Books on Growing Up for
Kids Ages 3 – 5
by Melissa Taylor
Don’t you love watching your preschool-aged children grow up? Kids between the ages of 3 and 5 are building social skills, self-regulation skills, communication skills, empathy, math and literacy skills, and practicing movements large and small. It’s a wonderful time of development that you can aid with enriching, relevant picture books that will support all the ways they’re growing.
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Everything I Need to Know Before I’m Five
Available from:Colorful photographs guide you and your children to learn and review essential preschool concepts like the alphabet, counting, and colors. Read this book to make sure your kids are ready for kindergarten.
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When the Babies Came to Stay
The island’s librarian adopts the four babies who need homes, but the whole island helps care for them. As the children grow, the librarian explains that families don’t always look the same and that the children’s future, where they’re going, is the most important thing.
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Spot’s New Friend
Making friends can be hard. See how Spot makes new friends when he’s on vacation by being friendly, playing, and sharing.
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Rosie Goes to Preschool
Available from:In this colorful, reassuring book, kids will learn what to expect when they go to preschool. A student named Rosie gives readers a friendly welcome and a tour of the classroom — including the cubbies, the teacher, the snack table, and activities that happen during the school day.
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Big Boys Cry
Available from:It’s the first day of school; and since Levi’s dad says that boys don’t cry, