Stories that have survived the test of time are often the best kind to keep on your bookshelf. Enjoy these classic tales (and one book of poems) with your kindergartner. You’ll find your child asking for these books again and again.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter: One misbehaved rabbit gets into a lot of mischief in Mr. McGregor’s garden. He learns his lesson about trespassing the hard way, and his story has delighted children for many years. In fact, the entire series of children’s books written by Beatrix Potter is an excellent choice for any kindergartner.
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey: What is more wholesome than a story about a mother and daughter picking blueberries together? Perhaps a story about a mother bear and her cub eating blueberries is even better. In Blueberries for Sal, both stories combine into one delightful interchange between bears and humans.
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf: A proper bull is supposed to jump and run and fight, right? Read this tale to introduce your kindergartner to a bull who does things quite differently from the other bulls. Perhaps your child will sympathize with Ferdinand’s quieter demeanor.
The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack: A duck with a large family chooses to be on his own rather than take the consequences for being late. His adventure on the Yangtze River takes several exciting turns, and the satisfying ending feels just right to most kids.
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney: The lovely illustrations and unique story make this timeless book a favorite of kids and parents. Learn about the lupine legacy of Miss Rumphius and think about what you do to make the world more beautiful.
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton: Even after steam shovels become obsolete, Mike Mulligan puts his trusty steam shovel to work building a town hall. It’s a race against time, and more people watching makes Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel work faster. See what happens in this educational and exciting classic!
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans: Generations of children have loved Madeline and the “twelve little girls in two straight lines.” The rhyme and rhythm of this gentle book lead us through whimsical pictures of Paris and a story of a girl who needs to be rushed to the hospital.
Corduroy by Don Freeman: The beloved stuffed bear goes on a search for his missing button. Does he find it, or does his quest get him in trouble? An instant classic, this book will get read over and over again.
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson: The creative genius of Harold, with the help of his ever-present purple crayon, gets him back to his bedroom so he can draw up his covers and fall fast asleep after an artful adventure.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats: Peter spends a delightful day in the snow! After your child has been out in the snow, cuddle up under a blanket and read this book. Children love to read about other children who do the same things they do.
Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina: A peddler takes a rest with his wares on his head. Some monkeys get into some mischief, and the peddler is in for a surprise when he wakes up! This surprisingly funny story will have your child shouting, “Caps for Sale!” after the story is finished.
A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson: Arguably, this is the best book of poetry for kindergartners. Filled to the brim with simple (yet not too simple) poems about childhood, Stevenson’s verses take children to places and ideas that are familiar and interesting.
Find these stories at your local library, or buy a copy for your bookshelf. We hope you love to read them for years to come!
