Jun 30, 2008
22 of our favorite picture books for pre-schoolers
(A guest post from my friend Liz Holst, who would surely be a children’s librarian if she had another life to live.)
1. Bear Snores On
2. Bear Wants More
3. Sailor Moo
4. One Dark Night
5. Goodnight Moon
6. The Big Red Barn
7. Pass the Fritters, Critters
8. The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear
9. Is Your Mama a Llama?
10. Sakes Alive a Cattle Drive
11. The Mitten (or any Jan Brett)
12. Click Clack Moo, Cows That Type
13. The Little Engine That Could
14. Fancy Nancy
15. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
16. Blaze and the Lost Quarry (and other Billy and Blaze books)
17. Wool Gathering: A Sheep Family Reunion
18. Panda Bear, Panda Bear What Do You See? (again, there are several)
19. If You Give a Pig a Pancake (entire series)
20. Cars and Trucks and Things That Go
21. Jamberry
22. Make Way for Ducklings
This obviously is not an all-inclusive list—just some of our personal favorites, from classics to newer authors.
What would you add?
We are LOVE LOVE LOVING Mo Willems’s Today I Will Fly and There’s a Bird on Your Head. They are full of simple words and phrases, yet communicate so much through the simple drawings and expressions of Elephant and Piggie…I think it can really help a child to start to understand punctuation, too. These books are WONDERFUL for the little mind learning about expression, expressions, etc. And great for parents, because they’re fun and funny! SO worth the non-garage-sale price I paid for them!
i think at ages 3-4 i remember liking Bedtime for Frances and other Frances books. also, my mom liked reading I Love You Forever to us. when i babysit now, my favorite is But Not the Hippopotamus by Sandra Boynton because it has a whimsically ironic ending (not that a little kid would necessarily get it, but it’s funny to me). but my all-time favorites are Dr. Seuss, maybe because i’m a word person. or maybe i’m a word person because i like Dr. Seuss. God in his sovereignty knows. :]
Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel (and all the books by Virginia Lee Burton) Can Mike and his steam shovel named Mary Ann really dig as much in a day as a hundred men could dig in a week?
The Story of Ping (At one time or another, every child can identify with Ping’s desire to avoid unpleasant consequences, and they learn from the little duck’s wild adventure that it is better not to run away from our problems.)
Juice the Pig (different animals teach us a lot about words through Juice’s little adventure)
Little Toot (The little tugboat is always getting in trouble with the big boats for being silly and irresponsible. Then when he floats away in sadness after a scolding and gets caught in a storm, he must rise to the challenge to be brave and responsible.)
Cock-a-Doodle-Moo (It’s so funny when the rooster tries to teach the other animals on the farm how to say Cock-a-doodle-doo!)
A House Is a House For Me (The rhythm, rhyme, and creativity in this book is outstanding. A nest is a house for a bird…a den is a house for a fox…and on and on until we get to some less obvious examples–what is a house for water–or love?)
Curious George books (I loved the little monkey as a kid, and so do my kids, but as a mom it bothers me that George always somehow gets rewarded in the end for disobeying!)
Harry by the Sea (and other books about Harry the dog)
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree (Mr. Willowby trims the top of his tree, which then goes to his maid who also trims the top, which goes to the gardner…the fox…the rabbits…the mice…you get the idea)
Drummer Hoff
Captain Pajamas
Mucky Moose
Ira Sleeps Over
Dusty Locks (read with a southern drawl)
[...] Mystery John Piper posts about how increasing knowledge of God leads to increasing mystery. 22 Books for Pre-Schoolers Abraham Piper shares a guest post from “Liz Holst, who would surely be a children’s librarian if [...]
How I Became a Pirate has become a huge hit with our nephews.
The David Weisner picture books are excellent; my favorite is Tuesday.
“Lost and Found “by Irish author Oliver Jeffers. Its about a boy who meets a penguin, and tries hard to reutn him to the south pole, only to realize that he and the penguin were supposed to be friends. Its a cute story.
Anything by Mo willems. He’s hysterical.
“Chicks and Salsa” I gorget who wrote this, but its about a farm full of animals who rebel against slop and learn to cook. Its also hysterical. My small charges (I’m a nanny) love books like this.
PS. my kiddoes are almost the same age as orison and I showed them a video of Orison singing. They loved it, and now “Oson” has fans.
Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
Ask Mr. Bear by Marjorie Flack
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
If Jesus Came to My House by Joan G. Thomas
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss
Richard Scarry’s Best Storybook Ever
All by Myself by Mercer Mayer
There’s a nightmare in my closet by Mercer Mayer
Edward and the Pirates. The story begins, “Once Edward learned to read there was no stopping him.”
