Kids are very imaginative, and to boost their imagination, we bring you the ten best books to read to Kindergarteners. Picture books with minimum words are the best combination to introduce little kids to the world of books, and some books with simple vocabulary develop literacy skills in kids.
P.s: All are alphabetically arranged to bring in the vibes of the famous ABCD songs.
#1 Akbar and Birbal by Maple Press
About the Book
![Akbar and Birbal (Illustrated) by [Compiled by Maple Press, Maple Press]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/612sp4QQk4L.jpg)
Author: Maple Press
Title: Akbar and Birbal
Genre: Children/ Classic
Publisher: Maple Press
Type: Standalone
Pages: 70
Goodreads rating: 4.44/5
The classic tale of Emperor Akbar and Birbal was passed on from generation to generation. Everyone knows the friendship between Emperor Akbar and his wise minister Birbal. Birbal is well known for his innovative thinking and for giving wise advice in complicated situations to Emperor Akbar. This book brings a collection of delightful stories with beautiful illustrations to young readers. The pattern of the stories is like problem-solving; that is, the first problem is introduced through situations, and then a solution is given at the end to overcome that problem. One can find over 20-22 stories in this book and have a good time with kids.
Why do we recommend this book?
We all grew up listening to famous Akbar and Birbal stories; this book comes with beautiful illustrations and a handy text to retell the story to kids and to introduce innovative thinking through the character Birbal as well as the bond between Akbar and Birbal. It is one of the most cherished books to read to kindergartners and one of my favorites. Definitely recommended.
To buy/gift Akbar and Birbal, click on the below link:
#2 Big Dog… Little Dog by P.D. Eastman
About the Book
![Big Dog...Little Dog (Beginner Books(R)) by [P.D. Eastman, Tony Eastman]; Books to read to kindergartners](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51W6U1fJKXL.jpg)
Author: P.D. Eastman
Title: Big Dog… Little Dog
Genre: Children/ Picturebook
Publisher: Random House Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 48
Goodreads rating: 4.1/5
Big Dog… Little Dog is a picture illustrated book, minimal words with larger conveying images. It’s a story of best friends Ted and Fred who are opposite in every way; one is significant, the other is small, one likes cold, other likes warm. Like this, they end up in contrasting situations, choices, and features, but their friendship always remains the same.
Why do we recommend this book?
First thing, I loved the pictures; they are simple but fantastic; everywhere, big and small, can be seen like a big car and a small car which gives a visual image of the concept. Second, I felt so many ideas were being introduced at a time; as per the title, the idea is about big and small; once you start reading the story, you will find the color concept, opposite words like cold and warm, wet-dry, etc. This book is apt for kids who have been introduced to the ideas, and the fun is still unlimited despite the knowledge.
To buy/gift Big Dog… Little Dog, click on the below link:
#3 Dog Loves Books by Louise Yates
About the Book
![Dog Loves Books: Now a major CBeebies show! by [Louise Yates]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xVB9nnSzL.jpg)
Author: Louise Yates
Title: Dog Loves Books
Genre: Children/Picturebook
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Type: Standalone series (2 parts)
Pages: 32
Goodreads rating: 4.0/5
Lousie Yates draws the kid’s attention toward the book, and in this case, the Dog loves the book!. So much that it opens a book store. But no one shows up for the book. How do you feel when you run a book store, and someone comes to ask for milk or directions? You feel lonely and lost, right? But the Dog in this story finds a solution to loneliness and shares it with all the readers.
Why do we recommend this book?
Firstly, I loved that this is a picture book that inspires kids to read more books. I remembered my childhood when I used to stick my head beneath the table and read my favorite comics. This simple illustration and the exciting flow of the tale keep children engaged. It is one of the best books to read to kindergartners.
To buy/gift Dog Loves Books click on the below link:
#4 If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
About the Book
Author: Laura Joffe Numeroff
Title: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Genre: Children/Picturebook
Publisher: HarperCollins
Type: Standalone
Pages: 40
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
Do you know what happens to the mouse if you give it a cookie? In this case, this picture book starts with this hook and keeps engaging with subsequent consequences after the cookie is given to the mouse. It is colorful, more than words, with illustrations that speak aloud. It’s fantastic that the author crafted this story with one action of giving cookies leading to multiple consequences over page 40. Lastly, kids are going to love, laugh, and enjoy their read, and in addition, the ending is hilarious.
