Sharing books with children is as important as it is joyful. Books can leave a lasting impression on young imaginations, form a key part of language and literacy development and provide young children with important insights into the world around them and the experiences of others.
Many preschool books involve enthusiastic storytelling, alphabet and number recognition, and shape/object counting. Reading aloud is a helpful way to model the joy of reading, which is why picture books, funny stories, and nursery rhymes are so common. Preschool children are beginning to understand the concept of reading, noticing and practicing rhyming, and playing with language to express themselves. Providing children with the opportunity to simply enjoy lots of different types of books and stories together with an adult is one of the best ways to give children a head start with their own reading journeys.
Hot Dog by Doug Salati (2023 Caldecott Medal)
This book recently won the Caldecott Medal for its charming story and joyful, fluid illustrations. The book follows an overheated wiener dog who longs to escape the summer heat of a bustling city. The dog and its owner head to the beach, met with adventure and the refreshing sights of the ocean.
Ricky, the Rock that Just Couldn’t Rhyme by Mr. Jay
The latest book in the You Rock! series helps children read and rhyme. Ricky, an adventurous, animated rock, gets an assignment from his teacher to create a rhyming story. Ricky doesn’t know how to rhyme, but his friend, Tess, does, so she plans to help him. Your child will enjoy this book’s funny, verse-rhyming pages as the adventures of friendship unfold.
Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? by Paula Faris
This is a book that encourages kids to think about their character over their accomplishments. Lina, the main character, feels frustrated during Career Day at school. She can’t decide what she wants to do when she grows up— so her mother prompts her to envision who she wants to be instead. In the story, readers encounter a diverse group of characters with differing roles and personalities, observing the intrinsic value of humans in all their quirks.
What the Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks
With everything from farm animals and minibeasts to sneaky crooks and fantastic lilting rhymes, this brightly illustrated story is a clear winner for story times in the early years. Children love joining in the repeated refrains of animal sounds and seeing the plot unfold as the cunning little ladybird saves the day by helping her farmyard friends outsmart two burglars looking to steal the prize cow.
Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman & Ben Cort
This laugh-out-loud favorite continues to be a popular rhyming book for children, with its whimsical narrative, catchy rhymes and humorous storyline (pants AND space aliens – what’s not to love?).
The playful text and super fun illustrations by Ben Cort capture the imagination of young readers, while the rhythmic flow and repetition make it hard to resist joining in. All in all an absolute essential for delighting young children at story time.
The Ocean Gardener by Clara Anganuzzi
From its tactile front cover to its inspiring story and vivid illustrations, Ocean Gardener is a book to treasure.
The book has a hard cover impressed with water bubbles which will intrigue curious little fingers. The author’s glorious illustrations of seabed, sunsets and seascapes set the scene for an uplifting story with an all-female cast! The author teaches us about the coral reefs of her island home. Her super-mum character is pro-active and positive. As mother and daughter complete their daily rounds checking on the coral reef that surrounds their island, they realize that the reef is changing. The immortal words, ‘Mum had a plan’, lead to pragmatic and innovative actions to help solve the problem. The last part of the book includes information about real life marine biologist, Chloe, who works in the Seychelles, as well as an information page about coral reefs; how to protect coral; and ways to find out more.
The Most Exciting Eid by Zeba Talkhani & Abeeha Tariq
A colorful and heartwarming picture book story about celebrating Eid.
Safa is excitedly getting ready for Eid-al-Fitr. The preparations are fun to make and include drawing henna patterns on her hands, putting up decorations and eating delicious foods. She’s also looking forward to her favorite part – the presents. While she celebrates, Safa isn’t keen to share her present of a new bike, but her Mum helps her to learn how Eid is about sharing and to see the wider meaning of celebrating with family and loved ones.
Peace at Last by Jill Murphy
Mr. Bear is trying his best to get to sleep, but a host of annoying noises keep disturbing him. From ticking clocks to snoring and dripping taps, the noises of the house disturb him enough to send him on a quest for a more peaceful place to get some slumber.
Children love joining in with the repeated refrain and making the different noises of the house.
We’d love to hear which preschool books your children enjoy. Please share the title and author in the comments below.
