Learn to read books for kindergarten

Books for grade K kindergarten children aged 5-6

Books for grade K -this list of recommended reading books for kindergartners has been compiled by teachers and school librarians for elementary school children aged 5-6. There is a range of inspirational and engaging books for emerging and more confident readers, including picture books, nursery rhymes, books to share, and books suitable for first independent reading. There are also books to promote discussion, thought, imagination, writing ideas, and provide an impetus for creative art. This list of kindergarten reading recommendations includes titles by Janet Squires, Matt de la Peña, Emily Tetri, Akiko Miyakoshi, and Mary Ann Hoberman.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

Penelope is really looking forward to starting school and meeting her new classmates. That is, she’s really looking forward to eating them because she’s a T-Rex dinosaur. Soon, however, the tables are turned in this compelling and fun book for children aged 3-5.

School story

Leave Me Alone! by Vera Brosgol

A multi-award-winning picture book that will both amuse and entrance. All Granny wants to do is to be allowed to finish knitting sweaters for her large family – but she keeps being interrupted. To find peace, she leaves home. Her travels take her as far as the moon – meeting goats, bears and aliens along the way. Will she ever finish her knitting?

Classic

Hey, Water! by Antoinette Portis

A delightful non-fiction resource book for the classroom or at home. Learn all about water in its many forms, discover all the words used to describe water features, and link them to the illustrations. The simple text explains the entire water cycle and demonstrates why water is so important to us all.

Narrative non fiction

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

A clever moral tale about a young frog who finds it difficult to see the good in how things are and instead yearns to be something else. His father, however, is adept at grounding him in reality. A great book for parents to read with their children, or for teachers to read and discuss with a class.

Animal story

The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

A charming story – based on an Aesop fable – about friendship and loyalty in which a mouse who rescues a trapped lion after the lion decides not to eat him. Stunning artwork helps to convey the scale and magnificence of the lion and its Serengeti surroundings.

Fable

Ten on a Twig by Lo Cole

A wonderful counting story – full of repetition – that is ideal for less confident readers to share with adults and read aloud. The inventive and vibrant artwork could provide a great starting point for bulletin boards and classroom displays.

Picture book

Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang

Jim’s friends have lots of helpful suggestions to try and make him feel happier. But the more they try to help, the grumpier Jim becomes until he has a meltdown. With sparkling and funny artwork throughout, this is a useful story to help younger children discuss empathy. Norman the gorilla is fabulous.

Picture book

I Am Enough by Grace Byers

An award-winning and beautifully illustrated book that teaches children to think positively, believe in themselves, and embrace diversity in the world. A great book to spark questions and conversations.

Diverse

What Color Is Night? by Grant Snider

An imaginative picture book with dream-like nightscapes to capture the imagination of Kindergarten readers. A beautiful book for reading at bedtime.

Bedtime story

Locomotive by Brian Floca

An evocative and thrilling picture book full of onomatopoeic words to thrust the reader into the sights, sound, and atmosphere of railroads and locomotives. A fantastic book for children who are interested in machines.

STEM | Picture book

Shh! We Have a Plan by Chris Haughton

A funny story that helps kindergarten-aged children to understand that it’s not always the loudest person that has the best ideas. When a gang of four friends tries to catch a bird, they fail spectacularly, until they listen to the quiet observant member of the group.

Humor

The Gingerbread Cowboy by Janet Squires

The traditional Gingerbread Man fairy tale is morphed into a Wild West setting with cacti, cattle, and coyotes. Yeehaw! A wonderful, fun, and immersive rhyming story that uses clever repetition and catchy language.

Modern fairy tale

The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds

Jerome doesn’t collect trading cards, coins or stamps – instead he collects words. Short words, long words, complicated words, and unusual words make up his collection – as well as words that can change and words that persuade. A highly original picture book that is perfect for developing a child’s imagination and interest in language.

Picture book

One Tiny Turtle by Nicola Davies

A charming and poetic picture book story following the life of one loggerhead turtle as she completes a migration of thousands of miles over three decades. Enlightening, uplifting, and beautifully illustrated, this story is ideal to read and share with younger children.

Animal story

The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat

An enchanting story that follows an imaginary friend that sets out on a long journey to try and find a child to adopt him. Inventive and original, this is a great picture book to help spark creative writing and narrative storytelling ideas.

Picture book

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

When CJ and his grandma travel to and from church every Sunday, he sees places that are very different from where he lives. An atmospheric picture book story that introduces kindergarten children to a diverse range of neighborhoods, people, and backgrounds – sensitively and thoughtfully.

