Reading is a life skill that has a huge impact on a child’s reasoning abilities. Starting the habit of daily reading as you prepare your toddler for school can build a lifetime of learning enjoyment. There are so many books available, that are geared towards Kindergarten readers, so you can choose books that match your child’s interests to build that love of reading. Today’s list showcases 7 books that have an animal theme to entice your animal loving kindergartner.
Good Night, Baby Animals You’ve Had a Busy Day (by Karen B. Winnick)
A great book to read at bedtime. Your toddler can act out each baby animals actions as they hear the phrase “you’ve had a busy day”. A great way to get them settled down for a good night’s sleep by the end of the book and off to dreaming about their favorite animals.
One Big Pair of Underwear (by Laura Gehl)
A funny book that builds on counting skills as different kinds of animals have to share a variety of items. Can you imagine what three yaks have to share with each other, or how about a group of twenty pigs! Kids will laugh along with the story as animals have to share all kinds of things, even a pair of underwear.
Barkus (by Patricia MacLachlan)
Nicky’s favorite uncle comes to visit with a special present for her…a very big brown dog! He doesn’t like to travel with Uncle Everton so he decides to give this talented dog to Nicky. Barkus knows a lot of tricks and he wins a spot with his new family. This is book 1 in a series so fall in love with Barkus now and you’ll have more adventures to share in the future.
The Pout-Pout Fish (by Deborah Diesen)
Here is a book if your child is having a day full of frowns. With lots of rhymes and beautiful artwork, this fish story about spreading the “dreary wearies” will have everyone smiling in no time. This is one book out of several series that include activity books A Pout-Pout Fish Novelty series, and storybooks A Pout-Pout Fish Adventure series, and A Pout-Pout Fish Mini Adventure series. So if your family falls in love with this book there will be more opportunities to add to your child’s library.
Are You My Mother? (by P.D. Eastman)
This board book is a funny treat that is edited by Dr. Seuss. This book has a place in your child’s library as well as an option for a great baby shower gift. A baby bird is on a quest to find his mother, but he’s not sure what she looks like. He approaches many animals (kitten, dog, hen, etc.) to see if they are his mother. In the end, the mother and child bond will come through.
If Animals Kissed Good Night (by Ann Whitford Paul)
How do animals say GoodNight to each other? This book explores that question, and you and your child can enjoy creating your own ideas on how various animals make a nighttime routine. Whimsical artwork combines with rhyming verse that makes it easy for your child to join along with the story until your turn for bedtime kisses wrap up the day.
Open the Barn Door (by Christopher Santoro)
Looking for an activity book that you can explore with lifting flaps to tell the story? Open the Barn Door is the animal book to choose. There are 12 different flaps that highlight a variety of barnyard friends including; horses, cows, pigs, and even chickens. This is a fun-filled introduction to what life on a farm is like.
Have fun with your family reading time while you explore the stories of some memorable animals. If your family has pets you can even invite them into family reading time. As children start to learn how to read, they can start reading out loud to a dog they love. Dogs (and other pets) will give unconditional attention and help young readers build their confidence to read out loud. Enjoy your daily reading routine.