When it comes to books, honestly, I’m a bit of a hoarder. Anyone else out there, like me?
Every new interest creates another pile of books in our home. Whenever a new topic comes my way, I start to google book ideas. There are so many wonderful people in the world of blogs that share their ideas. When we were homeschooling, I had the chance to create huge collections of books, all in the name of educating my boys. It made my book-heart happy.
Then as I began teaching Kindergarten, another reason to collect amazing books arrived. Now I’d love to share some of these favorites to get started, as you read with your little one. These books have become staples in my Kindergarten classroom, each and every year. Take a look. Grab some from your library. Buy a few as gifts. Enjoy them for yourself.
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
- Do you remember sitting on a loved one’s lap and hearing a story. This book is my memory. Harold is a little boy with a great imagination. “He made a long straight path so he wouldn’t get lost. And he set off on his walk, taking his big purple crayon with him.” Enjoy the story and then grab a single crayon to create your own little world.
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
- “We all can dance,” he said, “when we find music that we love.” Our children are all capable of amazing things. Sometimes they forget this. Gerald the Giraffe wants nothing more than to dance, yet it doesn’t seem possible. He experiences so many different emotions on his journey. In the end an unlikely small friend helps Gerald the Giraffe learn to dance his own way. Your child will love the pictures and can practice noticing all of his different emotions throughout the journey.
Chalk by Bill Thomson more Bill Thomson books
- What would you do if you realized any drawing you made with the chalk you found at the park became real? This wordless picture book tells the story of 3 kids who experienced just this. What if it all got out of control? What would you do?
Flashlight by Lizi Boyd
- I love this description, from goodread.com “Inside the tent it’s cozy, but what is going on outside? Is it dark? Is it scary? Not if you have your trusty flashlight! In this charming story, told solely through images, artist Lizi Boyd offers an enchanting exploration of night, nature, and the nocturnal world. One boy’s camping adventure gets even better when he shines a light into the shadows and finds all sorts of nighttime creatures, fascinating insects, plants, trees, and streams—all brilliantly illuminated in the beam of his flashlight.” I love the pictures and the children love the story.
The Book with No Pictures by B.J.Novak watch B.J. Novak reading this book
- Now we are flipping the concept of a story. The last two books were stories told by pictures alone. This book is the opposite. By breaking through that 4th wall, the reader is in for a ride because as the book says, “Everything the words say, the reader has to say. No matter what.” The children love listening to the adult have to say things like … “Blork!” “Bluurf!” “I am a monkey who taught myself to read. HEY! I’m not a monkey!”. By the end of the book everyone is rolling in laughter. Be brave. Read this book to your kids.
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis Not a Box activities
- Do you remember the thrill and possibilities of a huge empty box when you were a child? What could it be today? A rocketship. A race car. A clubhouse. Your imagination had no limit. This story helps your child see so many possibilities. When you’ve read the book together, go find an empty box and set your child free to create.
The Dot by Peter Reynolds International Dot Day
- Have you ever doubted your ability to do something? Have you ever been afraid to try? The Dot tells the story of a little girl who thinks she’s not good enough to make ‘art’. Her teacher tells her to “Just make a mark and see where it takes you”. This simple action opens up a brand new world for this child. Then she shares this secret with another hesitant friend at the end. The Dot is for anyone who has been afraid to take that first step towards something new.
Just a Scribble by Diane Alber national scribble day
- The author and illustrator of The Little Spot books has another great book with a lesson. Everyone has the ability to create. Even if you just start with a scribble. Give it a try.
The Word Collector by Peter Reynolds
- Do you have any collections at home? When out on walks, do your children love to collect rocks or sticks? In The Word Collector, Jerome collects words. New words. Fascinating words. Delightful words. One day his collection gets all mixed up. He sees words in new ways. Phrases and poems become wonderful ways to share his words with others. Words are amazing. As you read to your children, they too can become word collectors.
Conclusion
I hope this list has inspired you to explore new stories with the children in your life. Each of these books offers a unique adventure, bursting with wonder and wisdom. Remember, the magic of reading lies not just in the stories themselves, but in the moments we share with our kids as we read them together. So, pick a book, cuddle up, and let the adventures unfold. Happy reading, together.
