Best books to teach kindergarten reading


The 50 Best Kindergarten Books


By Emma Singer

Published Jun 29, 2020

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Wrangling your energetic kindergartener for quiet reading time at home every day can be...rough. But it’s worth doing. Why? “Reading to your kindergartener as much as possible will increase the probability of your child’s school success,” says Denise Daniels, RN, MS, child development expert and creator of the Moodsters. “It helps children’s brain development and builds key language and social skills. It also fosters curiosity and communication skills,” she adds. Yep, reading boasts an impressive list of benefits, and this is especially true if you choose the right material. Daniels says kindergartners profit most from books with themes that “help children develop morals, empathy, social and emotional learning, and resiliency skills. ..and expose children to diversity.” But don’t worry if you don’t have time to vet every book in the children’s section yourself—we’ve rounded up 50 books for kindergarteners that they’re guaranteed to love.

Hyperion Books for Children

1.

waiting Is Not Easy By Mo Willems

High drama, big print and plenty of humor combine in this story about navigating friendship and practicing patience. Little kids will want to hear it again and again…and that’s OK by us, because it’s truly a pleasure to read.

$5 at Amazon

Grow Grit Press LLC

2.

anxious Ninja By Mary Ninh

An anxious ninja finds his big feelings to be debilitating until a friend offers up some advice on how to manage emotions and find courage. This read delivers social-emotional learning with a side of laughter—and a powerful message about peer connections that every kid should hear.

$11 at Amazon

Dial Books

3.

dragons Love Tacos By Adam Rubin

A big dose of humor in a short book about friendship. Opt for this kid-favorite about, well, dragons who love tacos, and story time will be anything but boring.

$10 at Amazon

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

4.

alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day By Judith Viorst

This classic story about resilience and learning how to cope when nothing seems to work out right is highly relatable for readers of all ages, but especially for kindergarteners who are just learning how to keep their cool in the face of disappointment.

$7 at Amazon

G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

5.

firebird By Misty Copeland

Penned by the first African American female principal dancer in the prestigious American Ballet Theater, this gripping read tells the story of a young girl who doubts her own ability to reach the same heights that Misty has done. Throughout the book, Misty encourages her to work hard so that she can succeed—and become Firebird.

$14 at Amazon

Greenwillow Books; 50th Anniversary ed. edition

6.

amelia Bedelia By Peggy Parish

Amelia Bedelia has a hard time with figures of speech (like using a pen and paper to “draw” the drapes), but kids who read the book certainly will not. The simple words make this one a good candidate for early phonics instruction and the story will make your little one double over with laughter…literally.

$12 at Amazon

Dial Books

7.

my Heart By Corinna Luyken

Beautiful illustrations take center stage in this poignant story about emotional autonomy. The hidden heart motif on every page promises to keep kids engaged in the soothing narrative, which covers the entire spectrum of feelings.

$12 at Amazon

Dial Books

8.

the Book With No Pictures By B.j. Novak

Get ready to be goofy, parents, because The Book With No Pictures will make you appear ridiculous whether you like it or not. Wildly funny and incredibly clever, this book does a bang-up job of conveying the power of the written word—and we promise your kid will never tire of reading it (or making you read it out loud).

$9 at Amazon

Balzer + Bray

9.

i Am Enough By Grace Byers

Striking art and melodic verses deliver an empowering message on inclusivity, self-love and respect for others in this New York Times’ bestseller that brings the beauty of diversity to the forefront for young children.

$13 at Amazon

Sourcebooks Wonderland

10.

how To Catch A Mermaid By Adam Wallace

Upbeat, cheerful rhyming makes this catchy adventure story fun and fast to read, although children will likely want to linger on each page to take in the vibrant, intricate illustrations.

$6 at Amazon

Viking Books for Young Readers

11.

meet Me At The Moon By Gianna Marino

When a mama elephant has to leave her baby to “ask the skies for rain,” she reassures her little one by telling him to feel the warmth of her love in the sun and listen for it in the wind. This touching book boasts beautiful depictions of the African plains and the story, which ends with a moving mother-child reunion, is sure to soothe any child suffering from back-to-school separation blues.

$18 at Amazon

Philomel Books

12.

the Day The Crayons Quit By Oliver Jeffers

School supplies come to life in the pages of this witty story about disgruntled crayons. This crowd-pleaser will develop your own kid’s sense of humor while nourishing the young imagination—and it’s sure to provoke laughter from parent and child alike.

$9 at Amazon

G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

13.

last Stop On Market Street By Matt De La Peña

The list of awards and accolades earned by this book about giving back may well be longer than the book itself. The powerful message about the common good that comes through the pages of this soulful story is enhanced by vibrant illustrations of an urban setting. This library staple is a celebration of diversity that will teach your child the importance of doing a good deed every day.

