Need help finding books for kids? Here are 35 books that Wisconsin librarians say fly off the shelves
Bedtime stories may be a way to help your child wind down from the day, but they are also critical for your child's brain development and a way for them to begin learning the basics of reading.
Reading to kids any time of day, starting at birth, helps them develop vocabulary, social-emotional skills and foundational literacy competencies such as phonemic awareness ― the ability to hear and identify the individual sounds of words.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that caregivers read, rhyme and play every day with their children to help build these early literacy skills. While there are multiple ways to practice the foundations of reading with children, reading books is a tried and true method.
But it can be hard to find books that are fun and age-appropriate for your child, especially with the bells and whistles of technology vying for kids’ attention.
So we talked to school and community librarians and child care providers to get recommendations on what books are popular among early readers. These recommendations include books that can be read aloud to your child or that they can practice with and read on their own, depending on their age and ability.
There are recommendations in both English and Spanish with some bilingual books that have both. Regardless of what language a family prefers to speak, research shows that having children practice reading in the language their family prefers helps them better develop foundational reading skills. When a child has a strong foundation in their preferred language, learning how to read and speak in another language becomes easier.
High-contrast board books for babies in English
For the first couple months of their lives, infants cannot see a wide range of colors. As this Book Riot article explains, the higher the contrast, the better for the youngest infants. Therefore, it’s important to pick books with high-contrast images when reading to infants; they may not understand the words you’re saying, but at least they will be able to engage with the images.
The first three years of life "is the most intensive period for speech and language development," according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Reading to infants lays the building blocks for language, stimulates brain development and helps you bond with your child.
Using books with real images of babies doing everyday activities — showing emotions, eating, sleeping and more — helps babies understand daily life, as well as begin to recognize basic human emotions, explained Jodi Leslie, youth services librarian at Neenah Public Library.
When picking such books, keep a lookout for ones that spotlight diversity. Seeing children both similar and different from them — as well as families that are similar to theirs and different from theirs — helps build recognition of emotions and empathy, Leslie said.
“It’s very important for kids to see themselves in literature, even at a young age,” Leslie said. “There’s a (literary) concept called ‘windows and mirrors.’ Mirrors is seeing ourselves reflected in literature, (such as) seeing similar hairstyles or skin colors. A window would be pictures or words that reflect an (experience) different from theirs.”
'Hello, Animals!'
By Smriti Prasadam, Illustrated by Emily Bolam | Ages: Infants | Recommended by Ann Cooksey, Children's Services supervisor at Appleton Public Library
This high-contrast board book allows infants to be able to see ― and eventually begin to recognize ― animal types and even sounds. Each animal is introduced with a friendly ‘hello,’ and high-contrast artwork. The author even includes the sounds the animals make.
'Art Baby: Spots and Dots' and 'Art Baby: Hearts and Stars'
By Chez Pitchall | Ages: Infants | Recommended by Ann Cooksey, Children's Services supervisor at Appleton Public Library
As the titles suggest, these mostly black and white books with pops of color are composed of basic shapes. Even with no words, these books are widely praised on Amazon for capturing infants’ attention. They are designed for infants 6 weeks to 6 months, with rounded corners and sturdy pages ― but not so much so that they are too heavy for babies to hold.
'Look, Look!'
Written and illustrated by Peter Linenthal | Ages: Infants | Recommended by Ann Cooksey, Children's Services supervisor at Appleton Public Library
This board book grows with your child. The primarily black and white scenes are easily visible to the youngest babies, and the red that’s introduced among these high-contrast images are the second color infants see. Illustrations are accompanied by corresponding words or phrases, further extending the ages of children who will be captivated by this book.
Other books for babies and toddlers in English
The 'Baby Loves Books' collection
By Abrams Appleseed | Recommended by Jodi Leslie, Neenah Public Library youth services librarian
This collection contains three board books showcasing real-life baby faces: “Making Faces,” “Baby Loves” and “Baby Up, Baby Down.” The first helps children identify happy, sad, angry, surprised and silly expressions, alongside a built-in mirror for babies to observe and mimic expressions. “Baby Loves” reflects some of a baby's favorite things, from yummy snacks like bananas to sippy cups. Lastly, “Baby Up, Baby Down” tackles opposites, from babies reaching tall to the sky to babies playing on the floor. Each book features a diverse array of babies, along with prompts to help your little one identify the concept your baby is learning.
