Recommended Reading

Hi Friends,

Summer is over and its time to get serious about reading again.  It’s hard to believe that another school year has begun and the children are off to the learning races again. As the school year begins the reading levels for a classroom or for your children learning at home may vary significantly.  Teachers work diligently to help students find the “just right reading level” to build all of the reading tools they need to be successful readers. 

The Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Program List Grade (K-3) is a great reference for providing a variety of reading suggestions for my family.  The list is organized alphabetically by title so it is a little challenging to select resources by reading level.  The first list K-3 has books ranging from classic picture books to early chapter books.  In this post I am going to highlight 10 of the children’s picture books listed on this Mensa Reading Program List.  

Other picture books on the Mensa Reading Program List that have been featured in previous posts include, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, Harry and the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion, Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey, Curious George by H.A. Rey, Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel and a host of other wonderful picture books to be reviewed in an upcoming post.   

This post shares with you some great picture book resources to start reading with your children.   Book images in this post include amazon affiliate links and ads.  I may receive commission from clicks or purchases from the site links.  Clicking on the book image will open a new tab for shopping books from this list.  The book images also provide a reference for library or independent bookstore browsing. 

Here are 10 recommended picture books to read with your child.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad, Day by Judith Viorst

Have you ever had one of those days? Well Alexander is having that day.  This story is a great reminder that things don’t always go the way we want them to go.  It helps knowing that you are not alone and that everyone has had one of those days.  The best thing to do is to go to bed and try again tomorrow. 

Anansi the Spider by Gerald McDermott

In, Anansi the Spider a Tale from the Ashanti by Gerald McDermott describes the great African hero Anansi the Spider and his wisdom and playfulness.  In this story, Anansi completes a great journey with the help of his sons, and uses his wisdom to reward them.  This Caldecott Honor book is illustrated in the traditional African style.

Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban

The lovable Frances is ready to go to bed, or is she? This story may give your little ones some new bedtime stalling tactics if they don’t have them already.  It’s fun to read about all the things Frances needs before she can fall asleep.  Reading this book might be one of your little ones favorite bedtime stalling stories. 

The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

This story shines the light on both nature and nurture as a little boy plants a carrot seed and tends it faithfully.  In our busy and hectic world planting a seed and watching it grow is a reminder that real things take time, patience and attention. 

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

The quintessential children’s picture book is The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss.  Winner of multiple awards, this book is the classic standard for reading and learning to read.  The story and rhyme have delighted readers for over 50 years.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judy Barrett

The tales grandpas tell to their grandchildren for entertainment are delightful. In this tale, a little town gets its groceries from the sky.  In the end we learn that too much of a good thing is not always a good thing.  The imagination is on full display in this satisfying book. Just make sure you have a snack handy while you read this one.

Corduroy by Don Freeman

Corduroy by Don Freeman was one of my very first books I read and would read over and over again.  I love this story so much and imagined myself as that little bear.  How wonderful to be loved and cared for with such attention.  How wonderful to have such a beautiful  and special friend. 

The Dot by Peter Reynolds

Vashti does not thing she is an artist.  She doesn’t even want to try.  With a little encouragement she makes a dot.  The dot becomes art.  With more encouragement Vashti makes more dots and more dots become art and then she has become something, an artist. 

Frederick by Leo Lionni

Frederick by Leo Lionni is the story of mice getting ready for winter.  This story teaches us that we all prepare for life in different ways.  Some of us are workers, thinkers, and dreamers.  All of us make up the important parts of a successful community.

The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg

In this strange place the young Alan finds it difficult to separate fantasy from fiction. After a long morning of dog watching, Alan takes Fritz, the dog, for a walk. Fritz the dog did not read the stay out of the garden sign and the adventure is on. A classic from the writer of Jumanji and the Polar Express mixes magic and imagination.