The Best Nursery Rhyme Books for Preschool

Nursery rhyme books for preschool are a classic for teaching rhyming, vocabulary, and numbers. Rhymes are an important part of any preschooler’s education, and there are so many great books to help teach these skills. Nursery rhyme books for preschool also help develop auditory skills and speech development. Check out some favorite takes on nursery rhymes in the picture books listed below.

Favorite Nursery Rhyme Books for Preschool

Baa, Baa, Black Sheep – by Jane Cabrera

This adorable nursery rhyme book for preschool follows a little girl with knitting needles as she knits her way across town. The black sheep donates all of her wool to her as she makes sweaters, mittens, tea cozies, and more! In the end, she is left bare, but alas! The friends and townsfolk come together to make her warm until the wool grows back. Brightly colored pictures capture the eye with references to other nursery rhymes for those who look closely. Pairs perfectly with this Baa, Baa, Black Sheep Nursery Rhyme Mini Circle Time Unit

Cindy Moo – by Lori Mortensen

A very determined cow has her take in this version of the “Hey Diddle, Diddle” nursery rhyme. Cindy, a curious cow from the Diddle Farm, gets inspired after hearing a story of a cow jumping over the moon. She decides she is going to do the same. Her bovine friends don’t believe in her abilities one bit, but Cindy’s persistence and creativity prove them wrong. A great read on thinking outside the box. Also check out the lessons in this Hey Diddle, Diddle Nursery Rhyme Mini Circle Time Unit

Hickory Dickory Dock – by Keith Baker

Keith Baker tells the story of Hickory Dickory Dock through the antics of a mouse on top of a grandfather clock. As each hour chimes, animals fly, hop, buzz, and nibble their way past the elegant timepiece. Finally, the moon comes out at midnight, allowing the mouse to go to bed. The pages are filled with colorful scenes and keep attention spans engaged. Use this Hickory Dickory Dock Nursery Rhyme Mini Circle Time Unit after reading the book!

Humpty Dumpty Climbs Again – by Dave Horowitz

This humorous version of the Humpty Dumpty classic has poor Humpty hanging out in his underwear after healing from his latest fall. He’s too afraid to go climbing again, so he resorts to snacking on chips while watching TV nonstop. After the Dish’s failed attempt, a well-placed spider finally nudges Humpty from his chair. He makes it out of his house and finds one of the King’s horses in trouble. Humpty finds his misplaced courage to save the day. Many lessons are learned, the least of which is not leaving the house without pants! These lesson plans work perfectly with the book: Humpty, Dumpty Nursery Rhyme Mini Circle Time Unit

Jack B. Ninja – by Tim McCanna

Catchy rhyming verses will keep the readers’ attention as each page gives Jack B. Ninja a mission to accomplish. His quest to find the treasure chest and bring it back to the Ninja Master is met with deep garden pools, tunnels, and wire traps! With a bit of luck and some fast moves, though, Jack B. Ninja gets the chest back to base just in time for a surprise ending. Try this Jack Be Nimble Nursery Rhyme Mini Circle Time Unit as well!

Little Miss Muffet – by Iza Trapani

This beautifully illustrated story has Little Miss Muffet taking her antics outdoors to escape the dreaded spider on her tuffet. She’s met with even more scary creatures, though, as she runs into a mouse, frog, crow, fish, and moose! She’s finally able to make it back inside to take a relaxing bath, but as she settles herself back on the tuffet, the readers will see before she does that her troubles are about to start all over again. Try this Little Miss Muffet Nursery Rhyme Mini Circle Time Unit with the book.

Mary Had a Little Glam – by Tami Sauer

Sometimes less is more, but Mary does not know what that means at the beginning of this story. Mary starts her first day of school and finds the need to accessorize all her classmates around her. This is a fun story of how Mary shares her glam with her new classmates, but trouble arises when it is time for recess. It is then that Mary realizes maybe less is more when it comes to some situations. Student will also love the activities in this Mary Had a Little Lamb Mini Circle Time Unit.

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe – by Jane Cabrera

In this delivery of the classic “1, 2, Buckle My Shoe” nursery rhyme, Rabbit wear’s her white buckled shoes. She runs, jumps, and kicks her way through numbers 1-20. She makes her way to a party at the end with all of her friends. Be sure to keep an eye out for the playful little chicks hiding on each page. 1,2 Buckle My Shoe Nursery Rhyme Mini Circle Time Mini-Unit has complete lesson plans to go with the book.

Pete the Cat and the Itsy Bitsy Spider – by James Dean

Poor Itsy Bitsy keeps getting washed out of the water spout in this James Dean version of the well-known nursery rhyme. Pete and his friends encourage her, though, and she finally makes it up! It takes her three tries and four pairs of gifted tennis shoes to finally make it. A great story on cheering your friends on when they need a little help. Itsy Bitsy Spider Nursery Rhyme Mini Circle Time Unit

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Car – by Kate Dopirak

Little Car isn’t quite ready to go to sleep in this cute adaptation of the Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star lullaby. The little red car drives out and about, waving “Hi!” to all the four-wheeled friends in town. It makes it home just in time to roll into the garage and fall asleep. Geometric shapes in muted primary color shades engage the reader on each page.

These are just a few of the wonderful nursery rhyme books for preschool. Reading these with preschoolers will expand their rhyming, counting, and vocabulary skills!