Reading with our kids is so very important. Exposing even the youngest of children to a wide variety of different stories, perspectives, and vocabulary is essential to future school success. However, repetition of books is also beneficial for word recognition and memorization skills.
So, if you have to read them several times, make sure you are reading the best books!
Here are a few of the titles that have been on repeat at our house through our 16 years of parenting. And though the covers are a little worn, we continue to enjoy their adventures.
Nanette’s Baguette
by Mo Willems
This is my all-time favorite read-aloud as a mom and as a librarian! Wonderful use of language, simple yet engaging plot, and a twist at the end!
Dog’s Colorful Day
by Emma Dodd
A friendly puppy has a messy day and ends up teaching colors and counting along the way. As an animal loving family, this sweet and clever story never gets old.
The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room
by Stan & Jan Berenstain
I have a collection of Berenstain Bears books from when I was a kid, and we love them all, but the Messy Room one is our favorite. It is just oh so relatable!
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
by Eric Litwin
My younger daughter loved this story so much that we had it memorized. I can recall many summer evenings pushing her on the swingset and telling this story together!
The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear
by Don & Audrey Wood
This simple story with beautiful illustrations was one of the first books that I “read by myself” as a kid. In reality, I had simply memorized it, but I felt so big being able to share the story on my own.
Belly Button Book!/Blue Hat, Green Hat/Pajama Time!
By Sandra Boynton
We love all of Sandra Boynton’s books, but these three were in constant rotation through the years. With silly themes, sweet rhymes, and charming characters, the whole family will enjoy these board books.
