Ages 3-6: Pre- to Beginning Readers

Otto the Book Bear by Katie Cleminson will appeal to children 3 and up.

Lola at the Library is a picture book about going to the library, participating in storytime, borrowing books and enjoying them at home. Lola is a very young African American child who already loves the library and children's books.

And Then It's Spring is a good picture book to read aloud and this review tells you why kids will want to hear the story by Julie Fogliano and enjoy the illustrations of Caldecott Medal winner Erin E. Stead again and again.

The Easter Egg, by author and illustrator Jan Brett, is a delightful Easter picture book for children. Children ages 3 to 6 will delight in the story of a rabbit named Hoppi and a very special Easter egg in The Easter Egg by Jan Brett.

While the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems is a popular series of beginning reader books, it is also a popular read aloud for younger children.

This book review of The Gruffalo provides an overview of the children's picture book by Julia Donaldson and explains why it's a good book to read aloud to young children.

The children's book Who Has What? All About Girl’s Bodies and Boys’ Bodies, a picture book format book for young children is the subject of my interview with author Robie H. Harris.

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman is a beginner book for beginning readers. It is also popular with younger children who enjoy hearing the story again and again.

We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers is a good children's picture book for three- to six-year-olds. Featuring Charlie and Lola, the characters created by Lauren Child and featured on Playhouse Disney, We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers provides an introduction to the importance of recycling and concern for the environment, stressing the role children can play in protecting the environment through recycling.

Fancy Nancy is the first picture book of Jane O'Connor's popular picture books about a little girl who loves everything fancy. I recommend Fancy Nancy for three- to six-year-olds.

If your child is worried about starting first grade, read my book review of First Grade Jitters by Robert Quackenbush. This picture book may be just what you need to calm your child's fears.

Find out why Dr. Seuss' popularity has endured for over 60 years.

These reading lists of recommended children's books, with cover art and brief annotations, are from the Hennepin County (MN) Library. Lists include: Starting to Read, First Early Reader, Advanced Early Reader, First Chapter Books, Girls Read Jr, and Guys Read Jr.

Interesting article by Carol Otis Hurst that includes summaries of recommended books.

City Signs

Favorite Little Golden Books - Readers respond with stories of their favorite Little Golden Books.

This special collector’s edition of The Complete Adventures of Curious George includes the Rey’s seven stories about the curious little monkey known as Curious George plus several essays that adults will enjoy.

Use A Christmas Goodnight to introduce young children to the story of the first Christmas and the relationship of a Nativity set to the Bible story of the birth of Jesus