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Ice cream is more than just a tasty treat—it’s a source of joy, creativity, and sweet childhood memories! Books about ice cream are often filled with silly adventures, kind characters, and sprinkles of imagination that make storytime extra fun.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite ice cream books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included fun activities and questions to turn your reading time into a deliciously good time. Let me know which ice cream-themed story your little ones love the most!
Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Ice-Cream?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Ice-Cream
- 11 Ice-Cream Books For Children
- What Ice-Cream Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Ice-Cream?
Ice cream-themed books are full of joy, giggles, and colorful creativity—making them an irresistible way to engage young readers.
These stories often explore friendship, kindness, problem-solving, and even a little magic. Whether it’s a runaway scoop, a talking cone, or a silly ice cream shop mystery, these books spark imagination while offering sweet life lessons.
And let’s be honest—anything involving ice cream tends to get kids excited to read!
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Ice-Cream
While they may seem just-for-fun, ice cream stories often include important themes like teamwork, perseverance, sharing, and creativity.
Kids might follow a character who starts their own ice cream stand, learns to compromise with friends over favorite flavors, or invents something brand new with a little trial and error. These relatable challenges help kids build social-emotional skills in a playful and memorable way.
Plus, they’re a great starting point for exploring sensory language, storytelling, and even simple science (how does ice cream melt?!).
How to Use Books about Ice-Cream with Children
Here are a few fun ways to make your ice cream books even more engaging:
- 🍦 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What would your dream ice cream flavor be? or How would you solve the character’s ice cream problem? In class, use Turn and Talk to let kids share their ideas and favorite flavors!
- 🎨 Engage in Ice Cream-Themed Activities: Make a paper ice cream craft with construction paper “scoops,” set up a pretend play ice cream stand, or create a flavor graph by polling classmates or family. You can even make your own ice cream in a bag!
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: During pretend play or snack time, bring up the books you’ve read. Ask: Remember when the character tried to make the tallest ice cream cone? Use the story to inspire real-life creativity and cooperation.
- 👨👩👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Invite caregivers to read an ice cream book at bedtime or during a summer celebration. You could even host an Ice Cream Story Night with books, toppings, and sweet family fun!
11 Ice-Cream Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 Splat the Cat: I Scream for Ice Cream by Rob Scotton
Splat and his classmates embark on a field trip to an ice cream factory. Splat envisions indulging in heaps of ice cream, but when mishaps occur, he and his friends must come together to save the day.
Highlights the importance of teamwork, problem-solving, and managing expectations.
Activity Suggestion:
🍦 Ice Cream Factory Role-Play – Set up a pretend ice cream factory using play food, aprons, and order forms. Kids can take turns being the mixer, scooper, or customer!
Discussion Questions:
- What were Splat’s expectations for the field trip, and how did they change?
- How did Splat and his friends solve the problem at the factory?
- Why is teamwork helpful when something goes wrong?
#2 Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems
Gerald the Elephant faces a dilemma when he buys an ice cream cone: should he share it with his best friend, Piggie? As he contemplates, time slips away, leading to an unexpected outcome.
Explores themes of friendship, sharing, and decision-making.
Activity Suggestion:
💞 Friendship Bracelets – Make simple bracelets for a friend to show appreciation and practice the spirit of sharing.
Discussion Questions:
- Why did Gerald hesitate to share his ice cream?
- How did Gerald feel when his ice cream melted?
- What does it feel like when someone shares with you?
#3 Ice Cream Summer by Peter Sís
A young boy writes to his grandfather about his summer adventures, all centered around his love for ice cream. Through his tales, he subtly showcases his learning experiences intertwined with ice cream escapades.
Highlights the integration of learning and play, and the joy of simple pleasures.
Activity Suggestion:
📝 Letter Writing – Kids can write or draw a letter to a family member about their favorite summer activity, just like in the story.
Discussion Questions:
- How did the boy combine learning with fun during his summer?
- Why do you think he wanted to tell his grandfather about ice cream?
- What are some ways you can learn while having fun?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Ice Cream: The Full Scoop by Gail Gibbons
This informative book delves into the history, production, and fun facts about ice cream, offering readers a comprehensive look at this beloved treat.
Provides educational insights into food production and history, fostering curiosity and learning.
Activity Suggestion:
🧁 Fact Matching Game – Create cards with fun ice cream facts and pictures. Mix them up and let kids match them together!
