Ask the Librarians:
What Are the Top 3 Books to Read Before Starting Kindergarten?
Partnered with:
The New York Public Library
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Louise Lareau, 42nd Street Children’s Center:
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Freight Train
Who doesn't love a train book? Simple images and text make this a classic. The movement of the train across each page mimics the direction that text is read — from left to right. Children love helping to identify the colorful train cars and watching as they travel through cities and across trestles.
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I Can Do It Too!
A brightly colored story in which a young girl proudly shows off all the things that she can do now that she is grown up. It introduces various family as well as everyday activities. Great for children's self-confidence.
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Rebecca Gueorguiev, Great Kills:
I’m rocking it old school this time, with some books that are geared toward the older preschool crowd.
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Ask Mr. Bear
Originally published in 1932, I can see why this has stood the test of time. Young Danny meets a menagerie of farmyard animals, each willing to give him something for his mother’s birthday gift, all of which she already possesses. Recognition of animals and their respective sounds, sequencing, autonomy, and generosity are all themes in this brightly engaging cumulative tale. And surprisingly, the kids are reciting parts of it to you by tale’s end.
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Caps For Sale
In my opinion, Caps For Sale is a masterpiece! The story is great. And the art! Let me just say, that Slobodkina really knew what she was doing with the layout — especially the scenes leading up to when we finally get to meet those mischievous monkeys. Cause and effect, sequencing (darn if I can quite remember which caps go on the top, but the kids do), frustration, tolerance, and emotions all come into play. The conflict is believably real, and it’s eventual resolution quietly satisfying — another classic that is a heavy hitter in a subtle way.
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Corduroy
Available from:I haven’t met a person yet who has not developed an affinity for this inquisitive and adorable teddy bear. Corduroy possesses all the qualities of a preschooler — a sense of adventure and wonder, emerging independence, and curiosity, which is maybe why he continues to be a hit generation after generation. Other hidden themes include using one’s imagination, a sense of accomplishment, problem solving, and of course, friendship. What 4-year-old, or adult, can’t help but identify with all that?
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Those are my picks and it was hard limiting it to just three. Whistle for Willie, Officer Buckle and Gloria, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom … it’s like Sophie’s Choice. Gosh I love kid’s books.
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Stephanie Whelan, Seward Park:
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Pete the Cat : I Love My White Shoes
Rhythm, colors, and a catchy chorus that kids can pick up the first time through! This brilliant book with an upbeat message is a surefire read-aloud favorite!
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Hi, Pizza Man!
Waiting for pizza has never been so much fun! Youngsters get to figure out what animal sounds to use as they imagine a variety of different pizza delivery characters. Guessing what to say and who will be on the next page keeps kids entertained and thinking, while enjoying the wild and wacky illustrations.
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Blue Hat, Green Hat
Explore colors, clothing, and repetition in this simple book that has all the familiar comic silliness the author is known for. This is one where your toddlers will be anticipating the "oops!" every time.
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Susie Tucker Heimbach, Mulberry Street:
It’s tough to pick just three, huh?! I tried to choose ones by authors and illustrators that I like, so that if readers enjoy these, there are many other books by these same authors and illustrators.
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Mr. Cookie Baker
Available from:A day in the life of Mr. Cookie Baker, a city baker who rises early to make cookies to sell in his shop. Take simple text, add a dash of colorful illustrations, mix well, and voila — a happy baby/toddler reader! There are four cookie recipes at the end of this story, too. Yum.
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Shoe Baby
A whimsical rhyming story with charming illustrations by a mother-daughter team. My favorite part is making the "boo hoo hoo" sound of the giant at the end.
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Trashy Town
Join Mr. Gilly in his trash truck as he collects the garbage around Trashy Town. This one will have everyone chanting, "dump it in, smash it down, drive around the Trashy Town!"
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Sue Yee, 42nd Street Children’s Center:
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Harold and the Purple Crayon
This is an old (originally published in 1955) but timeless classic exploring the power of your imagination. All you need is a crayon and you can go anywhere and do anything. Kids will want their own purple crayon to draw their adventures.
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Jazz Baby
I love the rhythm of this book that begs to be read aloud. Some kids do join in, but the majority just like to sway to the beat. It also introduces some musical terms such as: "sings scat," "toe taps," "soft shoes," "hip hop," "bebop," and "tempo". The text fits perfectly with the rhythm as it swings up or down and wraps around the illustrations.
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Peggy Salwen, St. Agnes:
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The Story of Ferdinand
Available from:With its humorous black and white illustrations this is a story that all parents can relate to and that comforts all children. Ferdinand, a little bull, has a mother that understands him and lets him grow to be a gentle creature instead of a bull that wants to fight. But when Ferdinand accidentally sits on a bee, the young reader sees the funny consequences. This classic book has been a favorite for many generations and is one I really love.
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Each Peach Pear Plum
Available from:With Tom Thumb leading the way, fairy tale characters come together for a picnic with a delicious plum pie. The illustrations are full of detail and the "I spy" feature makes finding the character very satisfying. Listening to a rhyming story and looking for the hidden characters make for a book to be read over and over.
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Mouse Paint
Learning the names of colors and what primary colors mix together to make other colors is the job of three curious white mice. After they have fun playing and dancing in found paint they leave some of the paper white because of the cat. Not only does the reader get to anticipate the color change, but they can also enjoy the humor of a story about three sly mice.
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