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
Little Eddy loses his toy bear and has to go looking for him in the dark, horrible woods - where he's in for a gigantic surprise.
Animals should definitely not wear clothing
Barrett, Judi.
Paper Book
Not everyone needs to get dressed. A beloved favorite is now a Classic Board Book, with new illustrations! 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...
A visitor for Bear
Becker, Bonny.
Paper Book
Cheery persistence wears down a curmudgeonly bear in a wry comedy of manners that ends in a most unlikely friendship. Bear is quite sure he doesn't like visitors. He even has a sign. So when a mouse taps on his door one day, Bear tells him to leave. But when Bear goes to the...
The end (almost)
Benton, Jim.
Paper Book
A new picture book from the hilarious author of the bestselling Dear Dumb Diary series! When Donut the bear is told his story is over and he has to leave, he donut want to do it. After all, he hasn't had a chance to have any fun! Will Donut's sneaky schemes and elaborate disguises...
Where the wild things are : [the movie storybook]
Bersche, Barbara.
Paper Book
Where the Wild Things Are, one of the wildest and most memorable picture books ever created, is now a movie full of adventure and mystery?—?and huge hairy creatures. Follow Max, a rambunctious boy who feels misunderstood at home, as he sets out in a tiny boat, seeking new worlds across the...
Goodnight moon
Brown, Margaret Wise
Paper Book
In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room--to the picture of the three little bears sitting on chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one-...
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...
Biscuit loves the library /
Capucilli, Alyssa Satin,
Paper Book
For fans of Clifford and Spot, welcome everybody's favorite little yellow puppy, Biscuit, in an I Can Read adventure! Woof, woof! It's a very special day at the library, Biscuit! It's Read to a Pet Day at the library! There are so many fun things to see and do! Biscuit...
The very hungry caterpillar
Carle, Eric
Paper Book
This mini hardcover edition of Eric Carle's classic story begins one sunny Sunday, when the caterpillar was hatched out of a tiny egg. He was very hungry. On Monday, he ate through one apple; on Tuesday, he ate through three plums--and still he was hungry. Strikingly bold, colorful pictures and a...
Hair love
Cherry, Matthew A.
Paper Book
A New York Times Bestseller and tie-in to Academy-Award Winning Short Film "Hair Love"   "I love that Hair Love is highlighting the relationship between a Black father and daughter. Matthew leads the ranks of new creatives who are telling unique stories of the Black...
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed (Five Little Monkeys)
Christelow, Eileen.
Paper Book
Their teeth are brushed, their pajamas are on, and as soon as they say good night to Mama, the five little monkeys start to jump on their bed!  But trouble awaits as, one by one, they fall off and bump their heads! The uproarious rhyme is brought to life in this family...
Mixed : an inspiring story about colour
Chung, Arree
Paper Book
Mixed is a charming and thought-provoking picture book with characterful illustrations and humour. Follow the colours as they overcome their differences in this sweet tale of acceptance and celebrating difference. The Blues, Reds and Yellows lived in harmony. Reds were...
Fred stays with me
Coffelt, Nancy.
Paper Book
A poignant picture book about a young girl, who in the face of her parents' divorce, turns to the one constant in her life-her dog Fred. Sometimes I live with my mom. Sometimes I live with my dad. But Fred stays with me. Told from the point of view of a young child...
Freight train
Crews, Donald.
Paper Book
In simple, powerful words and vibrant illustrations, Donald Crews evokes the rolling wheels of that childhood favorite: a train. This board book features sturdy pages and is just the right size for little hands. This Caldecott Honor Book features bright colors and bold shapes. Even a child...
Click, clack, moo : cows that type
Cronin, Doreen
Paper Book
Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears, click, clack, moo. Click, clack, moo. Click, clack, moo. But FarmerBrown's problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes¿
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...
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
This Caldecott Honor Book and #1 New York Times bestseller is perfect for pig-loving kids everywhere! It's everyone's favorite pig...it's OLIVIA! Join Olivia as she... -dresses up -sings songs -builds sand castles -naps (maybe) ...
Bark, George
Feiffer, Jules
Paper Book
Named one of 100 Great Children's Books by The New York Public Library and #9 on School Library Journal's list of the Top 100 Picture Books! From acclaimed author-illustrator Jules Feiffer, Bark, George is a hilarious, subversive story about a dog who can't . . . bark! This...
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
A picture book classic! One of School Library Journal's "Top 100 Picture Books" of all time (2012) One of the National Education Association's"Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children." Don Freeman's classic character, Corduroy, is even more...
