Promoting language development, literacy skills, and cognitive development can be done by using preschool books. Books offer a unique chance for parents, educators, and caregivers to engage with preschoolers and encourage a lifelong love of learning. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of reading to young preschoolers, the types of books that are most suited for preschoolers, and the importance of selecting age-appropriate books. We will also discuss how to make reading fun and engaging for preschoolers tips for choosing books, creating reading routines, and encouraging active participation. Whether you’re a parent, looking to support your child’s early literacy development, or an educator, seeking to enhance your classroom library, we hope this article will provide helpful insights about preschool books and the power of reading them to young preschoolers.
Best Books For Kids Of All Ages
Preschool Books For Little Readers
Tiny Tales: Must-Have Preschool Books for Little Readers
Ages 3-5 are considered to be preschoolers. Most people can remain still for at least five minutes while listening to a story. Additionally, they are prepared for “actual” books rather than board books because they know how to care for books. Here are some pointers for sharing books with these young bookworms:
Let your preschooler pick the books they want to read whenever they can. With your child, frequent the library!
Reading a book can be done in stages. Use a cute or decorative bookmark to mark your position when your preschooler starts to grow antsy.
While you’re reading, ask your preschooler questions about the book. Note the spine, author’s name, title, and end pages, among other things.
Books with longer words or sentences are nothing to be terrifying. The kids can understand only some of the words in the book. Let them take in the language, sentence structure, and images.
Rereading the same book is OK. Preschoolers learn through doing. It is also acceptable to occasionally “lose” a book or inform your youngster that it must be returned to the library today, even though it has another week until it is due (I’m looking at you, Lightsaber Battles!).
Classic Preschool Books
Caps For Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
Preschoolers may learn problem-solving from this pleasant, humorous, and straightforward story about a salesperson and a gang of wicked monkeys.
Vehicles , trucks, and other items driven by Richard Scarry are listed in his book.
Get ready for a day of fun featuring cars, planes, trains, and even a pickle truck! This unique book by Richard Scary, with hundreds of precisely named vehicles, is ideal for young automotive enthusiasts.
Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
After his mother sends him to bed one night, a young boy named Max dons his wolf costume “and makes mischief of one type or another.” Max then imagines himself sailing to the Wild Things’ home residence. Max concludes that there is no place like home after hanging from trees, governing the Wild Things, and even participating in a wild rumpus!
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
A train carrying toys and presents for little boys and girls breaks down before it can reach the kids. A little blue train volunteers to help the trapped toys after requesting numerous passing trains for assistance across the hill. Despite her small size, the blue train tries to deliver the presents to the young people on the mountain’s opposite side.
Corduroy by Don Freeman
A plush bear named Corduroy, who resides on a department store shelf and yearns for a home, is dressed in green corduroy overalls. After a night filled with adventures, Corduroy is taken home by a young girl named Lisa, and he exclaims with joy, “You must be a friend. Always, I’ve desired a companion.”
Author Ezra Jack Keats’s “The Snowy Day.”
“The Snowy Day” is the only novel that captures the first snowfall’s magic and sense of possibility. The tale, which has a universal appeal, has captivated the hearts of millions of people because it depicts a young child’s astonishment at a brand-new world and their desire to preserve that wonder forever.
The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton
The book by Virginia Lee Burton about a Little House and the changes that occur around her begins, “There once a Little House in the Big Woods, countryside.” A road is constructed first, followed by other homes, buildings, and an elevated train. When The Little House is saved, renovated, and lovingly set up on a new hillside, she daydreams about living in the country again. This book is excellent for introducing the concept of time passing.
Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
According to Mallard, Mrs. The pond at the Boston Public Gardens would be the ideal home for her and her eight ducklings. How to get them there through Boston’s congested streets was the issue. However, Mrs. Mallard and her family of Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack make it safely to their new house with assistance from the Boston police.
Swimmy by Leo Lionni
A cheerful school of fish resides deep within the ocean. The little fish are reluctant to escape hiding since their aquatic world is full of wonders and danger. That is until Swimmy appears. Swimmy demonstrates to his friends how they can overcome threats by working together and using creativity.
