Classic Picture Books
Reading to children is a great way to bond with them. It’s also a wonderful way to help them develop key skills that will serve them well throughout their lives, such as cognitive development, language acquisition, empathy, and critical thinking. As a kindergarten teacher, it’s important to introduce your students to a variety of books, including classic picture books that have been beloved by generations of readers.
In this article, we’ve put together a list of classic picture books that we believe are essential for any kindergarten classroom. These books are all widely recognized for their exceptional storytelling, gorgeous illustrations, and timeless themes that are sure to captivate young readers.
Here’s our list of classic picture books:
1. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are is a true classic. This book tells the story of a young boy named Max who travels to a far-off land where he becomes king of a group of fierce beasts known as “Wild Things.” The book’s whimsical illustrations and imaginative storyline have captured the hearts of readers young and old since its publication in 1963.
The book’s themes of love, imagination, and adventure make it a perfect choice for kindergarten students. They will love to join Max on his journey and let their imaginations run wild with the colorful characters that he meets along the way.
Reading this book can help students develop their vocabulary skills and their ability to understand and interpret stories. They will also learn about empathy and emotional intelligence as they identify with Max’s feelings of loneliness and his desire for adventure and connection.
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, written and illustrated by Eric Carle, is another classic picture book that has captured the hearts of readers for decades. This book tells the story of a little caterpillar who eats his way through a variety of foods before turning into a beautiful butterfly.
The book’s colorful illustrations and simple, repetitive text make it a perfect choice for kindergarten students who are just starting to read on their own. They will love to follow along with the caterpillar’s journey, counting the foods that he eats and learning about different types of fruits and vegetables.
Reading this book can help students develop their language skills, as they learn new vocabulary words and practice counting and sequencing. It can also teach students about the life cycle of a butterfly and the importance of healthy eating.
3. Corduroy by Don Freeman
Corduroy is a heart-warming story about a teddy bear named Corduroy who lives in a department store and longs for a home of his own. When a little girl named Lisa takes him home, Corduroy is thrilled to finally have a family to call his own.
The book’s charming illustrations and relatable storyline make it a favorite among kindergarten students. They will love to follow Corduroy on his journey and learn about the importance of perseverance, friendship, and love.
Reading this book can help students develop their reading skills, as they practice decoding new words and following along with the story. It can also teach them about the importance of empathy and kindness as they identify with Corduroy’s desire for a home and family.
4. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
Green Eggs and Ham is a classic Dr. Seuss book that tells the story of Sam-I-Am and his persistent efforts to convince the narrator to try green eggs and ham. This book is known for its catchy rhymes and humorous illustrations.
Kindergarten students will love to join in with the rhyming words and silly characters as they follow along with the story. Reading this book can help them develop their language skills, as they practice decoding new words and identifying rhyming patterns.
It can also teach them about the importance of trying new things and being open to new experiences, as they identify with the narrator’s reluctance to try something new.
5. Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
Are You My Mother? is a heartwarming story about a baby bird who hatches from his egg while his mother is away. The baby bird sets out to find his mother but ends up asking a series of animals and objects if they are his mother.
The book’s simple, repetitive text and charming illustrations make it a favorite among kindergarten students. They will love to follow the baby bird on his journey and learn about the importance of family and love.
Reading this book can help students develop their reading skills, as they practice decoding new words and following along with the story. It can also teach them about the importance of empathy and compassion as they identify with the baby bird’s longing for his mother.
These are just a few examples of the classic picture books that are essential for any kindergarten classroom. Each of these books offers a unique set of lessons and themes that are sure to capture the hearts and minds of young readers. By incorporating these books into your classroom, you can help your students develop important skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Books about Colors and Shapes
Learning about colors and shapes is an important part of childhood development. These books can help introduce your kindergarten student to the world of colors and shapes.
1. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
The Day the Crayons Quit is a playful and humorous story about a group of crayons that decide they’ve had enough. Each crayon writes a letter to their owner, Duncan, outlining their grievances. This book is a fun way to teach children about colors and provides a unique opportunity for creative discussions about crayon personalities.
2. Press Here by Herve Tullet
Press Here is an interactive book that encourages children to take part in the story. The book starts with a single yellow dot and asks the reader to tap, rub, and shake the page to see what happens next. The simple shapes and bright colors make this book a great introduction to basic shapes and primary colors.
As children follow along with the dots on each page, they are asked to participate in the story in a way that makes them feel like they are in control. This is a great way to encourage independence and a love of reading in young learners.
3. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is a classic book that has been read by generations of children. The book follows a simple pattern of asking various animals what they see. The animals all respond with the name of another animal that is a different color. This book is a great way to teach children about colors and animals.
The repetition and predictability of the text make it a great early reader, and the bright illustrations of animals in a variety of colors will capture the attention of young readers.
4. Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Harold and the Purple Crayon is a beloved classic that follows the adventures of a young boy who creates his own world with his magical purple crayon. This book is a great way to teach children about creativity and imagination.
The simple illustrations of shapes and colors allow children to use their own imaginations to fill in the details of Harold’s world. This book is a great way to encourage creative thinking and problem-solving skills, while also introducing children to basic shapes and colors.
5. Shape by Shape by Suse MacDonald
Shape by Shape is a book that introduces children to a variety of shapes through clever cut-outs and colorful illustrations. Each page builds on the previous page, creating a fun and interactive experience for young learners.
As children follow along with the shapes on each page, they learn the names of each shape and how they fit together to create larger objects. This book is a great way to introduce children to basic geometry and spatial reasoning skills.
Introducing your kindergarten student to the world of colors and shapes can be a fun and exciting experience. These books are a great way to encourage a love of reading while also helping children to learn and grow.
