Looking for wonderful books to read with your kindergartener? Kindergarten is an exciting year as many children begin recognizing words, sounding out simple sentences, and discovering the joy of reading. Whether your child is already reading independently or still loves curling up for storytime, these picture books are favorites that encourage imagination, laughter, kindness, and a lifelong love of books.
Make Reading a Daily Adventure
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Read together every day—even after your child starts reading independently.
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Focus on enjoying stories rather than practicing every word. A love of reading comes first.
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Don't be afraid to read favorite books again and again. Repetition builds confidence and strengthens comprehension.
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Let your child choose the books whenever possible. Children are more engaged when they're interested in the story.
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If reading starts to feel like a chore, take a break. Keeping books fun is one of the best gifts you can give your child.
Sky Color by Peter H. Reynolds
Marisol discovers that the sky doesn't have to be painted blue. This inspiring story encourages creativity, imagination, and thinking outside the box.
Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Little Pea has a very unusual problem—he has to eat candy for dinner before he's allowed to enjoy his favorite dessert: spinach! Kids will love the silly twist.
The Show-and-Tell Lion by Barbara Abercrombie
Matthew tells his classmates he has a real pet lion, but his imagination soon gets him into trouble. A fun story about honesty and the importance of telling the truth.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
When the bus driver steps away for a moment, the Pigeon does everything he can to convince readers to let him drive the bus. A hilarious, interactive read-aloud that children love.
When I Was Five by Arthur Howard
Growing up brings lots of changes, but some things never do. This gentle story celebrates childhood and growing older.
E-I-E-I-O: How Old MacDonald Got His Farm by Judy Sierra; Illustrated by Matthew Myers
Ever wonder how Old MacDonald got his famous farm? A clever chicken helps transform his ordinary yard into a bustling farm in this humorous retelling.
A Big Guy Took My Ball! by Mo Willems
Part of the beloved Elephant & Piggie series, this funny story explores friendship, misunderstandings, and learning to see things from someone else's perspective.
The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett
When Duck discovers a very unusual egg, the other birds aren't impressed. But everyone is in for a surprise when it finally hatches!
Because by Richard Torrey
Jack thinks "because" is the perfect answer to almost every question. This playful story invites children to think about reasons, explanations, and curiosity.
I'm Still Here in the Bathtub: Brand-New Silly Dilly Songs by Alan Katz
Classic tunes get hilarious new lyrics in this laugh-out-loud collection of silly songs that the whole family can enjoy together.
Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curtis
Children are introduced to important words like "respect," "patience," and "responsibility" through fun examples and colorful illustrations.
Digger, Dozer, Dumper by Hope Vestergaard
Truck lovers will enjoy this lively collection of poems celebrating construction vehicles and the important jobs they do.
Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers
When a penguin unexpectedly appears on a boy's doorstep, he sets out to help his new friend find home. Along the way, they both discover the true meaning of friendship.
It's Hard to Be Five by Jamie Lee Curtis
Growing up isn't always easy. This humorous story celebrates the challenges and exciting milestones that come with being five years old.
Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Spoon begins to wonder if the other utensils have more exciting lives than he does, until he discovers that everyone has something special to offer.
Flight School by Lita Judge
Little Penguin dreams of flying like an eagle. His determination, optimism, and perseverance make this an uplifting story about believing in yourself.
Frog and Fly: Six Slurpy Stories by Jeff Mack
This beginning reader features six funny stories about Frog and his favorite snack—flies! Simple text and playful humor make it perfect for young readers.
Mr. Gumpy's Outing by John Burningham
Mr. Gumpy invites more and more animal friends to join him for a boat ride. Can everyone fit without causing a little chaos?
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin
Pete the Cat loses his buttons one by one, but he never lets it ruin his day. With catchy repetition and counting practice, it's a fun story about keeping a positive attitude.
Happy reading! Whether you're checking these out from the library or adding a few to your home bookshelf, we hope these stories become favorites in your family. The memories made while reading together often last long after children have learned to read on their own.