Interactive Preschool Books
Hide And Seek by Taro Gomi
Young readers will enjoy searching for hidden objects among well-known characters in this cunning activity board book by renowned international favorite Taro Gomi. When a crocodile’s potentially lethal smile can change into a sparkly toothbrush and a butterfly’s camouflage changes into charming heart shapes! The lesson is that not everything in the world is as it seems will be loved by preschoolers.
Play This Book by Jessica Young And Daniel Wiseman
There are numerous ways for small hands to create music. No instruments are necessary to play the trombone, strum the guitar, bash the cymbals, or other musical instruments on each page of this interactive book. This book is filled with tools yearning to share their sounds and has beautiful rhyming language and captivating images. You are the only thing this band needs! Turn the pages while using your imagination to “Play This Book”!
Press Here by Hervé Tullet
“Press the yellow dot on this book’s cover, then follow the guidelines within to start a fantastic trip! The reader is given instructions on each page of this unexpected book to push the dots, shake the pages, tilt the book, and see what happens. The growing, shifting, and multiplying dots will make both kids and adults giddy with excitement. This unusual picture book about the power of creativity and interaction is especially amazing because the adventure takes place on the flat surface of the straightforward, printed page. It will make reading aloud exciting for all ages!”
Mix It Up by Hervé Tullet
Accept Hervé Tullet’s alluring invitation to shake things up in a glittering trip filled with whimsy and magic. Following the artist’s basic instructions, the reader’s imagination creates a world where colors appear, combine, splatter, and disappear. Tullet takes readers on a remarkable interactive voyage entirely within the printed page, joining artists of the caliber of Eric Carle and Leo Lionni as masters of their trade.
Best Books For Preschoolers That Celebrate Differences
A Hot Dog Bun With Spaghetti by Maria Dismondy
“How is Ralph so cruel? Ralph is always making the point that Lucy is unique. Ralph’s genuine need for assistance is the turning point for Lucy. Lucy has the guts to make the right decision because she is confident in her principles. Preschoolers can learn from this endearing tale to always act honourably and to take pride in who they are, even when dealing with difficult people like Ralph.
Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
He’s always been a cheerful little object. He thinks, however, that his life as a spoon is no longer sufficient. He believes that Forks, Knife, and Chopsticks enjoy life far more than he does. Do they, though? What do they think of Spoon, then? Spoon is a book for readers of all ages and acts as a gentle reminder to recognize what makes each of us unique.
I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont
A charming, self-affirming book that shows kids that they are valuable and unique just the way they are.
The Family Book by Todd Parr
The Family Book honours our affection for our family and all the various ways they can be expressed. No matter what kind of family you have whether two dads or two mothers, a large or tiny family, one that keeps things tidy or one that doesn’t Todd Parr tells readers that every family is unique in its particular way.
Best Preschool Books About Feelings
Grump Groan Growl by Bell Hooks
“While Chris Raschka’s bright artwork provides compassion and humor and serves as a visual complement to Bell Hooks’ calming rhythmic words, it also serves as a reminder to readers that sometimes you just have to go inside and let things go.” says the description of this new take on a constructive way to deal with our destructive, grumpy, and wild moods.
You Get What You Get by Julie Gassman
Melvin frequently loses his temper when he doesn’t get his way. He needs to develop his ability to handle disappointment. You receive what you receive, so don’t complain. This familiar storyline effectively illustrates this crucial life lesson.
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
Llama Llama’s first day of preschool has here! And Llama Llama’s mother sees to it that he is prepared. They get to know the teachers, observe the other kids, and peruse all the activities and books. Then, though, Mama must depart. Llama suddenly loses his enthusiasm. When will Mama Llama return? Naturally, she will. However, the other kids show Llama Llama how fun school can be before she does!
Favorite Read Aloud
Be Boy Buzz by Bell Hooks
‘I will be a boy and All bliss, boy’. It’s all a good beat. All beau boy. Beautiful famous novelist bell hooks provides us with a brief, upbeat tale that perfectly captures the spirit and vitality of what it means to be a boy.
