One of my favorite parts of my job at the library is getting to put together and present storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers. I have lots of favorite books for this age group and I especially love seasonal and holiday titles. Here are some that I like to use this time of year. I'm excited because I've even gotten to share a few with my daughter this year!
Counting Christmas by Karen Katz
This book's text is quite simple, making it a nice choice for toddlers, especially coupled with the large, vibrant illustrations. It can be used with preschoolers easily by focusing on counting items within the story and practicing counting backwards from 10.
Merry Christmas Big Hungry Bear! by Audrey Wood and Don Wood
This charming tale is a great one for preschoolers. Its simple story and lovely illustrations make it a great title.
Little Mouse's First Christmas by Lauren Thompson
Lauren Thompson has a series of these books telling about Little Mouse's other first seasons. The illustrations are large and very nice; the text is simple and is in a guessing game format. It is a great way to use picture clues to tell what is going on in the story.
Clear Moon, Snow Soon by Tony Johnston and Guy Porfirio
This simple, poetic story has gorgeous illustrations and lots of detail for older preschoolers, but is simple enough for younger children as well.
Bear Stays Up by Karma Wilson
Karma Wilson's series about Bear is a winner for preschoolers. The illustrations of the animals are clear and well done; the stories are humorous and enjoyable.
Where is Christmas, Jesse Bear? by Nancy White Carlstrom and Bruce Degen
The book has predictable, rhyming text making it a good choice for preschoolers. It does a nice job of talking about the feelings associated with Christmas.
What Could Be Keeping Santa? by Marilyn Janovitz
A humorous story, this book is from the perspective of Santa's reindeer.
Dream Snow by Eric Carle
This book is a fun guessing game for children, with farm animals covered in snow and a musical surprise at the end!
These are just a few of my favorite Christmas stories for young children. What are some books you are sharing with your toddlers and preschoolers?
Comments