$11 at Amazon

Candlewick

14.

alma And How She Got Her Name By Juana Martinez-neal

Alma has a lot of names—too many if you ask her. Or at least that’s what she thinks when we first meet her. But by the end of the book and after a journey into the past, Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela loves knowing where all of her beautiful names came from.

$13 at Amazon

Hyperion Books for Children

15.

because By Mo Willems

The lyrical prose Willems pens in this moving read is a departure from the sparse yet delightfully funny writing that characterizes many of his other children’s books, but the final product is just as exciting. This ode to the transformative power of music is accompanied by stunning illustrations—a combination that will mesmerize and inspire young readers (and pull on the heartstrings of parents).

$12 at Amazon

Nancy Paulsen Books

16.

the King Of Kindergarten By derrick Barnes 

Got a kid with first-day jitters? This cheerful story will get her ready—and excited—for going to school. And sure, there are plenty of books that you could read to your reluctant kindergartener to let her know that it’s all going to be OK, but this one takes the message one step further by saying, ”You’ve totally got this”

Gecko Press

17.

detective Gordon: The First Case By Ulf Nilsson

A great introduction to chapter books, Detective Gordon is an age-appropriate and gripping whodunit adventure that kindergarteners will be excited to dive back into every day. Plus, this book also benefits from colorful illustrations from cover to cover, ensuring that even easily-distracted kids don’t lose the plot.

$17 at Amazon

Random House Books for Young Readers

18.

junie B. Jones And The Stupid Smelly Bus By Barbara Park

A chapter book for young readers told from the perspective of a sassy, uproariously funny, and charmingly relatable peer. This New York Times bestseller has been turning out bookworms for a quarter of a century, because no one can resist the big personality of kindergarten kid Junie B. Jones.

$5 at Amazon

New Paige Press

19.

the Bear And The Fern By Jay Miletsky

Banish first day butterflies with this heartwarming tale of an offbeat friendship formed between a stuffed bear and his houseplant roommate—companions who empower one another to explore their surroundings and confront their fears. The wholesome message plays out to a beautiful, rhyming tune, and the lyrics include a few prized vocabulary words for good measure.

$14 at Amazon

Bloomsbury USA Childrens

20.

i Got The Rhythm By Connie Schofield-morrison

Young kids will be thrilled by this upbeat book about a little girl who, inspired by the sounds of the city, boogies her way to the center of town. With her passion, energy and cool moves, the little girl starts a spontaneous dance party, inspiring all the kids in the city to join the fun. Chances are your little one will want to bop to the beat, too, after this charming read.

$12 at Amazon

Peachtree Publishing Company

21.

kalinka And Grakkle By Julie Paschkis

With a subdued and artful dose of humor, Paschkis tells the story of a bird and a beast who just can’t understand each other’s habits and needs. Mutual acceptance is finally reached once both parties have made a tough emotional journey full of frustration and learned to listen rather than control. This light-hearted book invites laughter, while simultaneously familiarizing kindergarteners with the social-emotional learning that lies ahead.

$18 at Amazon

Henry Holt and Co.

22.

pablo Neruda: Poet Of The People By Monica Brown

Young children are introduced to poetry and culture in this book that sings the praises of Pablo Neruda, while shining a spotlight on the empathic spirit behind his work. Magical and touching, Brown’s storytelling will spark creativity, and may well inspire a new generation of poets.

$18 at Amazon

Puffin Books

23.

the Knight And The Dragon By Tomie De Paola

A tongue-in-cheek narrative about a knight and dragon that have to prepare for a duel by going to the library, because neither knows the first thing about fighting. Fortunately, there’s no stand-off at the end of this fairytale—instead the knight and dragon snub tradition and decide to collaborate on a new, exciting project, which they pull off with the aid of more books and a princess librarian to guide their research.

$7 at Amazon

Candlewick Press (MA)

24.

jabari Jumps By Gaia Cornwall

A patient, supportive father stands by his son and helps gently guide him in this story of a young boy who has all the skills to jump off a diving board, but can’t summon the courage to walk the plank. Kids of all ages will relate to and feel validated by this book that revolves around the main character’s inner struggle and ultimate victory over his own fears.

Buy It ($11)

Random House Books for Young Readers

25.

go, Dog. Go! By P.d. Eastman

Seuss-like in style and aesthetic, this classic book will help pre-K graduates master prepositional phrases, and the antics performed by the group of pups is basically a guarantee that the education is full of entertainment to boot.

$5 at Amazon

Roaring Brook Press

26.

do Not Lick This Book By Idan Ben-barak

Kindergarteners are known for questionable instincts when it comes to hygiene, but this book might just spare you a school year of endless illness. Written by a microbiologist with a good sense of humor, this book teaches kids all about germs (and how not to spread them) with an interactive format that makes for an undeniably fun read.

