Best Books for Kindergarten

Choosing the best books for kindergarten means finding stories and resources that make children curious, confident, and excited to read. Kids at this age thrive on lively picture books that spark imagination, nonfiction titles that answer their endless questions, and supportive workbooks that give them tools to practice new skills.

The right mix of engaging stories and well-designed activities helps children build vocabulary, develop early phonics knowledge, and strengthen social-emotional understanding. Parents often ask what should kids know before kindergarten, and the books in this list provide a clear answer: they should be exposed to stories that encourage empathy, curiosity, and early literacy skills.

This article highlights a carefully selected list of favorites, including classics, newer releases, and a few playful workbooks that make reading feel like an adventure in learning.

What this article covers:

1. 15 Best Books to Read for Kindergarten
1. We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T.Higgins
2. I Am Enough by Grace Byers
3. Locomotive by Brian Floca
4. The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds
5. The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat
6. Chez Bob by Bob Shea
7. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
8. The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes
9. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
10. Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
11. Foolproof Phonics (Part 1) by Mrs Wordsmith
12. Get Reading with Phonics by Mrs Wordsmith
13. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena
14. Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
15. Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae
2. Conclusion

15 Best Books to Read for Kindergarten

The kindergarten years are full of discovery, and the right books can make that journey even more exciting. From laugh-out-loud stories to powerful messages of self-worth, these selections are perfect for five- and six-year-olds who are building both their reading skills and their sense of self:

1. We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

This story introduces Penelope, a dinosaur who struggles to make friends because she literally tries to eat them. The humor lands instantly with children, and the quirky illustrations keep them hooked.

Beyond the laughs, the book encourages conversations about kindness, empathy, and what it means to treat others with respect. Teachers love it as a first-week-of-school read, and parents find it useful for easing social jitters at home.

2. I Am Enough by Grace Byers

Written in simple, lyrical text, this book celebrates individuality and respect for others. The illustrations show children of diverse backgrounds and abilities, which helps little readers see themselves and their classmates reflected on the page.

It's a gentle but powerful resource for starting meaningful conversations about inclusion and acceptance. The reassuring tone makes it a perfect bedtime read, while its message carries seamlessly into the classroom.

3. Locomotive by Brian Floca

This nonfiction picture book takes children on a thrilling train ride across the American landscape. The detailed artwork invites readers to explore the machinery, landscapes, and people of the 1860s, while the text pulses with rhythm and excitement.

It's a wonderful way to introduce young learners to history, geography, and technology without overwhelming them. Many educators recommend it for sparking curiosity about nonfiction and for connecting stories to STEM lessons.

4. The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds

This uplifting tale follows Jerome, a boy who loves gathering words the way others collect treasures. The story encourages children to notice language all around them and see how words can be used to share feelings, ideas, and stories.

Its bright, playful illustrations invite readers to linger on every page. Parents and teachers value it for sparking an interest in vocabulary and creative expression, making it a natural bridge to early writing activities.

5. The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat

This Caldecott Medal winner follows Beekle, an imaginary friend who gets tired of waiting to be chosen and sets off on his own adventure. The story resonates with children who sometimes feel overlooked or left out, offering reassurance that they, too, will find their place.

The illustrations are whimsical yet deeply expressive, pulling young readers into Beekle's world of longing and discovery. It's an excellent choice for encouraging conversations about belonging, creativity, and the courage it takes to form new friendships.

6. Chez Bob by Bob Shea

Bob the alligator has a sneaky plan to lure birds into his mouth by opening a restaurant on his nose. The setup makes children laugh right away, but the story takes a surprising turn when Bob starts to enjoy the company of his feathered “customers.”

The humor keeps kids engaged while also teaching a lesson about how friendship can change even the trickiest intentions. It's playful, witty, and a wonderful way to spark conversations about kindness, trust, and making better choices.

7. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

Few books capture the energy of learning the alphabet quite like this one. The rhythmic text and bold illustrations turn the ABCs into a lively adventure, with letters racing up a coconut tree.