Classic

Pink Is for Boys by Robb Pearlman

A stereotype-busting story that shows children that they can be whatever they want to be – whether it is playing baseball, trying on different colored clothes, or liking unicorns. A good book to provoke discussion and help children develop a sense of empathy and acceptance.

Diverse

Tiger vs. Nightmare by Emily Tetri

Tiger has a monster that lives under the bed. But this is no ordinary monster – each night it scares aways any nightmares so Tiger can get some sleep. But one day there’s a nightmare too big to scare away. Will Tiger and Monster be able to summon enough courage to overcome the nightmare? An ultimately uplifting and inspiring bedtime story.

Bedtime story

The Way Home in the Night by Akiko Miyakoshi

An atmospheric picture book that’s full of awe and wonder. A young bunny wonders what goes on in the world of night and embarks on an imaginative journey. A great book to spark story ideas in kindergarten classes.

Animal story

The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman

When a busy mother has seven children who each want something different to eat all sorts of chaos ensues in funny rhyming verse. A great story to sensitively suggest to children that fussy eating has downsides.

Classic

Ish by Peter H. Reynolds

Ramon loves to draw, but when one insensitive comment by his older brother threatens to destroy his confidence, his sister Marisol opens his eyes to see problems and obstacles in a new light. An inspirational book, and one that is ideal to read to reluctant and unsure children.

Family

Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann

As the zookeeper says goodnight to each animal at bedtime, someone or something very furry and very naughty is following him, with a set of keys. A riotously funny bedtime story with lots of clever visual cues and wordplay repetition.

Classic

Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker

In this colorful picture book for emerging readers, each car on the train is boarded by a different animal, and each animal fills the car with more and more unlikely and amusing luggage and cargo. A great story to encourage children in grade K to read independently.

Rhyming

Goodnight Already! by Jory John

When all exhausted Bear wants to do is go to sleep after a long day, his over-enthusiastic neighbor, Duck won’t stop trying to talk to him. A very funny picture book that helps teach children to respect boundaries and be careful not to annoy others.

Bedtime story

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

A visually engaging story that teaches young readers to overcome fears and realize goals. When Jabari thinks he’s ready to jump off the diving board, suddenly doubts begin to form. Fortunately, his father is on hand to inspire courage.

Diverse

Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell

When a girl walking home from school and a lost wolf cub get caught in a white-out, they both help each other to find the way back home. The lyrical storytelling and atmospheric artwork will inspire children to imagine the situation for themselves.

Animal story

Over the Hills and Far Away: A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes by Elizabeth Hammill

A wonderful collection of beautifully illustrated traditional nursery rhymes, collected from a diverse range of cultures around the world. A great classroom resource for kindergarten.

Nursery rhymes

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath by Julia Finley Mosca

An award-winning and inspirational story, telling the life of Dr. Patricia Bath who achieved her life’s dreams despite her difficult start in life. Fighting injustices, her determination, and courage shine through in this illustrated biography written in rhyme.

Biography

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick

When WW1 vet Harry Colebourn helps rescue a young bear, he decides to name her after his hometown – Winnipeg. The story follows Winnie’s amazing journey around the world to London Zoo which later inspired the famous book Winnie-the-Pooh. An enthralling read.

Narrative non fiction

If you would like to order all or most of the books in this kindergarten reading list; or if you want to order classroom sets or multiple copies of books; or if you are ordering from outside the US, have a look at our ‘bulk orders’ page which makes this process easy.

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15 Must Have Kindergarten Books for Ages 3 to 6 Years Old

These early reader kindergarten books will help your child learn to read in no time! This list of classic reading books is the perfect place to start reading with your preschool and kindergarten age child!

Whether your child is just starting to learn their letter sounds, or has already started sounding out simple words, these kindergarten books are a great resource for any parent looking to help their child learn to read well!

One of the best ways to help your child learn to read and learn to LOVE reading, is to read TO them! You can also let them read the “simple” words in a larger book to help them get comfortable reading.

As a pre-school and kindergarten teacher, I have taught many children to learn to read and I know it can seem nerve-wracking! But with a few quality resources you really can teach your child to read!

While I’m including a few early readers, most of these books are for you to read to your child. Again, pick a few words and let them read that word (or words) EVERY time it appears!

For example, the words AND and THE make really good words for them to look for and read each time. Or, if a book has a set of words that repeat frequently throughout the book, let them read those instead.