$11 at Amazon

Chronicle Books

27.

i Wrote You A Note By Lizi Boyd

Middle school teachers might report note passing as a problem but in kindergarten, literacy is the name of the game so no one will be upset when this book inspires your kid to practice writing letters with a classroom pen pal.

$15 at Amazon

Running Press Kids

28.

pink Is For Boys By Robb Pearlman

Gender stereotypes are among the unwritten, outdated rules that can start stifling children’s self-expression as soon as kindergarten begins (if not earlier). Blow the lid off all that crap with a book that encourages boys who want to wear pink and girls who like to play basketball. Bottom line: Both sexes will walk away from story time feeling empowered to explore their interests and expand their minds.

$12 at Amazon

Little, Brown and Company

29.

go Away, Big Green Monster By Ed Emberley

By kindergarten, many little ones have stopped napping and most schools don’t carve out a space in the schedule for children that want a midday snooze, so a good night’s sleep is a must. Nip bedtime drama in the bud and ease the transition to a nap-free school day with a sweet and silly book that will help your child put his nighttime fears to bed.

$11 at Amazon

Magination Press

30.

this Day In June By Gayle E. Pitman

Looking for an age-appropriate way to address questions on sexual orientation and gender identity? This inclusive book tells the tale of a fun pride celebration and also includes helpful information for parents plus a reading guide full of LGBTQ+ history and culture.

$9 at Amazon

Viking Books for Young Readers

31.

aberdeen By Stacey Previn

A series of unexpected events occur when a lovable mouse unwittingly embarks on an adventure and ends up charting new territory. But it’s Aberdeen’s efforts to find his way back home that imbue the story with a requisite degree of intrigue to keep restless kindergarteners glued to their seats.

$20 at Amazon

Dial Books

32.

my Friend Maggie By Hannah E. Harrison

Kids can be mean, which is why every kindergartener needs a primer from Paula, who has to learn some tough lessons about friendship and integrity before she figures out how to stand up to a bully in defense of her bestie Maggie. This heartwarming story is a must-read that teaches schoolyard newbies how to do the right thing as they form and navigate new relationships with peers.

$14 at Amazon

Dial Books

33.

bernice Gets Carried Away By Hannah E. Harrison

Lively animal portraits bring the characters to life in this book that helps kids comprehend the indispensable life skill of being able to recover from a bad mood. Bernice starts off with a me-first attitude that spoils her own fun at a friend’s birthday bash, so much so that she gets carried away. ..literally, by balloons. With a bit of effort, she finds her way back to the party at last—and becomes the life of it.

$17 at Amazon

Dial

34.

the Little Red Fish By Tae-eun Yoo

Take your child on a trip to the realm of magical realism with this Murakami-esque story of a boy who, after falling asleep in the library, sets out to explore the stacks in search of his lost little red fish. Whimsical and refreshing, this book will enthrall readers of all ages.

$9 at Amazon

Dial Books

35.

three Bears In A Boat By David Soman

Three bears break mama bear’s precious seashell keepsake and embark on an epic adventure to make things right by finding her a new special shell. The rough seas leave the siblings wondering if they can make it back home safely...and if they should have, perhaps, just come clean about the accident instead. The lesson in accountability is effective without being heavy-handed, and the ending is happy, of course.

$14 at Amazon

Roaring Brook Press

36.

after The Fall (how Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) By Dan Santat

Get back on the horse that bucked you—that’s the theme of this uplifting follow-up story that details the aftermath (and emotional fallout) of Humpty Dumpty’s famously tragic fall. Spoiler alert: Despite his morbid nursery rhyme fate, the once pitifully fragile character does indeed face his fear of heights and gets a taste of triumph in this kid-friendly page-turner.

$10 at Amazon

HarperCollins

37.

mae Among The Stars By Roda Ahmed

A tale about real-life astronaut Mae Jemison, this book shines a light on women in STEM and the moral of the story couldn’t be better: “If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.”

$12 at Amazon

Compendium Inc

38.

what Do You Do With An Idea? By Kobi Yamada

This book revolves around a seemingly simple question, explored with an extended metaphor that sparks creativity and big thinking in small people. The answer is not so straightforward, though, and the narrative skillfully covers all the obstacles children face when taking a chance (fear of the unknown, aversion to failure, and embarrassment, to name a few). The message is spot-on and the illustrations are stripped-down in the most striking way.

Buy It ($11)

Harper Collins

39.

dear Girl By Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Take a page out of this book and then read it to your daughter as a confidence-building reminder of her inherent worth. Every little girl should hear and relish this ode to the unbreachable beauty, strength and potential she has within—and this winner deserves its place on the bookshelves of boys, too, so they can grow up to be respectful men.

