We have all heard it, reading to your child every day is one of the most important things that you can do as a parent to help your child grow academically. With hundreds of different kid books options, how do you choose age appropriate books to read with your child?
How to Find Age Appropriate Books for Your Kid
1. Know Your Child’s Reading Level
When it comes to reading levels, the guides may change by location. One of my favorite tools and guides is the Lexile Framework for Reading. They have a really neat online tool that will allow you to sort books by reading level, age, grade, and interests.
When it comes to picking out books based off tools such as Lexile, remember that every child is different. Some children may read above or below grade level. Within the Lexile Framework there are many factors that go into matching a child to their ideal texts. Tools such as Lexile are a good starting point, but they are not perfect.
2. Teach Your Child “PICK”
“PICK” is an easy to remember mnemonic to help guide your child into choosing the right book for them.
Purpose: Why do I want to read this book?
Interest: Does this book interest me? Letting your child’s interests guide their literary picks is huge!
Comprehend: Can I understand what I am reading?
Knowledge: Do I know most of the words used within this book?
3. Think Interactive
Books are a tool for developing knowledge. Constructing that knowledge is up to the child. When picking out a book for your child, look for books your child will engage with. In addition to books that will hold your child’s interest also look for books that will make your child ask questions as they explore the pages. Books that can easily be extended into other activities that also engage your child are always a bonus!
4. Do Your Research
Read book reviews. Ask other parents, teachers, or librarians for book suggestions. Or even just spend some time flipping through books in the library to see how your child reacts to them. If you are needing kid book ideas, scroll down to find the recommendations we have made on site!
Kid Book Lists
Set Sail for Adventure with these Pirate Books for Preschoolers
If your little ones love pirates, don't miss out on our round-up of the best pirate books for preschoolers. They're sure to inspire some high-sea adventures in your home.
Earth Day Books for Preschoolers
Get your preschooler excited about Earth Day by exploring these amazing earth day books, filled with beautiful illustrations and engaging stories that teach important lessons about protecting our planet.
Learning the ABCs: Alphabet Books That Will Delight Your Preschooler
Looking for a fun and educational way to introduce the alphabet to your little one? Check out these top alphabet books for preschoolers that are sure to make learning letters a blast!
Dive Into the World of Jellyfish with These 20 Captivating Books for Kids
Dive into the underwater world and discover the fascinating life of jellyfish with these engaging and educational books for preschoolers, perfect for sparking their curiosity and love for marine creatures.
Zoo Books for Preschoolers
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Our round-up of zoo books for preschoolers is sure to delight animal-loving little ones.
Dinosaur Books for Kids
Roar into reading with these engaging and educational dinosaur books for preschoolers, featuring fascinating facts and fun illustrations that will transport your little ones back to the age of the dinosaurs.
Community Helper Books for Kids
From firefighters to doctors and everything in between, these community helper books are sure to inspire and educate young children about the people who help make their communities thrive.
Books About Feelings For Kids
Introduce your preschooler to the complex world of emotions with these engaging and educational books about feelings.
Back to School Books for Kids
Get your little ones excited for a new school year with these fun and engaging back-to-school books for kids.
Bear Books for Kids
If your little one loves all things bear-related, be sure to check out these fantastic bear books for preschoolers.
Fun Farm Books for Children
Explore the exciting world of farm animals with your little ones by checking out these fun and educational farm books for preschoolers.
Books About Firefighters and Fire Trucks for Kids
If your child is fascinated by firefighters and fire trucks, these books are sure to spark their imagination and teach them important lessons about fire safety.
Ten Awesome Apple Books for Kids
Get ready for fall with these delightful apple-themed books for preschoolers, perfect for learning about the season and enjoying the crisp, juicy fruit!
Super Awesome Shape Books for Kids
From circles to triangles, squares to rectangles, shape books for preschoolers are a fun and interactive way to teach children about the world around them and encourage early learning.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Books for Kids
Help your child relax and find inner peace with these mindfulness and relaxation books for kids.
Thanksgiving Books for Kids
Thanksgiving is a special time for families to come together and give thanks. Help your little ones learn about this holiday with these fun and educational Thanksgiving books for kids.
Spectacularly Spooky Halloween Books for Kids
Halloween is a spooky and exciting holiday for kids, and what better way to get in the spirit than by reading some fun and festive Halloween books! From classic stories to new favorites, these books are sure to entertain and delight young readers.
How to Find Free eBooks for Kids -- Copyrighted Titles Included!
Get access to a wide range of free ebooks by checking out websites, apps, and library resources, and start reading your favorite books today without spending a dime.
The Best Shark Books for Kids
Are you looking for an ocean adventure? Dive into the world of sharks with these engaging and informative books for preschoolers.
Butterfly Books for Kids
Flutter on over to our collection of butterfly books for preschoolers to spread your wings and learn about these beautiful insects!
Awesome Emergent Readers for Kindergarten
Get your little ones excited about reading with these awesome emergent readers for Kindergarten, perfect for developing early literacy skills and fostering a love of books!
100 of the BEST Books for Preschoolers!
Whether you're looking for classic tales or modern stories, funny or heartwarming reads, this list of 100 best books for preschoolers has got you covered. From animal adventures to imaginative tales and educational books, these stories are sure to captivate and inspire your little ones.
Awesome Children's Construction Books
Looking for books to keep your little one entertained and engaged? Look no further than this list of top construction books for preschoolers! From excavators to bulldozers and everything in between, these books are sure to be a hit with any young construction enthusiast.
100+ Valentine's Day Books for Kids
Get ready to fall in love with these heartwarming Valentine's Day books for kids!
Please Share These Books for Preschoolers
This list of books for kids will continue to grow over time. Make sure to pin this post so you can easily find our future kid book suggestions!
I like what you said about picking a book that has words your kids can understand. I need to get a new set of books for my sons. They are 5 and 6 and need new material to read.
My godson Atlas is turning four soon. I plan to buy him a book set because his parents are bookworms, and I am hoping he takes after them. I like that you said I should do my research and look for book suggestions from other parents, librarians, or online. Thanks for this tip!
Hi! I love the lists. Is there a printable link somewhere? I’d love to print out some of the lists and take to the library.
Hi! You can find all of our reading logs with book lists that we have in our shop by searching “reading log” or visiting here. I do not currently have printable lists for all of the book lists we have published on the site, but do have quite a bit 🙂