Our Favorite Books for Preschoolers

At Dairy Road Discovery Center, we know the impact reading has on children’s young minds and have developed a literature-based curriculum to support their language development. A child’s brain develops rapidly before the age of five. Exposing children to new words and engaging them in storytelling strengthens their language skills and creates a positive attitude toward reading. By the age of 2, children who are read to regularly display greater language comprehension, larger vocabularies, and higher cognitive skills than their peers. 

The language skills that children develop during these early years can determine if they will be able to keep up with the new vocabulary that they encounter throughout their educational career. Parents are encouraged to read to their children often. Pause and ask them questions while reading or act out the story to keep them engaged and spark their imagination. 

Here are 10 of our favorite books for preschoolers:

Mrs. Peanuckle’s Alphabet by Mrs. Peanuckle 

There are six alphabet books to choose from in this series. Each book teaches children about the alphabet using an aspect of nature, like Mrs. Peanuckle’s Bug Alphabet or Mrs. Peanuckle’s Vegetable Alphabet. There are facts on each page that teach them more about each bug, flower, or bird. This colorful book is great for introducing children to the ABC’s, as well as nature. 

The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen 

The Circus Ship is an entertaining story about shipwrecked animals in Maine who win over the townspeople. When the circus owner appears to take the animals back to the circus, the whole town conspires to stop him. Vivid illustrations and lyrical rhymes are sure to delight children as well as parents. 

I Spy: A Book of Picture Riddles by Jean Marzollo 

Any book in the I Spy series is a great choice! This interactive book encourages children to search for objects hidden within the pictures on each page. Rhyming riddles guide children through 13 pages of search and find fun. 

Goat’s Coat by Tom Percival 

When Alfonzo the goat comes across some creatures who need help, he has to give up his prized new coat. This story has a positive message about the importance of kindness and friendship. Alfonzo’s selflessness is a good example for any child struggling with sharing. 

Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won 

This book is the perfect choice for when your child’s having a bad day. Elephant was feeling grumpy until he received a box of hats on his doorstep. This cheers him up, and he spends the rest of the book giving hats to all of his friends who are feeling down. This book is a great way to talk about emotions, and it teaches kids to turn that frown upside down! 

I Love You Because You’re You by Liza Baker 

If your little one is worried about their first day of school, this book is sure to calm them down. It tells the story of a mama fox’s love for her cub and the different emotions that the cub feels. It ensures children that their parents will always be there for them, no matter what emotions they may be feeling. 

Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss 

This story is a delightful introduction to instruments and numbers. Different instruments are counted to make a duet, a trio, and so on until the entire orchestra is gathered. With exciting new vocabulary, beautiful illustrations, and fun rhymes, this one is sure to keep children entertained. 

Kitten and the Night Watchman by John Sullivan 

Kitten and the Night Watchman is a charming bedtime story that tells the tale of a night watchman who encounters a stray kitten on his shift. When the cat disappears, he worries that something may have happened to it. But in the end, the cat returns and the sun rises again. This is a soothing book that assures children that the night-time isn’t as scary as it seems. 

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown

Mr. Tiger is tired of prim and proper. So he decides to go wild! He chooses to be himself and inspires his friends to loosen up too. This cheerful book encourages children to be themselves and embrace what makes them unique. 

Tangled: A Story About Shapes by Anne Miranda 

This book goes beyond just squares, circles, and triangles. It teaches kids about various shapes through a humorous story about shapes who get caught in the park jungle gym. The easy-to-read rhymes will make remembering the different shapes a breeze. 

Reading is a wonderful way for parents to bond with their children and introduce them to new concepts. Books instill in children life lessons and a love of reading that will follow them for the rest of their lives. At Dairy Road Discovery Center, our literature-based curriculum is focused on building the key language skills that children need to succeed. Contact us today to learn more about our programs!