According the the American Academy of Pediatrics, reading aloud to children, starting at infancy, is important for building language, literacy, and emotional skills.
As parents of adventurous preschoolers know, it isn’t always easy to get the little ones to sit still for a story. These seven classic, beautifully illustrated, adventure stories are sure to please even the busiest of children.
1. The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd
The Runaway Bunny is the perfect book for the preschooler who loves to play hide-and-seek. This tale is of a little bunny who wants to runaway and the diligent mother who would follow him anywhere.
2. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
The repetitiveness of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt allows preschoolers to practice their reading comprehnsion skills. This is an exciting adventure through forests and snowstorms. This is also a great book to read aloud to a group of children.
3. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
This Caldecott Medal winner follows a little boy through his snowy neighborhood and back to the warmth of his home. He discovers that snowballs can’t survive inside but that his mother is there to help him get warm.
4. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
One of the most popular picture books of all-time, Where the Wild Things Are, takes children on an unforgettable adventure. The fabulously creative illustrations pull you into the story of Max’s amazing journey.
5. The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses is a story about a Native American girl who goes to live with the beautiful wild horses. Her family finds her and brings her home, though the girl’s heart remains with the horses. In the end, her dreams come true as she herself becomes a wild horse.
6. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
This classic children’s story has been redone countless times, athough, the Watty Piper version remains the favorite. The Little Engine teaches children to never ever give up. This is also a great story to teach children about persevering even in the face of rejection.
7. My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann
My Friend Rabbit is beautifully illustrated and a wonderful read to spark your child’s imagination. Rabbit and his friend Mouse take us along as they find trouble playing with a toy airplane. This humorous book is sure to delight and inspire silliness in your preschooler.
What are some of the favorite books you and your young one love?
YouTube Channel: Scholastic
Featured image via Green Tree Library