Vacation reads for kindergartners
The Maggie B.
by: Irene Haas - (Margaret K. McElderry Books, 1975) 32 pages.
One of the sweetest, homiest and quietly comforting picture books ever published. Those who know it count it as one of their all-time favorites. If you are just about to discover it, get ready to buy multiple copies to give to every child of picture-book age.
Perfect for: Kids who like adventure.
Find at your local library.
Regards to the Man in the Moon
by: Ezra Jack Keats - (Simon and Schuster, 1981) 40 pages.
High-flying adventure, coupled with bold illustrations, keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Vibrant collages reflect the limitless possibilities of a child’s imagination. This book is a revitalizing dose of imagination and an inspiration for kids.
Perfect for: Kids who like fantasy stories.
Find at your local library.
Bea & Mr. Jones
by: Amy Schwartz - (Harcourt, 1982) 32 pages.
This reissue about a father/daughter switch (he’s tired of his job in advertising; she’s tired of kindergarten) is just as fresh and funny as it was 24 years ago when it was first published. A new generation of parents and children will the welcome the return of its tart humor and expressive, detailed pencil illustrations.
Perfect for: Kids who like humor stories.
Find at your local library.
May I Bring a Friend?
by: Beatrice Schenk de Regniers, illustrated by: Beni Montresor - (Aladdin, 1989) 48 pages.
This gentle, rhyming story about a boy who is a regular visitor to the king and queen is sure to be one of your child’s favorites. Each time he goes for a visit, he politely asks to bring a friend. Each time the king and queen tell him that any friend of his is welcome — though his choice of friends will surprise and amuse your child.
Perfect for: Kids who like creative solutions.
Find at your local library.
Owl Diaries: Eva’s Treetop Festival
by: Rebecca Elliott - (Scholastic, 2015) 80 pages.
The hook: Eva Wingdale is a busy and ambitious owlet who wants to organize a spring festival at her school. She’s got more fun ideas than she can execute by herself and discovers that getting her classmates to help is the way to make the festival a success. The first in a series, this early chapter book is presented as a diary with cartoon-like illustrations and will resonate with kids who see the adults around them juggling their commitments.
Perfect for: Newly independent readers and future student council presidents.
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Norton and Alpha
by: Kristyna Litten - (Sterling Children's Books, 2017) 44 pages.
Norton the robot and his robot dog, Alpha, love to roam around collecting discarded objects and use them to create marvelous inventions. When they see a flower for the first time, they’re not sure what to make of it — until they watch it transform. The retro-futuristic illustrations of these sweetly expressive robots make this a thoughtful and engaging book to read aloud.
Perfect for: Mini makers.
Find at your local library.
Sparky!
by: Jenny Offill, illustrated by: Chris Appelhans - (Schwartz & Wade, 2014) 40 pages.
The narrator of this sweetly illustrated story is desperate for a pet. Her mother tells her she can have any pet she wants that doesn’t need to be walked, bathed, or fed. And so Sparky the sloth joins the household. As the narrator tries in vain to get him to perform tricks and play hide and seek, Sparky naps. Funny and irresistibly cute, this books captures the rewards of appreciating others just the way they are.
Perfect for: Animal lovers.
Find at your local library.
Rosie Revere, Engineer
by: Andrea Beaty, illustrated by: David Roberts - (Harry N. Abrams, 2013) 32 pages.
This is an engaging, empowering story to read aloud by the author of Iggy Peck, Architect. This captivating book tells the story of Rosie, a second grade girl with a penchant for gadgets and inventions, in smart, funny rhymes. When she tries to build a flying machine, she learns an important lesson about innovation and not being afraid to fail.
Perfect for: Fearless builders of the future.
Find at your local library.
Dragons Love Tacos
by: Adam Rubin, illustrated by: Daniel Salmieri - (Dial Books, 2012) 40 pages.
Here is everything you need to know if you want to have a taco party and invite a bunch of dragons: Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, big tacos, and small tacos. But dragons HATE salsa. Even a tiny speck of salsa is too spicy for them. It makes them snort sparks and breathe fire. So whatever you do, don’t put salsa on tacos for dragons! This funny book will make kids smile at the dragons’ antics, and parents of picky eaters will crack up if they’ve ever heard their child complain about a tiny bit of spice in their food.
Perfect for: Picky eaters.
Find at your local library.