
BOOKS FOR PRESCHOOLERS
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Colors
Fans of Karma Wilson’s Bear books will delight in this rhyming tale of Bear and friends as they encounter things of many colors in Bear Sees Colors. The illustrations are great but don’t expect to be exposed to ALL the basic colors in this book.
It can be tough to find multicultural titles for the preschool level. Red is a Dragon by Roseanne Thong not only exposes kids to colors but also learning about the Chinese-American culture.
Descriptions
Duck and Goose are two lovable characters who take us on a lesson of opposites in What’s Up, Duck? by Tad Hills. It is a very simple book, but the illustrations work well for encouraging kids to predict. Yes, there are Duck and Goose books that also teach about colorsand counting.
Sun Above and Blooms Belowby Felicia Sanzari Chernesky takes us to the farm to explore things we would find that are opposites. The text of the opposites are printed in a different color reminding us to emphasize those words. It’s also a good book for learning about the farm. Sanzari also has a variety of other concept books including Pick a Circle, Gather a Square (shapes) and Sugar White Snow and Evergreens (color).
Directions


Feelings
One of the reasons I like The Way I Feel by Janan Cain is that the illustrations really help to “show” each feeling.
Glad Monster, Sad Monster by Ed Emberly uses die-cut monsters to help teach about feelings. Each page spread contains a fold-out feeling monster mask.
I love Todd Parr’s work. His work exudes acceptance, understanding and diversity. In his The Feelings Book we explore many feelings that kids have with bright, bold and engaging illustrations.
Quantities
Another counting forward and backward book with more story elements than Fish, Swish! Splash, Dash! is The Deep, Deep Puddle by Mary Jessie Parker. My preschoolers adore this book. It’s very silly and fun.
The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins teaches kids about dividing cookies so that all friends are able to share the goodies. Each time the doorbell rings, a new friend arrives and the cookies have to be further divided. Will there be enough cookies for everyone?
Sequencing
Using familiar fairy tales is a good place to start helping preschoolers learn about sequencing . Two of our favorites are The Three Little Pigs by Patricia Siebert and The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Carol Ottolenghi. You will also want to check out our Three Billy Goats Gruff storytelling pieces that will aid in sequencing.
One of my other favorite books is We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen. The sing-song repetitive lines helps kids remember the parts of the story which is beneficial for sequencing the story.
Shapes


Spatial Relationships
Inside Outsideby Lizi Boyd challenges us to use our eyes to find things that we would find outside and inside a house. There is even a challenge to find a set of mice on each page spread.
Size
One of the neat things about Big & Little by Steve Jenkins is that the illustrations are drawn to scale. Kids get a good sense of the comparisons plus they learn about different animals while interacting with the story.

Explore long and short with animal comparisons in The Long and Short of It by Cheryl Nathan.
Little Elliot, Big City by Mike Curato will delight preschooler listeners as they identify being small in a big world.
Textures
That’s Not My… series might seem a bit young for the preschool crowd, but the touch-and-feel textures in the books are well done. Focus on the descriptive words to name each texture. There are over 30 books in the series. Preschoolers especially will enjoy That’s Not My Dragon… and the newest release That’s Not My Meekrat…
Tails by Matthew Van Fleet is a fun interactive book. You will find different touch-and-feel experiences as well pull-tabs and scratch and sniff features.

Spiky, Slimy, Smooth by Jane Brockett takes us on a photography journey of all the different textures we find in our environment.
Alison says
What a great list! 🙂
Alva Sachs says
Hi Jodie,
We have lots in common regarding teaching and children and books. I invite you to take a peek at my award-winning children’s picture books and see how we could possibly join forces. Web site is http://www.alvasachs.com
I am also President of Reading Is Fundamental of Southern California inspiring readers of tomorrow. Website http://www.rifsocal.org
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks for supporting literacy!
Regards,
Alva
Linda Haptonstall says
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Julie @ Logger's Wife says
We love the Karma Wilson “Bear” books. My 3yr old is really good at colors but we might have to read that one anyway. 😉
(visiting from Good Tips Tuesday)
Pamela DeCicco says
What a great list!!! I loved “Going on a Bear Hunt” years ago when I use to teach preschool. I am also very glad to see Barefoot Book’s new release “Outdoor Opposites” on the list. 🙂
Natasha@ Anxious Toddlers says
What a great list of books! I am going to pin to my toddler books board on pinterest.
Jodie Rodriguez says
Thanks so much Natasha!