Great Reads: Pre-School Age

Created on April 16, 2022, 9:37 am

Last Updated April 16, 2022, 9:40 am

This "best of the best" list fields various titles perfect for shared reading between a preschooler and a caregiver. This "best of the best" list features various titles perfect for shared reading between a preschooler and a caregiver. Making it onto the current "greatest reads" lists are picture books, graphic novels (comic style books with speech bubbles and panels), nonfiction (fact books), as well as easy phonics and sight word books. Many of the titles on this list are part of a series, and we encourage you to click on the "series name" to find even more great books to read.

1) Over in the woodland: a mythological counting journey

Author

Description

Where do mermaids, dwarves, and centaurs live? Discover the mythological creatures of the Woodland realm in this adventure based on the classic children's rhyme "Over in the Meadow." Journey through a magical day while counting from one phoenix to ten griffins and searching for the baby griffin hidden on each page. Rhythmic text, gorgeously detailed illustrations and fun creature facts make this a delightful introduction to mythology for even the...

2) A polar bear in the snow

Author

Series

Formats:

Description

"Follow a magnificent polar bear through a fantastic world of snow and shockingly blue sea. Over the ice, through the water, past Arctic animals and even a human ... where is he going?"--

3) I am not a dog toy

Author

Berlin, Ethan T

Description

"A stuffed bear looking for a best friend believes he is meant to be a child's toy, but true friendship comes to him from a place he least expects"--

Author

Cherry, Matthew A

Formats:

Book, Audiobook CD, eAudiobook, eBook, Kindle

Description

"A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self." --

5) Little Boy Blue

Author

Ferraro Close, Laura

Series

Favorite Mother Goose rhymes

Notes

Check out the other titles in the series!

Description

A retelling of the classic nursery rhyme, with end notes on the identity and origins of Mother Goose.

Author

Description

"Join a cat and puppy pair through their day--the ups of being fed and romping through grass, and the downs of days that are too short and things that don't go as planned--as they realize that sometimes the very best thing that can happen is just being together."--

7) Pete the cat: I love my white shoes

Author

Series

Pete the cat picture books (James Dean)

Notes

Check out the other titles in the series!

Formats:

Book, CD + Book, eBook

Description

As he walks down the street, Pete the cat sings about his brand new white shoes as they change from red to blue to brown to wet.

8) The gingerbread man

Author

Series

My first fairy tales)

Notes

Check out the other titles in the series!

Description

The cheeky little gingerbread man is having so much fun! He scurries away from Mr. and Mrs. Baker and all the hungry animals, but then he meets a crafty fox... Will the gingerbread man meet a sticky end?

9) Egg

Author

Formats:

Book, Board Book

Description

Three little birds crack their way out of eggs and fly away, leaving one egg sitting all alone until the three chicks come back and discover a friendly baby alligator has finally hatched.

10) The three Billy Goats Gruff

Author

Series

Fairy tale tunes

Notes

Check out the other titles in the series!

Description

Retells, through song, the tale of three billy goats who trick a troll that lives under the bridge. Includes glossary, guided reading activities, and sheet music.

11) Eyes that kiss in the corners

Author

Formats:

Book, eAudiobook, eBook, Kindle, Wonderbook

Description

"A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother's, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her...

12) The bad seed

Author

Series

Notes

Check out the other titles in the series!

Formats:

Book, Audiobook CD, eAudiobook, eBook, Kindle, Vox Book

Description

The bad seed changes his mind about being bad and decides that he wants to be happy.

13) Julián is a mermaid

Author

Series

Notes

Check out the other titles in the series!

Formats:

Book, eAudiobook, eBook, Kindle

Description

"While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for...

14) Alma and how she got her name

Author

Martinez-Neal, Juana

Formats:

Book, Braille, eAudiobook, eBook, Kindle, Pre-loaded Audio

Description

When Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela asks her father why she has so many names, she hears the story of her name and learns about her grandparents.

15) Tell me a tattoo story

Author

Formats:

Description

A father tells his young son the story behind each of his tattoos.

Author

Series

I'm…! - Machines at Work

Notes

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Formats:

Description

When the ice is full of cuts and ruts, only one machine has the GUTS to clean it up. But can this slow-movin' ice fixer smooth the grooves before the next period? Or will he lose his COOL? The timer's ticking! BUZZZZZZ!

17) Sullivan, who is always too loud

Author

Description

"A little boy with a very loud voice, learns the perfect (and not so perfect) times to use it..."--

18) The old truck

Author

Pumphrey, Jarrett

Notes

Check out the other titles in the series!

Formats:

Book, eAudiobook, Wonderbook

Description

"On a small family farm, an old truck falls into disrepair and lies nearly forgotten, except by the family's daughter. The truck is been part of her daydreams as she grows up and develops strength and independence. As an industrious young woman, she pulls the rusted and overgrown vehicle from its almost-grave and restores it"--

19) One fox: a counting book thriller

Author

Description

An illustrated counting book in which one famished fox finds five snug eggs but must face three plump hens to get them.

20) Stroller coaster

Author

Description

A quick-thinking father thwarts his daughter's impending temper tantrum when he transforms an everyday walk outside into an exciting strollercoaster ride through the neighborhood.