'Nerdy Babies' series
By Emmy Kastner | Recommended by Jodi Leslie, Neenah Public Library youth services librarian
Will your baby grow up to be an astronaut? What about a meteorologist? Give them their first introduction to these topics with Nerdy Babies board books. Kastner explores the ocean, space, rocks, weather, dinosaurs, transportation, insects and rainforests in her Nerdy Babies series, with a book for each topic. The bright illustrations will hold a baby's attention, and the books are written in a simple question-and-answer format that breaks even the most complex topics into tangible, bite-size pieces.
And while these topics may seem too big for a baby, it’s never too early to spark that love for learning.
English books for ages 3 to 5 or pre-k and kindergarten grade-levels
'The Adventures of Otto' collector's set
By David Milgrim | Recommended by Jeanne Neerdaels, Baird Elementary School librarian
This collection of six books follows Otto the robot on various adventures, including taking rides on his elephant friend Peanut and building a spaceship so he can see his family on another planet. These books are written for shared reading, contain familiar characters for kids and have simple words. The illustrations are bright and cartoonish with minimal text for the earliest of readers.
'Biscuit and the Baby (My First I Can Read)'
By Alyssa Satin Capucilli | Recommended by Jeanne Neerdaels, Baird Elementary School librarian
This is just one of the many titles in the Biscuit book series, and it was recommended by more than one person. Follow Biscuit the puppy as he navigates the world. Biscuit visits the big city, meets the class pet and takes a bath. The sentences are simple but slightly more complex than other books for very early readers, making these good to read aloud. Plus, there are lots of woofs and ruffs from Biscuit.
'Chicka Chicka Boom Boom'
By Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault | Recommended by Lynn Hammen, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Head Start director
What happens when the whole alphabet tries to climb to the top of the coconut tree? If you need a refresher, crack open this classic tale. "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" makes a fun read aloud with its rhythmic prose and bright, captivating imagery. It is also available in a board book.
'Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes'
By Eric Litwin, Illustrated by James Dean | Recommended by Lynn Hammen, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Head Start director
Anything Pete the Cat is bound to be a hit, noted UW Oshkosh Head Start Director Lynn Hammen. When asked about the most engaging books to read to their littles, Head Start staff specifically mentioned this Pete the Cat book, which follows Pete the Cat as he sports his brand-new white shoes. But, as we adults know all too well, white shoes don’t stay white long. Throughout the day, Pete’s shoes change colors as he steps in messes, leading children to practice their colors in an interactive way.
'Sick Simon'
By Dan Krall | Recommended by Lynn Hammen, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Head Start director
With winters bringing colds, flus and more, talking to children about covering their mouths, washing their hands and other strategies to ward off sickness is important. When Simon wakes up one Monday morning with a cold, he is determined not to let it stop him from having a great week. But as he goes to school sick, he has fewer playmates; even his teacher is out sick! Once Simon learns how to stay safe, life returns to normal. This fun book, lauded as a favorite by University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Head Start staff, shows children are never too young to learn how to take precautions to avoid getting sick.
'When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, Really Angry … '
By Molly Bang | Recommended by Lynn Hammen, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Head Start director
Children can harbor big feelings in their little bodies, and it’s never too early to talk to them about how to appropriately express their emotions. Young children can relate to the episode that sparks Sophie’s anger: She is forced to share her toy gorilla with her sister. At first, Sophie’s anger erupts like a volcano, but then, through finding a calming place, she is back at a peaceful state.
'10 Little Ninjas'
By Miranda Paul | Recommended by Jeanne Neerdaels, Baird Elementary School librarian
As you try to get your little one down for the night, the 10 little ninjas in this book sneak their way out of bed. There’s something for every child with astronauts, cowboys, tigers, dragons and other fun characters. An extra perk with this picture book is that the author is from Wisconsin.
English books for ages 6 to 8 or first- through third-grade level
'Alice Across America: The Story of the First Women’s Cross-Country Road Trip'
By Sarah Glenn Marsh | Recommended by Jodi Leslie, Neenah Public Library youth services librarian
Leslie said picture book biographies, such as "Alice Across America," typically engage first- to fourth-graders. "Alice Across America" details Alice Ramsey’s experience as the first woman to take a two-month road trip across the country. The Maxwell-Briscoe Co. advertised that driving its cars is so easy that even a “lady” could do it, but needed proof to back up that claim. Ramsey and several other women put the claim to the test, embarking on their road trip in 1909.
