The absolute best thing we can do for our preschoolers is read to them every single day. It is the #1 most important factor in school readiness. The perfect preschool books have these things in common:
High-Interest with great Illustrations
Predictable Patterns or Rhyming
Children can memorize them after repeated readings
With those criteria in mind, I think that every preschooler needs to have these 10 books and have them on the bookshelf in their bedroom!
1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
If a child only has 1 book on his bookshelf, this should be it. It’s perfect– simple, counting, foods, and a beautiful surprise at the end!
2. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
This is the perfect book for learning letters. Its rhyming text makes it easy for parents and teachers to read 100 times!
3. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?
For many children, this is the first book that they learn how to “read” themselves. The pictures support the text completely, and it is such a joy to hear children sit in the book nook and read this alone!
4. Click, Clack, Moo Cows that Type
Is there anything better than a book with animal sounds? Plus, this one is funny. The kids will get a giggle and so will the adults!
5. The Way I Feel
Early childhood is a great time to explore feelings and to begin to understand that emotions are an important part of our identity. These little rhymes are brilliant.
6. Llama Llama Red Pajama
This might be our very favorite. The wonderful thing about Llama Llama is that once you fall in love with Red Pajama, there are a dozen more great books to enjoy!
7. The Pigeon wants a Puppy
Young children love Pigeon. Enough said!!
8. The Three Little Pigs
Fairy tales are so important. It doesn’t matter if it is this version of the Three Little Pigs, or another one about Goldilocks, etc. Teaching children the pattern of fairy tales and the basic problem/solution story structure is going to be so important to comprehension.
9. Giraffes Can’t Dance
This beautiful book has an important message — we can all be successful when we find something that we love.
10. Good Night, Gorilla
The very simple text in Good Night, Gorilla is so good for children who are developing Concept of Word. When they point to the words “Good Night” they learn that words have meaning. Plus, it’s just plain hilarious!
Check out these other “Top 10 Lists.” Are there any books that you think we missed? Let me know in the comments!
Stay at Home Educator – Every Toddler Needs These 10 Board Books
Little Sprouts Learning – Top 10 Must Have Books for Kids
House of Faucis – Top 10 Board Book for Kids
Healthy Playful Living – My 10 Favorite Children’s Books
Mom is Forever – 10 Favorite Books for Toddlers and Kids
Where Imagination Grows – Daycare Must Haves: 15 Fun & Engaging Stories for Kids
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I just got Giraffes Can’t Dance in my book order this week. I can’t wait to get it out and read it!
It’s such a great book! I think you will love it.
Great list! We love these books! Definitely must have books!