Children love chanting along, which makes it ideal for group read-alouds in classrooms or family reading time at home. It introduces letter recognition in a way that feels like a game, helping kids remember sounds and shapes while having fun.

8. The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes

This uplifting story gives children a boost of confidence as they step into their first classroom. The main character approaches every part of his day, from making friends to trying new activities, with enthusiasm and pride.

The text is reassuring without being overly sentimental, which helps children see kindergarten as an exciting adventure rather than something to fear. Parents and teachers often choose this book to set a positive tone at the start of the school year, and it never fails to inspire smiles.

9. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

This classic has been delighting children for decades. The simple text and colorful cutout illustrations make it easy for kids to follow along, and the repetitive structure builds confidence in early readers. It introduces concepts such as counting, the days of the week, and healthy eating in a way that feels natural and fun.

The final transformation into a butterfly gives children a satisfying ending that also introduces the idea of life cycles. It's a book that both parents and teachers return to year after year because it never loses its charm.

10. Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Wemberly worries about everything, from spilling juice to starting school. Her feelings are instantly relatable to children who face new situations with uncertainty. The gentle storytelling and warm illustrations reassure kids that it is normal to feel nervous and that worries often fade when you try new things.

This book opens the door to important conversations about emotions, resilience, and coping strategies. Families often use it to comfort children during big transitions, while teachers rely on it to build empathy in the classroom.

11. Foolproof Phonics (Part 1) by Mrs Wordsmith

Phonics instruction works best when it feels engaging, and Foolproof Phonics delivers exactly that. It introduces 50 key sound and letter pairs through clear explanations, lively illustrations, and activities that feel more like games than lessons. Children practice skills that directly support reading fluency, and they do it in a way that keeps them motivated.

The workbook is structured to give steady progress without overwhelming young learners. Many parents find it helpful for reinforcing what their children are already learning at school.

12. Get Reading with Phonics by Mrs Wordsmith

This activity book turns phonics practice into a playful experience with stickers, activities, and colorful pages. Get Reading with Phonics supports children as they learn high-frequency words and apply them in meaningful contexts. The design encourages active participation, which makes kids feel proud of every page they complete.

This kindergarten worksheet book is a strong choice for families who want reading practice at home to feel rewarding rather than routine. Teachers also value it as a supplemental resource that blends fun with essential skill-building.

13. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

This award-winning picture book follows a boy and his grandmother as they ride the bus across town. Along the way, the grandmother encourages her grandson to notice the beauty in everyday life and appreciate what they have.

The text is poetic, and the illustrations are vibrant, making it an engaging read-aloud. It also gently introduces themes of gratitude, community, and social awareness, which resonate well with children in kindergarten.

14. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

This interactive book invites children to respond to the pigeon's silly pleas to take the wheel of a bus. Its humor comes from the pigeon's exaggerated expressions and persistence, which make kids laugh while also giving them a chance to say “no.”

The book helps young readers understand boundaries and decision-making in a playful way. It is a perennial favorite for group read-alouds because kids love shouting out their answers together.

15. Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

Gerald the giraffe wants to dance, but he struggles until he finds his own rhythm. The rhyming text is lively, and the illustrations are filled with energy, which makes the story a joy to read aloud.

Children connect with Gerald's feelings of being different, and they cheer when he finally succeeds. The story encourages perseverance, self-confidence, and the idea that everyone has something special to contribute.

Conclusion

Kindergarten is a time when children discover the joy of stories, build essential reading skills, and learn about the world around them. The books in this list support that journey by offering laughter, encouragement, and meaningful lessons, while also giving young readers chances to practice phonics and vocabulary.

Parents who wonder what age to start reading will find that these books and resources provide a natural introduction that fits the needs of children at this stage.

A thoughtful mix of picture books, nonfiction, and skill-building workbooks creates a foundation that helps children grow into confident readers. To give your child the tools they need to succeed, explore our Mrs Wordsmith workbooks and make reading practice part of the fun.