Silly, lovable, and fun to read. These titles are perfect for playing with words!
Not a Box by Antoinette Portis (Toddler, Preschool)
A young rabbit is sitting in a cardboard box. Why? Well, it turns out that it’s NOT a box after all: it’s a racecar, or a mountain peak, or even a robot costume. Simple line drawings and text encourage children to use their wild imaginations. What else could this box be? ▸ Get it at the Library
Can You Make a Scary Face? by Jan Thomas (Preschool)
This interactive book allows children use their whole bodies to participate in the story. Little ones will wiggle and dance and even make a scary face to chase away a giant, hungry frog! This book is great for read alouds with a group of young children so that they can all play and be silly together. ▸ Get it at the Library
Polar Bear’s Underwear
by Tupera Tupera (Toddler, Preschool)
Uh-oh! Polar bear has misplaced his underwear! His friend mouse agrees to help him, but polar bear can’t quite remember what his underwear looked like. Can you help polar bear find his underwear from all of the choices available in this book? ▸ Get it at the Library
Playtime? by Jeff Mack (Toddler)
It’s bedtime for this gorilla, but he’d rather stay up and play. Grownups with toddlers will definitely sympathize with the little boy who just wants his gorilla friend to go to sleep. Sometimes all it takes is a little playtime to get the wiggles out before bed! Fun illustrations convey the story, even though this book only contains two words. ▸ Get it at the Library
Dad by My Side by Soosh (Toddler, Preschool)
A young girl knows that with her dad by her side, nothing is impossible. Dad will always make time to try new things, play together, and tell stories. It doesn’t matter what they do, as long as they’re together. This book will motivate grownups to get involved and spend some quality time with their little ones. ▸ Get it at the Library
There’s Nothing to Do by Dev Petty (Preschool)
Little frog is bored and can’t figure out what they want to do today. Their dad suggests lots of fun activities they could do: go for a swim, play with their toys, or even clean their room. Froggy’s friends suggest other “fun” activities to do, but nothing seems of interest. But maybe, sometimes, “nothing” is the best thing to do. ▸ Get it at the Library
These resources were recommended by Samantha Blanquart, an Early Literacy Outreach Librarian with Ready to Read Resource Center. Visit their website for more info about early literacy or to check out one of their reading kits for young children.
Imagination Library Picks:
Read to Tiger by S.J. Fore (Preschool)
A little boy who wants to read his book keeps being distracted by a tiger who is busy chomping on gum, growling, and practicing karate kicks. A delightful role-reversal that is fun to read again and again! ▸ Get it at the Library
My First Songs by Tomie dePaola (Infant, Toddler)
Favorite nursery rhymes and songs you can sing along to. With colorful illustrations, this board book is sure to excite your little one. ▸ Get it at the Library
Chimpanzees for Tea! by Jo Empson (Preschool)
One day, Vincent’s mother asks him to go to the store to pick up a few items: “a bunch of carrots, a box of rice, some China tea, a big, firm pear, and a tin of peas” to be precise. “And hurry home in time for tea!” she says. Sounds easy enough. ▸ Get it at the Library