Why do we recommend this book?
It was a fun read, primarily when the mouse got carried away and swept all the rooms; the illustration and words burst me into laughter. Overall it is fun and highly imaginative, which kids would love. So read this fascinating book, a fine specimen of books to read to kindergartners.
To buy/gift If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, click on the below link:
#5 Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
About the Book
![Little Pea: (Children's Book, Books for Baby, Books about Picky Eaters, Board Books for Kids) by [Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Jen Corace]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413FN3q5XGL._SX260_.jpg)
Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Title: Little Pea
Genre: Children/Picturebook
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 36
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
In this case, this tale starts with the introduction of Little Pea and his family. Relatable to the kids, the author describes little pea’s day with his family and friends, his mealtime, his likes and dislikes about the food, etc. We do tell kids that vegetables and fruits are healthy food and not to eat too many candies/junk food. But in this tale, the author has skillfully reversed the sayings of a parent. If little pea doesn’t finish all the candies, he will not get his favorite dessert, spinach to eat!, Unlike other stories, a child will be able to connect their daily routine in this story.
Why do we recommend this book?
After finishing this book, I had a wow feeling that I never had before. Moreover, to be honest, when little pea was tired of having candies every day, I was thinking, what on earth makes it so sad? Maybe kids will feel the same thing. Kudos to the author for this well-planned tale to plant healthy eating habits among the kids and make it one of the best books to read to kindergartners.
To buy/gift Little Pea click on the below link:
#6 The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food by Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain
About the Book
![The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food (First Time Books(R)) by [Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain]; Books to read to kindergartners](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/612LbHPX8sL._SX260_.jpg)
Author: Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain
Title: The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food
Genre: Children/Picturebook
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Type: Standalone
Pages: 32
Goodreads rating: 4.0/5
In this case, the story is about Mama Bear guiding the cubs and the Papa bear to have healthy eating habits. However, she gets worried when they get chubby due to unhealthy eating habits like eating junk food. Finally, mama bear becomes strict on their eating habits; with the help of Dr. Grizzly, they will get aware of a healthy diet, nutrition, and exercise. Lastly, this book is a vocabulary enhancer, best suitable for practicing reading habits in Upper K.G. kids by reading aloud word by word.
Why do we recommend this book?
Firstly, let me be honest, in the beginning, I was getting a feeling that this was going to be a cliche and thought this was another story about healthy and unhealthy eating habits. However, the plot was straightforward with real-life situations with the characters of the Bear family. Still, after a few pages, I realized how different and educational this was. I loved that this story is not too preachy about eating healthy food; instead, the author gives valid reasons through Dr. Grizzly’s character with very detailed illustrations. I recommend every parent and educator to introduce this story to the kids as it is one of the best books to read to kindergartners.
To buy/gift The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk, click on the below link:
#7 The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak
About the Book
![The Book With No Pictures by [B. J. Novak]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41oVUPEf7WL.jpg)
Author: B.J. Novak
Title: The Book With No Pictures
Genre: Children/Picturebook
Publisher: Dial Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 48
Goodreads rating: 4.3/5
As the title says, there is no single picture in this book. In this case, kids may wonder how even is it possible that this book exists without a photo. Covering around 40-48 pages, you turn the page in the hope of a single picture in between, but the words keep you engaged. It’s silly, funny, and brings a pleasant environment. This book, carefully with words, keeps a child engaged in a book without any illustration.
Why do we recommend this book?
So, whenever I talk to kids, I try to bring a picture or concrete object in front to make them understand. But this book was incredibly imaginative and proved that one could keep kids engaged even without pictures. Lastly, I felt this book prepares a kid for reading books without pictures because at a certain point, a child has to be prepared to read text-based books, and it is also one of the best books to read to kindergartners.
