Books to boost your kindergartner’s decoding skills
Alphabet Adventure
by: Audrey Wood, illustrated by: Bruce Wood - (Blue Sky Press, 2001) 40 pages.
This alphabet book brings to life the 鈥渓ittle letters鈥 as they prepare to teach a child the a-b-c鈥檚. On the way to 黄色app, the dot for the lowercase i disappears. Throughout the story, the author cleverly weaves information about the alphabet letters 鈥 their order, their correct positions, and their sounds. The lively illustrations call attention to both upper- and lowercase letters.
Perfect for: Kids who like adventure stories.
Find at your local library.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
by: Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by: Lois Ehlert - (Simon and Schuster, 1989) 36 pages.
When “a” tells “b” and “c”, “d” and “e” to meet at the top of the coconut tree, all of the alphabet joins in the rollicking adventure. Too many vowels and consonants bring a crash that calls mamas, papas, uncles and aunts (the capital letters, of course) to the rescue. Skit Skat Skoodle Doot, Flip Flop Flee, no sooner are the little letters comforted and consoled than the rhyming tale begins anew with a moonlight challenge: “Dare double dare, you can’t catch me. I’ll beat you to the top of the coconut tree!”
Perfect for: Kids who like humor stories.
Find at your local library.
I Can Read With My Eyes Shut
by: Dr. Seuss - (Random House, 1978) 48 pages.
The Cat in the Hat is back to remind us that reading can be done everywhere and anywhere, upside down, on a train, or even with your eyes shut! Budding readers will appreciate Dr. Seuss’ trademark humor about one of their favorite new activities.
Perfect for: Kids who like humor stories.
Find at your local library.
Naughty Little Monkeys
by: Jim Ayelsworth, illustrated by: Henry Cole - (Dutton Juvenile, 2003) 32 pages.
Are you looking for a hilarious alphabet book chock full of the antics of 26 monkeys? Find out what happens when a family of monkeys is left home alone. If you think they act like typical siblings, you are right. It’s all “monkey business” in this house. Will Mom and Dad come home to their chimps, tucked away in bed, or will the mischievous monkeys make a mess instead?
Perfect for: Kids who like humor stories.
Find at your local library.
Tikki Tikki Tembo
by: Arlene Mosel, illustrated by: Blair Lent - (Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1968) 48 pages.
Alas, Tikki Tikki Tembo-No Sa Rembo-Chari Bari Ruchi-Pip Peri Pembo may be his mother’s first and most beloved son, but it is good old Chang, his monosyllabic brother, who saves the day. Stuck in the bottom of the decrepit well, Tikki’s great long name just about drowns him by the time the Old Man with the Ladder comes to the rescue. Everyone learns a practical lesson in this timeless folktale. Children who can’t remember where their bikes, shoes, book bags or jackets are will chant “Tikki Tikki Tembo-No Sa Rembo-Chari Bari Ruchi-Pip Peri Pembo” for years to come.
Perfect for: Kids who like to learn about other cultures.
Find at your local library.
Yo! Yes?
by: Chris Raschka - (Scholastic, 1993) 32 pages.
This unique book uses only 34 words to show how a friendship between two boys develops. After reading this book to your child, discuss the feelings each of the boys experiences after meeting for the first time.
Perfect for: Helping kids understand unspoken feelings and friendship.
Find at your local library.