I have always loved children’s picture books, and our bookshelves show it. Just ask my husband. 🙂 Some of my most cherished memories as a mom are cuddling up on the couch or bed with my children and reading books to them. I started reading to them when they were just a few months old, and even before they could understand the storyline, they loved it.
All four of my older children are avid readers, and I know it has helped them immensely in school. I am a strong believer in reading to children- every single day if you can!
One thing about preschoolers is that they love repetition. Which means you will be asked to read the same stories over and over and over again. So they better be good, or you’ll want to poke your eyes out. We’ve had a few books over the years that I had to hide because if I had to read them one more time I was afraid I’d end up in a corner babbling incoherently to myself.
This is a list of books that not only have all of my five children enjoyed, but that you can read without loosing your mind. It is of course best to rotate them around. No book is so awesome that you can read it 263 times a week and not end up lying awake at night wondering how you can sneak it out of the house without starting world war three.
20 Fabulous Picture Books for Preschoolers
(These are some of our best loved books, and I think you will love them too. The list does contain affiliate links to the books on Amazon. I love buying books online!)
Time for Bed
I love reading this book before nap time and bedtime. The illustrations of animals and their babies is endearing, and I can read it over and over again without wanting to pull my hair out. A great relaxing rhyming book.
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
Molly Lou is unique, and she’s not afraid to be herself. Such a great message about being comfortable in your own skin. It will make you smile.
Bread and Jam for Frances
I grew up with the Frances books, and I have always loved them. Like a lot of kids, Frances decides to be a picky eater and only eat bread and jam. For every meal. The way her mother deals with it is priceless.
The Mitten
Jan Brett is a master illustrator. Every one of her stories has so many detailed pictures, some of them telling stories in the borders of the book. This silly story makes my kids laugh because they love seeing the animals so something that is impossible.
Just Go to Bed
My kids have all loved the Little Critter books, and to be honest, so do I. They are short, sweet, and often times hilarious. I don’t mind reading them over and over again.
Little Miss Spider
Every Miss Spider book teaches a valuable lesson, and we love them all. As an adoptive mama, I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried the first time I read this book. And maybe a few times since then.
Listen, Buddy
Although Buddy has been blessed with large bunny ears, he never listens. But he meets up with the Scruffy Varmint, and learns that sometimes it does pay to listen. Sure to bring laughs at story time!
Quick As a Cricket
This book has been read so many times over the years that the pages are bent, dogeared, and in some cases taped together. It’s simple, but so fun. My kids love the last page!
King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub
The illustrations are stunning, the plot line is outrageous, and a child solves a problem that none of the adults can figure out. Of course it’s going to be a favorite. 🙂
Chester’s Way
Seriously, I can’t say enough about Kevin Henkes’s books. The illustrations are darling, and I love the simple message in every one of his stories. This one is about reaching out of our comfort zone to show kindness. A great lesson on friendship.
Bertie Was a Watchdog
Bertie isn’t a typical watchdog. But he proves that size isn’t everything, even when facing something scary. My kids love barking along to the story, and they love the fun surprise ending.
Ed & Fred Flea
This clever rhyming book teaches that selfishness hurts everyone, but sometimes it hurts us most of all. The story line and the illustrations are hilarious!
Officer Buckle & Gloria
This is a darling book about loyalty, teamwork and friendship, with a bunch of great safety tips thrown in. Gems like “always pull the toothpick out of your sandwich”, and “never lick a stop sign in the winter” will just make you grin.
Mouse Mess
The illustrations in this book are just cool, they look like a paper pieced collage. It’s fun to see the mouse play with the big “people stuff”, and the rhyming text is fun. The mouse is naughty, so I talk to my kids about how the people are going to feel when they wake up. A good reverse lesson in the importance of cleaning up after yourself.
Sherman Crunchley
Sherman is supposed to fill his dad’s shoes as the new police chief. But he doesn’t want to be a police officer. The way he finally gets the courage to tell his dad is both clever and funny. Such a cute book.
The Midnight Farm
This is another favorite bedtime story. The photos are beautiful, the text is calming and poetic, and as a bonus, it is also a counting book. Perfect for teaching children that the dark doesn’t have to be scary.
When Charlie McButton Lost Power
If you have kids that think the world revolves around electronics, this is the book for you! A hilarious tale about Charlie, and what happens when the power goes out. So funny!
Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday
Alexander is back, but this time with money woes. A funny book, especially for kids who have a hard time holding onto their cash. I know we have a few of those at our house!
My Monster Mama Loves Me So
This is a sweet book about a mother’s love. With lines like “She gives me great big hairy hugs, and bakes me cookies filled with bugs,” it is sure to be a favorite. Plus, there are hidden pictures on every page. Such a great book!
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Kids can totally relate to this silly pigeon who will do anything to drive the bus. It shows them in a funny way what it feels like to be on the other end of a temper tantrum. Perfect for preschoolers!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I only share links to products that we use and love in our own home!
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