As we ease back into homeschool life this August, I’m focusing our morning basket on Healthy Habits & the Human Body. This theme is the perfect gentle start to the school year — helping kids reconnect with their bodies, establish routines, and build habits that support both physical health and emotional well-being.
During the month I am wanting to touch on Basic human anatomy, Healthy routines and hygiene, Nutrition and movement, Emotional regulation, and Character traits like self-control and stewardship. I won’t be able to thoroughly cover each topic but a good reminder and room for conversation is what our morning basket time is all about. This is a list of additional books for this theme in case you are wanting to dive a little deeper.
Books about Human Anatomy
[picture book]
This one makes learning about the human body surprisingly fun and memorable. The rhymes are catchy, the facts are solid, and it keeps kids curious without feeling like a textbook. It's a great fit for your morning basket if you're leaning into science this season.
[ BOARD BOOK ]
This one is sweet, simple, and wonderfully engaging—perfect if you’re exploring the human body in a gentle, age-appropriate way. The bright illustrations and everyday body part references make it easy for younger kids to connect what they’re learning to real life. A great pick for sparking curiosity and confidence in their growing bodies.
[NONFICTION]
Usborn lift the flap books are always a hit in our home. The flaps make it feel like play, but the content is surprisingly thorough—perfect for curious kids who love to ask “how does that work?” It’s fun, visual, and sneaks in a whole lot of learning without feeling like a lesson.
[ NONFICTION - ACTIVITY BOOKS]
This one is packed with colorful diagrams and hands-on activities that actually work—no complicated prep or weird supplies. If your kids love experiments or making things with their hands, they’ll be totally into this. It covers the body systems in a way that feels like play but leaves them with real understanding.
[PICTURE BOOK]
If your kiddo is fascinated by the human body or dreams of becoming a doctor one day, this boxed set is such a fun and engaging find! 🩺 It covers major organ systems like the heart, lungs, digestive system, and kidneys—with simple explanations and beautiful illustrations written by real doctors. Great for curious kids, unit studies, or even as a gift for science-loving families! Add this one to your homeschool shelf or morning basket—it’s one they’ll keep reaching for!
[NONFICTION]
This is one of our favorite picks for a human body unit. It’s full of hands-on projects, colorful diagrams, and creative ways for kids to explore how their own bodies work—like testing lung capacity or building a model of the urinary system.
Books about healthy routines and habits
[ PICTURE BOOK]
This one’s a gentle introduction to healthy habits for little learners. With simple language and relatable illustrations, it helps kids understand what it means to care for their bodies—like eating well, staying active, and getting plenty of rest. It’s a great fit for a health or wellness theme with younger children.
[PICTURE BOOK]
A classic that helps ease dentist-day jitters! This story follows the Bear family through a routine dental visit—making the experience feel a little less scary and a lot more familiar for kids.
[PICTURE BOOK]
A whimsical bedtime favorite! This classic Dr. Seuss tale turns yawns into giggles as kids follow a growing sleep count across wild and dreamy lands. Perfect for winding down after a busy day.
[PICTURE BOOK]
If your kiddos love silly stories with heart, this one’s a must. Follow along as a stubborn little dragon learns why hygiene matters—from brushing teeth to covering sneezes—in a way that clicks socially and emotionally. A great read for reinforcing daily habits with a smile!
[NONFICTION]
A straightforward and helpful read for introducing kids to the importance of rest and healthy habits. Clear photos and simple language make it just right for early learners or as part of a wellness-themed lesson.
[PICTURE BOOK]
Each story introduces a relatable habit in a way that’s easy for kids to understand and apply. If you're looking for a picture book that reinforces positive choices, emotional growth, and personal responsibility, this is a great one to revisit often.
[NON FICTION]
This lift-the-flap book breaks down big questions about germs in a way that actually makes sense to little ones. With simple explanations and engaging flaps, it’s a great way to help kids understand why we wash our hands and how our bodies stay healthy.
Books about Nutrition and movement
[PICTURE BOOK]
This laugh-out-loud favorite was such a fun read aloud. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a book that helps your kids think about screen time in a lighthearted way. The story shows how stepping away from the remote might just lead to more connection, creativity, and joy.
[PICTURE BOOK]
Run, jump, and giggle with Mo! This playful, rhyming picture book by Olympic champion Mo Farah will have your kids sprinting through story time with joy and energy.
[PICTURE BOOK]
This energetic picture book blends fun kangaroo facts with kid-friendly lessons on fitness and healthy habits. Young readers will follow bouncy, adventurous kangaroo characters as they learn why it’s important to move their bodies, build strength, and stay active. With vibrant illustrations and an upbeat tone, it’s a great pick for encouraging lifelong wellness in a playful way. Perfect for morning baskets, health units, or inspiring a post-read stretch break!
[NON FICTION]
If your kiddos ever ask "But where does my food go?"—this one’s a winner. Simple explanations, sturdy flaps, and just enough science to spark curiosity without overwhelming. A solid pick for a health unit or a body-themed basket.
[PICTURE BOOK]
This one uses adorable animals to gently introduce the idea of healthy food choices. It’s playful, light, and just right for sparking curiosity without sounding preachy. A sweet pick for morning basket or health-themed reading.
[NONFICTION]
This fun (and a little gross!) book is a total win for curious kids who want to know exactly what happens after they eat. From how your body breaks down food to the bacteria that help it all along, this one’s packed with weird-but-true facts and cool science. Bonus: burps and farts included.
Books about emotional regulation
[NONFICTION]
This beautifully illustrated picture book breaks down the brain in a way kids can actually understand. With just the right mix of science and storytelling, it shows how different parts of the brain work—and how they all work together. It even shares simple tips for taking care of your brain every day.
