Kindergarten Summer Reading Lists Program

It is critical for young children to be read to on a daily basis. This will set the stage for literacy and prepare them for Kindergarten. To ensure comprehension, tie in some fun learning activities that allow them to draw parallels between the book and their lives or the book and other books or media. Strive to read at least one new picture book per day and one or two that are familiar.

Start a reading chart on a blank calendar so that your child can cross off or add a sticker to each day the reading goal is completed. As a reward for a week of successful reading, plan a trip to the library or bookstore for new books for the next week!

Series books or books by a single author or illustrator are appealing to this age group. They will feel comfortable and familiar with the characters and want to read more!

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. illustrated by Lois Ehlert

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a great tool for learning the alphabet. The upbeat rhymes can be chanted or sung as the children watch the letters climb the coconut tree before ultimately going "Boom Boom"!

No Jumping on the Bed! by Tedd Arnold

What child hasn't been told to not jump on his bed? In Walter's case, it leads to his bed breaking through the floor of his room and traveling through all of the apartments below! Children will enjoy repeating Walter's journey through each neighbor's home.

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes (Must Read)

Kevin Henkes writes wonderful books for children. His characters are incredibly relatable for children. These are only three of his many titles, which are all highly recommended. Lilly loves school, until she gets in trouble for bringing her purple plastic purse with three shiny coins and her movie-star sunglasses and distracting the class. Lilly does not respond well to having her treasures taken away, but she learns her lesson in the end.

Owen by Kevin Henkes (Must Read)

Owen loves his blanket. He takes it everywhere with him, but soon he will go to school and won't be able to take it with him. This is another perfect story for learning how to problem solve for those just starting school.

Julius Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes (Must Read)

When Julius is born, his parents think that he is perfect. Big sister, Lilly has other ideas. Acknowledging the feelings of an older sibling are explored in a funny way that hits all right notes.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Must Read)

All of Eric Carle's books are entertaining for children. The Very Hungry Caterpillar teaches children number concepts and the days of the week in an interactive, fun story.

Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester, illustrated by Lynn Munsinger

Tacky is different. And while some of his unusual habits are annoying to his friends, he ultimately saves the day. This is a great book to teach children that it is okay to not be exactly like everyone else.

Miss Spider's Tea Party by David Kirk

Despite the scary reputation of spiders, Miss Spider is kind and simply wants to have company join her for tea. When she has the opportunity to prove her friendly nature to a rain-soaked moth, others learn that she is a kind friend.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

This sweet bedtime story uses rhythm and rhyme to say goodnight before bed. Eagle-eyed children will spot a tiny mouse hiding on each page!

Tomie dePaola's Mother Goose by Tomie dePaola

The stories of Mother Goose are standard fare for this age and Tomie dePaola's sweet illustrations complement them perfectly. This collection includes nursery rhymes and poems including Jack Sprat, Little Miss Muffet, and Yankee Doodle.

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

Farmer Brown's cows find a typewriter and begin making demands. This hilarious take on the barnyard will have children giggling and waiting to see what the silly typing animals will do next.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond

Be prepared. When you give this mouse a cookie, not only will he want milk to go with it, but he will end up requiring all kinds of things! This is sure to elicit giggles as each new request leads to another.

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

The cap peddler wears his caps in a tall pile on his head. When he sits down under a tree to take a nap, he wakes to find the tree filled with monkeys - all wearing his caps!