Books for Grades K-3
Children in grades K-3 are beginning to read on their own, but they still like to hear a story read to them. Here's a list of books our teacher editors suggest to meet both needs.
Parents can use many of these as "read-alongs" to help their children improve their reading. Children can also read many of these books on their own.
The reading levels vary, but all are at an appropriate "interest" level for primary grades. Have your child use the five finger test to decide if the book is too difficult and should be a "read together" choice.
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We've all had days like Alexander's. Will moving to Australia really help?
Follow a confused bird as he searches for his mother in this children's classic.
Beezus and her little sister Ramona Quimby just can't seem to get along.
Ramona the Pest - Lesson ideas
The World of Beverly Cleary
D.E.A.R. Day, April 12th
Explains basic facts about the Big Dipper, including which stars make up the constellation, how its position changes in the sky, and how it points to the North Star.
Sal sets off to collect blueberries - some to eat and some to keep - in this children's classic.
A story about a Japanese American family's life in an internment camp during World War II.
The must-read original from Dr. Seuss proves that there's no such thing as "nothing to do."
Read Across America
The Political Dr. Seuss
Cat-in-the-Hat
Dr. Seuss Resources
Dr. Seuss Went to War
STEAM Art Lessons
PBS Kids
Dr. Seuss Activities and Printables
Storytime with Ryan & Craig
Here's the first of many tales about a curious monkey and the man in the yellow hat.
An explanation of the phases of the moon for beginning readers.
Learn why a Javelina is not a pig in this nicely illustrated introduction to animals of the American southwest. Great fun for beginning readers.
Giraffes aren't the only characters in this collection of great Shel Silverstein poems. See what you can find!
Shel Silverstein's Official Website
The Giving Tree Lesson
A book about giving that is great for all ages.
Shel Silverstein's Official Website
The Giving Tree Lesson
The Seuss classic for every child who "will not eat them." This one is sure to whet a young child's appetite for reading.
Read Across America
The Political Dr. Seuss
Cat-in-the-Hat
Dr. Seuss Resources
Dr. Seuss Went to War
STEAM Art Lessons
PBS Kids
Dr. Seuss Activities and Printables
Storytime with Ryan & Craig
This family reunion is packed with fun on the Fourth of July. Come celebrate in the festivities - it's bound to be a day to remember.
Harold and his crayon travel the world in this children's classic.
This is a nicely illustrated introduction to the life and times of honeybees for primary students, with enough color and flair to keep the attention of older children as well.
Read Across America
The Political Dr. Seuss
Cat-in-the-Hat
Dr. Seuss Resources
Dr. Seuss Went to War
STEAM Art Lessons
PBS Kids
Dr. Seuss Activities and Printables
Storytime with Ryan & Craig
The classic Seuss tale about the critter who didn't understand Christmas, and what Whoville did about it.
18 Book Inspired Snacks for Kids
When Betsy's friend Peter was hit by a car and killed, she has many questions for her parents. This book deals with many of the questions and emotions that children may have after experiencing the loss of a friend.
Award winning illustrations lead readers through this story about a jungle game that comes to life.
Shel Silversteins poems are sometimes silly, sometimes wonderful. These are great poems to read with a child.
Shel Silverstein's Official Website
The Giving Tree Lesson
It's the classic tale for children about perseverence and courage. "I thought I could!"
Here's a wonderful "read with me" or "read aloud" animal book with charming illustrations. Learn all about roadrunners in the process.
Dr. Seuss introduces a new character who teaches a gentle lesson about ecology.
Read Across America
The Political Dr. Seuss
Cat-in-the-Hat
Dr. Seuss Resources
Dr. Seuss Went to War
STEAM Art Lessons
PBS Kids
Dr. Seuss Activities and Printables
Storytime with Ryan & Craig
Here's proof that bedtime songs are important.
Robert Munsch Poems & Stories
Math is everywhere in this book, but fear not - it all adds up in the end.
Library of Congress Read.gov
The Exquisite Corpse Adventure
White mittens make for interesting events in this Ukranian folk tale.
Jan Brett's Home Page
Library of Congress Read.gov
Sea Shell Rounding Activity
Though not just for children, this is the perfect Seuss story for someone starting school, moving on, or beginning a new phase of their life. Read it with a child!
Read Across America
The Political Dr. Seuss
Cat-in-the-Hat
Dr. Seuss Resources
Dr. Seuss Went to War
STEAM Art Lessons
PBS Kids
Dr. Seuss Activities and Printables
Storytime with Ryan & Craig
Robert Munsch Poems & Stories
Biography of the black woman who escaped from slavery to become famous as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Caution: Describes some violent incidents from Tubman's life.
Take a trip with Santa in this award-winning tale full of wonder and mystery.
Ramona Quimby enters Kindergarten and asks LOTS of questions.
Ramona the Pest - Lesson ideas
The World of Beverly Cleary
D.E.A.R. Day, April 12th
A young boy and his mother are forced from their home when it catches fire during a riot.
A baby bat must find her way in the world, and in doing so she learns a lot about how many things that appear different can be very similar.
Story based on the legend of quilts used in the Underground Railroad.
Sylvester the donkey finds a pebble that will grant his wishes, but the trouble has only begun. A Caldecott Medal winner.
Beautifully illustrated, Beatrix Potter's classic tells about Peter and his three siblings' encounters with Mr. McGregor.
World of Peter Rabbit
Beatrix Potter: Audio Books
Books Should Be Free
Peter Rabbit Fun and Games
Mighty Book
A touching story about a family dealing with the terminal illness of a child. This story is told through the eyes of the sick child's brother.
The three pigs are doing hard time in jail. Here's the story of what really happened with the wolf!
Library of Congress Read.gov
The Exquisite Corpse Adventure
The touching story of a toy who becomes real when a Boy loves it is a great book to read to a child, or for a child to read alone.
A simple explanation of how the rotation of the earth causes night and day.
This book touches on many different issues related to death. It's simply written and uses the Dinosaur series illustrations, so a child will be able to follow along with the different concepts.
Stanley the Fierce and the entire cast of Silverstein characters are a great way for children to learn about poetry, whether on their own or with a parent or grandparent.
Shel Silverstein's Official Website
The Giving Tree Lesson