We’re collecting books for each letter of the alphabet, and we found some winners for letter W!
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.
Sue Williams
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.
Maurice Sendak
It seems that people are on two sides of this story: love it or despise it. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Pat Hutchins
Don’t miss this 1974 rhyming classic about a wind that snatches objects everywhere to join its parade in the sky.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!”
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.
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Stephanie
Dying that I didn’t find this till letter W. Thanks for all the great ideas! Love these books.
Anna Geiger
Oh bummer, Stephanie! But the good news is that these are just all around great books to read any time. I hope you enjoy them!
Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas
Anna, thanks for sharing this on the Sunday Showcase last week. I will be featuring it this week 🙂
annageig
Thank you so much for the feature, Bern!
Tara from The Magnolia Barn
Your book lists are so great and helpful. Thanks!
annageig
You’re welcome, Tara! They’re fun to put together.
Veens @ Our Ordinary Life
Wow! Thank you for doing these lists. I pin each of these for use with my tot 🙂
annageig
That’s great, Veens – I hope you find some new favorites!
Fawn @ Instead of the Dishes
I love this! We are still struggling with the difference between W and M, and I had not thought of finding a collection of books that focus on the two letters. Thank you so much! Stopping by from the Tender Moments hop. 🙂
annageig
You’re so welcome, Fawn – thanks for stopping by!
Debbie @ http://kidsbibledebjackson.blogspot.com/
Great list of books! Pinned it and thanks for sharing at Tender Moments with Toddlers & Preschoolers!
annageig
Thanks so much, Debbie!