The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier
“Ruby’s head is always buzzing with concepts. She decides to make something after discovering some old boards one day. Her brothers respond by laughing and telling her she doesn’t know how to build when she asks them to assist.
Then I’ll understand, she claims.
She does, too. Ruby finally laughs when she builds a stunning fort they all want to play in. This contemporary take on the classic tale The Little Red Hen honors the tenacity and originality of young artists everywhere with vivacious writing and charming illustrations!”
The Great Day by Taro Gomi
Join in on the excitement of a child’s very active day as he runs, leaps, and plays all day long. Simple words and bright pictures by Taro Gomi, brimming with youthful vigor, capture all the action and pleasure youngsters discover in each new day.
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
Dragons enjoy tacos. They enjoy eating beef tacos, large tacos, small tacos, and tacos of all sizes. As a result, tacos are a must if you want to entice dragons to your party. Tacos in buckets and buckets. Unfortunately, salsa is always present where tacos are. And if a dragon were to consume hot salsa, boy, unintentionally. You’re in severe straits.
Best Books For Kids Of All Ages
The Ultimate Guide to Preschoolers’ Books: Timeless Classics for Every Age
With babies and young preschoolers, reading and storytelling foster brain and imagination development, language and emotion development, and relationships. Sometimes, you can read. You can also occasionally listen to music, sing along, or share the cultural tale.
Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon (Age: 5-10)
The imagined antagonist, Mrs Gobble Gracker, the fairy godmother, Mr Nugy, whom Dory calls on a banana, and her imaginary best friend, a monster named Mary, are all as real as her family and schoolmates. Dory struggles to keep her imaginative life to herself. These excellent, wildly creative five-volume novels will speak to your child as they explore the wonders and doubts that run through every young mind. It doesn’t hurt that you’ll enjoy Dory’s adventures just as much as your little child would.
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin (Ages: 7 and under)
Every child knows that while dragons enjoy tacos, they cannot tolerate spicy salsa. This silly, fun, imaginative book has become a modern classic and is always a favorite among young preschoolers. After finishing this, pick up the even stranger Dragons Love Tacos 2 because dragons enjoy wearing diapers in some alternate reality!
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats (Ages: 5 and under)
When red-suited Peter explores the brilliant white world of a fresh snowfall, the streets of New York are transformed into a wintery playland. The most borrowed book in the 125-year history of the New York Public Library is this lovely work that has become a classic.
Tales of a Fourth-Grade Nothing by Judy Blume (Age: 8-12)
Peter will forever be the elder brother, the insatiable Fudge, the one-child wrecking gang who always commands attention. There has never been a finer demonstration of the impact of Judy Blume’s work on the challenges and joys of growing up in a loving, flawed family.
Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth by Judd Winick (Ages: 5-12)
Hilo doesn’t know where he’s from, why he fell out of the sky, what they are doing on Earth or why he can’t go to school in only his underpants. This series is as funny as it is exciting and chronicles the action-packed adventures of the (spoiler alert) boy robot who can shoot lasers from his hands and cares deeply about his human friends. To add to the fun, Hilo Book 6: All the Pieces Fit drops in February 2020.
Eric Carle’s picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Ages: 3 and under)
Your kids won’t know that this book teaches those colors, counting, the days of the week, healthy eating and the process of metamorphosis. They’ll love the story and poking their tiny fingers through the holes. All the more reason to admire one of the world’s most perfect picture books. (Good thing Carle’s editor convinced him to make the book about a caterpillar instead of Carle’s original idea: Willie Worm.)
Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths (Age: 4-8)
Peter is a sloth that likes everything just as it is: He wants to stay put and hang out. The goofball Ernesto is a sloth of a different stripe and sets out on a joyful expedition that takes him to the far corners of the world. Poor Peter! He misses his pal so much that he swallows his fear and sets off to find him and discovers that the world is wild, kind and full of wonder. The third book in the series, Peter & Ernesto: Sloths in the Night, will be released in April 2020.
