Read to Your Preschooler

Reading aloud to preschoolers is the best thing you can do to prepare them for school. They learn a lot just by having fun with books.

Children who are familiar with books learn that we read from left to right. They understand that print, along with pictures, carries the meaning of the story.

Preschoolers love to read the same books over and over again. Repetition helps them begin to recognize letters and words. Teachers call this stage “reading readiness.”

Great Books to Read to Your Preschooler

Skippyjon Jones by Judith SchachnerSkippyjon Jones
Schachner, Judith
2003
"My name is Skippito Friskito." "I fear not a single bandito." "My manners are mellow," "I'm sweet like the Jell-O," "I get the job done, yes indeed-o." Skippyjon Jones is no ordinary kitten. Oh, no. . . .He's actually El Skippito, a great sword-fighter ready to battle banditos the world over! With a little imagination and a whole lot of fun, this frisky cat dons a mask and cape and takes on a bad bumble-beeto to save the day. And along the way, he'll be sure to steal young reader's hearts, yes indeed-o! Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.
Froggy Gets Dressed  by Jonathan LondonFroggy Gets Dressed
London, Jonathan
1992
Rambunctious Froggy hops out into the snow for a winter frolic but is called back by his mother to put on some necessary articles of clothing. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.
The Mighty Street Sweeper  by Patrick MooreThe Mighty Street Sweeper
Moore, Patrick
2006
Despite its size, the street sweeper has one mighty job! The street sweeper is a little truck with a very big job. While it is not the largest, fastest, or most powerful truck, a street sweeper does something that no other truck can do: it keeps our streets clean. And a street sweeper is so much fun to watch.Colorful illustrations and an engaging compare-and-contrast text make this picture book a delight for budding truck-lovers. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.
The Bus for Us by Suzanne BloomThe Bus for Us
Bloom, Suzanne
2001
Tess is excited. Today is her first day of school, and her very first ride on a school bus. Waiting at the bus stop with her older friend Gus, Tess eagerly asks, "Is this the bus for us, Gus?" as each vehicle passes by. From fire engine to front loader, Suzanne Bloom introduces young readers to a variety of vehicles through a simple text and spirited illustrations. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.
Not Just Tutus by Rachel IsadoraNot Just Tutus
Isadora, Rachel
2003
Ballet isn't just about tutus. It's hard work! It's kicking left when everyone is kicking right. Worrying if you'll fit into your costume. Getting on stage and realizing you forgot to use the bathroom! Aching backs and sore feet. Dizziness and stage fright. But there is also that magic feeling when the curtains part and the show begins . . . In short, funny poems, Isadora takes an honest, irreverent look at the mishaps and the triumphs in the world of ballet-all captured in gorgeous pen and ink drawings that are sure to make any dancer smile Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.
Sophie Skates by Rachel IsadoraSophie Skates
Isadora, Rachel
1999
Sophie wants to be a professional ice skater when she grows up, but to reach her goal, she knows she will have to work hard. Woven into Sophie's story is an introduction to the sport: the parts and care of skates, and more. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.
How Many Blue Birds Flew Away? : A Counting Book with a Difference  by Paul GigantiHow Many Blue Birds Flew Away? : A Counting Book with a Difference
Giganti, Paul
2005
Throughout the day, a child notices, counts, and compares numbers of items, such as how many boys and girls are on the playground and how many more girls there are than boys, until there is finally something that cannot be counted. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.
When Sheep Sleep by Laura NumeroffWhen Sheep Sleep
Numeroff, Laura
2006
By "New York Times" #1 best-selling author, Laura Numeroff and award-winning illustrator, David McPhail! When you can't fall asleepThen try counting sheep! But what do you do if the sheep are already asleep? "New York Times" best-selling author Laura Numeroff, has crafted the perfect lullaby in which a small child imagines she encounters many cuddly animal families, only to find that they, too, are snuggled fast asleep! Lovely, soothing watercolors by award-winning and critically acclaimed illustrator David McPhail capture the dreaminess of bedtime. Laura Numeroff and David McPhail, two icons in the world of children's books, make an invincible team with their first collaboration, "When Sheep Sleep." Children will reach for this new classic again and again as the warm, gentle illustrations and calming rhyme lull them to sleep. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.
Where is the Green Sheep?  by Mem FoxWhere is the Green Sheep?
Fox, Mem
2004
The search is on for green sheep in this cozy, sheep-filled story. Complete with sleepy rhymes and bright illustrations, this book is sure to delight children of all ages. Full color. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.
Chickens to the Rescue by John HimmelmanChickens to the Rescue
Himmelman, John
2006
Meet the most heroic chickens in town! "On Monday, Farmer Greenstalk dropped his watch down the well. . . . On Tuesday, Mrs. Greenstalk was too tired to make dinner. . . ." Who will help the poor Greenstalk family? Chickens to the rescue! The amazing chickens on the Greenstalk farm race to help various family members and farm animals every day of the week. Every day until Sunday, that is, when Emily Greenstalk has a little trouble . . . John Himmelman's expressive illustrations are filled with the kind of hilarious details that will delight young readers. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.