This method of letting the child look at the words while you’re reading (use your finger to mark where you are so they really can follow along) is a great way to let them naturally learn sight words and phonics rules at the same time.

Classic Books for Kids

These books are classic books that will not only help your child learn to love reading, but that spawn fun activities, deep questions, and life lessons along the way!

Each one of these books for early readers has more information if you click on the title or the cover. You can find matching activities, questions to ask your child as you read, even free printables! Be sure to dive deeper into each of these classic books!

Little Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood is a cautionary tale that all children should hear. With many lessons to learn, it’s a very important book! But it can also be a super fun book to read and pretend play with too!

>> Learn more about Little Red Riding Hood, and get a free wolf mask printable!

Corduroy

Corduroy is a simple tale of hope and friendship that will tug on the heartstrings of all who read it! Try these Corduroy book lesson plans- two activities- simple sets of questions for reflection on themes and to check understanding.

>> More on learning with Corduroy!

Blueberries for Sal

Blueberries for Sal is everything a good piece of children’s literature should be: beautiful words and illustrations, a hint of silly, and lovely to read over and over again! Plus, it’s another great story to act out!

>> Learn more about Blueberries for Sal, and get a free bear mask printable!

If you Give a Pig a Pancake

A modern classic, to be sure, these If you Give a Pig a Pancake activities bring the beloved children’s story to life! Rich in sensory experiences as well as fine and gross motor skills, these fun activities will bring a smile to everyone’s face!

>> Get the If you Give a Pig a Pancake activity details now!

Make Way for Ducklings

Make Way for Ducklings is one of those classic, simple children’s stories that everyone wants to enjoy again and again. Written and illustrated by the same author as Blueberries for Sal, the story is similarly sweet and the illustrations are equally beautiful.

>> Get the Make Way for Ducklings unit study information!

Early Reader Books

In this section, you will find books that children can start learning to read on their own! With many small words and a general focus on rhyming words, these books are a wonderful way to get kids excited about reading!

While they might not be “classic” books in the same way that Little Red Riding Hood is a classic, they are still well loved tales that have been used in classrooms for many years!

Fox on a Box

Created in consultation with a language expert, this book is part of an engaging phonics-based series, especially written to help your child learn to read. Not only is the story great fun, it also takes into account recent research on the most effective ways of teaching reading. Fold out pages add to the enjoyment.

>> Get Fox on A Box now!

Fancy Nancy: JoJo and the Twins

Many young children are familiar with Fancy Nancy, and this My First I Can Read book is a great introduction to self-reading with characters they already know. This book is crafted for beginning readers using basic language, word repetition, sight words, and charming illustrations.

>> Get Fancy Nancy: JoJo and the Twins now!

Biscuit Plays Ball

Biscuit is considered “everyone’s favorite little yellow puppy” and he’s been delighting readers for decades! Perfect for any small child, the Biscuit books are sweet and simple with timeless artwork that is very reminiscent of the 1940’s early readers!

>> Get Biscuit Play Ball now!

Little Critter Book Pack

With over 60 years of fun-filled adventures, Little Critter really IS a classic! My husband grew up on these books and our son has loved them since he was just over a year old!

Instead of recommending a single book, I would recommend getting this entire set of 5 Little Critter books to enjoy with your child!

>> Get the 5 book Little Critter set now!

Need Help Getting Started with Phonics?

Sometimes a little “formal fun” is what a child needs to help them solidify the phonics concepts.

If you need a fast win, these instant download printables are perfect for helping your child over the reading hurdles they are facing!

Get the reading bundle now!

PIN THIS FOR LATER

More Learning Ideas

A selection of books for educators - Just Learn

As a gift for the day of the educator, which is celebrated on September 27, a selection of books on the development of preschoolers, the specifics of their learning and pedagogical methods for working with young children, from the publishing house "Educational Projects" .

Kindergarten. Debut in Russia . A book about who, how and on what basis Russian preschool education was created.

A book about the history of preschool education and about the first kindergartens in Russia in the 19th century.

Paper version of the book
Electronic version of the book

Full title of the book: “Kindergarten. Debut in Russia. The book is about who, how and on what basis Russian preschool education was created. From the works of the founders of the Russian kindergarten and the impressions of contemporaries about the affairs of Yegor Gugel, Vladimir Odoevsky, Sophia Lugebil.

