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Best Books for 4s & 5s
Phonological Awareness
Rhyming is a way children learn that words are made up of smaller parts. This helps when they later try to sound out words to read. Songs also help children hear words broken down into parts.
Look for books with rhymes and songs
And to think that we thought we’d never be friends by Mary Ann Hoberman
Here’s a Seuss-like story that will have children eagerly finishing the sentences.
Ants in my pants by Wendy Mould
If ants are in your pants, what might be in your socks? You’ll have fun rhyming the next reason this boy can’t get himself dressed.
Bein’ with you this way by W. Nikola-Lisa
Bop along with this girl as she spends a fun day at the park with her friends.
Castles, caves and honeycombs by Linda Ashman
Make up your own tune to this soothing lullaby about animal homes.
Clara Caterpillar by Pamela Duncan Edwards
This book cleverly concentrates on beginning sounds.
Don’t forget the bacon by Pat Hutchins
A simple grocery list gets more complicated the more often it is repeated.
Hailstones and halibut bones by Mary O’Neill
Poems about colors encourage a child’s imagination and creative thinking.
Round is a mooncake by Roseanne Thong
A girl discovers shapes in her world in this celebration of Asian culture.
Look for books with repetition
Repetition helps children learn how stories work. These books also help children tell the story.
Mixed-up chameleon by Eric Carle
In his dreams the foolish chameleon assumes the features of other animals.
Nathaniel Willy, scared silly by Judith Mathews
Children quickly learn to repeat Grandma’s words and squeal with delight.
Parrot Tico Tango by Anna Witte
Bright tropical pictures enhance this rhyming, cumulative tale.
This is the house that Jack built by Simms Taback
Check out the rich illustrations in this new version by an award winner.
What cried Granny: an almost bedtime story by Kate Lum
You won’t believe what this Granny has to do to get her grandson to sleep.
Narrative Skills
Narrative skills and summarizing help children understand stories. Once children are familiar with a story, ask them to tell you what happens in the book. Be encouraging and make it fun.
Big Moon Tortilla by Joy Cowley
How would you respond to these challenges? A great book about choices and self-control.
Piñata by Rebecca Emberley
Children can recount the possibilities in this English/Spanish version.
Elizabeti’s doll by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
You’ll never forget this sweet story of life in Tanzania.
Tortillitas para Mama by Barbara Cooney
Latin American rhymes in English and Spanish.
They Call Me Woolly by Keith DuQuette
Try a nonfiction book like this one about animal names.
Kitten called Moonlight by Martin Waddell
A mother and daughter recall a night that changed their lives.
Very hungry caterpillar by Eric Carle
This innovative counting book incorporates the life cycle of a caterpillar who eats lots of food.
Widget by Lynn Rossiter McFarland
Giggles and tolerance in the same story? You’ll find them in this special dog ‘n’ cat tale.
Look for predictable books
Ask what do you think happens next?
Bunny cakes by Rosemary Wells
Max is having a hard time making cakes with Ruby. What will he mess up next?
Cat up a tree by John Hassett
Will the library help get a cat out of a tree, and what will the firefighter say?
Duck on a bike by David Shannon
Can you imagine such a sight? This book makes you think about what is possible, and what’s not!
Teddy bear by David McPhail
What will the body do when he loses his best friend in the park? This is a story about compassion and self-sacrifice.
What do you do with a tail like this? by Steve Jenkins
Learn all about these fascinating animals as you guess why and what and how.
Letter Knowledge
Knowing letters is important to be ready to read. Help children learn both CAPITAL and lowercase letters.
A is for salad by Mike Lester
Don’t believe everything you read in this book –children will know what each letter is really for.
Alphabet Under Construction by Denise Flemin
Construction mouse antics brighten this alphabet book.
Firefighters A to Z by Chris Demarest
Learn more than the alphabet in this exciting book about community helpers.
26 letters and 99 cents by Tana Hoban
Here’s a great introduction to uppercase and lowercase letters, illustrated with bright photos.
Look for fun sounds in books
Helps children think about how letters and their sounds work. Encourage children to play with sounds and letters.
Adventures of sparrowboy by Brian Pinkney
Action sound words whirl around this young hero.
I stink! by Kate and Jim McMullan
The garbage truck makes all kinds of sounds you’ll want to imitate – and it loves alphabet garbage soup.
Old MacDonald had a woodshop by Lisa Shulman
Just listen to all the sounds these tools make in this new take on an old favorite.
Roller coaster by Marla Frazee
Will she ride? Could she like it? Hop on for an exciting story!
Print Awareness
Print is everywhere. Read aloud labels, signs, lists, menus and more.
I read signs by Tana Hoban
You’ll have fun recognizing many of the signs seen everyday.
Signs on the road by Mary Hill
A boy and his mother observe signs on their way to the store.
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