Zoo Baby Storytime
Get ready to bounce, roar, and sing, we’re going to the zoo! Choose one of the following zoo-themed baby storytime books and pair it with a couple of these songs and playtime ideas for more engagement and fun in your next Baby Storytime. Visit The Youth Desk’s Baby Storytime page for a complete baby storytime overview and more detailed guidance.
Baby Storytime Books About Zoo Animals
Zoo Baby Storytime Movement Songs
Here are my favorite zoo-themed movement songs for babies. Encourage caregivers to move their own bodies or gently move baby’s hands, arms, etc.
Hippopotamus Got on a City Bus
This isn’t just a storytime favorite, it’s my 18-month-old’s personal favorite! See Jbrary for the tune and movement ideas.
A hip, a hip, a hippopotamus (bounce baby)
Got on, got on, got on a city bus
And all, and all, and all the people said
“You’re squishing us!” (hug baby)
A cow…“Moooove over!” (lean baby to side)
A sheep…“Baaaaaack up!” (lean baby back)
The Animals at the Zoo with Puppets
(Tune: Wheels on the Bus)
You can sing the song by itself, or provide each caregiver with animal puppets to use with the movements. Before starting the song, ask the group which puppets they were given and what sounds their puppets would make. This Farm & Wild Animal Puppets 12 pack from Oriental Trading is perfect if you’re looking for bulk storytime sets.
The animals at the zoo jump up and down (Move baby, baby’s hands, or your puppet up and down)
Up and down, up and down
The animals at the zoo jump up and down
All day long
The animals at the zoo might eat your toes…(Tickle baby’s toes or “bite” with puppet)
The animals at the zoo might tickle your tummy…(Tickle baby’s tummy)
The animals at the zoo stretch and yawn…(Stretch arms out wide and yawn big)
And mine says __! (Make your animal’s sound)
Five Yellow Bananas
See Plano Public Library’s video for more ideas to use with the song.
Sing the song and count down from five with your fingers or use a monkey puppet to eat flannel bananas!
Five yellow bananas and not one more
The monkey ate one, and then there were four
Four yellow bananas, so yummy to see
The monkey ate one, and then there were three
Three yellow bananas, and he knew what to do
The monkey ate one, and then there were two
Two yellow bananas, hanging in the sun
The monkey ate one, and then there was one
One yellow banana, well for goodness sake
The monkey ate one, and got a tummy ache
No more little bananas hanging on the tree
Next time monkey should share them with me (give baby a big hug)
If You’re an Elephant & You Know It
For even more fun, hide puppets or stuffed animals in a bag and bring them out at the appropriate time. Surprising babies with puppets is an excellent way to grab their attention!
If you’re an elephant and you know it, stomp your feet
Stomp, Stomp (Stomp baby’s feet)
If you’re an elephant and you know it, stomp your feet
Stomp, Stomp
If you’re an elephant and you know it, and you really want to show it
If you’re an elephant and you know it, stomp your feet
Stomp, Stomp
If you’re a monkey and you know it, jump up and down (lift baby or baby’s arms up & down)
If you’re a crocodile and you know it, SNAP your jaws (Snap your hands or baby’s hands)
If you’re a tiger and you know it, give a ROAR!
Zoo Baby Playtime
Ending storytime with free play is an excellent way for babies and caregivers to socialize and observe others. You don’t need anything fancy. Simply setting out blocks, musical instruments, or bean bags would suffice, but here are some zoo-themed ideas to further enhance your program.
Zoo Animals Play
Set out zoo animal puppets, stuffed animals, and/or plastic figures. That’s it! Babies don’t need instructions when it comes to grabbing, tossing, and snuggling stuffed animals or puppets, but feel free to encourage caregivers to show babies the same animal in two different forms. For example, a soft elephant puppet and a plastic elephant figurine. It will help little ones begin to understand the concept of matching similar things.
Safari Friends Soft Balls
Set out a bucket filled with any balls you already own and toss in these adorable Melissa and Doug Rollables Safari Friends. They’re great for ages 6 months to 2 years and are easy for little hands to grasp.