The first kindergarten in Russia was opened by Mrs. Sophia Lugebil almost 150 years ago, in 1863, in St. Petersburg, at the corner of Bolshoy Prospekt and 9th line of Vasilyevsky Island.
But thirty years earlier, in a small house in Gatchina Park, at the own expense of two young teachers for ten boys from four to six years old, a small school was opened - a school is not a school - it seems to be a school by name, however, intended not for teaching, but for giving " the right direction in the development of children's abilities.
Between these two events lay an almost unknown era of amazing searches, experiments and efforts, when the foundations of Russian preschool pedagogy were laid. The cheerful wisdom of its founders allows us to see in their experiences and insights not only the origins, but also the horizons of an ideal kindergarten.
Compiled by: Rusakov A.S.

Bukatov V.M.
Handbook for educators with business explanations, unexpected hints and true stories on social and playful ways of conducting classes in senior and preparatory groups of kindergarten.

A book about socio-playing techniques and approaches that combine the achievements of theatrical and folk pedagogy.

Paper version of the book

Practice-oriented monograph by V.M. Bukatova is devoted to the key tasks of preschool education. It reveals the diverse ways of pedagogical searches for harmonious and individual for each educator combinations of traditional and innovative approaches to work.
This book will help get rid of dry patterns and make the mutual joy of communication between adults and children permanent and familiar.
To revitalize classes in kindergartens, educators are offered socio-game approaches that combine the achievements of theatrical and folk pedagogy.
The book pays special attention to the topic of how each educator can find a common language with children.

Krylova N.M.
How to grow an architect of your own life, or Designing, building and directing play for preschoolers.

The book of the creator of the pedagogical system "Kindergarten - House of Joy", about the development by the child of "construction" activities and the laws of architecture from year to year, establishing cooperation between children and other aspects of the life of a preschool group.

Paper version of the book
Electronic version of the book

This book reveals the possibilities of designing and building play in the life of preschoolers - both in kindergarten and at home. The book shows the logic of the child's practical mastering of "construction" activities and the laws of architecture from year to year. The book makes a clear connection between children's construction and many aspects of a child's life. Against the background of the chosen topic, the book tells about ways to establish cooperation between children, and about fostering a caring attitude towards others, and about the children's passion for the mysteries of nature, amazing cultural phenomena, and the patterns of interaction between people in society.
In addition to practical advice on activities with children, the book contains many tips for adults related to the art of communication and cooperation with preschoolers.
The author of the book is the creator of the original pedagogical system "Kindergarten - House of Joy", where the traditional values of preschool education for our country are combined with innovative approaches to the organization of pedagogical work.

Ivanova O.L., Vasilyeva I.I.

How to understand a child's drawing … which is not art, but the study of oneself and the world.

A book about the age characteristics of children's creativity with examples of activities that involve different levels of independence of the child.

Paper version of the book
Electronic version of the book

The first part of the book is devoted to a discussion of the stages through which the creativity of children naturally passes in the first five or six years of their life; and the second part - options for classes and methodological recommendations, divided into several groups depending on the degree of the author's independence of the child.
The authors of the book offer exercises for classes that allow kids to find a special solution in each case and create a unique one! and expressive image. The book shows adults how to evaluate the effectiveness of the creative efforts of preschool children not from the point of view of "correct drawing" - but from the point of view of the development of children's individuality, the ability to creatively transform the world.

Poddyakov N. N.

Mental development and self-development of a preschool child. near and far horizons.

A book by an academician of the Russian Academy of Education about experimental and play activities, "exploratory" behavior, "clear" and "obscure" knowledge, "near" and "far" horizons of child development.

Paper version of the book
Electronic version of the book

The book in a popular science form represents an integral system of modern scientific ideas about preschool childhood, formed on the basis of domestic psychological research over the past fifty years. The author of the book, N.N. Poddyakov - Academician of the Russian Academy of Education, an outstanding Russian psychologist of preschool childhood, director of the Research Institute of Preschool Education of the Academy of Pedagogical Education of the USSR (1980-1992). The combination of fundamentality, thorough scientific validity of the author's theses and the unexpectedness, paradoxical nature of many conclusions makes this book interesting not only for preschool teachers and psychologists, but also for everyone who needs to understand the key patterns in human education. N.N. Poddyakov covers the issues of experimental and play activities of the child in a fundamentally new way, reveals the mechanisms of the preschooler's exploratory behavior, explores the relationship between "clear" and "obscure" knowledge, "near" and "far" horizons of child development.
3rd revised edition.

10 interesting books for young children and preschoolers: from fairy tales to instructive stories

Preschoolers can only be envied. They have an endless supply of great children's books, no summer recommended reading lists, and parents and grandparents ready to read aloud. We have selected books for you that will appeal not only to children, but also to adults - because they will read them together.

