Timeless Picture Books (Grades PreK-3)

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Picture books have always attracted our beginning readers with their emphasis on illustrations and stories to inspire the imagination. Here is a collection of much–loved titles that may well deserve permanent spots on your bookshelf.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (PreK)
This famous picture book follows the gluttonous baby caterpillar over the course of a week as he devours everything in sight, resulting in a stomachache. Kids will love this tale of metamorphosis that also teaches a lesson.
This book is available in the Teacher Store.

Henny Penny by H. Werner Zimmerman (PreK–2)
Repetition helps students read this story of Henny Penny and her friends. We follow them on their adventure when are convinced one by one that the sky is falling and they rush to tell the king.
This book is available in the Teacher Store.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (PreK–3)
This Caldecott Award winner has been charming children for years. Through a series of wonderful visual images children will enjoy Max's adventures with the help of his imagination and some monster friends.
This book is available in the Teacher Store.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst (PreK–3)
Alexander is just having a terrible day. First he wakes up with gum in his hair, and then he drops his sweater in the sink with the water on. Alexander is someone kids can relate to when it comes to having an all–around bad day, but he also teaches us that things aren't always as bad as they seem. Black and white drawings relay the tribulations of Alexander's day perfectly.
This book is available in the Teacher Store.

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss (PreK–3)
Everyone should experience the glee of being immersed in the wonderful and wacky world of Dr. Seuss. In One Fish Two Fish the verse consists of fun questions like "Did you ever fly a kite in bed? Did you ever walk with ten cats on your head?"

Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg (PreK–3)
This Caldecott winner's wonderfully sculpted drawings show the boundaries between fantasy and reality when adventure ensues through a seemingly harmless board game.

Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School by Mark Teague (K–3)
Bold color visuals contrast with the black and white pictures of Ike the dog's imagination in this very funny tale of one dog and his quest to be released from obedience school.

Dinner at Aunt Connie's House by Faith Ringgold (K–4)
This picture book filled with stunning artwork introduces us to Melody. Melody loves going to visit her Aunt Connie's house because everyone gets to go swimming, eat a fabulous dinner, and view Aunt Connie's new art work of people involved in the Civil Rights movement. But this year there are some surprises.

 

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