Before it is over, Edward’s parents save the day.
I would add “The Kissing Hand.” It’s a great story conveying a message of comfort to children who are afraid to leave their parents for any period of time.
If I were a Lion, by Sarah Weeks… I love the illustrations, and the little girl who is on timeout reminds me of my little girl.
Thanks for all the books! I’m going to request lots of them and give Liz more work on her next day at our library!
Giggle, Giggle, Quack is foundational to understanding the j’de esprit of Click Clack Moo. It made my kids laugh, anyway.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish is also foundational to having a basic love of, um, the funny things which are everywhere.
Horns to toes by Boynton is, of course, an essential tickle book; But not the hippopotomus is a classic — practically shakespearean; Doggies; and blue hat green hat allows a Dad to wear his child’s pants on his head and really get big laughs.
Live big when your kids are little.
So, Liz, are you going to start a blog?
Great lists! I like your addendum, Chris. I would add:
Blueberries for Sal, by Robert McCloskey -same author as for Make Way for Ducklings — a mother and little Sal and a mother Bear and little Bear all go out to pick blueberries, and get surprised by each other.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (one of my brothers’ most-repeated favorites)
Ferdinand – A children’s book that never grows old about a peaceful bull in Spain that doesn’t want to fight in the bullfights.
We’re big Sandra Boynton fans at our house, although preschoolers could probably handle more length.
My favorite kid’s book is Yertle the Turtle by Dr. Seuss, which I loved when I was little, and now read (the same copy!) to my kid.
As a side note, I’d just like to say I respect the amount of time that went into creating all those links!
I would add a couple of great William Steig books: Pete’s a Pizza and Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. I also highly recommend Max Lucado’s picture books for children. We also love all the Henry and Mudge books.
Books by Bill Peet (he was a great illustrator)…The Caboose Who Got Loose and No Such Things come to mind, and there are many others.
I don’t know if his work fits the “preschooler” category, but I would add anything by Ezra Jack Keats to the list. (http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/) As an adult, I also really appreciate his portrayal of children of color and more urban neighborhoods. The Snowy Day is just one of the classics.
The series of books by Olivier Dunrea that includes “Gossie,” “Gossie and Gertie,” and others are great. My wife and I like reading them to our daughter as much as she likes having them read… maybe more.
Some of our favorites–These are all great storybooks, intended for preschool age or older, but my 2 year old has enjoyed sitting and listening to all of them since most of them have fantastic illustrations!
Stellaluna, Verdi, Crickwing-3 books about a bat, a snake & a cockroach by Janell Cannon
Miss Rumphias by Barbara Cooney
The Greatest Skating Race by Louise Borden, Niki Daly
Bats at the Beach by Brian Lies
Magpie Magic by April Wilson
Town Mouse, Country Mouse by Jan Brett (her books all have amazing illustrations, but this is my favorite!)
Runny Babbit by Shel Silverstein
Hailstones and Halibut Bones by Mary O’Neill
War and Peas by Michael Foreman
Scrambled Eggs Super by Dr. Seuss
Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury
All the Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka & Snipp, Snapp, and Snurr books by Maj Lindman—books I love from my childhood, about Swedish triplets.
Animalia and The Eleventh Hour both by Graeme Base
Dangerous Journey (the story of Pilgrims Progress)
Tickets to Ride by Mark Rogalski
The Quiltmakers Gift & The Quiltmakers Journey by Jeff Brumbeau & Gail de Marcken
Trout, Trout, Trout by April Pulley Sayre
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Read Aloud Bible Stories Volumes 1-4 by Ella Lindvall
The Big Picture Story Bible by John Helm
The Creation Story illustrated by Norman Messenger
Tell Me About Heaven by Randy Alcorn
Most of our favorites have been listed either on the post or in the comments! But I have to add:
“Each Peach Pear Plum” and
“The Baby’s Catalogue”
both by Allan and Janet Ahlberg”
“Floss” by Kim Lewis
“The Year At Maple Hill Farm” and
“Our Animal Friends At Maple Hill Farm”
by Alice and Martin Provensen
All those secrets of the world by Jane Yolen, is a picture book written for ages 4-8. I cannot read this book without tears. I adore this book!
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen is another one that is just superb!
~jane
Wow. This post is a wonderful resource that I’ll be coming back to before trips to the library.
Here’s another I didn’t see suggested:
“Don’t Let the Pidgeon Drive the Bus”.