To buy/gift The Book With No Pictures, click on the below link:
#8 The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss
About the Book
Author: Dr. Seuss
Title: The Foot Book
Genre: Children/Picturebook
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Type: Standalone
Pages: 24
Goodreads rating: 4.0/5
Firstly, a read-aloud book with a rhythmic feel to tap the feet. Moreover, this book aims to introduce opposite words to the young learners through the foot; its gross motor skills are blended with vocabulary learning. Furthermore, its captivating illustrations and bold fonts capture the readers. For example, high feet and low feet are visualized in the book. Lastly, this classic Seussian is a must-read book on the shelves of parents and educators.
Why do we recommend this book?
Okay, I didn’t know. We can learn so much around one thing, that is, foot. It is fabulous how the author stuck with one particular prop and wove a fascinating tale around it, that too introducing opposite words like high-low wet-dry, etc., which is simply amazing. Finally, try this book with voice modulations for the kids, and kids would love to read aloud by themselves as it is one of the best books to read to kindergartners.
To buy/gift, The Foot Book, click on the below link:
#9 Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss
About the Book
![Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories by [Dr. Seuss]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5124GT6o9EL.jpg)
Author: Dr. Seuss
Title: Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories
Genre: Children/Picturebook
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Type: Standalone
Pages: 80
Goodreads rating: 4.1/5
In this case, the book has rhythmic story plot lines where you can find three fables: Yertle the Turtle, Gertrude McFuzz, and The Big Brag. However, crazy creatures like Yertle the Turtle, who care about themselves and want to have all control and power, or Gertrude McFuzz, who wants a beautiful tail-like fellow-creature, Lolla-Lee-Lou. Moreover, hilarious tales and imaginative illustrations capture the reader through its story with rhymes. Finally, Dr. Seuss’s language is simple yet classic and has a poetic touch.
Why do we recommend this book?
Rich in its vocabulary, this is indeed a language enhancer in the child. However, the creature’s illustrations are crazy. Lastly, this tale introduces insightful concepts through characters, their conflicts, and facing the consequences of their actions. It is a worthful gift to a kid.
To buy/gift Yertle the Turtle, and Other Stories, click on the below link:
#10 Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
About the Book
Author: Maurice Sendak
Title: Where the Wild Things Are
Genre: Children/ Picturebook
Publisher: Red Fox
Type: Standalone
Pages: 38
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
In this case, the story starts with Max, a naughty kid roaming in a wolf suit who does terrible things; his tired mother sends him to bed without supper and calls him a wild thing. Next, the story follows the forest growing in his room which leads him to land in the land of wild things. There he meets terrible creatures and becomes their king; however, he feels lonely and hungry at the end and comes back to his room, where a warm supper is waiting for him. This book highlights two aspects: No matter how naughty Max could be, he can’t stay away from his loved ones, even if he was made the wild’s king.
Why do we recommend this book?
So, because Maurice Sendak wrote this book in 1963, we can assume reward and punishment were expected, like the punishment of not providing food. However, when the kid Max returns home, he finds a warm supper for him; it can be assumed that no parent can let their child sleep hungry. This book is also wildly adventurous and filled with beautiful illustrations.
To buy/gift Where the Wild Things Are, click on the below link:
Finally, that’s it for the recommendations. These books are fun to read. Give these books a try, and I’m sure you’ll love it.
P.S.: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, you can read these books. Also, check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
So that’s it. Finally, to conclude, here is the list of Best Books for Kindergartners:
| 1 | Akbar and Birbal by Maple Press | Buy Now |
| 2 | Big Dog… Little Dog by P.D. Eastman | Buy Now |
| 3 | Dog Loves Books by Louise Yates | Buy Now |
| 4 | If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff | Buy Now |
| 5 | Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal | Buy Now |
| 6 | The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food by Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain | Buy Now |
| 7 | The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak | Buy Now |
| 8 | The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss | Buy Now |
| 9 | Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss | Buy Now |
| 10 | Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak | Buy Now |
Lastly, do read all the books on this Best Books for Kindergartners. Moreover, you are going to enjoy reading them.
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