used Cycle 2 Week 14-15).
In Flanders Field: the Story of the Poem by Linda Granfield. History. Classic Poem written during WW1. Has drawings and lines of poem on each page (and more in depth history of the poem if you want to read that too). (Also used Cycle 2 Week 14-15).
Shooting at the Stars: The Christmas Truce of 1914 by John Hendrix. Great story about a truce on the battlefield at Christmas time during WWI. Shows trench warfare used in WWI. (Also used Cycle 2 Week 14-15).
Amber’s Atoms: The First 10 Elements of the Periodic Table by E.M. Robinson. Science. Great children’s book to introduce the first 10 elements. (Also used on weeks 17-18.)
Hi, I’m Norman by Robert Burleigh. Fine Arts. Beautiful telling of Norman Rockwell’s life in first person, has picture of his paintings throughout the book.

Week 17 (19th Amendment)

Marching with Aunt Susan by Claire Rudolf Murphy. History. Story of a girl named Bessie, who isn’t allowed to do “boy” things and learns she can’t vote either. She joins in to help Susan B. Anthony and the fight for the Women’s suffrage movement.
Elizabeth Started All the Trouble by Doreen Rappaport. History. Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the women’s suffrage movement.
Amber’s Atoms: The First 10 Elements of the Periodic Table by E.M. Robinson. Science. Great children’s book to introduce the first 10 elements. (Also used on weeks 16, 18.)

Week 18 (Pearl Harbor)

Pearl Harbor Ready-To-Read Level 3 by Stephen Krensky. History. In depth story of events leading up to the bombing and the events of December 7. Can be used as a longer read aloud.
Franklin and Winston: A Christmas that Changed the World by Douglas Wood. History. Story of Prime Minster Churchill and President Roosevelt meeting and joining forces to fight in WWII (also used Cycle 2 Week 16).
DK Findout World War II. History. Great book for general information on WWII. (Also used Cycle 2 Week 16).
Amber’s Atoms: The First 10 Elements of the Periodic Table by E.M. Robinson. Science. Great children’s book to introduce the first 10 elements. (Also used on weeks16, 17.)
Roy Lichtenstein Coloring Book. Fine Arts. It is really hard to find children’s books about this artist. This is a coloring book of pictures that Lichtenstein did. It also gives some simple background on the artist. Has pictures of his original artwork in the back.

Week 19 (NATO)

Flight to Freedom by Kristen Fulton. History. Set in the Cold War, this is a story of a family trying to escape East Germany by building a hot air balloon. True Story. (Also used cycle 2 week 21).
Acids and Bases by Rebecca Woodbury. Science. Explains acids and bases in simple terms for kids. (note: the book says that bases have OH group (bases can donate this OH group and they will bind to any hydrogen ion in the solution to make H₂0, so it can be said that bases accept a hydrogen ion (like the CC definition).
Meet the Orchestra by Ann Hayes. Fine Arts. Love this book for explaining the orchestra to littles. It has adorable pictures and sweet, simple descriptions of instruments. (Also used weeks 23 and 24.)
Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi by Cindy Neuschwander. Math. Story that explains what a pi is. My kids love this series of books. Also used for Week 20 Math.

Week 20 (Brown v. Board of Education)

Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles. History. Story of two friends, one that is while and one that is black. They can’t do things in the town together. Then a new law is passed that they can swim in the town pool together, however, people’s hearts haven’t changed yet.
Ruby Bridges goes to School By Ruby Bridges. History. Story of Ruby, who was black and couldn’t go to school with white children. Then the law was changed and she started going to school with white children.
When You See a Star by Becki Dudley. Science. This story helps young child to glorify God when they look up at the night sky.
The Story of the Orchestra: The Nutcracker. Fine Arts. Learn the story of Tchaikovsky’s nutcracker and hear music from many scenes when you push a button (Waltz of the Flowers, Russian Dance, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy). We bring this book out every Christmas too.
Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi by Cindy Neuschwander. Math. Story that explains what a pi is. My kids love this series of books. Also used for Week 19 Math.