Very fun.
And when your son is just old enough to do a chapter book, I strongly recommend “My Father’s Dragon”. So adventurous and fun.
We like Henry & Mudge around here, also Toot & Puddle by Holly Hobbie.
Lois Lenski is a great authoress, too. She write the “Small” books (Papa Small, Policeman Small, Farmer Small, etc.) and the “Little” books (The Little Family, The Little Sailboat, etc.)
All the Frog & Toad stories by Arnold Lobel are great, too.
-Pat the Bunny
-Anything by Richard Scarry
-Yertle the Turtle & Other Stories by Dr. Suess
[...] :: Pre-schoolers Abraham Piper posted a list of “22 of our favorite picture books for pre-schoolers” at his blog, 22 Words. If you are the parent of a pre-schooler, or soon to be pre-schooler, [...]
Wow- I agree with ALL of these suggestions; I just didn’t have room. I LOVE My Father’s Dragon! Start a blog – SCARY!
Oh, good topic. Nice selection you have too!
~Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs – Judi Barrett
~Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel – Virginia Lee Burton
~Bear Shadow, Moon Game, and Happy Birthday Moon – All by Frank Asch
~Wemberly Worried – Kevin Henkes. Also by him is Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse. Orison probably wouldn’t be too into it though :)
~Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee -Chis Van Dusen
~The Bread and Jam for Frances series
~Miss Rumphis -Barbara Cooney
~Walter the Baker – Eric Carle
~Sandra Boynton books
~Each Peach, Pear, Plum
~Ferdinand
~The George and Martha series for a few laughs!
I’m not sure that caterpillar really is hungry. I think he’s just a bit greedy.
Love the list. Just a few more from my 2 year-old-daughter’s library’s favorites:
*The Elephant Tree-Penny Dale (real charming illustration and a simple, yet beautiful story)
*How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?-Jane Yolen (my daughter is totally captivated by the whole series.)
*Clap Your Hands-Lorinda Bryan Cauley (lots of fun moves to do)
*Baby Bats Lullaby-Jacquelyn Mitchard
*I Went Walking-Sue Williams
*In the Tall, Tall Grass-Denise Fleming (also loves “Beetle Bop!”)
*Moon Plane-Peter McCarty (also loves his “Hondo and Fabian”)
*Time for Bed-Mem Fox
*Rabbit Pie-Penny Ives (I assure you no rabbit killing is involved…)
*Anything by Nancy Tafuri (especially Mama’s Little Bears)
Btw, I’ve been reading your blog for a while and enjoying your daily dose of 22 word-thoughts.
Loved seeing Jamberry on this list–it’s a favorite in our family, and it seems no one has ever heard of it!
We also love Time For Bed, Maybe My Baby, and The Napping House (really, anything by Audrey Wood).
A few favorites of our two older boys (4 and 2.5) have been:
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Suess
God’s Wisdom for Little Boys by Jim George
ALL THINGS Veggie Tales
Anything by Peter Spier – awesome illustrations!
Also, the Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes (Kenneth Taylor)
Shameless plug — I just co-wrote a children’s picture book, published by Sojourn of the Acts 29 Network. It’s based on a sermon by Mark Driscoll, and teaches that the home is a “little church”. Check it out if it sounds interesting: http://www.lulu.com/content/2535953
As a former professional children’s librarian, now full-time wife and mother, I heartily agree with the above!
Also *great* read-alouds:
The Tale of Tricky Fox
My Little Sister Ate One Hare
Do Like A Duck Does!
The Spider and the Fly (ill. by DiTerlizzi)
Yellow and Pink (pro-creation William Steig story)
My son loves:
Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss
(and Diary of a Fly, Diary of a Worm)
My daughter loved:
Olivia (all of them)
I love:
The Bee-Man of Orn by Frank R. Stockton and P.J. Lynch
Black and White by David Macaulay
I am Mimi and Great-Mimi and two all time favorites for the past 40 years are “Thundercake ” (especially good if someone is afraid of thunder/lighting),and “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”
[...] 22 of our favorite picture books for pre-schoolers [...]
Liz,
Hearing you read (and sing!) Sailor Moo is still one of my favorite things.
Pink & Yellow by William Steig
anything by Bill Peet
[...] of my favorite blogs, Abraham Piper’s 22 Words, had a post on favorite children’s books. A bunch of my favorites were on there and I ordered a few for [...]
[...] 22 of our favorite books for preschoolers [...]
If you can find his books in the States, I would recommend Martin Waddell (particularly Owl Babies and Farmer Duck).