Rhyming books should be a staple on any preschooler's bookshelf as these offer a whole new abstract way of reading. These books for preschoolers will have them laughing and chanting along as they get engrossed in the fantastical stories and become a master of rhyme in their own right.
1. Do Ants Wear Pants? by Gabrielle Grice
This fun and endearing book will quickly have kids asking questions and encourage them to be curious about everything. The adorable rhymes ask all kinds of questions about animals like "do pigs wear wigs?" and "do bees have knees?" and they might even make up some fun animal rhymes of their own.
Learn more: Amazon
2. Nothing Rhymes with Orange by Adam Rex
This over-the-top picture book is jam-packed with silly rhymes, trying to make fruity jokes. The mixed-format images are a fun escape from traditional children's illustrations and the clever rhymes will even have parents giggling.
Learn more: Amazon
3. The Whale That Broke The Scale by Tim Zak
Beginner readers will love this simple book with bold, easy-to-understand text. The bright illustrations and cute story are very memorable and Tim Zak has a string of follow-up books that kids will also love. These are excellent rhymes for early age children who are starting to explore this quirky writing style.
Learn more: Amazon
4. Silly Tilly by Eileen Spinelli
Tilly the silly goose gets up to all kinds of trouble on the farm but the farm animals are tired of her antics. But soon before long, the animals realize her crazy adventures are why they love her so much. This is an excellent read to show kids how their personality makes them special.
Learn more: Amazon
5. Never EVER Race a Reindeer by Adam Wallace and Mary Nhin
Did you know reindeer are cheaters? Who would have thought! Let kids indulge in this captivating rhyming cautionary tale and follow it up with more hilarious books like "Never EVER Lick a Llama."
Learn more: Amazon
6. My Snowman Paul by Yossi Lapid
This is a delightful story for wintertime as kids will want to go and build their own snowman outside. The book features stunning watercolor illustrations, the perfect addition to a heartwarming tale.
Learn more: Amazon
7. The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
Help kids turn their frown, upside down with this funny book. The vibrant underwater illustrations and the charming story will cheer up any upset preschooler and teach them the value of spreading happiness to others.
Learn more: Amazon
8. The Tantrum Monster by Michael Gordon
For kids struggling to control their emotions, The Tantrum Monster teaches a valuable lesson in good behavior. Show kids how to react instead of throwing a tantrum and how good behavior will have far-reaching consequences.
Learn more: Amazon
9. Denny & Penny: Coconut Milk by Silas Wood
The most memorable books for kids are probably those with the most nonsensical stories. Two foxes with a coconut seem outrageous, yet the Denny & Penny series is a delightful addition to a child's rhyming book collection.
Learn more: Amazon
10. The HICCUPotamus by Aaron Zenz
This fun-tastic book is filled with made-up words and nonsense rhymes, perfect for creative little kids. The silly story and colorful illustrations make this book an instant favorite.
Learn more: Amazon
11. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
No rhyming book list is complete without a Dr. Seuss title. "Green Eggs and Ham" is a cult favorite and spans across generations. Share the magic of Dr. Seuss's catchy rhymes and breed a whole new generation of rhyme-lovers with this funny rhyming book.
Learn more: Amazon
12. Sheep In A Jeep by Nancy Shaw
If you are looking for a book with simple rhyme, a funny story, and artful illustrations, look no further. These short and catchy rhymes are perfect to read aloud and kids will love chanting along as they get to know the story.
Learn more: Amazon
13. Mrs. McNosh Hangs Up Her Wash by Sarah Weeks
Mrs. McNosh has taken the dreary chore of hanging up the laundry and giving it a silly new "spin" in this funny story. Kids will be giggling and squealing along as they discover all the absurd things Mrs. McNosh hangs on her washing line and perhaps want to offer a hand next time you do the laundry.
Sarah Weeks is an acclaimed writer.
Learn more: Amazon
14. Free to Be Elephant Me by Giles Andreae
Giles Andreae is the acclaimed name behind "Giraffes Can't Dance" and brings you another fantastic rhyming book about being yourself. Elephants compete in front of the king to be given a special name but one little elephant is left behind. Learn how he rises above and shows off his uniqueness for all to see in this wonderful rhyme book.
Learn more: Amazon
15. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
"Goodnight Moon" is a nostalgia-filled kindergarten bedtime classic from famed children's author Margaret Wise Brown. Kids will quickly learn to read along with the simple rhyme and short verse. The classic style of illustration is comforting and the story even features some of their favorite nursery rhyme characters.
Learn more: Amazon
16. What's That Wombat? by Barbra Cotter Smith
The animal kingdom is a fascinating place and teaching kids about all the weird and wonderful animals through rhyme is a brilliant way to get them interested. This book has adorable illustrations of all the wacky animals you find in Australia and Wombat takes you on a journey through the bush to meet them all.
Learn more: Amazon
17. How Did That Mouse Get In Our House? by Reid Kaplan
Few rhymes are as simple as "mouse" and "house" but Reid Kaplan has found a fun way to develop a story from this. The book also comes with a few fun activity pages where kids can let loose their creative side.
