“Read it one more time Mommy!” My son’s pleading eyes looked up at me. I was tempted to stay snuggled with his tiny warm body on my lap and read one more book to my preschoolers, but out of the corner of my eye I could see the four loads of laundry that needed to be folded sitting in the corner. There was an equally impressive pile of dishes in the sink and some time today I had to finish paying the bills.
“Just one more time” echoed his twin sister.
The shelves of every library and bookstore are stocked with books and new ones are being released every month. Many of them fade into the background and get forgotten, but some books are different.
Some are the books that make you laugh or cry or think about the world differently. Some books will make your child beg for re-readings like my cozy preschoolers were on that afternoon. The books they can’t bare to return to the library.
These are the books that we buy. The ones that I know we will read again and again. Below are the 10 we have read the most during the preschool years.
10 Best Children’s Books for Preschoolers
1. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
A mouse is strolling through the woods. Along the way he meets some other animals who think he looks like a yummy lunch, but he frightens them away with tales of the Gruffalo. This is working great until he encounters the real live Gruffalo. Can he outsmart the Gruffalo too? A clever mouse to root for, excellent rhyming text, and a hilarious conclusion. Find on Amazon
2. Alfie Gets in First by Shirley Hughes
Shirley Hughes is one of those authors that immediately brings warm memories of my childhood. If you haven’t had the opportunity to immerse yourself in her wonderful books – this is a good one with which to start and the favorite of my twins. ALFIE GETS IN FIRST is the story of young Alfie who runs ahead of his Mom and sister, Annie Rose. He slams the door excited to have arrived first and gets stuck inside with Mom and Annie Rose on the other side of the door. Various friends and neighbors come to his assistance, but Alfie finds a way to solve the problem himself. Shirley Hughes is a genius at capturing the simplistic incidents of childhood. Further adding to her books are her detailed, colorful, and creative illustrations. Preschoolers will be drawn into the story with the endearing characters, inviting illustrations, and everyday accessible story. Find on Amazon
3. This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
I love books where the illustrations are crucial to understanding the story. Think ROSIE’S WALK or LITTLE MOUSE, THE RED RIPE STRAWBERRY, AND THE BIG HUNGRY BEAR. There are many beautifully illustrated books that I love, but when the illustrations are tied into the reader’s full comprehension magic can be created. Jon Klassen’s Caldecott Winner is just that. This is a story told from the point of view of a very small fish that steals a hat from a very large fish. He explains to the reader his genius plan to get away with this by out running and hiding from the large fish. The words are brief and perfect for a read aloud, but it is their pairing with delightful illustrations that had me laughing out loud. Just the image of the very large fish with the ridiculously small hat is amusing enough, but the perfect interplay between the small fish’s description to the reader and the large fish’s actions illustrated on the page make for a tense, beautiful, and funny book that would tickle any preschooler. Find on Amazon
4. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
While I am partial to Knuffle Bunny, this is the favorite Mo Willems books with my twins. This book addresses dreams, rules, and emotions in a simple, silly, and interactive method that is perfect for preschoolers. This Caldecott Honor Book was Mo Willems’ first children’s book. It starts with the bus driver asking if the readers can help watch his bus until he gets back. You are left with the simple instruction – Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Sure enough, the pigeon pops onto the page and attempts to enlist you in permitting him to drive the bus. Will you give into his pleading or hysterics? A hilarious read aloud. Find on Amazon
5. Chickens to the Rescue by John Himmelman
Monday through Saturday whenever something bad happens on the Greenstalk farm the chickens come to the rescue. A flurry of feathers and a refrain you can’t help but cry out come to fix whatever problem faces the family. It is exactly the kind of preposterous story line that preschoolers can’t resist. The repetitive nature of this story also makes it fun for preschoolers and makes the surprise ending perfection. CHICKENS TO THE RESCUE is guaranteed to put a smile on your face if read with gusto. Find on Amazon
6. Phoebe & Digger by Tricia Springstubb
The books begins “when Mama got a new baby…Phoebe got a new digger.” Phoebe is fairly content playing with her new toy while her mom is preoccupied with the new baby. The digger can make fun noises and keeps Phoebe company while she waits around for Mom and baby. However, one day at the park a bully takes digger from Phoebe. Suddenly, Phoebe is a little girl who still needs her Mama very much. Fortunately Mama steps in at the perfect time ending the book with a wonderful message for all new siblings. Springstubb offers a unique and realistic portrayal of life with a new sibling. Phoebe is a character full of spunk and color with whom you are sure to fall in love. My twins don’t have a younger sibling, but I think a preschooler who did would love this book even more. Nevertheless, my kids seem to identify with the emotions of sweet Phoebe and beg to read this one over and over. Find on Amazon
7. Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
I have completely lost count of how many times I have read this one. Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson is a lovely hibernation story. Bear is busy sleeping in his cave for the winter when a mouse wanders in and decides to build a fire. Fast forward a few pages and there is a forest party building inside the cave. Most preschoolers will anticipate that bear will eventually be woken from all of this excitement, however his response is both surprising and comical. Descriptive language, warm illustrations, and lighthearted entertainment make this a perfect book to cuddle up with after your own winter fun. Find on Amazon
8. Tiger Can’t Sleep by S. J. Fore
I’m not sure if it’s the silly tiger or the exasperated kid or the fun onomatopoeia or the laugh out loud ending, but my kids love this book. A little boy is trying to get to sleep but there is a tiger in his closet making all kinds of noise. He tries to calm the tiger down and remove the distractions, but in the end the only person that successfully falls asleep is the tiger. A silly bedtime story that my twins request again and again. Find on Amazon
9. If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen
Jack isn’t satisfied with his dad’s normal car. He has big plans to build the ultimate flying, swimming, driving vehicle. He draws some plans, builds a model, and gives his dad a tour to remember in this fantastical and imaginative tale. Sure to inspire the inventor inside. My son love, love, loves this book and all things Chris Van Dusen. Find on Amazon
10. Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett
Most preschoolers love silly books and this is definitely on the funnier end of the spectrum. This books starts with a simple invitation to count the monkeys. Unfortunately, a cobra, crocodiles, and bears are in the way. Pure fun in the silly kind that young children always appreciate. Great read aloud from an amazing author. Find on Amazon
So what happened with the laundry and the pleading twins? Of course, I relented. As I always do when it comes to one more time with books. The laundry and dishes and bills can wait. I snuggled deeper into the couch with my preschoolers to read a favorite one more time. I hope you found a new favorite to read again and again!
