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Favorite books for Young Children
49
items My favorite books as a teacher to read aloud to my preschoolers, or favorites from my childhood!
Sections
7
✊🏽 Little Hands, Big Hearts: Books About Justice, Equity & Activism
🌎 Identity, Belonging & Community
💪 Growing Strong Girls
💛 Kindness, Empathy & Emotional Growth
🧠 Big Feelings & Self-Expression
🎨 Imagination in Full Color
✊🏽 Little Hands, Big Hearts: Books About Justice, Equity & Activism
Even the youngest children can feel when something isn’t fair—and these books honor that awareness with kindness and clarity. This collection invites children to explore big ideas like justice, equity, identity, and standing up for others in ways the...
This vibrant, simple board book introduces the concept of justice with warmth and clarity. With bold, inclusive illustrations and encouraging language, it invites even the youngest children to understand fairness, speak up for others, and imagine a w...
A Little Book About Justice|Board Book
Such an important book right now! Simple story about injustice and the act of speaking up, written in a way that young children can understand. Beautiful conversation starter for parents and teachers alike!
A Little Book About Activism
Activism starts young! Meet Clara, a young immigrant who led one of the largest labor strikes in American history! Clara may have been small, but she stood tall for justice. This true story shows girls that bravery doesn’t wait for adulthood—it start...
Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909|Hardcover
This colorful, accessible board book introduces the idea that fairness sometimes means giving people what they need to succeed—because treating everyone the same isn’t always enough. It’s a gentle way to help young children begin understanding equity...
A Little Book About Equity
Bold, clear, and rhythmic, this board book breaks down big ideas into simple actions. It encourages families to talk openly about race and helps even the littlest readers begin to see and challenge injustice.
Antiracist Baby Board Book
🌎 Identity, Belonging & Community
Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and connected. These books reflect diverse families, traditions, and voices. They celebrate what makes us unique—and what we all share. Whether it’s culture, neighborhood, or the kindness of strangers, child...
The LIGHT IS YOU, and YOU ARE LIGHT. I saw this beautiful board book while perusing Barnes and Noble and had tears come to my eyes as I came to the last page. This luminous, book gently affirms that we each carry something bright and beautiful inside us. With glowing die-cut illustrations and poetic simplicity, it invites children to see themselves as part of a vibrant, interconnected world—full of color, ...
You Are Light|Board Book
LOVE. Wonderful book for helping little ones accept and celebrate differences in others. I am usually choked up at the end while reading it aloud to the children. ❤️🥰
We're All Wonders: Palacio, R. J.
A childhood favorite! Love this beautiful story of Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel, Mary Anne, best friends and work companions who are nearing the end of the days of the steam shovel in favor of gas powered equipment, a theme I think many can rel... This story embodies hope, perseverance, friendship, community, and love. Here is a read-aloud to preview it! youtube.com/watch?v=ET1wqTMbfSg
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel Board Book
As an adult, I understand the deeper meaning woven throughout this sweet and beautiful story!. Katy is a kangaroo who, somehow, did not have a pouch for her lil Joey. Now.. we know that's not actually...possible...but, hey it's fiction:) Katy's arms...
Katy No-Pocket
This gentle, heartwarming book reminds children that even in a world with hard things, there are helpers, healers, and kind souls all around us. From bakers to teachers to kids who share, it highlights everyday acts of goodness that quietly make the ...
Good People Everywhere
“In Our Classroom, safe and sound, fear is lost and hope is found. Raise your hand, we'll go around. All are welcome here”. This is a beautiful story with a most important message for children and adults alike! No matter where you are from, what you wear, or who you are - YOU ARE WELCOME HERE. I love this book for the beginning of school year, and all the time in between!
