My earliest memories include climbing onto my Pap Wert’s lap and listening to him read “Chicken Little.” Pap and Grandma didn’t have many children’s books, so it was just me and Henny Penny, Lucy Goosey, and Lucky Ducky for many years.

As an adult, I sometimes visit the county library and come home with the maximum number of books permitted to read to my children and grandchildren. Over the years, I’ve collected a few favorites. (“Few” isn’t the right word. “Hundreds” would be more accurate.) I’ve grouped this small sampling into three categories: Preschool, Kindergarten through Grade 4, and Middle School. There is, however, no age limit for any of these books. I frequently read them to my students and grandchildren simply because they are fun to read! Here are some favorites from years of reading to children. Send me an email with your favorite kids’ books. 

Feel the rhythm, but watch out for giggles  – reading to preschoolers…

The Napping House” by Audrey Wood and Don Wood

The Napping House” by Audrey Wood and Don Wood

Underpants Thunderpants written by Peter Bently and illustrated by Deborah Melmon 

Jamberry by Bruce Degen

The Llama Llama series  by Anna Dewdney

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherry Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld

Little Blue Truck books by Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry

Humor & Hijinks for Kindergarten through Grade 4

There’s a Monster at the End of This Book (A Little Golden Book) by Jon Stone and Michael Smollin

How to Babysit a Grandma by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish

The Mercy Watson collection written by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

Thomas’ Snowsuit – story by Robert Munsch; art by Michael Martchenko

King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood & Don Wood

The Skippy Jon Jones books by Judy Schachner

Piggy Pie by Margie Palintini & Howard Fine

Shock Their Socks Off – Middle Grades

The Hair of Zoe Fleffenbacher Goes to School written by Laurie Halse Anderson; illustrated by Ard Hoyt

Tuesday by David Wiesner

Animalia by Graeme Base (the ultimate alphabet book)

Wolves in the Wall – written by Neil Gaiman; illustrated by Dave McKean

Sundiata: Lion King of Mali by David Wisneiwski

The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark by Carmen Agra Deedy and Henri Sorensen

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