[PICTURE BOOK]
Big emotions can feel overwhelming for little ones—especially when things don’t go as planned. This book gives a realistic (and relatable!) glimpse into what self-regulation looks like for kids, while modeling simple, supportive strategies parents can gently guide them through.
[PICTURE BOOK]
Anger can be such a big, loud feeling for little ones—and it’s not always easy to know how to help in the moment. This gentle story opens the door to talking about those big reactions and introduces calming strategies in a way kids can truly understand. A helpful tool for your emotional toolbox!
[ PICTURE BOOK ]
This book makes mindfulness feel doable, even on the busiest days. With short breathing exercises and calming prompts, it offers a gentle way for kids to reset—whether at the kitchen table, in the car, or right before bedtime. A lovely addition to your quiet time routine.
[PICTURE BOOK]
This beautifully illustrated story gives little ones a gentle way to understand worry—and what to do when it starts to feel too big. With an uplifting message and approachable language, it opens the door to conversations about feelings, emotional growth, and asking for help. A meaningful read to revisit often.
[NONFICTION]
Understanding how our bodies respond to stress can be so empowering—for kids and adults alike. This read introduces children to the nervous system in a calm, approachable way, offering tools to recognize dysregulation and practice techniques for feeling more grounded and connected. A great pick for emotional awareness and mindfulness.
Books about building character
[CHAPTER BOOK]
A relatable read that gently weaves in conversations about patience, honesty, and forgiveness. Each chapter includes a simple reflection question—perfect for encouraging deeper talks during read-aloud time.
[READ ALOUD]
A practical pick for daily character training. With 180 bite-sized vignettes, this one makes it easy to weave quick moral lessons into your routine—perfect for sparking short but meaningful conversations with your kids.
[PICTURE BOOK]
A classic with staying power. This 8-in-1 treasury gently introduces kids to big values like kindness, honesty, patience, and respect through relatable, faith-based stories. It’s an easy grab for morning baskets, character study, or cozy read-alouds that spark heart-level conversations.
[PICTURE BOOK]
A gentle, magical story with a meaningful message about honesty. Dilly Daisy’s journey offers young kids a relatable picture of what happens when we bend the truth—and how choosing honesty brings restoration. Perfect for sparking thoughtful chats during your morning basket or character study time.
[PICTURE BOOK]
This one’s a favorite for helping kids build grit without the lectures. Through playful rhymes and colorful pages, The Gritty Little Lamb helps little ones understand perseverance, losing with grace, and the power of yet. There’s even a game included to practice what they’re learning—perfect for morning time or character lessons.
[NONFICTION]
This one is full of simple activities, real-life stories, and short reflections that get kids thinking about who they want to be—not just what they want to do. Perfect for weaving into your morning time or for journaling and conversation starters. It's one of those books that grows with your kids and sparks great chats.
Books for Mom
[NONFICTION]
This one feels like a breath of fresh air in the world of parenting books. It’s packed with real, doable strategies from mental health professionals—written in a way that’s easy to flip through, no matter what season of parenting you’re in. You’ll find clear, practical ideas that help you nurture resilience, emotional strength, and compassion in your kids… all without adding more to your already full plate.
[NONFICTION]
A beautiful reminder that even the most ordinary parts of family life—bedtime, meals, discipline, and the daily mess—can become sacred opportunities for discipleship. This book gently helps parents think through the rhythms of their home and encourages small, intentional changes that point hearts toward God.
[NONFICTION]
This one’s packed with gentle encouragement and practical wisdom for helping your kids build habits that actually stick. It’s rooted in Charlotte Mason’s philosophy but speaks clearly to modern mamas—especially if you're trying to cultivate more peace and purpose in your days. With simple reflections, real-life examples, and tons of helpful insights, it’s the kind of resource you’ll keep coming back to as you raise kind, capable humans.
[NONFICTION]
This fun and adventure-filled book helps kids take ownership of their hygiene habits in a way that actually sticks. With playful storytelling and silly characters, it turns things like hand washing, brushing teeth, and staying clean into exciting daily routines.
[NONFICTION]
Ever wish you could peek inside your child’s mind and understand what on earth is going on during a meltdown? This book breaks down the brain science behind those big emotions and gives you 12 simple, grace-filled strategies that help you respond with connection instead of chaos. It’s like a cheat sheet for raising emotionally healthy kids—with real tools that actually work (even when everyone’s overtired and hangry). A must-have for any homeschool mom who wants less yelling, more understanding, and a little more peace in the day.
[NONFICTION]
This one completely shifted how I think about play. I used to worry that free time meant wasted time… but Balanced and Barefoot made me realize how much real learning happens when kids climb, spin, balance, dig, and run wild outside. The research in here is eye-opening, but it’s also full of simple ways to help our kids get the movement their brains and bodies crave—even if you don’t live near the woods or have a huge backyard. If you’ve ever wondered whether your kids need more structure or more freedom… this one might be the encouragement you didn’t know you needed.
August’s Healthy Habits & Human Body theme is a gentle way to kick off the new school year with a focus on caring for ourselves—body, mind, and heart. Remember, it’s not about perfection or covering everything all at once, but creating space for meaningful conversations and simple habits that stick.
Take it one day at a time, enjoy the little moments of learning, and know you’re doing an amazing job guiding your kids toward a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
If you’re loving these morning basket ideas, book recommendations, and all things homeschool, you’re going to want to join In My Homeschool Era — my free Facebook group where I share fresh morning basket inspiration, curated book lists, and the best educational deals every week.
It’s a friendly space full of fellow homeschool mamas sharing wins, tips, and encouragement — because we all need a little extra support (and some good ideas!) to keep our homeschool days running smoothly. Come join us and be part of the fun!