'The Bad Guys' books
By Aaron Blabey | Recommended by Jodi Leslie, youth services librarian at Neenah Public Library
What happens when traditionally villainous characters, such as wolves and snakes, attempt to flip the narrative by doing good deeds? "The Bad Guys" books detail all kinds of scenarios that answer this question.
'The Christmas Tree Ship'
By Carol Crane | Recommended by Jodi Leslie, Neenah Public Library youth services librarian
Crane tells the true story of Capt. Herman Schuenemann, affectionately known as “Captain Santa,” and his crew that transported Christmas trees from Northern Michigan to Chicago in the early 1900s. The captain was known for giving trees to the needy. Crane’s grandfather repeatedly told his grandchildren of the time a storm brought the Christmas Ship to its death. The ship went down close to Two Rivers. This picture book is the perfect seasonal read for all who celebrate Christmas.
'Who Would Win?' books
By Jerry Pallotta | Recommended by Jodi Leslie, Neenah Public Library youth services librarian
If a whale and a giant squid were to square up, who would come out on top? What about a Tyrannosaurus rex and a velociraptor? With countless “Who Would Win?” books, each featuring multiple battles, elementary schoolers can learn all about their favorite animals (and add some new ones to their vocabulary, too) through comparing and contrasting them with their opponent.
'The Disgusting Critters' series
By Elise Gravel | Recommended by Jodi Leslie, Neenah Public Library youth services librarian
You know the drill: All creatures big and small are deserving of respect … right? Each book in this 10-book series explores a new friend that is less likely to have been featured in Pallotta’s “Who Would Win?” books. The lineup? The bat, cockroach, fly, head lice, mosquito, rat, slug, spider, toad and worm.
'Dog Man' series
By Dav Pilkey | Recommended by Jodi Leslie, Neenah Public Library youth services librarian
If this graphic novel series looks familiar, it’s probably because it is. Dav Pilkey made his name with the "Captain Underpants" books of the early 2000s, and is back again with the "Dog Man" series. Follow the half-dog, half-man protagonist as he fights crime.
“(These) fun reads include factual information and are formatted like a graphic novel,” Leslie said.
'Narwhal and Jelly' series
By Ben Clanton | Recommended by Jodi Leslie, Neenah Public Library youth services librarian
This series follows the adventures of Narwhal who is — you guessed it ― a pleasant narwhal, and Jelly, a serious jellyfish. The books are a cross between early-reading picture books and graphic novels, making them the ideal candidate to get children excited about crossing into the next stage of reading.
English books for ages 9 and 10 or upper elementary reading levels
'Chi's Sweet Home,' a three-part series
By Konami Kanata | Recommended by Jeanne Neerdaels, Baird Elementary School librarian
Chi is a newborn kitten who is quite the curious cat. She gets separated from her family on a walk and finds herself in the arms of a young boy, Yohei, and his mother. Chi is brought back to their family home where pets are strictly not allowed. These books are written as traditional Japanese manga graphic novels.
'Harry Potter' series
By J.K. Rowling | Recommended by Jeanne Neerdaels, Baird Elementary School librarian
This series is a classic in terms of children's literature, gaining fans across all reading levels, including adults. Follow Harry Potter, an anything-but-average 11-year-old boy, as he discovers he's a wizard and heads off to boarding school at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There are seven books in the series, following Harry through his years in school, as he navigates adventure, danger and friendship to fulfill his destiny to take on the most dangerous wizard of all time: Lord Voldemort. The books get progressively more complex and grow with the reader as Harry, himself, grows up.
'Out of My Mind'
By Sharon M. Draper | Recommended by Jeanne Neerdaels, Baird Elementary School librarian
Melody can't walk or talk because of her cerebral palsy, but she refuses to be defined by it. She is a unique almost 11-year-old girl with a photographic memory and a mind that is superior to those of many adults. But she is plagued by stereotypes and other people's perceptions of her limitations. Dive into Melody's world as she works to prove everyone wrong and those who doubt her abilities.
