We’re collecting books for each letter of the alphabet, and we found some winners for letter W! Here’s our latest letter of the week book list.
Wemberly Worried, by Kevin Henkes
Wemberly is a little mouse who’s extremely worried about her first day of nursery school. What if she has to go to the bathroom? What if she doesn’t make any friends? Worry, worry, worry. In the end she makes a friend — and her worries disappear. Kevin Henkes has a gift for writing about issues that are real to children.
This book is a fantastic read-aloud for young listeners and a great first book for children learning to read. The predictable story (“I went walking. What did you see? I saw a red cow looking at me…”) and colorful pictures make this a sure-fire winner.
Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak
It seems that people are on two sides of this story: love it or despise it (I can’t use the “h” word – my Six reads my blog posts :)). Since I enjoyed it as a kid, I’m including it here. What people don’t like is that the story doesn’t have much of a plot, that the mother seems uncaring, and the boy is disrespectful. What people do like is that they can relate to naughty little boys who want to run away and rule a world all their own. Some people think the monster pictures are creepy and scary. (Personally, I think they’re fun.) What’s your opinion of this book? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
The Worrywarts, by Pamela Duncan Edwards
Normally I’m not a fan of books that try to force a particular letter into every sentence. They’re usually just that – forced. But this one does it right – and it’s adorable! Wombat, Weasel, and Woodchuck want to wander the world. But they’re overcome with worries of what they might find. But they won’t be wimps! It’s way fun.
Mrs. Wishy Washy, by Joy Cowley
This was probably the first book my Teaching Kindergarten professor shared with our class. Early childhood teachers everywhere read a giant copy of this book to their students – and the kids happily join in when Mrs. Wishy Washy washes all the animals on her farm. “Wishy washy, wishy washy.” The rhyme, rhythm and repetition make this an ideal book to use with new and struggling readers alike. Also check out the other fun books in the series: Mrs. Wishy-Washy’s Farm, The Scrubbing Machine, The Hole in the Tub, and more.
Wings on Things, by Marc Brown
There’s no plot to this story, but kids enjoy the rhymes and colorful pictures. “Wings on eagles. Never on beagles. Always on ducks. Never on trucks.” A fun, quick read.
The Wind Blew, by Pat Hutchins
Don’t miss this 1974 rhyming classic about a wind that snatches objects everywhere to join its parade in the sky. 
Gilberto and the Wind, by Marie Hall Ets
This book may be hard to track down, but it’s worth a hunt at your library. Don’t let the plain, two-toned pages fool you. This is really a gem of a book. In this book, the narrator personifies wind. Wind takes away his balloon, tries on the clothes on the clothes line, plays with the pasture gate, and blows down a ripe apple. My kids were thoroughly engaged.
Diary of a Worm, by Doreen Cronin
I just love this book – it’s one of those books I’d read even without kids around. The book takes you through the daily life of Worm – going to school, eating his homework, making fun of his sister, and playing with his friend Spider. The pictures are fantastic. I really can’t do justice to this book in a review — if you’ve never read it, please add it to your library list!
Wonderful Worms, by Linda Glaser
Ever since the sixth grade boys tossed handfuls of worms at me at the bus stop, I just don’t do worms. I’m getting chills just thinking about it. But kids have a fascination with these creatures, and this book is a wonderful first nonfiction book. Okay, I admit it – I liked it too. 
Whistle for Willie, by Ezra Jack Keats
Have you ever read one of Ezra Jack Keats’ books? Keats was responsible for introducing multiculturalism to mainstream children’s literature. Most of his books feature African American kids in an urban setting. Even though the stories take place in the 60’s, kids are kids – there’s so much here to relate to. In this book Peter really wants to learn to whistle so he can call his dog, Willie. By the end of the book he’s figured it out. Sweet story.
What’s the Weather Like Today? by Rozanne Lanczak Williams
I love these books from Creative Teaching Press for beginning readers. My kids all latched on to this one soon after they started speaking. Sung to the tune of “London Bridges,” kids repeat the line “What’s the weather like today?” and use the picture clues to answer: “Today is sunny!”
The Watermelon Seed, by Greg Pizzoli
Here’s a fun new book (2013) you’ll have to check out. A funny little alligator sings the praises of watermelon, until — GULP! He swallows a seed. He’s extremely worried about what’s happening inside of him. “It’s growing in my guts! Soon vines will come out of my ears!” Kids will enjoy this silly and engaging story.
For many more learning ideas for letter W, click on the image below!
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