Play This Book by Jessica E. Young (Toddler, Preschool)
This interactive book, great for fans of Press Here by Hervé Tullet, invites the readers to create music using only their hands. Your child can strum the guitar, slide the trombone, crash the cymbals, and more! No instruments required – just their imagination. Find it at the Library
Can I Play Too? by Samantha Cotterill (Preschool)
Taking turns and playing together can be tough for all children, but particularly so for children on the autism spectrum. In this story, a young boy and his friend play trains together, but disaster strikes when one friend struggles to pay attention to social cues and share the tracks. With the help of a kind teacher, they learn how to tell when a friend is feeling happy, frustrated, or angry and to ask to start again. Find it at the Library
We All Play (Kimêtawânaw) by Julie Flett (All Ages)
This beautiful bilingual book (in English and Cree) showcases the many ways that animals and children play outside – how both can explore and have fun and how both can relax after a long day of play. It also features a glossary and pronunciation guide while providing some fun animals facts to share. Find it at the Library
Let’s Play Make Bee-lieve by Ross Burach (Preschool)
Bumble and Bee are spending the day on the pond playing charades, searching for treasure, and playing a silly new version of hide-and-seek. This beginning reader is almost like a beginning graphic novel as well, with lots of focus on the pictures. Find it at the Library
Are You Ready to Play Outside? by Mo Willems (Toddler, Preschool)
This beginning reader book brings back our friends Gerald and Piggie! These two friends are excited to play outside, but then it begins to rain. Piggie is sad because she does not think they can play in the rain, but Gerald shows Piggie that they can have fun together no matter what the weather is like! Find it at the Library
Dusk Explorers by Lindsay Leslie (Preschool, School Age)
Grownups recall fondly summer afternoons and evenings playing outside until the streetlights came on. Share that magic with your children in this story where the neighborhood kids climb trees, play hide-and-seek, tell secrets, and catch frogs beneath a setting sun. As we all know, dusk in Alaska summer lasts a long time – maybe you can relive some of your youth before bedtime tonight? Find it at the Library
Playtime in Alaska! by Amy Murrell-Haunold (Preschool, School Age)
Follow along through the different seasons as Alaska’s children play in all kinds of weather. Beautiful watercolor illustrations show life in rural Alaska, but even children from the city will find something familiar. 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.