'Who Was?' 'What Was?' and 'Where Is?' series
By assorted authors | Recommended by Jodi Leslie, Neenah Public Library youth services librarian
Does your child have a favorite celebrity? Period of history? Some place they want to travel? By the time they are done with each of these series, they’ll be sure to rattle off a list of answers to each question. The “Who Was” series explores famous people — some are still alive — and their biggest achievements. Travel back in time to some of the most pivotal periods of history by cracking open the “What Was?” series. Lastly, inspire wanderlust with the “Where Is” series. These nonfiction books are the perfect way to get children interested in the world around them, and can even appeal to children younger than third grade as read alouds, Leslie said.
'Wings of Fire' series
By Tui T. Sutherland | Recommended by Jeanne Neerdaels, Baird Elementary School librarian
In this fantasy world, there are seven dragon tribes that have been warring over a lost treasure for generations. Five young dragons have been tasked by a secret order to end the war. Follow the group of young dragons, the Dragonets of Destiny, as they fulfill their destiny and try to bring peace to their world. The series has three story arcs that each follow their own prophecies and protagonists. There are 17 books in this series, giving kids lots of content to devour.
'Unicorn Academy '
By Julie Skyes | Recommended by Jeanne Neerdaels, Baird Elementary School librarian
At Unicorn Academy, every student gets their own unicorn and must bond with their creature to discover its hidden power. On Unicorn Island, friendship is the key to unlocking the unicorns' abilities. The collection of stories explores different student and unicorn friendship pairings and the adventures they go on.
Spanish and bilingual books for all ages
'Happy Healthy Babies' collection
By Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie Lisovskis. Ages: Infants | Recommended by Jodi Leslie, Neenah Public Library youth services librarian
Each of the books provides a narrative to a baby's everyday activities. The books, titled “Rest,” “Eat,” “Reach (a book about exploring and curiosity),” “Move,” “Play” and “Cuddle” can be purchased individually as well, in case you want to hone in on one aspect of your baby’s day. Simple black and white photos of babies doing their thing ensure even the youngest of babies can view their peers on the pages. Colorful lettering adds a contrast that babies can appreciate as they grow. It is available in both English and Spanish.
'Arroz Con Leche: Popular Songs and Rhymes from Latin America'
Selected and illustrated by Lulu Delacre. Ages: 3 to 6 | Recommended by Brown County Library’s Youth Services Manager Katie Guzek
This is a collection of traditional Latin-American songs and rhymes in both English and Spanish. Songs and rhymes serve as powerful learning tools to develop early literacy skills.
'¡Pío Peep! Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes'
Selected by Alma Flor Ada & F. Isabel Campoy. Ages: 3 to 5 | Recommended by Katie Guzek, Brown County Library’s youth services manager
This collection of traditional Spanish nursery rhymes is another tool for families to practice song, rhyme, rhythm and develop early literacy skills. It's also a way to connect kids to their culture. The collection also includes English translations of the rhymes.
'Lola le lee al pequeño Leo'
By Anna McQuinn. Ages: 4 to 6 | Recommended by Katie Guzek, Brown County Library’s youth services manager
Lola has a new baby brother, Leo, and although the new baby keeps her parents busy, Lola makes time to read to him. This book is full of bright and dynamic illustrations and all about family. The text in this book is a little longer with more complex sentences, which makes it a great book to read aloud to your kids. It also comes in English.
Libros de 'Sofía y Alejandro '
Por Denise Bourgeois-Vance, illustrado por Damon Danielson / Sophia and Ales Books by Denise Bourgeois-Vance, illustrated by Damon Danielson. Ages: 4 to 6 | Recommended by Norma Oliveras, Appleton Public Library’s Hispanic outreach coordinator
In this bilingual series, Sophia and Alex learn about many topics, with each book taking on a specific theme. The first, “Sofía y Alejandro van al pre-escolar” depicts the two children meeting their teacher and new friends at preschool. By the 11th book, the duo is preparing to go to kindergarten.
'Oye, Muro: Un cuento de arte y comunidad'
Por Susan Verde. Ages: 4 to 8 | Recommended by Norma Oliveras, Appleton Public Library’s Hispanic outreach coordinator
In Ángel's neighborhood, there is a blank wall. The young boy notices it looks so misplaced against the vibrant landscape of people laughing, dancing and more, so he decides to change it with the help of his community. With the wall serving as a giant blank canvas and a young boy’s imagination, what will the wall become?