Buy It ($9)

Chronicle Books

40.

rude Cakes By Rowboat Watkins

Give your kid a leg up on classroom (and real world) etiquette with this playful story about a slice of cake that seemingly misplaced its manners. An amusing read that reminds children that no mistake is so grievous, it can’t be corrected with a little attitude adjustment.

Buy It ($11)

Houghton Mifflin

41.

stick And Stone By Beth Ferry

Anti-bullying themes are an understated but important component in this story of Stick and Stone and the the heroic choices they make to develop and maintain their friendship. A heartwarming message about loyalty and virtue—related with catchy, rhyming prose—this book is a major asset when it comes to encouraging the social-emotional learning that goes into any enduring childhood bond.

Buy It ($8)

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

42.

sulwe By Lupita Nyong’o

As soon as Sulwe realizes her skin is darker than that of her classmates, and even her own family, she struggles with self-acceptance...until she takes an eye-opening, magical journey into the midnight-black night sky. Her whimsical travels conclude with an invaluable realization: What made her feel uncomfortably different is, in fact, what makes her uniquely beautiful. The best antidote to racism comes from honest, early childhood education—consider this breathtaking book a starter course that every kindergartener needs.

$16 at Amazon

Boundless Movement LLC

43.

my Magical Choices By Becky Cummings

Emotional autonomy is the solution to nearly every bout of angst (at any age) as it delivers one from boredom, frustration and the general feeling of powerlessness that so often plagues childhood. Cummings gets to the heart of the matter in her engaging book, which reads like self-help for pint-sized people, replete with alluring illustrations and a positive message to kids: You can control your own happiness.

$14 at Amazon

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

44.

that Neighbor Kid By Daniel Miyares

Shy kiddos might be inclined to hide in their shells, especially in the context of a noisy classroom with more boisterous, extroverted peers—but with a little extra nudge during reading time, even a shrinking violet can find the courage to tap a classmate on the shoulder and strike up a friendship. That Neighbor Kid throws timidity out the window in favor of a brave desire to connect and build something new.

$12 at Amazon

Disney-Hyperion

45.

we Don’t Eat Our Classmates By Ryan T. Higgins

Antisocial tendencies are kind of the norm in a kindergarten classroom, which is why kids and parents alike will appreciate this cheeky story about a student struggling with competing desires. Should Penelope Rex eat or befriend her classmates? The answer is fairly obvious (and she gets there in the end) but young readers will delight in a moral conundrum that pokes fun at their own worst instincts as they learn the dos and don’ts of classroom conduct.

$11 at Amazon

Kokila

46.

hair Love By Matthew A. Cherry

This beautiful story explores a dynamic that you don’t often see in children’s books: a father in charge of his daughter’s care (which includes doing her hair). Read this celebration of fatherly love and natural hair with your kid first, then check out the Academy Award-winning short film here.

$10 at Amazon

Monsters In My Head LLC

47.

don’t Feed The Worrybug By Andi Green

The first day of big kid school is a big deal, so if your child is feeling nervous, help her find solace in a book. In this frank and relatable story, Wince’s “worry bug” starts off as a small thing that grows into a beast the more he frets. We’ve all been there, and it’s never too soon to give your child a head start on self-care with a story that places a premium on open communication about emotions.

$6 at Amazon

Philomel Books

48.

here We Are: Notes For Living On Planet Earth By Oliver Jeffers

A guide to help small people find their place in a larger-than-life world, Jeffers’ celebration of humanity is chock full of valuable lessons. The awe-inspiring backdrop against which the wisdom unfolds makes for a captivating read that is certain to inspire a sense of wonder in any child.

$12 at Amazon

Northsouth Books

49.

frida Kahlo And Her Animalitos By Monica Brown

The celebrated and supremely talented Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, is the subject of this cultural inquiry and she is examined through a decidedly kid-friendly lens, focusing on a love of living things. Pair this easy and engaging read with a trip to an art museum and your little one will feel the creative juices flowing.

Buy It ($14)

Nancy Paulsen Books

50.

the Day You Begin By Jacqueline Woodson

National Book Award winning author Jacqueline Woodson and Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López collaborated to craft this stunning children’s book that touches on the topics of inclusivity, self-esteem and the importance of human connection. Time to turn off the screens and engage in a conversation about what really matters—and as luck would have it, the script has already been beautifully written.

$11 at Amazon

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25 Best Kindergarten Books To Read: Complete List For Teachers

The best kindergarten books to read aloud and by oneself can range widely from fictional tales to books with interesting facts. While students may have preferences in terms of what genre they love, you can encourage them to expand their reading horizons by introducing them to a diverse range of books.

To start with, you can reference a reading framework to measure your student’s reading level, such as the Lexile score, and add books from those levels to your class library or reading list. Books that meet your students’ reading level can help foster a love for reading as they gain confidence in their reading ability. 