All Are Welcome (An All Are Welcome Book)
I've read this book hundreds of times and still get a little choked up. This story is told from the perspective of a young girl whose mother works long hours at a diner, coming home with aching feet and a tired body, with nowhere to sit and relax sin... The girl, her mother, and grandmother all save their spare change in a big jar so they can find “THE CHAIR” - a big, soft, comfortable, overstuffed chair with flowers on it. Finally, they have enough money! The book paints the picture of community togetherness as it tells of the devastation of the fire, and how the neighborhood came together to donate furniture and belongings to the small family. LOVE this book! Here is a link to a read-aloud so you can “Try before you buy.". youtube.com/watch?v=0urqLXWq6jo
A Chair for My Mother: Caldecott Honor
I LOVE this book! Despite the news pitting US against THEM (whoever “them” is at the time), most people are GOOD. Sweet, simple story with beautiful illustrations. Check out a great read-aloud here to preview the story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_VrMnV1NRY
Most People|Paperback
A luminous story of self-love and beauty in all shades, Sulwe helps children understand colorism while gently affirming that true beauty shines from within.
Sulwe|Hardcover
A little girl delights in wearing her mother’s colorful khimar scarves, exploring the world through the beautiful rhythms of family, faith, and imagination. This warm story honors cultural identity and the special bond between mother and child. Here is a beautiful read-aloud to preview the book! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCqIqUzeYsM
Mommy's Khimar
💪 Growing Strong Girls
Strong girls grow into strong women. These stories celebrate the bravery, brilliance, and resilience of girls and women who kept going, spoke up, and broke barriers. They remind young readers—especially girls—that their voices matter and their action...
NEEDED MORE THAN EVER: A powerful introduction to trailblazing women like Harriet Tubman and Sally Ride, this inspiring book celebrates courage, grit, and the unstoppable spirit of change-makers.
She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World|Hardcover
From Serena Williams to Wilma Rudolph, this installment highlights fierce female athletes who kept going, no matter the odds. Important book for young athletes to understand and appreciate the path that was paved for them, and to stand strong in the ...
She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game|Hardcover
In a time when women's rights are still being challenged across the globe, this book is a vital reminder that the freedoms girls enjoy today were hard-won by brave women who refused to back down. It’s a call to action for young girls to honor that le...
She Persisted Around the World: 13 Women Who Changed ...
This beautifully illustrated board book introduces young readers to inspiring Black women who made history through courage, creativity, and brilliance. From artists and astronauts to poets and pioneers, it’s a celebration of possibility and pride—enc...
Dream Big, Little One
💛 Kindness, Empathy & Emotional Growth
Kindness is more than being nice—it's a way of seeing and being. These books help children understand their feelings, notice others’ emotions, and learn how to respond with compassion. Through relatable stories and real moments, kids discover that em...
True story of a Piney pig living at the Goats of Anarchy farm animal sanctuary, finding his place and his calling as a goat nanny. YES, this sweet and compassionate piggy helped cuddle and care for new little goats at the sanctuary. How could you not...
GOA Kids - Goats of Anarchy: Piney the Goat Nanny: A true story of a little pig with a big heart|eBook
Little blind BABY GOAT! Need I say more? This is the sweetest little TRUE story of Polly, a little blind goat who was rescued and taken to live at the Goats of Anarchy farm animal rescue in New Jersey. Polly was experiencing anxiety any time she was away from her rescuer, and she found that when Polly wore a fuzzy duck costume, she felt cozy and secure. WONDERFUL book, gorgeous illustrations, and the sweetest story ever. The book includes real photos of Polly in her duck costume, and more information about her life at the rescue.
GOA Kids - Goats of Anarchy: Polly and Her Duck Costume: + The true story of a little blind rescue goat|eBook
Shy or anxious little ones? I love this sweet book by the amaaazing Sandra Boynton about a hippopotamus friend who is feeling anxious about joining in with the other animals. This is a wonderful story for having conversations with children both about feeling shy, (and there's nothing wrong with feeling shy!) and including others in their play, especially those who are new or by themselves. A favorite from when my daughters were young, and a favorite still!
But Not the Hippopotamus
Being bullied and left out is so hard! I Walk with Vanessa is a sweet, story told in pictures of a girl witnessing the bullying of another, and choosing to do something about it.
I Walk with Vanessa: A Picture Book
Calling all dog lovers! I LOVE this beautiful and simple story about a family who encounters a stray dog while out on a picnic. The family has a wonderful time playing with the dog, but leaves the dog behind, thinking it must have an owner. Over the ...youtube.com/watch?v=ryAUsbMC5KA
The Stray Dog: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner
My FAVORITE children's book for teaching about compassion. This one always invites conversation and sweet questions! Claude gives away his treasured Christmas presents from his family to his friend, Bummer, a stray dog with no family and no home. I always get a little choked up reading this book aloud seeing the joy on Bummer's furry little face as he takes the gifts away with him, and the joy on Claude's face as he recognizes that the greatest gift in the world is having a family who loves h...
