Use these books to read, sing, play, talk, and write throughout the day!
1. READ
Read to Your Bunny by Rosemary Wells (Infant, Toddler)
A book that is both perfect to read to children and to encourage caregivers to continue to read to children. Reading with your children is one of the simplest ways to build a child’s early literacy skills and prepare them for a life of learning and exploration. ▸ Get it at the Library
2. SING
Sing with Me! Action Songs Every Child Should Know by Naoko Stoop (Toddler, Preschool)
This book has a collection of classic children’s songs and action rhymes (with directions) to share accompanied by adorable paintings. Singing and rhyming helps children to hear the smaller sounds in words, which is an important early literacy skill. ▸ Get it at the Library
3. PLAY
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen (Toddler, Preschool)
Imaginative play encourages children to think creatively and symbolically. It helps them to expand their knowledge of their world. Dramatic pretend play also develops children’s literacy skills, as children learn story-telling skills, sequencing, and logical thinking. In this book, a family goes on an adventure across a field of grass, a deep river, swampy mud, and a big forest. Will they find a bear? ▸ Get it at the Library
4. TALK
Where’s Walrus? by Stephen Savage (Infant, Toddler, Preschool)
Interactive, back-and-forth talking with children helps model conversation patterns, teach vocabulary and grammar, and build strong relationships. Using this wordless book about a walrus that escapes from his pen at the zoo, caregivers and children can talk about what they see on each page and focus on the things that catch their child’s interest. ▸ Get it at the Library
5. WRITE
Tulip and Rex Write a Story by Alyssa Satin Capucilli; illustrated by Sarah Massini (Preschool)
Tulip, a little girl, and her dog Rex go on a new kind of walk together: a word walk! Using a journal from her grandmother they go exploring and collecting words. For children, writing begins with fine motor skills and scribbling. As a child grows and matures, they begin to form shapes and letters on the page. When reading a book like this together, caregivers can help point out letters to make the connection between written words and spoken language. ▸ Get it at the Library
These resources were recommended by Samantha Blanquart, an Early Literacy Outreach Librarian with Ready to Read Resource Center. Visit their website for more info about early literacy or to check out one of their reading kits for young children.
Imagination Library Picks:
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena (Preschool)
Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. Follow CJ as he wonders aloud during an energetic ride through the city about the differences he sees. Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty – and fun – in their routine and the world around them. ▸ Get it at the Library
Baking Day at Grandma’s by Anika Denise (Toddler, Preschool)
Picking up a book while you wait for the cookies to finish baking is the perfect way to connect stories and words with an everyday activity, like cooking! A wonderful story about family, sharing, storytime, and baking time. ▸ Get it at the Library