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 man who walked between the towers /
Gerstein, Mordicai
Paper Book
The story of a daring tightrope walk between skyscrapers, as seen in Robert Zemeckis's The Walk, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. In 1974, French aerialist Philippe Petit threw a tightrope between the two towers of the World Trade Center and spent an hour walking, dancing...
The girl who loved wild horses
Goble, Paul.
Paper Book
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
The original American classic with a refrain that millions of kids love to chant- Hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats. Once upon a time there was an old man and an old woman who were very lonely. They decided to get a cat, but...
Kitten's first full moon
Henkes, Kevin
Paper Book
Kevin Henkes's acclaimed national bestseller about a kitten, the moon, and a bowl of milk was awarded the Caldecott Medal and was a New York Times Best Illustrated Book. This sturdy board book edition is perfect for little hands! Kitten's First Full Moon is an acclaimed...
Where's Spot? /
Hill, Eric,
Paper Book
With its bold blue cover, this board book edition of Eric Hill's classic story featuring everyone's favorite puppy is just as iconic as the first lift-the-flap edition.   "Spot is one of the essential experiences of childhood." --Parents magazine
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...
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
Angelina Ballerina is the picture book that first introduced Angelina to her adoring fans. This tiny dancer has proved to have enormous staying power--she has been a hugely popular character for more than twenty years. And Angelina's popularity only continues to grow. She is even the...
Rosie's walk
Hutchins, Pat
Paper Book
Rosie's walk around the farmyard, pursued by the hungry but clumsy fox, has become a beacon in the world of children's picture books, an ever-popular classic which generations have enjoyed. Children love the humour of this near-wordless story. One disaster after another befalls the poor fox while...
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 purple crayon,...
The hello, goodbye window /
Juster, Norton,
Paper Book
A Caldecott Medal Winner From the acclaimed author of the classic book The Phantom Tollbooth comes a love song to that special relationship between grandparents and grandchild, illustrated by a multi-Caldecott recipient. ...
The snowy day
Keats, Ezra Jack.
Paper Book
The magic and wonder of winter's first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat's Caldecott Medal-winning picture book. This celebrated classic has been shared by generations of readers and listeners, a must-have for every child's bookshelf and a perfect gift for the holiday season....
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 Anansi's...
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
When a little boy plants a carrot seed, everyone tells him it won't grow. But the little boy just knows that one day a carrot will come up. So he waters his seed, and he pulls the weeds, and he waits.... First published in 1945, the timeless combination of Ruth Krauss's simple text and...
Baghead
Krosoczka, Jarrett.
Paper Book
From the author of National Book Award finalistHey, Kiddo. From the author of Good Night, Monkey Boy, the hilarious tale of a haircut gone awry! One day Josh had a big, brown bag idea- to wear a paper bag over his head. He thought it was a good idea. His...
The story of Ferdinand
Leaf, Munro
Paper Book
A true classic with a timeless message!   All the other bulls run, jump, and butt their heads together in fights. Ferdinand, on the other hand, would rather sit and smell the flowers. So what will happen when Ferdinand is picked for the bullfights in Madrid?  
Little blue and little yellow : a story for Pippo and Ann and other children
Lionni, Leo
Paper Book
Beloved picture book creator and four-time Caldecott Honor-winner Leo Lionni's very first story for children, and a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year. Little Blue and Little Yellow are best friends, but one day they can't find each other. When they finally...
On Market Street
Lobel, Anita
Paper Book
A Caldecott Honor book, a New York Times Best Illustrated book, an ALA Notable Book, and a Boston Globe--Horn Book Honor Book for Illustration! "Bursting with...surprise and delight. An inexhaustible visual feast." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Frog and Toad are friends
Lobel, Arnold
Paper Book
Celebrate the power of friendship in these five adventurous stories starring Frog and Toad--a Caldecott Honor Book!  From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other--just as best friends should be. ...
Froggy gets dressed
London, Jonathan
Paper Book
Rambunctious Froggy hops out into the snow for a winter frolic but is called back by his mother to put on some necessary articles of clothing.
Brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?
Martin, Bill
Paper Book
Celebrate the anniversary of this beloved children's book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck-- all parade across the pages of this delightful classic children's book, Brown...
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 has sold over 43 million copies worldwide! The enchanting international bestseller. This gorgeous picture book has become a modern classic. The story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare trying to express how much they love each other is one which has captivated...
Make way for ducklings
McCloskey, Robert
Other
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,...
I stink!
McMullan, Kate.
Paper Book
Now a streaming animated series! For fans of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and Steam Train, Dream Train comes a noisy addition to the hilarious read-aloud series from Kate and Jim McMullan, the popular creators of I'm Bad! and I'm Dirty! "Know what I do at night while you...
