Books for Curious Kids Ages 0-5

This Better Beginnings list was compiled by children's literature specialists from the State Library and SciTech and are great for encouraging curiosity and children aged 0-5.

Updated November 21, 2024
C
City of Belmont Ruth Faulkner Library
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Who sank the boat?
Allen, Pamela.
Paper Book
Who sank the boat? Was it the cow or the donkey or the sheep with her knitting? Surely it wasn't the tiny little mouse? Winner of the 1983 Australian Picture Book of the Year Award, this wonderfully illustrated book is designed for sharing aloud and will make children giggle as they...
Up, down, and around
Ayres, Katherine.
Paper Book
"An inviting introduction to the wonder of plants, food, and gardening. . . . Will be a favorite of teachers, students, and home readers alike." -- Kirkus Reviews From seeds dropping into soil to corn bursting from its stalks, from children chasing butterflies to ants...
Heads and tails
Canty, John
Paper Book
A tiger, a kangaroo, a rabbit, a fish and more are revealed as we turn the page in the first book in John Canty's beloved, award-winning Heads and Tails series. At first we can only see their tail ends. Some clear, simple clues add detail as we learn more about each animal. Now, can you guess...
From head to toe
Carle, Eric
Paper Book
A lively and fresh interactive introduction to the basic body parts and movements. Gorillas, elephants, camels and other animals invite all young readers to clap, stomp, wriggle and bend like they do.
Monkey puzzle
Donaldson, Julia
Paper Book
A funny, rhyming story packed full of favourite jungle animals, Monkey Puzzle is a bestselling classic from the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo. Little Monkey is lost in jungle! A kind...
Buildablock
Franceschelli, Christopher
Paper Book
In this companion to Alphablock, Countablock, Dinoblock, and Cityblock, readers are introduced to more than 24 construction machines. As in the previous books, Buildablock features die-cut shapes on every other spread and the charming art of British design team Peskimo. Alphablock was chosen one of...
Where, oh where, is Rosie's chick?
Hutchins, Pat
Paper Book
First the egg
Seeger, Laura Vaccaro.
Paper Book
WHICH CAME FIRST? The chicken or the egg? Simple die-cuts magically present transformation-- from seed to flower, tadpole to frog, caterpillar to butterfly. The acclaimed author of Black? White! Day? Night! and Lemons Are Not Red gives an entirely fresh and memorable...
Construction
Sutton, Sally
Paper Book
The next offering from the award-winning duo that brought machine-mad kids Roadworks and Demolition. Hoist the wood. Hoist the wood. Chain and hook and strap. Swing it round, then lower it down. Thonk! Clonk! Clap! Build the frame. Build the frame. Hammer all day...

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