Claude the Dog: A Christmas Story - Books
What would you do if you were small and someone was about to step on you? This clever rhyming conversation between a child and a tiny ant invites empathy, perspective-taking, and big thoughts about small creatures.
Hey, Little Ant|Hardcover
When things don’t go as planned, sometimes what kids need most is someone who simply listens. This gentle story shows the power of patience, empathy, and being present—reminding children that it’s okay to feel upset and that kindness can help us heal...
The Rabbit Listened|Hardcover
Follow a little girl as she quietly leaves small gifts of wildflowers throughout her city neighborhood. Without a single word, this gentle story shows how simple acts of kindness can brighten the world around us.
Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson & Sydney Smith
🧠 Big Feelings & Self-Expression
Feelings are big, and can be difficult for children (and, often, adults!) to handle. Kids need tools to name and explore them. This collection invites children to get curious about their emotions, embrace mistakes, and celebrate their ideas. It’s a space where creativity meets emotional awareness—because expressing yourself is a supe...
A GEM from Dr. Becky Kennedy!!! When a young boy hits his sister after she takes his favorite truck, his mom doesn’t scold—she connects. This tender story models how empathy, not punishment, helps kids understand their feelings and build healthy rela...
That's My Truck!: A Good Inside Story About Hitting|Hardcover
This clear, empowering book helps young children understand that hands are for helping, not hurting. With simple words and friendly illustrations, it gives kids the tools to express big feelings in safe, kind ways.
Hands Are Not for Hitting (Best Behavior Series)|Paperback
When Riley gets overwhelmed and “roars” with frustration, she learns how to listen to her body and take a break. This neurodiversity-affirming story teaches emotional regulation through the lens of sensory needs, perfect for helping kids (and grown-u...
Roaring Mad Riley: An Anger Management Story for Kids|Paperback
Whether it’s frustration, excitement, or just too much energy, this book gently shows that kicking isn’t the answer. It helps toddlers and preschoolers learn to notice their impulses and use their bodies respectfully.
Feet Are Not for Kicking Board Book|Board Book
This compassionate book acknowledges that sometimes kids do feel like hitting—but that there are better choices. It offers healthy alternatives and emotional validation without shame, helping children pause, reflect, and respond with care.
What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting
This empowering book teaches kids how to recognize anger and use simple strategies to manage it, with cheerful illustrations and engaging tips.
A Little SPOT of Anger: Managing BIG Emotions
🎨 Imagination in Full Color
These aren't just stories—they're invitations into entirely new worlds. For kids ages 3–8 who dream big and think deeply, these visually stunning books unlock creativity in unexpected ways. With intricate artwork, hidden details, and images that spea...
It begins on a quiet Tuesday night, when frogs suddenly take to the skies on flying lily pads. No words, just delightfully surreal scenes that grow more curious with every turn. Young readers will laugh, point, and invent their own wild reasons for w...
Tuesday: A Caldecott Award Winner: Wiesner, David - No words.
A boy finds an old underwater camera washed ashore—and the pictures inside reveal an incredible hidden world beneath the sea. With hyper-detailed, wordless illustrations, Flotsam sparks storytelling, curiosity, and the thrilling idea that there’s mor...
Flotsam: A Caldecott Award Winner|Hardcover | No text.
THE ULTIMATE OPEN ENDED QUESTION! Fourteen stories, each ONE line + one corresponding picture. In Chris Van Allsburg's Mysteries of Harris Burdick, a man drops off a stack of pages, with one line and one picture each. He promises to return with the full story for each illustration, but never returns. This book asks the reader, “What do you think is happening here?” and every response is the right one! This would be a wonderful project for a family or classroom to write their own short stories. There is a version of this book where famous authors wrote their ideas for each page, but this original book leaves it up to YOU, the READER!
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick|Hardcover - Minimal text
A lonely girl draws a magic door and enters a lush, fantastical world full of airships, castles, and daring escapes. This gorgeously illustrated, wordless adventure invites children to follow the red marker across page after page of wonder—and imagin...
