25+ Best Rhyming Books for Kindergarten and Preschool
Rhyming books are a favorite in children's literature because they are fun to read and have bright pictures. There are many rhyming books for kindergarten, including classic nursery rhymes and silly stories.
Reading these books helps children develop a love for reading and grow their language skills. This post will share some of the best rhyming books for young kids, from timeless rhymes to funny stories that they will love.
Explore the wonderful world of rhyming books with your little ones, and enjoy reading together! It's sure to be a lot of fun!
A Guide to Favorite Books & Silly Rhymes for Young Kids
Rhyming books are an essential part of every young reader's literary journey. Here is a list of books for kindergarteners and children of all ages to introduce them to the wonderful world of rhyming storybooks.
1. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
This timeless classic uses simple rhymes and vibrant illustrations to introduce children to different animals and colors. Children will immediately respond to Eric Carle's flat, boldly colored collages. Combined with Bill Martin's singsong text, they create unforgettable images of these endearing animals. “This is currently my 2 year old’s favorite book. The simplicity of the book and the fun art draws her in. Every night she brings me that book and asks for booky book.” - Amazon review by Nicoli
Goodreads: 4.25 avg rating
2. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
There is always enough room on your child’s bookshelf for this Classic Board Book edition of the rollicking alphabet chant that has been a children’s favorite for over thirty years! A fun book that combines catchy rhymes with a fun alphabet adventure, as the letters of the alphabet race to the top of the coconut tree. “Brought this for my granddaughters and they love it. As I'm reading the book, they are pointing at the letters and the color on each one. What a great read!” - Amazon review by Elaine W.
Goodreads: 4.25 avg rating
3. Goodnight Moon
A beloved bedtime story with soothing rhymes and captivating illustrations that create a calming atmosphere for young children. One of the most beloved books of all time, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is a must for every bookshelf and a time-honored gift for baby showers and other special events. “We have owned and read this book through all our children's upbringing. It has a magical way of reading a child for bed and sleep. I highly recommend it to all new families. You will not regret it!!” - Amazon review by Ken B.
Goodreads: 4.30 avg rating
4. Dragons Love Tacos
This hilarious book combines dragons and tacos, resulting in a silly and unexpected adventure that will leave kids giggling. A #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon, this deliciously funny read-aloud is an unforgettable tale of new friends and the perfect snack that will make you laugh until spicy salsa comes out of your nose. “My grandson can’t get enough of this. He brings the book in and says, “Dad, it’s Taco Night” which means dad makes tacos and mom reads the taco books. This has been going on for months ... it’s sincerely one of the best books I’ve given.” - Review by Amazon customer
Goodreads: 4.17 avg rating
5. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
These fun books take young readers on a journey through a construction site, with catchy rhymes and bright illustrations that capture their imagination. Since its debut more than a decade ago, Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, and the series of books it launched have become beloved favorites of kids and parents alike, with millions of copies sold. “I love this book and so do my grandchildren. This is the third copy I've purchased over the last 10 years. The pictures have so much detail that even a 2-year-old can enjoy the story even if they don't fully understand all of the words yet.” - Amazon review by Peter
Goodreads: 4.37 avg rating
6. Llama Llama Red Pajama
A silly rhyming book that follows Baby Llama through bedtime antics, teaching children about patience and the comfort of a bedtime routine. Children will relate to Baby Llama's need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama's reassuring message. “Purchased for a shower where instead of a card a book was requested. Hardback, just a darling book.” - Amazon review by Sherry B.
Goodreads: 4.30 avg rating
7. Bear Snores On
Bears's cave fills with animal friends as he sleeps in this classic book from New York Times bestselling team of Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman. This clever rhyming book starring a little bear introduces children to different animals and their unique sounds while exploring themes of friendship and hibernation. “My granddaughters own a copy of this book, along with others in the series, and even as they get older, they love this particular story. I recently purchased a copy as a gift for a grandniece. This is definitely the best of the Bear book series.” – Amazon review by Tony F.
