There are so many wonderful choices for living books in kindergarten! This list could go on and on. But here are our tried and true favorites that I know you and your child will love too.
What is a living book?
What is a living book and why do they matter? A living book simply means a book written in a narrative form. Unlike a dry textbook that only gives facts, dates, and information, living books communicate stories and ideas in a way that is relatable to the reader. In other words, a living book has the power to draw the reader into its world and envelop him in the story and its ideas. A living book can capture our mind and imagination in a much more effective way than any textbook ever could.
Using Living Books in Kindergarten
Reading living books in kindergarten helps lay a great foundation for your child. At this age, I don’t assign formal curriculum (unless they want to do a worksheet here and there like their older siblings). Instead I focus on compiling a list of living books that we’ll read together throughout the year. This list includes subjects like history, geography, science, and literature. If your child isn’t reading yet or is a beginning reader, don’t worry! Kindergarten is still a great stage to do a lot of read alouds and audiobooks.
Here are our favorite living books for kindergarten!
1. Bible/Theology
We’ve used several different Bible story books throughout the years but have found these to be our favorites.
The Complete Illustrated Children’s Bible by Janice Emmerson
The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments by Marty Machowski
The Action Bible: God’s Redemptive Story by Sergio Cariello
Egermeier’s Bible Story Book by Elsie Egermeier (This is my personal favorite)
Noah’s Ark by Peter Spier
The Book of Jonah by Peter Spier
WonderFull: Ancient Psalms Ever New by Marty Machowski
The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New by Marty Machowski
2. History
Nothing can top the work of Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire. Their following titles are worth having in your personal library because you will revisit them all throughout the elementary years. They are classics.
The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dagliesh
The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dagliesh
We the People: The Constitution of the United States by Peter Spier
2. Science/Nature Study
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
The Storm Book by Charlotte Zolotow
The Burgess Bird Book for Children by Thornton Burgess (Some of my children have been ready for the Burgess books in kindergarten and others have not. This might be a good audiobook option for younger kindergarteners!)
The Burgess Animal Book for Children by Thornton Burgess
3. Literature/Fairy Tales/Poems
A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
The Real Mother Goose by Blanche Fisher Wright
Aesop’s Fables illustrated by Milo Winter
Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling (I can’t find the copy of the edition we own, but this one is similar. My children adored these stories on audio. I think this one is a great option for audiobook! The recording we listened to was found on Canon+)
Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
When We Were Very Young by A.A. Milne
The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne
Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne
The World of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
Lentil by Robert McCloskey
The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton
4. Geography
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf illustrated by Robert Lawson
The Story about Ping by Marjorie Flack
Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall
The Erie Canal by Peter Spier
Look for books about subjects that your kindergartener is interested in
I love teaching kindergarten! It’s such a sweet age and kids are in their prime with enthusiasm and curiosity. It just makes teaching a real joy.
Because there is such an excitement to learn, it usually isn’t difficult for them to find new subjects they are interested in. Find out what their interests are! Besides the titles listed here, you’ll always want to be on the lookout for other books that capture your kindergartener’s personal interests. You will want to incorporate these into his kindergarten reading list as well.
I hope you have found this list to be helpful!
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