Learn more: Amazon
18. The House That Jack Built
This nursery rhyme is almost 200 years old and chronicles the tale of Jack building a house and all the mishaps he and the animals get into. Jenny Snow has breathed life back into this upbeat rhyming story with the illustrations set in a lush Caribbean setting.
Learn more: Amazon
19. Cats Don't Like That by Andy Wortlock
Cats are temperamental little critters, but that's why we love them! This is a great book to add to your shopping cart if you are thinking of bringing a cat home as kids don't always completely grasp just how independent cats can be.
Learn more: Amazon
20. Chester van Chime Who Forgot How to Rhyme by Avery Monsen
This is one of the more complex rhyme books as it is about a boy who has forgotten how to rhyme. Rhyming couplets are never completed and it is up to kids to help Chester think of the word he is looking for. This is great to work on their predictive skills and comprehension skills while they enjoy the silly story.
Learn more: Amazon
21. There's a Dinosaur in the Toilet! by Horace Huges
Friendship comes in all shapes and forms, and even a dinosaur in your toilet could prove to be a worthy friend! Teach kids about loneliness and kindness through this hilarious rhyming story accompanied by beautifully detailed illustrations.
Learn more: Amazon
22. Pete The Cat and The Missing Cupcakes by Kimberley and James Dean
Pete the Cat and all his crazy adventures are a staple among kindergartners. Whether he is having a pizza party, wearing new shoes, or finding missing cupcakes, Pete is a rhyming pal that every preschooler loves. Serve these favorite rhymes with a cupcake on the side and kids will be begging for more!
Learn more: Amazon
23. Frog On A Log? by Kes Gray and Jim FIeld
Kids simply love absurd animal rhyme pairings and this book offers just that. The frog is grumpy because the log gives him splinters, but the mat is taken by the cat and the stool is taken by the mule. But where will the dog sit? Dive into this hilarious story to find out!
Learn more: Amazon
24. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr
Brown Bear is a classic rhyming book found in nearly every kindergarten classroom. The large mixed-medium pictures and simple rhyme make it the perfect book for preschoolers. Kids will love chanting along with the easy rhyme and will know the whole story by heart before long.
Learn more: Amazon
25. Pig the Stinker by Aaron Blabey
What is it about pugs that make them so irresistible! The Aaron Blabey Pig the Pug series of books introduces us to a pug that gets up to all kinds of trouble through engaging rhyme. This time around he is a stinky little pup as he has rolled around in all kinds of munch. How will he ever get clean!
Learn more: Amazon
26. I Ain't Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont
It's not often that a children's book rolls around with this level of artistry but Karen Beaumont has created the perfect story for this. The bright and colorful illustrations are absolutely mesmerizing and tell the story of a creative kid who simply can't stop painting. From his head to his toes, he covers himself in paint all while singing a silly song that kids will love.
Learn more: Amazon
27. Llama Llama Red Pejama
If your child is struggling to go to sleep or is scared to be alone at night, share this charming book about a scared little llama as fun animal rhymes are a sure-fire way to cure nighttime troubles. He calls and calls for his mama, but gets scared when she doesn't answer. The endearing illustrations and rhythmic rhyme make it a great bedtime story for young ones.
Learn more: Amazon
28. I’m a Hungry Dinosaur by Janeen Brian & Ann James
The hungry little dino is trying to bake a cake but he is rather making a big mess. In this fun book, the text is sometimes even more colorful than the bright illustrations with sound-words galore. That makes it a great book for preschoolers to read along with and recreate the sounds and movements.
Learn more: Amazon
29. The Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
The little blue truck travels across the countryside and to the farm, encountering all sorts of animals along the way. Each animal has a unique sound reflected in the book, and bold colored text will prompt kids to read along.
Learn more: Amazon
30. Room On The Broom by Julia Donaldson
How much room does a witch have on her broom? Read along to find out! The book has been around for more than 20 years and still delivers engaging rhymes along with colorful illustrations that keep kids entertained.
Learn more:Amazon
31. There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Bat by Lucille Colandro
If you are looking for a rhyme book for Halloween, this should be your go-to. The funny nonsense rhymes and colorful illustrations tell the story of an old lady that swallows some peculiar things, one after the other. It is a themed interpretation of the classic "There was an old lady who swallowed a fly" that is guaranteed to have the kids laughing hysterically.
Learn more: Amazon
32. Snowmen At Night by Caralyn Buehner
Snowmen never look the same the next morning, begging the question, what do they get up to at night? Let children's imaginations run wild as they think of things snowmen do at night to make them so deformed the next morning and then read this classic story to see if you can find some answers.
Learn more: Amazon
33. Rhyme Crime by Jon Bergerman
This is a simple story about a criminal that replaces stolen items with rhyme, so don't be surprised if instead of a hat, you find a cat! These silly rhyme crimes are a laugh page and the simple illustrations are eye-catching and hilarious.
Learn more: Amazon
Presidents Day Activities For Preschool: Crafts, Discussions, And Resources