Goodreads: 4.27 avg rating
8. Trashy Town
Trashy Town features a rhythmic, repeatable refrain that will have children clamoring for repeat readings. Through catchy rhyme and interactive pages, this book takes children on a fun journey through a bustling town, highlighting the importance of keeping things tidy. “We love this book! We heard it for the first time at a story time at our local library about a month ago. We absolutely loved it! We loved it so much that we brought it home and my 4 years old son pretty much memorized Mr. Guilly's story that very same day.” – Amazon review by Bess
Goodreads: 3.93 avg rating
9. The Very Cranky Bear
A delightful rhyming story that teaches children the value of kindness and understanding, as they meet a bear who just needs a little peace and quiet. Nick Bland's expressive, adorable illustrations complement the delightful, rhyming, read-aloud text in this lesson about the importance of sharing with others. “This book was a FAVORITE in our family while the kids were growing up. I read it so many times that I even recited the book word for word over the phone to the kids, while I was on a business trip. Now I always purchase it for baby showers.” – Amazon review by S. Oates
Goodreads: 4.29 avg rating
10. Green Eggs and Ham
This classic Dr. Seuss book is an excellent introduction to the world of rhyming for young readers. With its catchy rhymes and silly story, "Green Eggs and Ham" encourages children to try new things and is a great way to foster a love of reading. The simple words and bright illustrations make it accessible and engaging for kindergarten-aged children. "Loved these books as a child...every child should have the author's whole set.” - Amazon review by Faye
Goodreads: 4.30 avg rating
11. The Gruffalo
The Gruffalo is a delightful rhyming book that introduces children to a host of woodland creatures and a clever little mouse who uses his wits to outsmart a fearsome monster. The excellent rhymes and beautiful illustrations make this a great read for young children looking to explore a world of imagination and adventure. “This is easily one of my 3-year-old's favorites. He enjoys "reading" along (at least the repetitive fun phrases). It's a good story as well. Bought Room on the Broom as a result of liking this book and was not disappointed.” - Amazon review by Kristin L.
Googdreads: 4.45 avg rating
12. How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?
This fun and engaging rhyming book by Jane Yolen explores the bedtime routines of different dinosaurs, offering a humorous and relatable look at the challenges and joys of putting young children to bed. The bright illustrations and catchy rhyme make "How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?" a great story to share with your little ones at bedtime. “This entire series is instant classics for any younger kids who love dinosaurs and any parents who love their little dinosaurs.” - Amazon review by W. Veazey
Goodreads: 4.17 avg rating
13. Giraffes Can’t Dance
This heartwarming rhyming book by Giles Andreae tells the story of Gerald the giraffe, who learns that it's okay to be different and that everyone can find their own unique way to dance. The beautiful illustrations and uplifting message make "Giraffes Can't Dance" a perfect book to share with young children as they learn about self-acceptance and perseverance. “I love this book! I’ve given it as a gift and I bought it for my grandson. I’ve also read it to a group of kids when I volunteered at an elementary school. I also bought a stuffed giraffe for my grandson when I bought the book for him! He loved both.” - Amazon review by Beth M.
Goodreads: 4.32 avg rating
14. The Pout-Pout Fish
The first book in the New York Times bestselling Pout-Pout Fish series from Deborah Diesen and illustrator Dan Hanna! “Bought this for two-year-old great nephew, as I wanted to spread the joy of reading. My nephew says he loves his books, this one included, and can't wait for his sisters or parents to read to him. Loves the word play.” - Amazon review by Ramona B.
Goodreads: 4.34 avg rating
15. The Cat in the Hat
A favorite among kids, parents and teachers, this story uses simple words and basic rhyme to encourage and delight beginning readers. “My Granddaughter is in love with the Dr. Seuss books. She loves me to read & reread to her. She’s reading by memory now.” - Amazon review by Ann D.
Goodreads Rating: 4.30
16. Peek-A-Who?
For more than two decades, Peek-a Who? has been delighting little ones and parents alike, becoming a staple for baby showers and first libraries. This simple rhyming text and peek-a-boo cutouts take the most loved baby and toddler game and put it in children's book form! “This is a cute little board book that your toddler will catch on to what comes next." – Amazon review by Bareader
Goodreads Rating: 4.14
17. If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
This book is a great first introduction to Mouse, the star of the If You Give... series and a perennial favorite among children. With its spare, rhythmic text and circular tale, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is perfect for beginning readers and story time. “My three and four year old have memorized the words. I read the first few words on each page, and my kids (unprompted) recite the rest of the words with me. A great early reading book.” – Amazon review by Kindle Customer
Goodreads Rating: 4.48
18. Trashy Town
Trashy Town features a rhythmic, repeatable refrain that will have children clamoring for repeat readings. Perfect for fans of all books about things that GO and how things work—plus for units on community helpers. “My friend’s son, who is 3, loved this book. He loves finding the mice in each picture! Very cute!” - Amazon review by Sara G.
