Books to Explore More Words

Look by Fiona Woodcock
(All Ages)
Using entirely words and phrases featuring a double o, this book tells the story of a day from morning to night for a brother and sister, including their visit to the zoo. The words are all incorporated into the pictures, making it a fun seek and find for beginning readers. ▸ Get it at the Library

A Hop is Up by Kristy Dempsey
(Toddler)
Energetic little ones will get a chance to move when they listen to this book about a young boy walking his puppy. Filled with action words and repeated phrases, this book will engage children’s attention while helping them learn vocabulary by using their bodies. ▸ Get it at the Library

What Is Part This, Part That by Harriet Ziefert
(Toddler, Preschool)
With brightly colored, eye-catching illustrations, this book explores how things can be made up of parts of something else. Depending on the item, sometimes the parts add up to a literal whole and other times, the combinations are more metaphorical. Preschool children will enjoy making their own observations and guesses. ▸ Get it at the Library

Hands and Hearts by Donna Jo Napoli
(Toddler, Preschool)
On a trip to the beach, a girl and her mother communicate with each other using American Sign Language. Sidebars on each page teach the appropriate gesture and motions as a gentle introduction to some basic words in ASL. ▸ Get it at the Library

Word Play by Adam Lehrhaupt
(Preschool, School Age)
The parts of speech are together at the playground. Verb can do everything, and Noun can be anything. Follow them in this story to learn all about the parts of speech and how they work together to make sentences. It’s a great introduction to the concept for preschoolers and a helpful reinforcement for older children. ▸ Get it at the Library

The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds
(Preschool)
Lots of kids collect things, like rocks, stamps, or baseball cards. Jerome likes to collect words – short, sweet words or long, melodic words, whether or not he knows their meanings yet. One day, as he moves his collection, Jerome accidentally drops them, and they all get mixed up. How will he put the words back together again? What will he do with his collection? You’ll have to read and find out. ▸ 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.

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