Discussion Questions:
- What was the most surprising fact you learned about ice cream?
- How has ice cream production changed over time?
- Why is it important to know how things like food are made?
#5 The Little Ice Cream Truck by Margery Cuyler
Follow the journey of a cheerful ice cream truck as it travels through the neighborhood, bringing joy and treats to children and adults alike.
Emphasizes community, joy in simple pleasures, and the role of traditions.
Activity Suggestion:
🎨 Design an Ice Cream Truck – Kids can decorate their own paper ice cream truck with colors, stickers, and drawn-on flavors!
Discussion Questions:
- How does the ice cream truck make people feel in the story?
- Where does the ice cream truck go, and who does it meet?
- What are some fun ways your community celebrates together?
#6 The Scoop on Ice Cream! by Bonnie Williams
This nonfiction book offers a fun and fact-filled journey through the history, science, and cultural significance of ice cream. From its ancient roots to today’s frozen novelties, it’s packed with vibrant photos and engaging text.
Encourages curiosity about food history, scientific processes (like freezing and emulsifying), and the global love for ice cream.
Activity Suggestion:
🧊 Ice Cream Science Experiment – Mix ice, salt, and cream in a bag to see how ice cream freezes. A cool and tasty science activity!
Discussion Questions:
- What country surprised you the most with its ice cream traditions?
- How is ice cream made scientifically?
- Why do you think ice cream is so popular all over the world?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 From Milk to Ice Cream by Bridget Heos
Part of the “Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science” series, this book explains how ice cream is made, from cow to cone. It uses simple language and illustrations to teach kids about food production and sequencing.
Teaches children about agriculture, food processing, and where their favorite foods come from.
Activity Suggestion:
📊 Build-a-Process Game – Create picture cards for each step of ice cream production and let kids put them in order!
Discussion Questions:
- What’s the first step in making ice cream?
- What machines are used to help in the process?
- Why is it important to know where our food comes from?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 War at the Ice Cream Store by Cheryl DaVeiga
When the ice cream shop closes for the night, the treats come to life and chaos erupts! This rhyming story imagines a playful battle among the sundaes, scoops, and toppings.
Encourages imagination, storytelling, and finding harmony even in conflict.
Activity Suggestion:
🍨 Create Your Own Ice Cream Character – Kids can draw and name a silly ice cream treat with its own personality!
Discussion Questions:
- What started the “war” at the ice cream store?
- Who were your favorite characters, and why?
- What would you do if you were an ice cream in that story?
#9 Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better by Glenda Armand
This nonfiction picture book shares the story of Augustus Jackson, a Black inventor and entrepreneur from the 1800s who improved ice cream manufacturing and made it more accessible to everyone.
Spotlights Black history, innovation, and the impact of underrepresented contributors to popular culture.
Activity Suggestion:
📣 “Thank You, Augustus” Poster – Create a poster celebrating Augustus Jackson’s contributions to ice cream!
Discussion Questions:
- What did Augustus Jackson do to improve ice cream?
- Why was his invention important?
- How can one person make a big difference?
#10 Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book by Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield
This iconic cookbook gives the backstory of the Ben & Jerry’s company along with easy-to-follow recipes for homemade ice cream and desserts.
Combines entrepreneurship, creativity, and practical life skills like cooking and experimentation.
Activity Suggestion:
🍦 Ice Cream Tasting Lab – Make a simple recipe and describe the taste, smell, and texture. Use fun adjectives!
Discussion Questions:
- What made Ben & Jerry’s ice cream different?
- How did their friendship help them in business?
- What kind of business would you start with a friend?
#11 Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundae with 54 Stickers by Fran Newman-D’Amico
This fun sticker activity book allows kids to build their own ice cream creations using reusable stickers of scoops, toppings, syrups, and more.
Encourages creativity, decision-making, and fine motor skills.
Activity Suggestion:
🎉 Sundae Design Contest – Use stickers or drawings to build the wildest sundae imaginable!
Discussion Questions:
- What’s your favorite part of building a sundae?
- How many different toppings did you use?
- If you could eat your sticker sundae, what would it taste like?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Ice-Cream Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Ice cream books are the perfect blend of fun and learning. They fill storytime with laughter, creativity, and a little sprinkle of magic. Whether you’re reading about silly scoops or delicious dreams, these stories are sure to be a hit.
Which ice cream-themed book are you scooping up next? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite reads, crafts, or ice cream-inspired fun!
Stay sweet and keep reading,
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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