Goodreads Rating: 4.30
19. Barnyard Dance!
With rhythmic rhyming text, this busy barnyard is guaranteed to get kids and adults spinning, swinging, and prancing with the high-spirited cast of characters! “My children loved these books, but this one was the favorite. So, my best friend was throwing her first grandson’s first birthday party, and she asked for books as gifts. I had to get this one for him!” - Amazon review by turtlegirl
Goodreads Rating: 4.04
20. The Pout-Pout Fish
Bright ocean colors and playful rhyme come together in Deborah Diesen's fun fish story that's sure to turn even the poutiest of frowns upside down. “My daughter's kindergarten class enjoyed this book as much as my 2 year old grand nephew! I've gifted five copies and have two in the extra gift closet.” - Amazon review by Robert
Goodreads Rating: 4.33
21. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
This classic story is for very young children, and once you finish the rhythmic, rhyming text, all you’ll want to do is go back to the beginning . . . and read it again! “If you can only afford to buy a few gifts, please buy 10 little fingers and 10 little toes. I’ve purchased this book over 10 times and every parent loves reading it to their child. A feel-good book with wonderful pictures/colors & a sweet lesson on different babies.” – Amazon review by Shagler
Goodreads Rating: 4.18
22. The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge
A portion of the sales from this book will be donated to the Jeffrey's Hook Lighthouse education and outreach programs. “If you aren’t sure if you should buy this or not, just do it. It’s a classic. I could just borrow at the library but this one is too good not to have around all the time. My 2-year-old and four-year-old love it.” - Amazon review by Nakita
Goodreads Rating: 3.90
23. Clap Your Hands
Your children will jump at the chance to join this menagerie of zany animals and children as they stomp, wiggle, roar, and spin their way through the day, as the rhyming text reinforces important concepts. “This book became an immediate favorite for my kids. They love following the instructions as I read the fun rhymes to them. At this point, I can recite the entire book by memory. That's how much we have enjoyed reading it.” - Amazon review by Leslie L.
Goodreads Rating: 4.7
24. Edward the Emu
This picture book is an excellent choice to share in the classroom or at home—both adults and kids will laugh at and sympathize with Edward the Emu. “I use this book every year as a read-aloud with my kindergarten students. It has characters and a plot. There are rhyming words. The pictures are great. I purchased this copy for my student teacher.” - Amazon review by Kindle Customer
Goodreads Rating: 4.20
25. Duck in the Truck
“This is a delightfully funny book to read to toddlers and a great book for beginning readers. It was the first book my 9-year-old read by himself. I couldn’t find his well-used copy so I bought this for my 2-year-old. It's as good as I remembered. Good illustrations good story with some repetitive phrases humor and an ending we didn't expect.” - Amazon review by NYblueskies
Goodreads Rating: 3.98
26. Room on the Broom
This fun family read-aloud from Julia Donaldson is the perfect way to start Halloween celebrations and an ideal gift book. A sweet story of quick wits, friendship, and inclusivity from the creators of The Gruffalo! Lots of fun! “This is the second copy I've purchased for kids as my own would not pass it on (wants to keep and will still read occasionally after 7 years of possession). It's a cute story with undertones of acceptance and friendship. If desired, an adult could add in discussion points with questions.” - Amazon review by Miana
Goodreads Rating: 4.11
In summary …
Rhyming books for kindergarten are a great way to introduce young kids to the joy of reading. With a mix of classic rhymes and funny stories, there's something to engage and educate every preschooler. These books not only entertain but also help develop important skills like phonemic awareness and vocabulary.
Remember, reading should be fun for both you and your child. So, pick a book, get cozy, and enjoy a rhyming adventure together. You'll see your little ones grow to love reading and explore the magic of language through these delightful rhyming books. Happy reading!