1. Marfa from Sosnovka, Nina Pavlova

Martha the Pig comes out of any situation with a high snout. Charismatic, goal-oriented and very enterprising. Flight to the moon? Own icebreaker? Easily! And in general, the whole order in Sosnovka rests solely on this mischievous, eccentric, infinitely kind and risky pig.

Funny and instructive stories, in the epigraph to which it says that there is a little bit of Martha in every reader.

2. "The Secret of Chocolate Bunnies", Valentina Degteva

Every child at least once in his life dreamed of growing up quickly to become an adult and that his parents and grandparents would understand him. But Timofey Kornev faced the opposite problem: his relatives suddenly became his peers! And how to return everything to its place in the remaining half an hour before the New Year, and even in the company of a good-for-nothing Santa Claus, is completely incomprehensible.

A funny and instructive story about how important it is to correctly formulate your desires, and about how to deal with the requirements and expectations of parents.

3. "Let's go catch the monster!", Asya Ploshkina

If the children, Lelya and Petrik, decide to put things in order in Mirror Bay, which was covered in fog by some sea monster, then they will certainly cope. Even if they are expected to meet with vampires, trolls, mermaids and huge mountain snails, and the caves under the Giant Mountain are still fraught with a lot of secrets and obstacles insurmountable for adults.

4. How the Cricket Got Well by Toon Tellegen

A cozy and slow-paced story that helps children better deal with their emotions. In this philosophical tale, Toon Tellegen tells children in simple language about the "gloomy feeling" that has settled in the cricket's head - depression.

And what if you don't even want to celebrate your own birthday? All the forest dwellers rush to help, each with their own history and character.

Of course, the "gloomy feeling" will go away, and the children, turning over the last page of the book, will remain with the confidence that any troubles can be overcome with the support of loved ones.

5. "Library", Sarah Stewart

A funny story in verse for one tooth for those who love to read, but are embarrassed to admit it. No wonder - after all, everyone around is dancing, walking and doing who knows what! But Elizabeth Brown prefers to read and spend all her money not on shoes, but on books. True, soon there will be no room at all in the house, and then ... What will happen next, you will find out when you finish reading the book to the end.

6. Captain Nemo, Winnie Ang, Charlotte Severins

Jakob doesn't like solving examples, but loves the sea and drawing fish. He dreams of building a submarine and conquering the depths of the sea. Parents will definitely remember the story of Captain Nemo, and this colorful book motivates children not to give up and go towards their dream, even if everyone around is against it.

7. Petrushka the Lion by Michael Bond

Paddington Bear definitely has a competitor! Leo Petrushka and his friend the dog Dill live in the Garden of Herbs and Spices, and their life is wonderful, because you never know what will happen to you the next moment. And what happens to them is an egg mess, and an exhibition of sketches, more like the fact that a trash can exploded near a Bay leaf, and also an inventive and automotive mood and ... you can’t remember everything.

Funny and funny stories with a game of words and meanings in the best traditions of classical English literature. Children will receive lessons for all occasions, and parents will enjoy a great sense of humor. And, by the way, they will replenish their piggy bank of ideas for games with preschoolers.

8. "Skunk and Badger" by Amy Timberlake

Can a Badger the Stoneman (almost like a round dance, only about stones) and a Skunk with a chicken whistle in a suitcase get along under the same roof of a red brick house? A children's book filled with a lot of meanings for adults. Children will find in it tips on how to make friends and how to communicate, how to build personal boundaries and how to learn to be truly kind and responsive. And adults will enjoy the Easter eggs left for them about traveling salesmen and "hospitality".

9. “Bee music” and “Everything in the forest sings”, Vasily Sukhomlinsky

For most people, Vasily Sukhomlinsky is an innovative teacher, the creator of the pedagogical system. And meanwhile, he was also a children's writer! And he wrote more than 1200 fairy tales and short stories.

The collections published in Rosmen on exclusive rights include Sukhomlinsky's most famous short stories about nature, children and animals. The texts easily and clearly tell children about important human values, show the difference between good and bad deeds and their consequences.

10. "Kindergarten, eighth group", Victoria Lederman

Light and funny poems for children who know what it's like to lie quietly under the covers at a quiet hour, when you want to indulge, and another children's song is spinning in your head, memorized in the morning at a music lesson. And on the locker, instead of your favorite superheroes, there is a boring carrot. The collection contains a whole year of life in kindergarten from autumn to summer.