A growing list of my favorite stories to read to and with children from pre-k through 3rd grade.
Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran
A great story to remind all of us that playing outdoors in our community with the neighborhood kids makes for lasting memories.
The Gruffalo and The Gruffalos Child by Julia Donaldson
Entertaining stories that children love for their fun nature, rhythmic read and colorful illustrations.
Stand Tall ,Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
A cute story about being different and feeling confident and brave.
Olivia by Ian Falconer
The Olivia series is a favorite among preschoolers as they can relate to her precocious nature as will parents and teachers.
Sheila Rae, The Brave by Kevin Henkes
A story about feeling brave and fearless and believing in yourself. Kevin Henkes books deal with feelings and how to process through them in a way that relates to children and provides tips for parents within the story. Wemberly Worried and Owen are also great.
The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant
We can all relate to when family comes to visit and the sharing of space, food and fun. Kids love the illustrations and it leads to great conversations of when their relatives came to visit them.
When Sophie Gets Angry- Really, Really Angry… by Molly Bang
A great way to help young children understand anger and how to cope with that feeling.
A Bad Case of Stripes By David Shannon
A great story about being yourself and not hiding who you are.
Ruby the Copycat by Peggy Rothman
Another fun story about just being yourself and not trying to be like somebody else. Just do you.
Quick As A Cricket by Audrey Wood
A story about self awareness with engaging illustrations. Good for preschoolers.
Snow by Uri Shulevitz
Great illustrations. A nice story to read in winter time in the California sun or Massachusettes chill.
Pajama Pirates by Andrew Kramer
Preschoolers enjoy this cute tale of bedtime swashbuckling.
The Dot By Peter H. Reynolds
Even when you think you can’t – you can. Express yourself and shine!
Possum Magic by Mem Fox
A tale of invisible Possums and Australian food and the magic they work together.
The Empty Pot by Demi
A beautiful story about being true to yourself and being rewarded for doing so.
Where Bear By Sophy Henn
A cute story about a boy and a bear who grow together. Even though one grows bigger they never grow apart. Great for preschoolers.
Something Extraordinary by Ben Clanton
When wishing for everything you can imagine one often forgets the extraordinary things around them. A story to be enjoyed for preschool through Kindergarten.
Eloise by Kay Thompson
A girl with a lot of imagination and percosiousness that delights the young at heart.
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
A recipe to turn an enemy into a friend. A lesson in the journey of making new friends even when it seems impossible. Great for classroom library.
The Napping House by Audrey and Don Wood
kids love this funny tale of a sleeping granny and the antics that take place in a napping house where everyone should be sleeping.
How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long
A cute story about a boy who meets some pirates on the beach and they recruit him to join their crew. There is only one problem- pirates don’t tuck!
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
A truly wonderful story for those who can still hear the sound of the bell. Do you believe?
Maple by Lori Nichols
A wonderful little story about a free spirited girl who takes the changing seasons in stride and even news of a baby sister. My preschoolers thoroughly enjoy this sweet story. And there is even a follow up book!
Stellaluna by Janell cannon
A lost bat who tries to be a bird and learns about what it means to be a friend even when your are different. Especially popular around fall/Halloween with my class due to the bat factor.
A great story about feelings for preschoolers. The illustrations and simple explanations make this a joy to read and easily understood by young ears. This book is part of a series by Jo Witek. Look for Brave as Can Be, All my Treasures, In My Room and much more!
JJ BRETT 