The Iliad and the Odyssey by Gillian Cross (Age: 8 and up)
These epic stories resonate with young minds. Start reading these family-friendly versions, and you’ll see why the Iliad and the Odyssey have been told and retold for thousands of years. Gillian Cross’s writing is beautiful, poetic and clear enough for preschoolers to understand, while Neil Packer’s detailed and haunting images bring the stories to life. This boxed set is so handsome, and the stories so compelling you’ll want it out on the shelves with the grown-up books.
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson (Age: 5 and under)
It might seem like a silly witch tale, but Room on the Broom is a masterpiece of wordplay and story, a good-hearted adventure with enough plot twists to keep your little one riveted and with one of the happiest endings in all of brownish literature. Room on the Broom is a book you’ll look forward to reading at bedtime.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (Age: 8 and up)
Once upon a time, kids said, “I don’t like reading!” Then Harry Potter appeared, and every child on the planet was charmed into becoming a bookworm or so it seemed. Secrets, magic, flying, a young underdog kicking butt: No wonder the opening volume in the Harry Potter series is one of the bestselling books of all time.
How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? By Jane Yolen (Age: 6 and under)
This book will turn bedtime into a sure thing: The rhythm and rhymes will lull your precious ones to sleep, while the silly scenes will let them drift off with a smile. A contemporary classic, How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? It should be on every child’s bedside table.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero (Age: 4-8)
A girl and her father are riding a motorcycle that seems to fly across the roads of a California town that’s changing with the times: Old stores are closing, and neighborhoods are being transformed. This thoughtful reflection on childhood is a celebration of Mexican-American culture, but more than that, it’s a universal story about how a loving family shapes a child.
This Beach Is Loud! by Samantha Cotterill (Age: 4-6)
What’s more fun than a day at the beach? But there are too many people, the sand is too itchy, and the seawater too sticky. It’s all too much, but Dad knows how to help his little one refocus and enjoy the excursion to the sea. This Beach Is Loud is for kids with sensory-processing issues, but the book explores themes that are helpful for any child.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (Age: 8 and up)
Tolkien’s classic beautifully conveys the idea of leaving your cozy home for adventure and possible death. More kid-friendly than the later Lord of the Rings sequence, this tale of trolls, orcs, a smooth-talking dragon, hungry spiders, giant eagles, and more balances literary excellence with good old-fashioned action.
Kuma-Kuma Chan by Kazue Takahashi (Age: 6 and under)
Kuma-Kuma Chan is a bear who lives a quiet and contemplative life in a small mountain house. He’s a mindful animal, who takes care when he makes a salad, and stops to think about the sound of the rain on the roof. This calming book’s charm comes from the elegantly simple illustrations.
Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi (Age: 8 and up)
Young Emily finds an amulet in her great-grandfather’s library that she absently puts on. It’s only later, after she and her brother Navin travel to another world to save their mother with the help of a robot bunny named Miskit. The amulet’s power is revealed, and Emily becomes a Stone keeper. And so it begins this is an unbelievable series of graphic novels (8 volumes and counting) that will feed young imaginations.
Paddington by Michael Bond (Age: 4-10)
A polite young bear dressed in a stylish red hat shows up in London’s bustling Paddington Station with no more than a suitcase full of marmalade. The Brown family takes him in, unprepared for the mischief Paddington and their preschoolers, Jonathan and Judy, will get into together.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (Age: 4-8)
Shel Silverstein masterfully weaves a tale of unselfish love and eternal sacrifice as a tree gladly gives more and more to a boy over the years, eventually giving all of itself.
Written by Juana Martinez-Neal, Alma and How She Got Her Name (Age: 4-8)
Alma is an adorable little girl with a very long name Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela, to be exact. Each part of her name is a homage to a relative, and each relative has a story.
Science Comics (Age: 5 and up)
The formulation of the science comics series is straightforward: Preschoolers will happily tackle big ideas and hard science when presented in a graphic novel and spiced up with many silly jokes. These books cover everything from robots and drones to coral reefs to plagues and will turn any kid into a scientist-in-training. Bonus: You’ll learn a lot, too.
