Reading is one of the most powerful ways to support young children’s development. From expanding vocabulary to building empathy, the simple act of reading aloud or offering picture books can leave a lasting impact. At Big Hearts, Little Hands, we believe in fostering a lifelong love of learning and it starts with a story.
Why Reading Matters
Whether you’re a parent, preschool teacher, or caregiver, incorporating books into a child’s daily routine provides countless benefits:
- Language and Literacy Development: Reading aloud introduces new words, improves sentence structure, and nurtures communication skills.
- Emotional and Social Growth: Stories help children understand emotions, relationships, and the world around them.
- Early Childhood Milestones: Picture books often reinforce concepts like colors, numbers, shapes, and sequences, helping children meet developmental goals in fun, engaging ways.
- Bonding and Routine: Reading together creates a sense of security and connection. Establishing reading as part of bedtime or classroom routine supports calm, focused transitions.
How to Encourage Reading at Home and in the Classroom
Simple, intentional strategies can turn everyday moments into rich literacy experiences. From building a cozy reading space to bringing stories to life through play, children love all aspects of the art of reading and want to be involved every step of the way.
- Create a cozy, accessible book nook.
- Let children choose their own books.
- Ask questions before, during, and after reading.
- Re-read favorites—it builds confidence and comprehension.
- Act out the story or connect it to a hands-on activity.
15 Must-Read Books for Preschoolers (Ages 2–6)
These titles not only entertain, they promote reading comprehension, storytelling, and emotional learning. Here’s a carefully curated list of engaging, educational, and fun books to help spark a love of reading:
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
- Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by James Dean and Eric Litwin
- Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
- Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
- The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
- We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
- Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
- I’m Not Just a Scribble by Diane Alber
At Big Hearts, Little Hands, we believe that books open doors to imagination, growth, and lifelong learning. Whether you’re stocking a classroom shelf or building a bedtime ritual, the right book at the right moment can make all the difference.