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...
I am Abraham Lincoln
Meltzer, Brad.
Paper Book
Each picture book in this series is a biography of an American hero, told in a simple, conversational, vivacious way, and always focusing on a character trait that made the person heroic. The heros are depicted as children throughout, telling their life stories in first-person...
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...
If you give a mouse a cookie /
Numeroff, Laura Joffe
Paper Book
If a hungry little mouse shows up on your doorstep, you might want to give him a cookie. And if you give him a cookie, he'll ask for a glass of milk. He'll want to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn't have a milk mustache, and then he'll ask for a pair of scissors to give himself a trim....<...
Fancy Nancy
O'Connor, Jane
Paper Book
From the dazzling duo of Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, welcome Fancy Nancy! This is the bestseller that launched the beloved Fancy Nancy series. This oversize paperback is perfect for sharing in classrooms. Meet Nancy, who believes that more is ALWAYS better when it...
The kissing hand
Penn, Audrey
Paper Book
School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming...
The little engine that could
Piper, Watty.
Cassette
"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..." Discover the inspiring story of the Little Blue Engine as she makes her way over the mountain in this beloved classic--the perfect gift to celebrate the special milestones in your life, from graduations to birthdays and...
Good night, Gorilla
Rathmann, Peggy.
Paper Book
"Good night, Gorilla," says the zookeeper. But mischievous Gorilla isn't quite ready to go to sleep. He'd rather follow the zookeeper on his rounds and let all of the other animals out of their cages. Little night owls can sneak along with Gorilla and see who gets the last laugh in this riotous...
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...
My friend Rabbit
Rohmann, Eric
Paper Book
Rabbit saves the day in a most ingeneous way. When Mouse lets his best friend, Rabbit, play with his brand-new airplane, trouble isn't far behind. From Caldecott Honor award winner Eric Rohmann comes a brand-new picture book about friends and toys and trouble, illustrated in robust,...
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...
I love you through and through
Rossetti-Shustak, Bernadette.
Paper Book
A rhyming story of unconditional love with adorable illustrations of a toddler and a teddy bear who declare "I love you through and through!"I love your hair and eyes,Your giggles and cries...A toddler and his teddy bear illustrate a young child's happy side, sad side, silly side, mad...
Grandfather's journey
Say, Allen.
Paper Book
In this Caldecott Medal-winning picture book, master storyteller Allen Say chronicles his family's history between Japan and California. A lyrical, breathtaking tale of one man's love for two countries, Grandfather's Journey is perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street and Thank You, Omu!<...
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.
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...
The cat in the hat = Le chat au chapeau : in English and French
Seuss, Dr.
Paper Book
Cat lovers and francophiles rejoice--The Cat in the Hat in English and French is back in print! Perfect for teaching beginning readers simple, conversational French or English, the story is here on each page in the language the reader already knows, to guide him or her in the language they...
Green eggs and ham
Seuss, Dr.
Paper Book
When Sam-I-am persits in pestering a grumpy grouch to eat a plate of green eggs and ham, perseverance wins the day, teaching us all that we cannot know what we like until we have tried it
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
A beautiful and engaging classic that inspires creativity and imagination The white shape silhouetted against a blue background changes on every page. Is it a rabbit, a bird, an ice-cream cone, or just spilt milk In this childhood classic, kids are kept guessing until the surprise ending,...
Come along, Daisy!
Simmons, Jane.
Paper Book
This award winning beautifully made picture book is by Jane Simmons.It is the story of a duckling who is too busy chasing dragonflies and bouncing on lily pads to stay caught up with Mama Duck.It perfectly captures a little one's thrill of exploration in this gentle cautionary tale.
The stray dog : from a true story by Reiko Sassa
Simont, Marc.
Paper Book
"This picture book has all the earmarks of a classic. Simont gets it all right." --The Horn Book (starred review) Caldecott Medalist Marc Simont's heartwarming tale of a stray dog is told with tender simplicity and grace. When a little dog appears at a family picnic, the girl and...
Caps for sale : a tale of a peddler, some monkeys and their monkey business
Slobodkina, Esphyr
Paper Book
Since it was first published in 1940, millions of children have savored this story about a peddler, his caps, and a band of very mischievous monkeys.   Now fans will cherish this special anniversary edition that commemorates seventy-five years of this...
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...
The three pigs
Wiesner, David.
Paper Book
"Clever, whimsical and sophisticated." --New York Times Book Review Taking visual narrative to a new level, this picture book from the creator of Tuesday and Flotsam begins a seemingly familiar tale of three pigs preparing to build houses of straw, sticks, and...

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