Schedule Tour
It’s bedtime. Or that time just after dinner when you and your child snuggle up on the couch and pick out a book to read. Or that time when you sit in the doctor’s office waiting room while you wait for the nurse to call your name. Anytime can be reading time, especially when you have the right book to stimulate your child’s mind and heart.
We’re always amazed by the wide variety of excellent books available to children and parents. The following list includes a few of our favorite classics, books you and your 3-5-year-old can curl up with and enjoy, again and again.
A Note About Active Reading
When reading to a young child, make the experience even more fun by doing more than just reading the words. Point to the pictures and ask children to identify what they see and the names of characters, to make predictions about what might happen next, and what sounds animals or characters might make. The more sub-story fun you can have, the more activated your child’s imagination will be and the more opportunities they will have for extended learning.
The Giving Tree
This tearjerker by Shel Silverstein reminds us of the fragility of life and the lasting value of friendship. A bookshelf staple, your child will love the spare illustrations and color palate, subtly anthropomorphized tree, and sweet message of friendship.
Can I Play Too?
Any book by Mo Willems will have you and your child in stitches, and “Can I Play Too?” is no different. Developing a sense of humor is essential to navigating the wide range of experiences we have available to us in this life. This book is chock-full of brain-expanding plays-on-words, and expresses a message about inclusion that can’t be beat.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle knows just how to captivate children and adults alike with bright, colorful illustrations and simple stories that resonate. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is an interactive adventure through the growth of a caterpillar into a butterfly, eating through everything from fruit to donuts on its way. Humor? Check. Science lesson? Double check!
When Sophie Gets Angry . . . Really, Really Angry
Anger is a difficult emotion for many adults to cope with, and young children are no different. This Caldecott Honor-winning book explores the reasons anger arises and ways to manage challenging feelings and situations. Sophie runs out into the woods, climbs a tree, and learns how to work with her feelings before returning home to her warm and caring family.
Honey, I Love
Eloise Greenfield’s deep sense of rhythm and passionate portrayal of the African American experience cannot help but inspire. This simple-but-powerful collection introduces children to poetry and reminds readers of the joy of everyday experiences, including skipping rope, keeping Mama company, and playing with friends.
Reading with your child is one of life’s greatest joys. At Kidspace Child Enrichment Center, we have a cozy library set up where kids can sit down and enjoy a wide variety of stories. We read to children in groups and individually throughout the day and firmly believe that the right book can transport and inspire the reader.
What are your favorite children’s books? What books do your kids currently love? We’d love to hear any recommendations you may have!