Week 21 (US Astronauts)

Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca. History. Story of Apollo 11 told for kids, describes life in space and the waiting back home. (Also used Cycle 2 week 13).
The Answers Book for Kids Volume 1: 22 Questions from Kids on Creation and the Fall by Ken Ham. Simple Q & A book with questions from kids ages 6-12 years old. What is evolution? How did God create everything from nothing? Did Adam and eve have belly buttons? (Also used week 22).
Guide to Creation Basics by Institute for Creation Research. Science. This is a great reference book and guide for adults. I love the examples and glossy pictures (some kids would enjoy parts of this book). Great book explaining creation, the flood, fossils, carbon dating, rock layers, dinosaurs, evolution etc. Also used week 22, 23, 24).
Claude Debussy: First Discovery Music. by Pierre Babin. Fine Arts. Story of Debussy’s life and what inspired some of his pieces. Includes a CD with 16 of his works.

Week 22 (Sept 11)

The Man Who Walked between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein. History. Story of a French man who walked on a tightrope between the Twin Towers.
Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maria Kalman. HIstory. Story of a boat that came to the rescue on September 11 when the planes hit the Twin Towers.
The Answers Book for Kids Volume 1: 22 Questions from Kids on Creation and the Fall by Ken Ham. Simple Q and A book with questions from kids ages 6-12 years old. What is evolution? How did God create everything from nothing? Did Adam and eve have belly buttons? (Also used week 21).
Guide to Creation Basics by Institute for Creation Research. Science. This is a great reference book and guide for adults. I love the examples and glossy pictures (some kids would enjoy parts of this book). Great book explaining creation, the flood, fossils, carbon dating, rock layers, dinosaurs, evolution etc. Also used week 21, 23, 24).
When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky by Lauren Stringer. Fine Arts. Story of Stravinsky composing the Rite of Spring with Nijinsky’s influence.

Week 23 (Preamble to the Constitution)

A More Perfect Union: The Story of our Constitution by Betsy and Giulio Maestro. History. Story of how the constitution was written and accepted by the colonies. This is a great book for this week! (Also used week 5).
We the People: The Story of Our Constitution by Lynne Cheney. History. Another great book about how our constitution was written. More text heavy, better for grade 2 and up.
What Really Happened to the Dinosaurs by John Morris and Ken Ham. Science. Engaging story for kids about dinosaurs, when they lived (in the Biblical creation perspective), did they go on the ark, how fossils are formed.
Answers Book for Kids Vol 2: 22 Questions from kids on Dinosaurs and the Flood by Ken Ham. Science. Simple Q and A book with questions from kids ages 6-12 years old.
Guide to Creation Basics by Institute for Creation Research. Science. This is a great reference book and guide for adults. I love the examples and glossy pictures (some kids would enjoy parts of this book). Great book explaining creation, the flood, fossils, carbon dating, rock layers, dinosaurs, evolution etc. Also used week 21, 22, 24).
Meet the Orchestra by Ann Hayes. Fine Arts. Love this book for explaining the orchestra to littles. It has adorable pictures and sweet, simple descriptions of instruments. (Also used weeks 19 and 24.)

Week 24 (Bill of Rights)

The Bill of Rights in Translation by Amie Jane Leavitt. History. Nonfiction book that breaks down the Bill of Rights in easy to understand chunks. Also gives a history of when and why the bill of rights was added to the constitution.
Guide to Creation Basics by Institute for Creation Research. Science. This is a great reference book and guide for adults. I love the examples and glossy pictures (some kids would enjoy parts of this book). Great book explaining creation, the flood, fossils, carbon dating, rock layers, dinosaurs, evolution etc. Also used week 21, 22, 23).
Meet the Orchestra by Ann Hayes. Fine Arts. Love this book for explaining the orchestra to littles. It has adorable pictures and sweet, simple descriptions of instruments. (Also used weeks 19 and 23.)

For additional easy open and go activities and crafts to go with each week of history and science memory work, check out my Classical Cycle 3 History Guide and Classical Science Exploration Cycle 3 Guide.