Stories about Friendship and Feelings
Reading stories about friendship and feelings is an excellent way to teach kindness and empathy among kindergarten children. These books can teach children the importance of making friends, resolving conflicts and expressing their emotions in a healthy and positive way. Here are our top three must-read books for kindergarten children to learn about friendship and feelings.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
The Kissing Hand is a heartwarming classic about a young raccoon named Chester who is worried about going to school and misses his mom. Chester’s mother gives him a special kiss on the hand that he can hold whenever he is feeling lonely, and it is a reminder that his mother loves him. This book teaches children about separation anxiety, coping skills and the importance of a mother’s love. It encourages children to find comfort in unexpected ways, such as a parent’s love or a favorite toy.
Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems
Written and illustrated by Mo Willems, this book is a fantastic lesson in sharing and kindness. The book tells the story of Elephant who acquires his favorite flavour of ice cream, but he struggles with whether or not to share his ice cream with his best friend, Piggie. Eventually, Elephant decides to share his ice cream with Piggie, but something happens that they both did not expect! This book teaches children about sharing, friendship, compassion and generosity. It is a humorous and engaging book that will have your children giggling while they learn a valuable lesson about empathy and sharing.
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
Enemy Pie is a story about a boy who doesn’t know how to deal with his enemy, Jeremy Ross. The boy’s father comes to the rescue by making him an enemy pie, which he claims will make Jeremy Ross into a friend. The boy agrees to follow his father’s recipe, which includes snails, worms, and other gross things! Through the process of making the pie, the boy starts to learn more about his “enemy” Jeremy, and his perspective changes. This book teaches children about the power of kindness, empathy, and forgiveness. It highlights the importance of seeing people beyond labels and celebrating our differences. It’s a book that kindergarteners will enjoy reading over and over again.
First Words and Concepts
Kindergarten is an exciting time of discovery and growth for children. They are introduced to new words and concepts that will help prepare them for life. It is important to engage them in books that can encourage learning. In this article, we have put together a list of recommended books for children that focus on First Words and Concepts.
1. “Dr. Seuss’s ABC” by Dr. Seuss – This classic book is perfect for teaching children the alphabet. With colorful illustrations and whimsical rhymes, children will learn their ABCs in a fun and imaginative way.
2. “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault – This book is another great way to introduce the alphabet to children. With bright illustrations and catchy rhymes, children will love following the letters as they climb the coconut tree.
3. “Colors” by Xavier Deneux – This book is all about colors. With bright, bold illustrations, children will learn the names of different colors and the objects that match them.
4. “My First Book of Patterns” by Bobby and June George – This book is a great way to introduce children to patterns. With simple illustrations, children will learn about different patterns like stripes, polka dots, and checkered.
5. “First 100 Words” by Roger Priddy – This book is perfect for teaching children their first words. With colorful illustrations and simple labels, children will be introduced to 100 basic words that are essential for daily life.
6. “Opposites” by Xavier Deneux – This book is all about opposites. With vivid illustrations, children will learn about concepts like big and small, light and dark, and hot and cold.
7. “My First Book of Shapes” by Brown Watson – This book is a good way to introduce children to shapes. With colorful illustrations, children will learn about basic shapes like circles, squares, and triangles.
In conclusion, these recommended books for kindergarten are a great way to introduce children to First Words and Concepts. They are engaging and colorful, helping children to learn in a fun way. Reading these books with your child will not only improve their vocabulary and comprehension but also create memories that will last a lifetime.
Fun and Interactive Storybooks
Children love storybooks that are fun and interactive. These books are not only engaging but also help children develop their literacy skills. Here are five highly recommended fun and interactive storybooks for children in kindergarten:
1. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
The Cat in the Hat is a classic children’s storybook that every child should read. The book is filled with Dr. Seuss’s signature rhymes and illustrations. This story follows the adventures of a mischievous cat who enters the lives of two children and teaches them important life lessons. The Cat in the Hat is an excellent book for kindergarten because it is fun, engaging, and helps children develop their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
2. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Where the Wild Things Are is a storybook that sparks the imagination of children. The book is about a boy named Max who goes on a journey to a world of wild things. Children in kindergarten will love the imaginative story, the illustrations, and the fun activities that are included at the end of the book. Where the Wild Things Are is an excellent book for developing a child’s creativity and imagination.
3. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! By Mo Willems
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! is a hilarious storybook that will have children laughing out loud. The book follows an expressive pigeon who wants nothing more than to drive a bus. The pigeon begs, pleads, and tries to convince the reader to let him drive the bus. This book is an excellent choice for kindergarten because it is interactive and engaging. Children will love the bold illustrations, the humor, and the chance to join in on the story.
4. Press Here by Herve Tullet
Press Here is a unique and interactive storybook that will capture the attention of children in kindergarten. The book encourages children to press, shake, and touch the pages to see what happens. As they turn the pages, they will watch dots multiply, change color, and move around the page. Press Here is an excellent book for developing a child’s fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and imagination.
5. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
The Day the Crayons Quit is a heartwarming and fun storybook that children will love. The book is told from the perspective of different colored crayons that have decided to quit because they feel overused and underappreciated. Children in kindergarten will love the humor, the bold illustrations, and the chance to think about the feelings of others. The Day the Crayons Quit is an excellent book for developing a child’s empathy, creativity, and social skills.
These five fun and interactive storybooks are excellent choices for kindergarten children. They are engaging, imaginative, and will help children develop important literacy skills. Reading storybooks is a wonderful way to bond with your child, spark their imagination, and introduce them to the love of reading.