We all have our “go-to” favorite preschool books to read aloud. We’ve been reading them for years- We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and Mouse Paint to name a few. But, there are some newer books in town that deserve a spot on that “go to” preschool favorites list. Check out my favorite new “go-to” preschool favorites.
New Preschool Favorite Read-Alouds
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For this “new” list, I’m going to stick with books published from 2017 to the present.
Everybody in the Red Brick Building by Anne Wynter starts with everyone asleep in the red brick building until…the baby howls, “Waaaaaah!” which wakes someone…and before you know it everyone is awake. This one tops my list.
Also, check out the Book Dive I have for you to use with this book.—> Everybody in the Red Brick Building
Full of rhythm and rhyme Fire Chief Fran by Linda Ashman will engage a whole group on a topic little ones love. I love that this book looks at lots of different calls firefighters answer and that the chief is a woman!
Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty. The family cat turns household chores into a mixed-up laugh-out-loud potential disaster. Can the family get the house ready before Grandma Marge arrives? And, will the cat actually get a bath?
Mel Fell by Corey Tabor is the story of a young kingfisher who is determined that today is the day that she will learn to fly. The thing is that we don’t always have immediate success when we try something new. That is okay. In fact, it is perfectly normal for there to be bumps along the way. Keep your confidence and don’t give up.
Mel Fell was a Caldecott Honor book. See more of my award-winning favorites.—> Award-Winning Books
Nothing says summer like the pool. Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall is the story of a little boy finding the courage to take his first jump off the diving board. His supportive family helps him find the moment that is just right for him.
I even created book activities to go with the book.—> Jabari Jumps Book Activities
A squirrel is enjoying his beautiful leafy canopy in the tree when he discovers some of the leaves are missing. Is someone stealing squirrel’s leaves? Read The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming.
For more seasonal reads, check out my lists geared toward preschoolers.—> Preschool Books About Seasons
Saturday by Oge Mora is the story of a young girl and her mother who only get Saturdays to spend the whole day together so they like to plan special things to do with each other. However, on this particular Saturday, it seems like their plans are going to be spoiled. But, we discover that as long as they get to be with each other that is all that matters.
[easyazon_link identifier=”0316431249″ locale=”US” tag=”groboobyboo-20″]Thank You, Omu![/easyazon_link]Thank You, Omu! by Mora could easily be added to this list too.
Give Me Back My Bones by Kim Norman is packed with fun learning and a fun read for Talk Like a Pirate Day or any day of the year. Plus, the dust jacket turns into a poster.
“Now I need my gnaw bone, my chicken-chomping saw bone.
I’ll starve without my jawbone. I miss my mandible!”
Marigold is a cat with a personality. Marigold Bakes a Cake by Mike Malbrough is a funny tale of a cat who just wants to spend his Monday making a cake. But, things don’t go according to plan.
This is a variation of the traditional, The Little Red Hen. In The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier, Ruby wants to build a fort but her three brothers don’t want to help with the planning or building. However, when it comes time to play in the fort, the brothers come up with a creative way to add to the fort.
Don’t miss the Book Dive I created for this book too.—> The Little Red Fort Book Dive
A young, confident, and proud young man is ready to take on kindergarten. His day is busy and full of new adventures. He is ready to conquer it all and then come home and share his success with his family. It’s an empowering story about trying new things with confidence and excitement. Check out The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes.
And, grab the Book Dive to go with the book.—> The King of Kindergarten Book Dive
Stumpkin is a beautiful pumpkin waiting to be selected from the shelves of pumpkins and carried home to become a jack-o-lantern. But, he keeps getting passed over become his stem is missing. As Halloween approaches, will he get his chance to shine? Check out Stumpkin by Lucy Ruth Cummins.
Don’t miss the Book Dive I created for this book too.—> The Stumpkin Book Dive
Crunch the Shy Dinosaur by Greg Pizzoli invites listeners to talk in different volumes throughout the book. Great story and great interaction make this a win of a read-aloud.
For more interactive books, check out this big list.—> Interactive Books for Kids
In Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party by Kimberly & James Dean, Pete is having a pizza party and wants the guests to have a perfect pizza. What ingredients would make the perfect pizza? Perhaps ingredients that start with the letter p.
Check out these book activities to do with the book too.—>Pete the Cat and the Perfect PIzza Party Activities
In One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller by Kate Read preschoolers will love the suspense as the hungry fox looks for a chicken dinner. But, when the hens flock together that sly fox might be in for a surprise. Count from 1 to 10 in this book that starts with one and ends with one.
It is a good pick for a circle-time read-aloud. You can not only work on counting but also body parts, food chain, vocabulary, and the power of illustrations to enhance text. There are so many possibilities.
Get ready to use your best pretend French accent in Escargot by Dashka Slater. How many books feature a snail as the main character? It’s clever, fun to read, interactive, and just might get kids to eat a salad with carrots. Those are huge wins.
Printable Book List of Favorite Preschool Reads
Grab a printable list of books shared above. Just click the purple rectangle button below to download it.
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