Summer's Perfect Time to Jump Into Reading with Preschoolers

Endless summer days are the perfect time to get lost in a book.

For the littlest ones, reading together is a great way to promote literacy, imagination and learning.

Gloucester Township-Blackwood Rotary Public Library’s children’s librarian Allie Phelan offers her picks for summer reading for your preschoolers.

“For younger children, you really can’t ever go wrong picking one of the classics,” Phelan said.

Phelan recommends reviewing the Gloucester Township K-8 summer reading list, which is available online and at the library. The list is not required reading, but it offers a great starting point when trying to pick out some books for your children.

Check out these books at the library in downtown Blackwood or grab a copy for your home library from Amazon.com (most for less than $10).

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst
Summary: Alexander is cranky and having a super horrible day (as the title implies). He resolves to move to Australia—while we commiserate and are reminded that things really aren’t that bad.

Madeline, by Ludwig Bemelmans
Summary: Who can resist the adorable Parisian (and spirited!) school girl? The original Madeline details Madeline’s trip to the hospital. Once you get hooked, check out the other books in the series like Madeline’s Rescue and Madeline in London.

Corduroy, by Don Freeman
Summary: Jump into the adventures of a cute teddy bear who lives in a department store and is adopted by a little girl named Lisa. The illustrations alone make this book a keeper.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See, by Eric Carle
Summary: If you love The Very Hungry Caterpillar, you will love this delightful book by Eric Carle. Travel through the animal kingdom with an adorable rhyme that will enchant your children (and you!)

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale, by Mo Willems
Summary: This book is hilarious—for both children and adults (like all Mo Willems books). If you love it, try the two other Knuffle Bunny books and other books by Willems such as Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and There is a Bird on Your Head.