I Believe in Me by Emma Dodd (Infant, Toddler)
This heartwarming and uplifting book features a baby crocodile who discovers all the things they’re capable of when they have a loving grown-up to cheer them on. Find it at the Library
The Little Snowplow by Lora Koehler (Toddler, Preschool)
All the other trucks on the Mighty Mountain Road Crew are BIG, but the snowplow is rather little. Can the little snowplow handle the work, especially with that big snowstorm coming in? In the style of The Little Engine That Could, this little snowplow will try his best. Find it at the Library
Chengdu Can Do by Barney Saltzberg (Toddler)
Chengdu the panda can do lots of things by himself, like stretch and swing, push and pull. But even though Chengdu is independent in many areas, he’s still willing to accept some help when he needs it. A great read for little independent kids. Why not try acting it out while you read? Find it at the Library
Arlo Draws an Octopus by Lori Mortensen (Preschool)
Arlo is drawing an octopus with his crayons, but it’s not turning out quite how he imagined. The head is a bit too hilly and the suction cups look like bubbles. Maybe he’s not an octopus drawer after all. But all it takes is a little bit of perspective to change his mind. Find it at the Library
The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi (Preschool, School Age)
Children are so excited to try things that their older siblings do or other kids in the neighborhood. Just because those kids make it look easy doesn’t mean it doesn’t require hard work and practice to learn. This is a wonderful book about resiliency and how you might not be good at something… yet. Find it at the Library
Keisha Ann Can by Daniel Kirk (Preschool, School Age)
A perfect book for easing the back to school transition, whether it’s kindergarten or other early elementary grades. There are so many things that children learn to do in the first few months of school. Who can do those things? Keisha Ann can and so can you! Find it at the Library
T. Rexes Can’t Tie Their Shoes by Anna Lazowski (Preschool)
A fun twist on the classic alphabet book, this story shows all the things that different animals can’t do, but that children can (with practice). It reinforces that even if children can’t do everything on their own yet, they can have a lot of fun trying their best. Find it at the Library
These resources were recommended by Samantha Blanquart, Early Literacy Outreach Librarian with the Anchorage Public Library. Visit APL’s website for more info about early literacy or to check out one of their reading kits for young children.