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite books that are perfect for kindergarten readers. You can open a chapter from any of these books and let your kindergarteners immerse themselves in these new worlds. While many of these have unique stories, they are all designed to teach students valuable lessons such as courage, determination, hard work, and leadership.

The 25 Best Kindergarten Books To Read

Reading can bring immense joy to young readers as they explore new worlds and discover new ways of thinking. You can introduce a wide range of books that can be relevant to their experiences and give them a sense of direction in their reading journeys. The books to read to kindergarten students are the ones that they can remember for years.

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1. Waiting Is Not Easy by Mo Willems

This storybook for kindergarten children revolves around the dynamics of Gerald and Piggie, and their approach to asking for things. While one is patient, the other is demanding, making their friendship unique and full of twists and turns.

Category – Humor, Fiction

Takeaways – The simplicity of waiting rather than throwing a tantrum

Special Note – You can role play as the characters and speak aloud sentences for maximum engagement.

2. If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Joffe Numeroff

This engaging tale of the mouse talks about what happens if you take a mouse to school. It teaches cause and effect while exploring everything that waits for the boy and the mouse at school. It is one of the best books to read in kindergarten to instill equal parts confidence and empathy.

Category – Fiction

Takeaways – Courage and kindness go a long way

Special Note – This book is perfect for kids that may feel anxious on their first day of school

3. Firebird by Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland, the distinguished ballet performer for the American Ballet Theater, takes young readers on a journey to reaching the stars. She describes a blueprint for young girls to strengthen their faith in themselves while becoming as fearless as the Firebird.

Category – Fiction

Takeaways – The rewards of hard work shine through

Special Note – The book can be used as a guide on achieving long-term goals for kids

Related Reading: Popular Nonfiction Books for Kids to Read & Cherish

4. I Am Enough by Grace Byers

It is a great book to read in kindergarten and practice reading aloud in class, as it empowers young women around the world to strengthen their self-esteem. “Like the trees, I’m here to grow. Like the mountains, here to stand”. 

Category – Fiction

Takeaways – Kindness and self-esteem will take you everywhere

Special Note – The book is excellent for young girls to explore their inner gifts

5. The Maggie B by Irene Haas

One of the best books for kindergarten readers, The Maggie B is a tale of a young girl who goes on a magical adventure. It focuses on the power of courage and adventure-seeking when you face the unknown.

Category – Classic

Takeaways – Leadership in times of adventure is essential.

Special Note – You can use the illustrations in the book as a guide to the text.

6. May I Bring a Friend? By Beatrice Schenk de Regniers

This classic kindergartener book revolves around a child who is invited by royalty to tea. It is a visual masterpiece in its design and has lessons that children can use for years. You can start by exploring the underlying themes within the book.

Category –  Classics

Takeaways – Humility, compassion, and kindness are traits all kids should imbibe

Special Note – You can sing aloud the rhyming sentences in the class

7. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Another classic tale for kindergarten children, the book focuses on how anger can impact our own sense of wellness and affects those around us. Max wears a wolf suit and causes chaos within his home and his surroundings, eventually going outwards to seek the wild.

Category – Picture book, Classics

Takeaways – The role of anger in the lives of young kids

Special Note – You can focus on teaching the importance of empathy and compassion 

8. Yo! Yes? by Chris Raschka

The book focuses on how easy it is to make friendships that can last a lifetime. Cultural differences can be overcome through friendship, showcasing the power of understanding, compassion, and kindness.

Category – Picture book

Takeaways – Similarities and differences between cultures are explored in a simple way

Special Note – You can role-play the characters in the book for maximum impact 

9. Cleversticks by Bernard Ashley

This book for kindergarten readers explores how each child can do something special in their field of interest and become better at it. It talks about how school can be a place of magical adventures, where each child can find something unique to focus on.

Category – Picture book

Takeaways – It focuses on how struggles can be overcome to achieve success

Special Note – Groups can be given different tasks to help them grow

10. David Goes to School by David Shannon

Young David causes havoc in this tale, disobeying instructions, being noisy, and writing on desks. David then realizes the importance of being a part of a community and starts to change his behavior to fit in with everyone else. 

Category – Fiction

Takeaways – David’s transformation can be an example for all kids

Special Note – You can introduce this book when kids are being unruly and rude in class

11. How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? by Jane Yolen

The storybook for kindergarten children describes the journeys of dinosaurs as they enter their first year of school. It reflects many of the emotions that kids feel when they start school and leaves children with a sense of courage, hope, and perseverance.

Category – Picture book

Takeaways – The book’s humorous takes on everyday school activities can help kids adjust to school

Special Note – You can read aloud certain sections with dinosaur sounds

12. Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry

Captain Swashby’s journey to opening up and being friends with his new neighbors is a relatable theme that all kids can enjoy reading. The role of friendship, family, and compassion are explored in this classic tale.

