(This post contains affiliate links.)
Okay, I just have to say that letter T is a great letter. We found 12 craft ideas, loads of fun math, and 15 books for Letter T. Click here for a printable list.
One Tiny Turtle, by Nicola Davies
This is a nonfiction book about the life of the loggerhead sea turtle. The text of the story is so beautifully written that it feels like poetry. “Far, far out to sea, land is only a memory, and empty sky touches the water.” When my Five read this to herself, she didn’t like it, but she changed her mind after I read it to her. The book is so interesting and beautiful to look at that we had lots to talk about. Highly recommended!
Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go, by Richard Scarry
How can you go wrong with a giant-sized book of Richard Scarry-style transportation? If you’ve never heard of Richard Scarry, then perhaps you are of a younger generation. These were very popular books when I was a kid and for a number of years before that. (I’m in my mid-30’s, if you must know.) These books are excellent for kids to look at on their own because they are overflowing with interesting pictures. They’re also great vocabulary builders because the pictures are all labeled. You might not read this book from beginning to end, but you will love to find something new every time you pick it up. Our library’s copy is quite worn out; this might be a good purchase for my son’s third birthday.
The Tub People, by Pam Conrad
The Tub People line up at the edge of the tub — always in the same order: the father, the mother, the grandmother, the doctor, the policeman, the child, and the dog. They love to play sea captain and have water races– until the horrible day when the Tub Child disappears down the tub drain. This is one of my favorite picture books of all time — so I won’t share the ending in hopes that you read it for yourself! Did I make you feel like you were watching Reading Rainbow? (Whoops – I’m dating myself again.)
Duck in the Truck, by Jez Alborough
I’ve highlighted this book before (see Rhyming Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers). It’s still a favorite of my Two, and he is deeply disappointed when it must be returned to the library. This is a fun rhyming book about a duck whose truck is stuck in the muck… and the animals who help him get out.
From Tomato to Ketchup, by Roberta Basel
We love “how things are made” books. My kids are still quoting from this book. “Did you know that some people put ketchup on eggs and spaghetti?” or “You have to take the air out of ketchup when you make it.” I like the simple explanations and big photographs.
Big Truck and Little Truck, by Jan Carr
This is not my personal favorite because I like my books about trucks to be short. But my Two (almost three) loves this book. And it is certainly well-written with endearing illustrations. Big Truck and Little Truck both work on Farley’s Farm. Little Truck is used to Big Truck’s guidance and instruction — so when Big Truck’s engine won’t start and he leaves for the shop, Little Truck has to manage by himself. It’s a sweet story about learning to be independent.
Trashy Town, by Andrea Zimmerman and David Clemesha
This is a big favorite at our house. Mr. Gilly drives around Trashy Town collecting garbage. After each pick-up we read, “Dump it in, smash it down, drive around the trashy town!” The simple illustrations, predictable text, and of course the subject (trash!) will likely make this a winner at your house, too.
Freight Train, by Donald Crews
Here’s a picture book classic in which vibrantly colored train cars move through a tunnel, by cities, across trestles, and right off the page. This is a great book for teaching about colors and movement.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea, by Judith Kerr
When I can, I like to include at least one older book in my Letter of the Week book lists. This one (published in 1968) is a silly story about a little girl and her mother who are sitting down for tea, when a tiger comes to the door. Sophie’s mother welcomes the polite tiger, who eats and drinks everything in the house! In the end, they go out for dinner — and stock up on Tiger Food should the tiger ever pay them another visit. A bonus about reading older stories is there’s so much opportunity for learning — in this book, what’s a milkman? Why does a boy deliver groceries on a bicycle?
I’m Fast! by Kate & Jim McMullan
Here’s an entertaining read about a train and a car racing to Chicago. This is one of several books by the McMullan author/illustrator team. All my big kids (including my five-year-old daughter) love this story — with the train sound effects, funny text (My Two likes to quote the line “Cows? You gotta moooooove it! Thanks, ladies!”), and staccato rhythm, it’s a hit for kids who love trains and even those who don’t.
It’s a Tiger! by David LaRochelle
Here’s a newer book which is destined to become a read-aloud favorite. The main character runs into (and away from) a tiger throughout the story as the tiger shows up in the silliest of places. Kids will enjoy the chance to yell “A TIGER! RUN!” throughout this lively story.
I’m a Little Teapot, by Iza Trapani
At hour house, we’re big suckers for any book that takes one of our favorite rhymes and adds verses. The teapot shares its dreams with us by reciting adventures of all kinds– fighting a bull in Mexico, meeting an alien in space, singing in an opera, going on a fox hunt… okay, so it’s a bit of a stretch. But we love to sing it!
Little Blue Truck, by Alice Schertle
This is a sweet rhyming book about a friendly blue truck who is loved by all the animals. When the proud, important dump truck finds himself stuck in the mud, he learns the importance of humility and friendship.