'Si le das un pastelito a un gato'
Por Laura Numeroff. Ages: 4 to 8 | Recommended by Norma Oliveras, Appleton Public Library’s Hispanic outreach coordinator
You may know what happens if you give a mouse a cookie, but what about if you give a cat a cupcake? Based on the “If you give a …” books before it, it’s safe to say chaos ensues. With separate books in both English and Spanish, Oliveras recommends this book to speakers of either language.
Wonderbooks
By various authors. Ages: 5 to 6 | Recommended by Katie Guzek, Brown County Library’s youth services manager
Wonderbooks are picture books with a built-in, ready-to-play audio book included. This allows children to see the words on the page while hearing them read aloud, Guzek said. There are hundreds of titles that span reading levels for pre-K to fourth grade. Many books also come in Spanish and English. Here are some favorite bilingual titles Guzek recommended: "Gracias" / "Thanks" by Pat Mora; "My Colors, My World" / "Mis Colores, Mi Mundo" by Maya Christina Gonzalez; "Drum, Chavi, Drum!" / "¡Toca, Chavi, Toca!" by Mayra L. Dole.
'Margaret and Margarita' / 'Margarita y Margaret'
By Lynn Reiser. Ages: 5 to 8 | Recommended by Katie Guzek, Brown County Library’s youth services manager
Margaret and Margarita find themselves at the park at the same time without anyone to play with. Margaret speaks English and Margarita speaks Spanish, and to their mothers’ surprise, the two girls play together and find their own unique ways to communicate. The bilingual picture book follows the girls as they develop a friendship and learn from each others’ languages.
'Coquí in the City (English) / 'De aquí como el coquí (Español)'
Por Nomar Perez. Ages: 3 to 7 | Recommended by Ann Cooksey, Appleton Public Library's children's services supervisor
In "Coquí in the City," author and illustrator Nomar Perez tackles big topics, such as moving to a new country, in a gentle way. When Miguel and his family move from San Juan, Puerto Rico to New York City, he must adjust to a new place and leave his home in Puerto Rico —his pet frog Coquí — behind. Yet, as Miguel explores NYC, he learns the unfamiliar city has more in common with his home town than he thought and he finds that little aspects of home and his best friend Coquí are always with him.
'Areli Is a Dreamer: A True Story' / 'Areli es una dreamer: una historia real'
By Areli Morales. Ages: 3 to 7 | Recommended by Ann Cooksey, Appleton Public Library's children's services supervisor
Morales, a DACA recipient, tells the true story of her family immigrating from Mexico to the United States. The story starts with Sunday calls to her parents in America, who promise to send for her soon. When the day comes, Areli is nervous to leave her abuela and Mexico. When she joins her mother, father and brother in New York, she is at first met with adversity. But with time, Areli feels pride in her new immigrant identity and realizes — like so many who came to the States before her — she will have a wonderful future full of new possibilities. This book stresses the importance of kindness and tackles tough topics of moving and bullying.
'Todo es canciόn: Antología poética'
Por Alma Flor Ada. Ages: 7 to 10 | Recommended by Ann Cooksey, Appleton Public Library's children's services supervisor
This book is lauded for being an essential tool for families looking to raise bilingual children, as it explores a variety of topics through poems, such as parts of the body, food, reading, scenery in the city and countryside and more.
Where can I find these books?
Most of these books are available for purchase on Amazon, but many of these titles are also housed in your child's school library or local library.
To see whether your local library has any of these titles, browse the library catalogues below:
Danielle DuClos is a Report for America corps member who covers K-12 education for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at dduclos@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @danielle_duclos. You can directly support her work with a tax-deductible donation at GreenBayPressGazette.com/RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Green Bay Press Gazette Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Drive., PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105.
Madison Lammert is a Report for America corps member who covers child care and early education for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. Contact her at mlammert@gannett.com or 920-993-7108. Follow on Twitter @MadisonLammert0. You can directly support her work with a tax-deductible donation online at http://bit.ly/Appleton_RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Post Crescent Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Drive, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Best books for kids, picked by Wisconsin librarians
