1000 Books Before Kindergarten

These books are recommended for children ages birth to 5. Are you enrolled in our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Book Club? This is a special book club for children ages birth to 5. Click here for more information: https://sussexcountylibrary.org/1000-books/

Updated June 12, 2024
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Where's my teddy?
Alborough, Jez
Paper Book
A phenomenal bestseller about a teddy bear mix-up celebrates twenty-five years in print with a refreshed anniversary edition and a special note from Jez Alborough. Eddy's lost his teddy, Freddy, so he goes off into the woods in search of the missing bear. The dark, horrible woods...
Happy birthday, moon
Asch, Frank
Paper Book
A poetic fantasy, "Happy Birthday, Moon" has delighted fans for years as a simple yet reassuring celebration of love and friendship. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.
Ten, nine, eight
Bang, Molly.
Paper Book
A Caldecott Honor Book and ALA Notable Book A bedtime book and a counting book! "A delightful bedtime book."--New York Times Acclaimed author Molly Bang shares the going-to-bed countdown in a loving family. "Ten small toes all washed and warm," begins the story, and then...
Animals should definitely not wear clothing
Barrett, Judi.
Paper Book
Animals should definitely not wear clothing....because a snake would lose it, a billy goat would eat it for lunch, and it would always be wet on a walrus! This popular book by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett shows the very youngest why animals' natural clothing is perfect just as it is. ...
The three bears
Barton, Byron.
Paper Book
In a rhythmic text with striking pictures, Byron Barton retells the classic fairytale of the three bears and a little girl named Goldilocks. Barton's simple words, bold images, and imaginative use of color have made his many picture books perennial favorites with very young children. Young...
Little gorilla
Bornstein, Ruth
Paper Book
Little Gorillas family and friends try to help him overcome his special growing pains.
Goodnight moon
Brown, Margaret Wise
Paper Book
In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day. In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight...
Mr. Gumpy's outing
Burningham, John
Paper Book
Mr. Gumpy's Outing is a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner and an American Library Association Notable Children's Book. In England, illustrator John Burningham, with Mr. Gumpy's Outing, became the first artist ever to win England's Kate Greenaway Medal twice. Mr...
Stellaluna
Cannon, Janell
Paper Book
While out searching for food, fruit bat Stellaluna and her mother are attacked by a vicious owl. Stellaluna is separated from Mother Bat and taken in by a family of birds where she must put aside her bat habits to fit in with her new family. But one fateful flight when she is separated from her...
The very hungry caterpillar
Carle, Eric
Paper Book
THE ICONIC #1 BESTSELLER * The all-time classic picture book starring the world's favorite caterpillar! Generations of children have grown up on this beautifully dramatized story of a caterpillar who eats his way to becoming a butterfly. One of The Atlantic's 65 Essential...
Five little monkeys jumping on the bed
Christelow, Eileen
Paper Book
As soon as they say good night to Mama, the five little monkeys start to jump on their bed. But trouble lies ahead as, one by one, they fall off and hurt themselves.
Mixed : a colorful story
Chung, Arree
Paper Book
★ "A colorful story about celebrating difference as complementary and transformative." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review The reds, the yellows, and the blues all think they're the best in this vibrant, thought-provoking picture book from Arree Chung, with a...
Freight train
Crews, Donald
Paper Book
·Freight Train (25th Anniversary Edition) will be featured in the HarperCollins booth at major institutional conferences, including TLA, IRA, ALA and NCTE ·Pitch anniversary to educational journals for coverage
Good dog, Carl
Day, Alexandra
Paper Book
Available in paperback for the first time, the modern classic that introduced the beloved baby-sitting rottweiler to the world.
Jamberry
Degen, Bruce
Paper Book
This bestselling classic features a berry-loving boy and an endearing rhyme-spouting bear. The fun wordplay and bright paintings with lots of details for young readers to explore make Jamberry a perennial favorite. A small boy and a big friendly bear embark on a berry-picking...
Abuela
Dorros, Arthur.
Paper Book
A younggirland her grandmother celebrate their home andrelationshipin this magical story. Winner of theParents' ChoiceAward! Come join Rosalba and her grandmother, her abuela, on a magical journey as theyfly over the streets, sights, and people of New York City which...
Go away, big green monster!
Emberley, Ed.
Paper Book
OVER 1.3 MILLION COPIES SOLD!   Caldecott winner Ed Emberley's classic interactive story lets children scare away their bedtime frights and is silly fun for Halloween and every other day of the year! As...
Olivia
Falconer, Ian
Paper Book
The Caldecott Honor Book and #1 New York Times bestseller is now available in a sturdy format perfect for pig-loving toddlers everywhere! It's everyone's favorite pig...it's OLIVIA! Join Olivia as she... -dresses up -sings songs ...
