Biblio File
Summer Reading 2018 | Early Literacy Book List
It's never too early to start reading! Show your children the joy of books and learning by reading, talking, singing, writing, and playing with them every day. Read below for book picks for babies, toddlers, and pre-K aged kids. Remember to check out the story times and free early literacy programs and kits offered at your local branch.
Babies
My Little Cities: New York by Jennifer Adams, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
Take a tour of the Big Apple and visit famous monuments.
Baby Talk by Stella Blackstone
In black and white photos, babies and their loved ones have special ways to communicate.
Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton
Rhyme along with cows, sheep, and singing pigs!
Things That Go by Élisa Géhin
Touch and feel a stroller, a bus, a rocket, and more!
The Babies on the Bus by Karen Katz
Ride along (and sing along!) with these adorable babies.
Baby Loves to Rock! by Wednesday Kirwan
A baby and some animal friends try out different musical genres.
If You're Happy and You Know It... / Si te sientes bien contento... by Annie Kubler
This classic song will make you smile.
Numbers / 数字 by Milet Publishing
Explore colors and numbers in two languages! / 用中英文探索颜色和数字! / 用中英文探索顏色和數字!
What is Baby Gorilla Doing? by Christena Nippert-Eng, John Dominski, & Miguel Martinez
Enjoy these photos of a day in the life of baby gorilla!
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Baby by Little Tiger Press
A shiny star peeks through the pages as these animal friends prepare for bed.
Toddlers
Big Size Surprise by Agnese Baruzzi
Lift-the-flaps to transform small vehicles to big ones!
Row, Row, Row Your Boat by Jane Cabrera
In this classic song, animal buddies enjoy rowing together.
Farmyard Beat by Lindsey Craig, illustrated by Marc Brown
These farm animals can't sleep when they've got that beat!
Alphabet Family Band by Sarah Jones
In a celebration of the alphabet, each member of this family plays a different musical instrument.
One Love by Cedella Marley, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Based on the classic Bob Marley song, a little girl recruits friends and family to improve her neighborhood.
Clive is a Teacher by Jessica Spanyol
Clive and his friends love to play school.
My First Dance: Tap by Sterling Publishing
Young tappers have fun discovering this popular American dance style.
Animal Talk: Mexican Folk Art Animal Sounds in English and Spanish by Cynthia Weill, illustrated by Rubi Fuentes and Efrain Broa
Learn animal sounds and discover beautiful Oaxacan woodcarvings. / Aprenda sonidos de los animales y descubra los trabajos en madera de los artesanos de Oaxaca, México.
Summertime Rainbow / 夏天的彩虹 by Belle Yang
Explore summer colors with a bunch of bunnies in both Chinese and English. / 用中英文與一群小兔一起探索夏天的色彩 / 用中英文与一群小兔一起探索夏天的色彩
Pre-K
Tap Tap Boom Boom by Elizabeth Bluemle, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
City dwellers dash and duck for cover to escape a rain storm.
Parade by Donald Crews
Follow a parade from street closure to clean up.
Drum City by Thea Guidone, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
A little boy beats on a kettle and encourages others to join a make-shift neighborhood band.
Hush! A Thai Lullaby by Minfong Ho, illustrated by Holly Meade
Can this mama keep all the noisy animals from waking her baby?
Moses Goes to a Concert by Isaac Millman
Moses is deaf and he can play and enjoy music.
Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin by Lloyd Moss, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
How many musicians does it take to make an orchestra?
Bee-Bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Ho Baek Lee
In this rhyming read aloud, a mother and her daughter prepare the famous Korean dish together.
Shake My Sillies Out by Raffi, illustrated by David Allender
In this favorite song, the sillies spread from the restless forest animals to a camp full of children.
Charlie Parker Played Be Bop by Chris Raschka
A quirky introduction to the sounds and rhythms of Be Bop music.
Looking for Bongo by Eric Velasquez
A boy's beloved toy is missing and he asks, in both Spanish and English, for help finding it.
Read E-Books with SimplyE
With your library card, it's easier than ever to choose from more than 300,000 e-books on SimplyE, The New York Public Library's free e-reader app. Gain access to digital resources for all ages, including e-books, audiobooks, databases, and more.
If you don’t have an NYPL library card, New York State residents can apply for a digital card online or through SimplyE (available on the App Store or Google Play).
Need more help? Read our guide to using SimplyE.