Journey | Wordless Story
Three kids find a bag of chalk—and when they draw, their creations come to life. The incredibly realistic illustrations make the magic feel almost real, and the suspenseful twist adds excitement to this wordless wonder that gets imaginations racing.
Chalk|Hardcover | No Text
Near-death experience for seven children who are turned into FOOD by an evil witch who plans to EAT THEM if their mother cannot guess which child has been turned into which food. Yikes! Love this entertaining story, even if it is a little scary for little ones :) Here is a very well-done read-aloud to preview the story! youtube.com/watch?v=5RvfzURZ89M
Heckedy Peg: Audrey Wood:
Yes, Jumani is a book! Brilliant author and illustrator, Chris Van Allsburg, created the fantastical tale of Jumani, where two brothers playing a board game find themselves in quite the predicament when wild animals begin taking over their home. Van ... Here is a great read-aloud so you can hear the whole story before you purchase: youtube.com/watch?v=zX7mpN6t0xY
Jumanji 30th Anniversary Edition: A Caldecott Award Winner
Story + Mystery + Puzzles & Codes! I LOVE this engaging story by Graeme Base. Horris the elephant invites eleven guests to his eleventh birthday party, which is an elaborate costume affair. When the clock strikes eleven, the guests go to eat the amazing feast their guest had prepared for them, to find that someone had snuck in and eaten it all! Which of the guests ate the feast? The reader gets to go back through each page of the book and look for hidden clues on each page, some simple to spot, some much more challenging, including morse code, hieroglyphics, chess pieces, anagrams, and more...
The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery|Paperback
🤪 Silly & Funny
Laughter is learning, too! These lighthearted, giggle-worthy books are full of silly surprises, funny faces, and playful plots that spark joy. Whether it’s a talking animal, a wobbly rhyme, or a goofy twist, these stories help kids connect through hu...
FUN read aloud for little ones! Here is a read-aloud of the book so you can “try before you buy”. :) youtube.com/watch?v=gbsZohEMn38
The Wonky Donkey
FUN book from my own childhood! This is wonderful to read or SING. King Bidgood has decided he isn't getting out of the bathtub, and no member of his royal court can convince him otherwise. Gorgeous illustrations! Here is a fun song version of the book. youtube.com/watch?v=J7nrnhvDHSc
King Bidgood's in the Bathtub
Sweet and fun read-aloud with beautiful illustrations typical of Don & Audrey Wood. Love these, “This is the House that Jack Built” style stories where every page builds on the previous one. Here is a read-aloud to hear the full story before buying: youtube.com/watch?v=pG6UjTynNr8
The Napping House Padded Board Book
FUN read-aloud for parents/teachers and children alike. I read this book to my children so many times, I basically have it memorized. Both Eddy and a ginormous bear have both lost their respective teddy bears in the woods. In a hilarious mix-up, to their great dismay, Eddy finds the bear's giant teddy, and the bear find's Eddy's tiny one. What will happen?! Here is a YouTube read-aloud by the author himself! youtube.com/watch?v=e9w2We3_RM0
Where's My Teddy?
Love the cadence of this fun read-aloud about a group of sheep shopping for a friend's birthday. Here is a read-aloud so you can hear the story before you buy! youtube.com/watch?v=jRzmBvdsjEE
Sheep in a Shop Board Book
Poor Tommy piglet… “Forgotten” at the grocery store by his mommy, relocated again and again to different areas of the grocery store by the grocer, who thinks he is a potato, because he has eyes, a chair because he has legs, and so on, and purchased a... Fun read, yes, and disturbing, YES. This book is very hard to find anywhere, even used book retailers, so grab this one quick! Here is a read-aloud, with - bonus! - an ASL translation sidebar. youtube.com/watch?v=1K3cMrMMZUU
Tommy At The Grocery Store
The OG Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs! Maybe you've seen the movie(s) (which were loosely based on the concept of the book), but there is no comparison to the original book. This was my dad's favorite story to read to us! What a hilarious concept of food raining down from the sky in the town of Chew-And-Swallow. No family drama, love story, food science, or man-baby. Just a funny and fun story your children will love!
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs|Paperback