Ask Mr. Bear
Flack, Marjorie
Paper Book
A sweet picture book where Danny teams up with the animals to find his mother the perfect gift. Trying to find the perfect birthday present for his mother isn't easy for Danny. The hen offers eggs, the goose feathers, and the sheep wool. But mother already has those things. Then...
Where is the green sheep?
Fox, Mem
Paper Book
Little ones are sure to be lulled off to a peaceful, sheep-filled sleep by this cozy book from acclaimed author Mem Fox. There are red sheep and blue sheep, wind sheep and wave sheep, scared sheep and brave sheep, but where is the green sheep? The search is on in this cozy, sheep...
Corduroy
Freeman, Don
Paper Book
Corduroy was first introduced to readers in 1968, and in the fifty years since, his adventures have never stopped. Corduroy has been on the department store shelf for a long time. Yet as soon as Lisa sees him, she knows that he's the bear for her. Her mother, though, thinks he's...
The three little pigs
Galdone, Paul
Paper Book
This classic battle of wits, dramatically and charmingly illustrated by the award-winning Paul Galdone, is the perfect edition to any folk tale storybook collection. Three little pigs set out to seek their fortune. Each pig builds himself a house: one of straw, one of...
The girl who loved wild horses
Goble, Paul
Paper Book
Goble's Caldecott Medal-winning book tells the story of a young Native American girl who is devoted to the care of her tribe's horses. With simple text and brilliant illustrations, Goble reveals how she eventually becomes one of them to forever run free.
Is your mama a llama?
Guarino, Deborah
Paper Book
Lloyd the Llama discovers what kind of animal his mama really is in this delightful guessing game picture book, filled with whimsical riddles and endearing full-color illustrations. An enchanting animal guessing game.--School Library Journal.
Millions of cats
Gág, Wanda
Paper Book
Wanda Gag's enchanting tale of the very old man who sent off in search of one kitten and returned with "hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats" is an American classic. A Newbery Honor Book. Full color. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.
Where's Spot?
Hill, Eric
Paper Book
The first-ever lift-the-flap book! With hide-and-seek fun on every page, this interactive classic has had children across the globe searching for everyone's favorite pup, who's gone on to sell over 65 million copies worldwide! "Spot is one of the essential experiences of childhood."...
Eyes that kiss in the corners
Ho, Joanna
Paper Book
A New York Times Bestseller and #1 Indie Bestseller · A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year · A School Library Journal Best Book of 2021 · Included in NPR's 2021 Books We Love List · Featured in Forbes, Oprah Daily, The Cut, and Book Riot · Golden Poppy Book Award...
Bread and jam for Frances
Hoban, Russell
Paper Book
The classic funny story about a stubborn little badger with very particular tastes in food. Frances is a fussy eater. In fact, the only thing she likes is bread and jam. She won't touch her squishy soft-boiled egg. She trades away her chicken-salad sandwich at lunch. She turns up her nose...
Is it red? Is it yellow? Is it blue? : An adventure in color
Hoban, Tana
Paper Book
What color do you see? Red? Yellow? Blue? Here is a concept book young children can grow with, as they explore colors, sizes, shapes, and relationships with the master of the photo-concept book ' Tana Hoban.
Amazing Grace /
Hoffman, Mary,
Paper Book
Grace loves stories, whether they're from books, movies, or the kind her grandmother tells. So when she gets a chance to play a part in Peter Pan, she knows exactly who she wants to be. Remarkable watercolor illustrations give full expression to Grace's high-flying imagination.
Angelina ballerina
Holabird, Katharine
Paper Book
Illus. in full color. Angelina is so busy dancing that she does nothing else. Her parents are in despair until they send her to ballet school.
Rosie's walk
Hutchins, Pat
Paper Book
The Fox is after Rosie, but Rosie doesn't know it. Unwittingly, she leads him into one disaster after the other, each funnier than the last. To enjoy Rosie's walk as much as Rosie does, just look inside!
What do you do with a tail like this?
Jenkins, Steve
Paper Book
In this beautiful Caldecott Honor picture book, Steven Jenkins and illustrator Robin Page explore the many amazing things animals can do with eyes, ears, mouth, noses, feet, and tails. Young readers will relish the mystery behind this interactive guessing book. A nose for digging Ears for...
What do you do with a tail like this?
Jenkins, Steve
Paper Book
In this beautiful Caldecott Honor picture book, Steven Jenkins and illustrator Robin Page explore the many amazing things animals can do with eyes, ears, mouth, noses, feet, and tails. Young readers will relish the mystery behind this interactive guessing book. A nose for digging Ears for...
