1000 Books Before Kindergarten: Read It and Reap
May 2015
This month's BCCLSVisor is a list of 25 MUST READS for all children under the age of 5. By now we know how important reading is for our children. But did you know that reading aloud to your child has been called the single-most important activity for developing the building blocks of reading success? Reading aloud helps your child learn new words and language and helps them to see the connection between the spoken and written word. And, it is a wonderful bonding activity. So, take this opportunity to read, read, read to your child; you and your child will both reap the benefits. In addition to this list, you can find a much more extensive list of titles to read as well as other useful information by going to the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten website. An even more extensive list of books to read to your child is available at your local library.
Where’s My Teddy by Jez Alborough
When Eddie goes searching for his lost teddy, he comes across a gigantic bear with a similar problem.
Happy Birthday, Moon by Frank Asch
When a bear discovers that the moon shares his birthday, he buys it a beautiful hat as a present.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
A little bunny says goodnight to each of the objects in his great green room.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Follow the progress of a hungry little caterpillar as he eats his way through a very large quantity of food until he forms a cocoon around himself and goes to sleep.
Wiggle by Doreen Cronin
Rhyming text describes the many ways to wiggle.
Jamberry by Bruce Degen
A little boy walking in the forest meets a bear that takes him on a delicious berry-picking adventure.
Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley
Die-cut pages through which bits of a monster are revealed are designed to help a child control fears of monsters.
Bark, George by Jules Feiffer
George is a dog. So, why are other animal sounds coming out of him.
Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill
A mother dog finds eight other animals hiding around the house before finding her lost puppy.
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
Harold goes for an adventurous walk with his purple crayon.
The Carrot Seed by Ruth Kraus
Despite everyone’s dire predictions, a little boy has faith in the carrot seed he plants.
Pete the Cat, I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin
Pete the Cat walks down the street wearing his new white shoes. Along the way, they change from white to red to blue to brown to WET. But no matter what color his shoes are, Pete keeps movin', groovin', and singing.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin
An alphabet rhyme/chant that relates what happens when the whole alphabet tries to climb a coconut tree.
I Stink! By Kate McMullan
A big city garbage truck makes its rounds, consuming everything from apple cores to leftover ziti.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Relating the cycle of requests a mouse is likely to make after you give him a cookie takes the reader through a young child's day.
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
Although she is not very big, the Little Blue Engine agrees to try to pull a stranded train full of toys.
Goodnight, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
An unobservant zookeeper is followed home by all the animals he thinks he has left behind in the zoo.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
Brave bear hunters go through grass, a river, mud, and other obstacles before the inevitable encounter with the bear forces a headlong retreat.
No, David! by David Shannon
A young boy is depicted doing a variety of naughty things for which he is repeatedly admonished, but finally he gets a hug.
I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry
A giant squid brags about being bigger than everything else in the ocean--almost.
Is Everyone Ready for Fun? by Jan Thomas
Chicken's cow visitors try to jump, dance, and wiggle on his couch which is much too tiny.
Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh
Three white mice discover jars of red, blue, and yellow paint and explore color.
Knuffle Bunny: a cautionary tale by Mo Willems
Trixie, Daddy, and Knuffle Bunny go on an exciting adventure until Trixie realizes bunny was left behind.
Trashy Town by Andrea Zimmerman
Little by little, can by can, Mr. Gillie the trash man cleans up his town.
Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion
When a white dog with black spots runs away from home, he gets so dirty his family doesn't recognize him.
List created by:
2015 BCCLS Youth Services Committee
