Summer Reading for Kindergarten and 1st Graders

Research has shown that reading to your child when he or she is young is the greatest way to ensure reading success.  Plus, reading leads to speech and writing development as well.  There are just too many benefits to not read to your child.  

Summertime is a great time to read to your kids.  Plus, they are Summer Reading programs at your local libraries where you and your kids could get loads of cool free stuff including a book!

These two book lists below are for kids going into Kindergarten and First Grade.  If you have a toddler/preschooler the Kindergarten list will work as well.

I didn't include any novels/chapter books on this list, but you know your child.  If your child has a good attention span and you think he/she would enjoy a longer chapter book then go for it.  

So, for kiddos going into...

Kindergarten

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

A light hearted book, but a fun one to get excited for Kindergarten.  
There are several Miss. Bindergarten books that you could read.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

A sweet story that reminds kids of the love their parents have for them. 

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Great author with, a great story that all those worrisome kids will enjoy and relate to.

SuperHero ABC by Bob McCleod

 Great alphabet book that boys and girls love. 

To Market, To Market by Anne Miranda

A funny rhyming story that children can and will begin to “read” parts of the story after they’ve heard it.

It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler

A humorous story with a pattern which is perfect for those soon to be/beginning readers.

Pancakes for Breakfast by Tomie dePaola

A fun wordless book that allows your new readers to tell or “read” you the story.  
Wordless books are great for beginning  or learning readers.

For your child going into... 

First Grade:

Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathman

A fun story about a police officer and a dog who teach students to follow the rules.

Actual Size by Steve Jenkins

A fabulous non-fiction book (which boys and girls of this age LOVE) with amazing animals that are small to the very large. 

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

A bear wants his hat back and asks all of his friends where it is; you may be surprised where he finds his hat.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.

If your child isn't already, they will soon be able to read this to you all by themselves. 

Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Fun book to read together or for your child to read alone; this book will have you wondering if the images are a duck or a rabbit. 

The Mixed- Up Chameleon by Eric Carle

Another Eric Carle book that is fun and a bit more grown up for your almost 1^st grader.

Happy Reading!  You are never too young or old to enjoy a good book