Harold and the purple crayon
Johnson, Crockett
Paper Book
From beloved children's book creator Crockett Johnson comes the timeless classic Harold and the Purple Crayon! This imagination-sparking picture book belongs on every child's bookshelf. One evening Harold decides to go for a walk in the moonlight. Armed only with an oversize...
The wolf's chicken stew
Kasza, Keiko
Paper Book
The wolf loves to eat more than anything in the world and one day he has a terrible craving for chicken stew. He spots a chicken who seems just right, but then he thinks how much more stew there will be if he fattens her up before dining himself. So he goes home and begins to cook all kinds of...
The snowy day
Keats, Ezra Jack
Paper Book
CALDECOTT MEDAL WINNER . #1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER . The magic and wonder of winter's first snowfall is perfectly captured in this classic seasonal picture book celebrated by generations of readers-a beautiful gift for the holiday season! New York Public Library's #1 book on the...
The caterpillar and the polliwog
Kent, Jack
Paper Book
A proud caterpillar and a curious polliwog become unlikely friends in this delightful picture book by beloved author, illustrator, and cartoonist Jack Kent! Told with Jack Kent's signature bright, bold, and expressive illustrations, little ones are sure to love this...
Anansi and the moss-covered rock
Kimmel, Eric A.
Paper Book
A classic trickster folktale told with humor and charm, this is a perfect read along book both parents and children will love.  When Anansi the Spider finds a strange moss-covered rock in the forest, he uses it to trick all his animal friends. But Little Bush Deer is onto...
Whose mouse are you?
Kraus, Robert
Paper Book
Robert Kraus poses some leading questions and skillfully guides "Mouse" to answers that culminate in a decidedly satisfying ending. Mouse's experience unfolds with the validity and charm of a nursery rhyme, and his reaction to one of childhood's harsher experiences will add gayety and meaning to any...
The carrot seed
Krauss, Ruth
Paper Book
From celebrated children's book creators Ruth Krauss and Crockett Johnson comes the beloved classic story The Carrot Seed. When a little boy plants a carrot seed, everyone tells him it won't grow. But when you are very young, there are some things that you just know, and the little...
The story of Ferdinand
Leaf, Munro
Paper Book
Now a major motion picture! One of The Atlantic's 65 Essential Children's Books A true classic with a timeless message, The Story of Ferdinand has enchanted readers since it was first published in 1936. All the other bulls would run and jump and butt...
On Market Street
Lobel, Anita.
Paper Book
Have you ever seen a man dressed entirely in playing cards Or a girl wearing a lollipop dress Take a stroll through a most unusual market in this twenty-fifth anniversary edition of a Caldecott Honor Book. [Set Awards:] Caldecott Honor Book ALA Notable Children...
Frog and toad are friends
Lobel, Arnold
Paper Book
·ICR repackaged books will be featured in the HarperCollins booth at major institutional conferences, including TLA, IRA, ALA and NCTE ·Full color thematic catalog of all ICR titles ·Classroom Activity Kit promoted through educational publication and...
Froggy gets dressed
London, Jonathan
Paper Book
Froggy wants to play outside-but isn't he forgetting something? When Froggy wakes up to see snow outside his window, he can't wait to hop and frolic. But going out means putting on a scarf, a hat, a coat . . . so many things to remember! Luckily, his mother is there to call him...
Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?
Martin, Bill
Paper Book
With more than two million copies sold, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? has opened up a world of learning to a generation of children. For this edition, created for the twenty-fifth anniversay in 1992, Bill Martin, Jr., restored his text to its original wording. And Eric Carle...
Chicka chicka boom boom
Martin, Bill
Paper Book
There is always enough room on your child's bookshelf for this rollicking alphabet chant that has been a children's favorite for over thirty years! A told B, and B told C, "I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree" In this lively alphabet...
Guess how much I love you
McBratney, Sam
Paper Book
"Guess how much I love you," says Little Nutbrown Hare. Little Nutbrown Hare shows his daddy how much he loves him: as wide as he can reach and as far as he can hop. But Big Nutbrown Hare, who can reach farther and hop higher, loves him back just as much. Well then Little Nutbrown Hare loves him...
Make way for ducklings
McCloskey, Robert
Paper Book
Mrs. Mallard was sure that the pond in the Boston Public Gardens would be a perfect place for her and her eight ducklings to live. The problem was how to get them there through the busy streets of Boston. But with a little help from the Boston police, Mrs. Mallard and Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack,...
Pigs aplenty, pigs galore!
McPhail, David
Paper Book
One minute, the narrator is quietly reading. The next, pigs are descending on his house--and head--in every imaginable getup, by every available means, from every possible place. Boisterous action, goofy expressions, and wildly-colored costumes make this a "pig-out" that children will love....