Category – Classic

Takeaways – By focusing on compassion, the tale connects generations with a common theme

Special Note – The book is great to explore phonics, sight words, etc.

13. Out the Door by Christy Hale

Out the Door focuses on a child’s journey from their home to school. It helps kids become more independent, courageous, and resilient as they traverse busy streets, crowded places, and confusing intersections.

Category – Classic, Picture book

Takeaways – The book’s empowerment theme resonates with young readers

Special Note – You can be descriptive about the visuals in the book when exploring themes  

14. T. Rexes Can’t Tie Their Shoes by Anna Lazowski

The book revolves around the challenges that different animals face when doing everyday things. It shows strength, perseverance, and grit when animals continue to try things that they are not good at. It’s a light and casual read that will have children hooked, and kindergarten books to read can be for fun and pastime, too. 

Category – Funny

Takeaways – Kids should always try their best and focus on improving their skills

Special Note – You can emphasize how different characters in the book refuse to give up

Related Reading: How Phonological Awareness Helps Kids Develop Early Reading & Writing Skills

15. Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

One of the best books for kindergarten students – Thank you Omu! focuses on how generosity is reciprocated multiple times. The gifts given by the lady were impactful to her community, leading the community to give her gifts in return.

Category – Picture book

Takeaways – The gift of giving is a key theme underlying the narrative

Special Note – You can talk about similar themes in kids’ everyday lives and how giving feels good

16. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

This New York Times bestseller talks about how everyone is welcome in school and how everyone can explore their interests equally. It goes into more detail on how large-scale communities are built through diverse ideas, cultures, and backgrounds.

Category – Fiction, Picture book

Takeaways – Diversity is a key theme in the book, which is a great lesson for kids

Special Note – You can give real-life examples of how diversity benefits different jobs, industries, countries, etc.

17. Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Wemberly is always worried about getting hurt, falling ill, and other hypothetical situations. You can unpack the demerits of constantly worrying and how the world can be a joyful place to meet new people and do new things.

Category – Fiction

Takeaways – The role of fear and courage are expressed in this book

Special Note – You can alleviate the fear of school by reading snippets from this book

18. Kindergarten Rocks! by Katie Davis

The book Kindergarten Rocks! is a timeless classic that covers ground on how kids may feel when starting kindergarten. The feelings of anxiousness, fear of the unknown, and social nervousness, are described through illustrations and rich narratives.

Category – Classic, Picture book

Takeaways – The book focuses on early anxiousness when starting kindergarten

Special Note – You can make your students feel at ease with this one

19. The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark by Ken Geist

This feel-good adventure of fish and sharks takes students through the deeply engaging journey of young adults and how they face multiple challenges as they grow older. The shark follows the little fish everywhere and eventually gives up, with the fish living happily ever after.

Category – Picture book

Takeaways – This book focuses on the value of trying to find a way

Special Note – Kids can learn about how helping each other out is important for all animals

20. What Does It Mean to be Kind? by Rana DiOrio

The book captures what it takes to be kind and how one can transform an entire community through kindness. The impact of kindness and how it can spread to other people is also a key theme explored in the book.

Category – Picture book

Takeaways – The value of kindness and how it can evolve thought is a critical theme

Special Note – You can leverage the book to introduce empathy as a concept in class

21. I Don’t Want to Be a Frog by Dev Petty

The immersive and illustrative book features a young frog who wants to change who he is because he doesn’t like himself any longer. The book focuses on the dynamics of nature, self-acceptance, and appreciation for differences in people.

Category – Picture book

Takeaways – A fun adventure narrative that empowers kids to be themselves

Special Note – You can use toys and props when reading along

22. What Color Is Night? by Grant Snider

If you’re looking for metaphor-rich and adventurous kindergarten books to read, this book takes readers on a journey into the night. The vivid descriptions of how the world changes at night captivate even the youngest readers, making this a must-read for students.

Category – Picture book

Takeaways – The night evolves into darkness, with a bright cloud always around the corner

Special Note – You can use this book as a reference guide to art class as well

23. Locomotive by Brian Floca

The book takes children on an adventure across the country, through the fascinating means of transportation at the time – trains! Many of the intricacies of locomotives are explored through a fictional tale that captures the attention immediately.

Category – Historical Fiction, Picture book

Takeaways – The advancement of technology and culture are a key area of exploration in the book.

Special Note – This is a great book for kindergarten students when introducing American history.

24. Bach to the Rescue by Tom Angleberger

An interesting tale of how Bach could have invented some of the most brilliant pieces of music, the book extracts from the composer’s journey and simplifies it for younger audiences. You can read this book aloud and introduce concepts such as confidence, perseverance, hard work, etc.

Category – Historical Fiction, Picture book

Takeaways – The challenges that a young Bach faced can be inspirational for younger generations.