Pulled titles and descriptions from booksfortopics.com and reading.com
Many preschool books involve enthusiastic storytelling, alphabet and number recognition, and shape/object counting. Reading aloud is a helpful way to model the joy of reading, which is why picture books, funny stories, and nursery rhymes are so common. Preschool children are beginning to understand the concept of reading, noticing and practicing rhyming, and playing with language to express themselves. Providing children with the opportunity to simply enjoy lots of different types of books and stories together with an adult is one of the best ways to give children a head start with their own reading journeys.
Hot Dog by Doug Salati (2023 Caldecott Medal)
This book recently won the Caldecott Medal for its charming story and joyful, fluid illustrations. The book follows an overheated wiener dog who longs to escape the summer heat of a bustling city. The dog and its owner head to the beach, met with adventure and the refreshing sights of the ocean.
Ricky, the Rock that Just Couldn’t Rhyme by Mr. Jay
The latest book in the You Rock! series helps children read and rhyme. Ricky, an adventurous, animated rock, gets an assignment from his teacher to create a rhyming story. Ricky doesn’t know how to rhyme, but his friend, Tess, does, so she plans to help him. Your child will enjoy this book’s funny, verse-rhyming pages as the adventures of friendship unfold.
Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? by Paula Faris
This is a book that encourages kids to think about their character over their accomplishments. Lina, the main character, feels frustrated during Career Day at school. She can’t decide what she wants to do when she grows up— so her mother prompts her to envision who she wants to be instead. In the story, readers encounter a diverse group of characters with differing roles and personalities, observing the intrinsic value of humans in all their quirks.
What the Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks
With everything from farm animals and minibeasts to sneaky crooks and fantastic lilting rhymes, this brightly illustrated story is a clear winner for story times in the early years. Children love joining in the repeated refrains of animal sounds and seeing the plot unfold as the cunning little ladybird saves the day by helping her farmyard friends outsmart two burglars looking to steal the prize cow.
Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman & Ben Cort
This laugh-out-loud favorite continues to be a popular rhyming book for children, with its whimsical narrative, catchy rhymes and humorous storyline (pants AND space aliens – what’s not to love?).
The playful text and super fun illustrations by Ben Cort capture the imagination of young readers, while the rhythmic flow and repetition make it hard to resist joining in. All in all an absolute essential for delighting young children at story time.
The Ocean Gardener by Clara Anganuzzi
From its tactile front cover to its inspiring story and vivid illustrations, Ocean Gardener is a book to treasure.
The book has a hard cover impressed with water bubbles which will intrigue curious little fingers. The author’s glorious illustrations of seabed, sunsets and seascapes set the scene for an uplifting story with an all-female cast! The author teaches us about the coral reefs of her island home. Her super-mum character is pro-active and positive. As mother and daughter complete their daily rounds checking on the coral reef that surrounds their island, they realize that the reef is changing. The immortal words, ‘Mum had a plan’, lead to pragmatic and innovative actions to help solve the problem. The last part of the book includes information about real life marine biologist, Chloe, who works in the Seychelles, as well as an information page about coral reefs; how to protect coral; and ways to find out more.
The Most Exciting Eid by Zeba Talkhani & Abeeha Tariq
A colorful and heartwarming picture book story about celebrating Eid.
Safa is excitedly getting ready for Eid-al-Fitr. The preparations are fun to make and include drawing henna patterns on her hands, putting up decorations and eating delicious foods. She’s also looking forward to her favorite part – the presents. While she celebrates, Safa isn’t keen to share her present of a new bike, but her Mum helps her to learn how Eid is about sharing and to see the wider meaning of celebrating with family and loved ones.
Peace at Last by Jill Murphy
Mr. Bear is trying his best to get to sleep, but a host of annoying noises keep disturbing him. From ticking clocks to snoring and dripping taps, the noises of the house disturb him enough to send him on a quest for a more peaceful place to get some slumber.
Children love joining in with the repeated refrain and making the different noises of the house.
We’d love to hear which preschool books your children enjoy. Please share the title and author in the comments below.
Pulled titles and descriptions from booksfortopics.com and reading.com