Martha speaks
Meddaugh, Susan
Paper Book
When Helen Finney feeds alphabet soup to her dog, Martha, it goes straight up to her brain, and Martha begins to speak! The basis for the Emmy-nominated PBS series. Having a talking dog is a lot of fun--unless your dog never stops talking! When chatty Martha gives her...
Stone soup
Muth, Jon J.
Paper Book
Award-winning artist Jon J Muth retells the favorite tale of a selfish community who is tricked into creating a delicious soup from stones. Set in China in Muth's hauntingly beautiful watercolors.Three strangers, hungry and tired, pass through a war-torn village. Embittered and suspicious from the...
The day Jimmy's boa ate the wash
Noble, Trinka Hakes.
Paper Book
Jimmy's boa constrictor wreaks havoc on the class trip to a farm.
The Kissing Hand /
Penn, Audrey,
The little engine that could
Piper, Watty, pseud.
Paper Book
The special anniversary edition of The Little Engine That Could. contains the entire text and original artwork. A laminated jacket, gold-stamped cloth binding, and colored endpapers complete the deluxe package. Young readers, as well as parents and grandparents, will treasure the story of the...
Good night, Gorilla
Rathmann, Peggy
Paper Book
NATIONAL BESTSELLER * From Caldecott Medal-winning author Peggy Rathmann, this beloved classic tells the story of a mischievous gorilla and his bedtime pals--perfect for fans young and old! "A clever, comforting bedtime story."--School Library Journal (starred review)<...
Curious George
Rey, H. A.
Paper Book
The first story about George, the curious little monkey who's delighted generations of readers. In this book, George meets his friend, the man with the yellow hat, and begins the life of mischief and adventure so beloved by generations of readers. The inspiration for...
We're going on a bear hunt
Rosen, Michael
Paper Book
Beloved for more than 30 years, this award-winning classic from Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury celebrates the joys of an afternoon outdoors with family. We're going on a bear hunt. We're going to catch a big one. Will you come too? Join a father and his four...
The relatives came /
Rylant, Cynthia
Paper Book
In a rainbow-colored station wagon that smelled like a real car, the relatives came. When they arrived, they hugged and hugged from the kitchen to the front room. All summer they tended the garden and ate up all the strawberries and melons. They plucked banjos and strummed guitars. When they...
Grandfather's journey /
Say, Allen
Paper Book
Lyrical, breathtaking, splendid--words used to describe Allen Say's Grandfather's Journey when it was first published. At once deeply personal yet expressing universally held emotions, this tale of one man's love for two countries and his constant desire to be in both places captured readers'...
Richard Scarry's Cars and trucks and things that go
Scarry, Richard.
Paper Book
On their way to the beach for a picnic the Pig family encounters almost every kind of transportation vehicle imaginable--and imaginary.
The cat in the hat
Seuss, Dr.
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * The classic picture book that introduced the world to the iconic, mischievous Cat in the Hat and the beloved characters Thing One and Thing Two! Dr. Seuss makes reading fun for kids of all ages. COMING IN 2026 AS A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE...
Green eggs and ham /
Seuss,
Paper Book
NATIONAL BESTSELLER * Join in the fun with Sam-I-Am in this iconic Dr. Seuss classic about the joy of trying new things. And don't miss the Netflix series adaptation! One of The Atlantic's 65 Essential Children's Books I do not like green eggs and ham....
Duck on a bike /
Shannon, David,
Paper Book
Caldecott Honor winner David Shannon applies his wonderful off-beat humor to the story of a duck who decides to try riding a bike--and loves it! Another young, funny book perfect for reading aloud.One day down on the farm, Duck got a wild idea. "I bet I could ride a bike," he thought. He waddled...
It looked like spilt milk
Shaw, Charles Green
Paper Book
The white shape silhouetted against a blue background changes on every page. Is it a rabbit, a bird, or just spilt milk? In this childhood classic, kids are kept guessing until the surprise ending and they're encouraged to improvise similar games of their own. This beloved classic picture book...
Caps for sale : a tale of a peddler, some monkeys, and their monkey business
Slobodkina, Esphyr
Paper Book
Caps for Sale is a timeless classic beloved by millions...one of the most popular picture books ever published! This picture book is an excellent choice to share at home or in the classroom, as children love chanting along with the naughty monkeys. Children will...
Noisy Nora
Wells, Rosemary
Paper Book
It's tough being the middle mouse. No one's paying any attention to Nora, so she decides to do something her family can't ignore: make noise. Nora slams windows, bangs doors, and upsets furniture, to no avail. It's not until she crashes out the door--and the house goes strangely silent--that her...
The lady with the alligator purse
Westcott, Nadine Bernard.
Paper Book
Children's Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman's bestselling Sing-Along Stories are perfect for reading together, with over one million copies sold in all formats. You know the song, but you've never heard it like this! A familiar melody with uproariously funny new...

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