Special Note – You can introduce this book as a precursor to the evolution of music worldwide.

25. A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman by David A. Adler

Harriet Tubman’s inspiring journey is captured visually through the book, sharing accounts of her heroic deeds in a manner that is readable by younger children. Her courage, determination, and grit are expressed throughout the passages, serving as a great example for kids. 

Category – History

Takeaways – The book focuses on her journey and highlights her courage when facing challenges.

Special Note – The book can serve as a guide on building inner strength among younger children.

Related Reading: How to Teach Reading to Kids: Best Strategies for Parents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if a book is right for my kindergarten students?

A key factor in knowing if a book is suitable for your students, apart from reading levels, is to gauge engagement. If your class is drifting away or showing a lack of concentration, it is ideal to try another book.

What is the reading level of a 5-year-old kindergartner?

Level-A reading and basic Lexile-Band reading are generally regarded as the appropriate categories of leveled reading books for kindergarten students. At this level, illustrations are present at regular intervals to help the reader figure out where the story is heading. Sentences in leveld books are usually repetitive. using only one or two syllable words, making them the best books to read for kindergarten.

What genre of books is ideal for kindergarten kids?

There is no single genre that is right for kids. However, it is essential to diversify when it comes to reading. Historical novels, comedic books, classic tales, and picture books should be used throughout the year. You can also get them kindergarten books to read online so they can access multiple genres.

9 books that will teach you to read

Early learning to read, as well as the desire to engage in early development with a child, is a trend of recent years. The Clever publishing house recommends which books should be used for activities with the baby, in order not only to teach him to recognize letters and put words out of them, but also to instill a true love of reading.

Primer. Learning to read from 2-3 years old

At what age is it time to learn letters with a baby? Our authors, teachers with experience, Olga Uzorova and Elena Nefedova, believe that you can start from the age of two! Early? Boring? In no case! Kids love letters and games with them. Here, for example, is the letter "Z", which buzzes like a fly, and here is the letter "R", it roars like a lion. And kids are also delighted that syllables and words can be added from letters.

The tasks in the book are selected so that children of 2-3 years old do not get bored with its pages, but get acquainted with new things with interest, playing and joking. This will be very useful for them in the future: knowing all the letters, it is much easier to study with "adult" primers.


Notebook-Primer. Learning to read and write from 2-3 years old

This notebook is the perfect match for the Primer. There are no difficult lessons and boring activities in it.

The new edition is based on the effective method of teaching reading and writing by Olga Uzorova and Elena Nefedova. The main idea of ​​the technique is to captivate and interest the child, which means that you will not be bored. To help parents as much as possible, we put detailed instructions at the beginning of the notebook on how to properly practice it with the baby.

Information is presented in a playful way, with vivid example pictures. Now every new lesson is a game, not just learning to read. Study from a notebook and consolidate your knowledge with a split cash register of letters. With it, you can learn not only to read, but also to write small words and even mini-sentences!


Tosya-Bosya plays with letters

Tosya-Bosya does not sit still, she is always drawn to something new and interesting. In the new book, the cheerful fidget will not only play and be naughty, she will learn letters. And your child will get acquainted with the alphabet with her in a simple and exciting way.

Toshi-Boshi has prepared a lot of tasks for you: learn the word and add the first letters of the names of objects, complete the letters in one of the halves, color the pictures, cross out the extra letters in the words and collect the correct words from the jumbled letters.

We have also prepared many interesting facts. From the book, together with Tosei-Bosei, you can learn about ancient types of writing, about complex symbols and hieroglyphs that were used to replace long words. And if you still can’t write ordinary letters, you can try to come up with your own hieroglyphs with your child.


Vinnie and his friends. Learning the alphabet

Notebook-notebook with a game alphabet for children from 3 to 6 years old with a favorite friend of many children - Winnie the bear and his company.

All the letters of the alphabet are gathered on its pages. Each letter is accompanied by a small rhyme in which it is played out, and an interesting task associated with the rhyme. Draw portraits of Winnie's friends, get out of labyrinths, water vegetables and collect honey while memorizing the letters of the alphabet. An excellent choice for those mothers who seek to distract the child from the TV screen or want to keep the child on the road with maximum benefit.


Animal alphabet. Notebook with games and tasks

Velcro notepad is a win-win move to draw the attention of the little fidget to learning the letters of the native alphabet. Children love Velcro, especially if there is something interesting behind them!

In this notebook, we have collected 150 creative tasks, by completing which the child will develop fine motor skills, memory, attention, coordination, and also learn how to hold a pencil in his hand correctly. After all, without help, the spider will not get into the forest, the fish will be left without shadows, and the elk will wander around the maze! How can you not help here? And the animals, in gratitude for this, will show the fidget all the letters, teach them how to write them and even solve puzzles.


