The ultimate summer reading list for preschoolers

Preschoolers are just starting to read, and love pictures. More books with more fun and lots of color are perfect to keep them having fun all summer long. 

A Mouse Called Julian, by Joe Todd-Stanton

Julian likes to be left alone, as Todd-Stanton reimagines Aesop’s fable of the Lion and the Mouse. Julian the mouse knows how to avoid everyone from his acquaintances to his foes, until he can’t. Preschoolers will love the beautiful pictures as the story is imagined by Todd-Stanton.

The Cook and the King, by Julia Donaldson

From the mind behind “The Gruffalo,” comes another story with a can-do spirit. A king in search of the perfect cook learns the lesson about teaching a man to fish. The spirited poetry lingers and is great for preschool fun. 

Tomorrow Most Likely, by Dave Eggers

The reverse bedtime story is great for predicting and hoping what could happen tomorrow, instead of focusing on the past of today. The rhyme is calming – even better for bedtime – and worth repeating and repeating all summer long.

Nobody Hugs a Cactus, by Carter Goodrich

Hank is happy being alone in the desert, prickly and cactusy. Until someone offers him a hug he doesn’t want. Youngsters will enjoy Hank and his difficulty in making friends, especially those who can sometimes have prickly feelings. 

Penguin Flies Home: A Flight School Story, by Lita Judge

Penguin loves to feel the wind beneath his wings as he flies, but his friends are all swimmers. What will they think of him knowing that his dreams are different? A delightful story of dreamers and their ambition is perfect for bedtime or early readers. 

Hangry, by Drew Brockington

This is the perfect hot dog book for hot dog fans during hot dog season: summer. Little monster is not just bummed when his favorite hot dog joint is closed, he’s angry and hungry. He’s hangry. Join the hot dog adventure and pick your favorite toppings. 


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