The Truck Book, by Harry McNaught
This book has excellent pictures to teach your little truck-lover the names of all different trucks and what they do. I would recommend this for kids who can listen to longer books, but even your younger child might enjoy all the pictures. My Four loved the pictures of the 1935 Wienermobile and milk-bottle shaped Milk Truck. We were excited to find both of them on the Internet. (Here’s one and here’s the other if you want to take a peek!)
Tap Tap Bang Bang, by Emma Garcia
Here’s a fun book about tools just right for young listeners. The pictures are simple, fun sound effects abound, and it’s a big vocabulary builder with the names of all the tools. What’s not to like?
Need more learning ideas for letter T? Click on the image below!
© 2013 – 2018, Anna G. All rights reserved.
Kate says
My toddler loves Little Blue Truck!
annageig says
That’s one of our favorites too :)`
Catherine says
What a great blog you have – I found you through the Kidlit Bloghop 🙂
Do you know the Topsy and Tim books by Jean Adamson – another one for the letter T!
annageig says
Thanks for stopping by, Catherine! I am not familiar with the Topsy and Tim books — unfortunately, our library does not carry them. 🙁
Renee C. says
With 3 little boys, I’m sure the “Truck” books are very popular! Thank you so much for linking into the Kid Lit Blog Hop. Your blog is fabulous and you sound like one busy Mama! I’m now following you via email, Pinterest and Facebook. Hope you’ll join us again in the Hop! 🙂
annageig says
Hi Renee! I’m so glad you stopped by – and thanks for following me! I looked at your blog for biographical information about you but couldn’t find it — would be interested to learn more about you! I do not have a personal facebook account so cannot like your page (I just don’t know where I’d find the time to stay on top of it – some day!), but I am following the blog by e-mail. I appreciate sources to help me stay on top of new chidlren’s literature as my daughter moves into chapter books. 7 years out of teaching has gotten me out of date!
Renee C. says
Hi Anna, When I changed my website a couple of months ago, I moved my About section to the very tippy top – it’s barely visible. Here is a link to it: http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/about/
Glad we connected! 🙂
annageig says
Got it! I look forward to hearing about what you read next.
Katie @ Gift of Curiosity says
What a great list of T books! Pinned for future reference! Thanks for sharing.
annageig says
Thanks for checking it out, Katie!
Erica @What Do We Do All Day? says
We love, love, love Trashy Town! Thanks for sharing at The Children’s Bookshelf.
annageig says
That book lends itself to all sorts of fun. Thanks so much for visiting, Erica!
Katie @ Youth Literature Reviews says
Oh my gosh, The Tub People!! That takes me back. Thanks for sharing this great collection with the Kid Lit Blog Hop!
annageig says
Thanks so much for checking it out, Katie! I am enjoying your reviews.
Julie Grasso says
I love the sound of the Tub People and Tomato to Ketchup, lol my daughter likes to spoon it up like soup. Thanks for these great recommendations and for linking it in to the Kid Lit blog hop. Cheers Julie Grasso
annageig says
You’re welcome, Julie! Thanks so much for visiting.
Becky Marie says
Great book list! Thanks for sharing.
annageig says
I’m glad you stopped by!
Cool Mom/Christine M. says
Hi! What a great post and a lovely blog. One Tiny Turtle – I do like Jane Chapman’s illustrations. I am now following you on pinterest via StanleyNKatrina and signed up for your email updates. Have a wonderful rest of the week.
~Cool Mom for Stanley & Katrina
Doing the Kid Lit Blog Hop
annageig says
Thanks for stopping by, Christine, and extra thanks for following me 🙂 I saw your post on Officer Buckle and Gloria… that’s one of my all-time favorites! I love Peggy Rathmann’s books — have you read Ruby the Copycat?
Cool Mom (Christine M.) says
I have not read Ruby the Copycat yet. Is it just as good as her others?
Jaymie Shook says
I’m hitting the subscribe button now! Thanks so much for linking into the KLBH. I love the idea of a blog entry per letter 🙂
annageig says
Yay, thanks for becoming a subscriber 🙂 It’s fun to put these lists together — I’m finding a lot of new books!
lynette says
We love tractors and trains. Our favorite train book: How to train a train by Jason Carter Eaton. We also love the tractor Mac series by Billy Steers!
I look forward to reading the rest of this list! Your lists for the letters are fabulous! If all we have time to do that day is read, it still reinforces what we are doing! Thanks!
Anna Geiger says
Hi Lynette! I agree with you that reading is the absolute best thing we can dow ith our kids. Thank you for the book recommendations!
gabriela reyna says
I wish libraries had one of these books here in Mexico. Do you know were can I find online books? I really want my daughter to learn English in a natural way, I got the curriculum but I don’t know what to read to her, there aren’t many English books here in Mx. Thank you in advanced. Greetings!
Anna G says
Unfortunately I don’t know any place where you can find books like these online. You can get an app like LeVar Burton Kids Skybrary, which has a lot of great books on it. But there is no place where you can get any book at all, paid or free.
Rene says
Those Terrible Toy Breakers by David McPhail is a favorite at our house.
Anna G says
Thanks, Rene! I love David McPhail but haven’t seen that one yet. Requested it from the library. 🙂