Children and Books: Begin the Connection Early!

Adults often think that children learn about reading in the primary grades. But the truth is that many children already know a great deal about reading when they enter kindergarten because they have been read to from the time they were born! Children who become good readers are those who have had many positive experiences with books during their early years, and the adults who care for them can impart an invaluable gift by reading to--and with--children during their earliest years.

Following is a list of some of the many good books available for young children. If possible, take time out to visit your public library for additional guidance in choosing books that will interest your children.

Books to prop up for very young babies to look at--babies can look at books as they are interested

Baby Animals, by K. Warabe. (Tokyo: FlipFlop Books by Froebel-Kan, 1997). This is a zig zag book which is easily propped up in a crib or on the floor near baby. Each page has a bright, bold picture of an animal.

My toys, by D. Bruna. (New York: Methuens, 1980). Also a zig zag book, the pictures are simple, with bright colors and lots of contrast.

Rhyming verses and songs (appropriate for infants from 5 to 6 months and older)--Babies delight in familiar rhymes and songs, especially when combined with playful activities.

The baby’s lap book, by K. Chorao. (New York: Dutton, 1997). Rhymes and verses to read while baby is on your lap.

Time for bed, by M. Fox. (Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace, 1997).

Cardboard, cloth and vinyl books--sturdy enough for mouthing and thorough exploration!

Good night, sleep tight! Shhh...., by G. Fujikawa. (New York: Random House, 1990). A Chunky Shape Book (cardboard) with simple text.

At home, by S. Tucker. (New York: Simon & Shuster, 1990). A cardboard book that shows one bright picture per page, including an apple, a crib, a cup, and a high chair.

Zoo animals, pets, and field animals, by V. Greeley.(New York: Harper & Row, 1984). Cardboard book with beautiful illustrations.

Books with easy-to-turn pages

Cats to count, by M. Phillips. (New York: Random House, 1984). A Chunky book with cardboard pages.

Ernie and Bert can...Can you?, Sesame Street. (New York: Random House, 1982). A Chunky book.

Mother Goose rhymes. (New York: Simon & Shuster, 1984). A super Chubby book with cardboard pages.

Good books for introducing babies to the names of things (especially appropriate for babies between 9 and 18 months old)

Barnyard banter, by D. Fleming. (New York: Henry, Holt & Company, 1994). Brightly colored rhyming text showing barnyard animals.

Clothes, Food, Garden, and Kitchen, First Word Series. (New York: Snapshot Covent Garden Books). Four small books with cardboard pages including photographs of items belonging to the category indicated by the title of the book.

Books with simple stories--(for toddlers just beginning to be able to sit long enough to listen to a real story).

Goodnight moon, by M.W. Brown. (New York: Harper & Row, 1947). A classic story to read at bedtime.

The very hungry caterpillar, by E. Carle. (New York: Philomel, 1972). Repetitious text involving many familiar foods and a caterpillar.

Lily and Willy, by M. Alexander. (Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 1993). A small book that tells about two friends, one with a doll and one with a teddy bear.

Books for 2- to 3-year olds

All by myself, by M. Mayer. (Racine, WI: Western, 1983). The many things a young boy can do--from pouring juice for a little sister to icing a cake with mom, and almost putting himself to bed.

The snowy day, by E.J. Keats. (New York: Penguin, 1962). Children will identify with Peter who has fun playing in the snow.

Ten, nine, eight, by M. Bang. (New York: Scholastic, 1983). A counting book that starts with 10 and goes to 1.

Books for 3- to 5-year olds

Blueberries for Sal, by R. McCloskey. (New York: Viking, 1948). A little bear and a little girl mix up their mothers while gathering blueberries.

Chickens aren’t the only ones, by R. Heller. (New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1981). A beautiful book about animals who lay eggs.

Jesse Bear, what will you wear?, by N.W. Carlstrom. (New York: Scholastic, 1986). Poetry provides a whimsical glimpse at what a childlike bear wears from morning to night.