In the country of letters. 200 game tasks

Psychologists and teachers say that children learn best in the game. And it is much more pleasant for parents to play with children than to arrange boring reading and writing classes.

Go to the land of letters with the book by Svetlana Voskresenskaya. Under the cover you will find 200 different tasks for the initial learning to read and write. Learn new letters, look for them in words, make up funny stories from pictures, write and draw hooks and squiggles!

Each spread of the book consists of several tasks for a certain letter. Moving from simple to complex, your child will learn to read first, and then to write in block letters and even syllables. And those parents who like to carefully study various methods will find detailed instructions for classes at the beginning of the book.


I am learning letters. Alphabet-recognition

Alphabet-recognition is a handy box with 32 magic cards and detailed instructions for parents. To start a fun game, you just need to get them all and select the one you need.

Each card will introduce the kid to one of the letters of the Russian alphabet, tell you what words this letter can be found in and teach you how to write it correctly. By the way, you can write directly on the cards: they are reusable, you only need an erasable felt-tip pen.


I am learning to read. Learn the word!

Another beautiful box on a string, in which 32 task cards were hidden. They will introduce the kid to the letters and help him learn to read.

To memorize each letter well, you must first learn how to find it. Found? Now you can read short words. And two-syllable words. And then out of three! That's how we learned to read. And besides the correct words, the cards hide "incorrect" ones, which must be found and underlined. You can underline and draw directly on the cards: they are reusable, as in the ABC-Knowing, and very convenient.


I am learning to write. Logical recipes

And again the box, but this time more complex. It is perfect for those mothers and children who have already got acquainted with the letters and want to learn how to write them. On 32 cards, the kid will have to draw lines, squiggles and various elements of letters, and then the letters themselves. Sometimes you have to count for this, for example, to draw as many large letters F as there are scarves in the picture, and as many small letters F as there are shoes in the picture.

You can write, draw and hatch in "Logical Recipes" on the cards themselves, because they are reusable.


Teaching reading 📚 - top of the best literature on the topic

Teaching reading 📚 - top of the best literature on the topic | Read and listen online on MyBook

What to choose

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🎧Audioknigi

👌 Business books

🔥 Nonins

❤ Audio -Audio -Audio Audio -Audio

🎙 Top

Warm bread

Konstantin Paustovsky

Standard

The book includes two fairy tales of the famous writer K. Paustovsky "Warm bread" and "Dense Bear". Stories about how nature and animals help the kind and sympathetic and punish the evil and angry will certainly appeal to the young reader. The book uses illustrations by the great classic artist A...

Speed ​​Reading

Gennady Bystrov

Premium

Every day each of us is faced with a huge amount of different information. How to have time to read everything that is interesting, and at the same time not to miss a drop of the meaning of what you read? A new audiobook from ABPulishing will tell about this. Students will learn how to increase their reading speed, significantly improve...

Good fairy tales by S. Kozlov, V. Oseeva, M. Lipskerov, S. Prokofieva, V. Bianki. Effective Speed ​​Reading Trainer

Sergey Kozlov

Standard

Speed ​​reading is one of the most important skills that affect school performance. With a slow reading speed, the child is forced to reread the text several times in order to better understand it. This speed reading simulator is designed specifically for children. Instructive tales about kindness and friendship by S. Kozlov, V. Osee...

Functional reading. Theory and practice

Elena Romanicheva

Premium

The manual offers various strategies for text activity (reading and writing), which are designed to promote the development of functional reading skills and functional literacy. The book develops the ideas of forming a qualified reader, embedded in the manual "Modern Reading Strategies:...

Learning to read quickly

I. Golovleva

Premium

Knowledge of the world around us, intellectual and spiritual development of the individual is impossible without reading. This book contains a holistic methodology for teaching speed reading, provided with both training and illustrative material. Not only will you be able to learn how to read quickly, but you will also greatly develop ...

The Golden Key or the Adventures of Pinocchio

Alexei Tolstoy

Premium

"The Adventures of Pinocchio" is one of our children's favorite books. The story of a wooden man, naughty and mischievous, but kind, sincere and ingenuous. Having gone through a string of misadventures and trials, Pinocchio learns to distinguish good from evil, gaining intelligence, becoming stronger...

Checking the technique and speed of reading. Grades 1-4

Olga Larionova

Standard

We bring to your attention a collection of texts for monitoring and evaluating the reading technique of younger students. It contains texts of various levels of complexity that can be used as a teaching aid for work in the classroom and as a book to read after school hours. For the convenience of counting, read ...

Stories for children by V. Oseeva, E. Permyak, L. Panteleeva. Effective Speed ​​Reading Trainer

Leonid Panteleev

Premium

Speed ​​reading is one of the most important skills that affect school performance. With a slow reading speed, the child is forced to reread the text several times in order to better understand it.


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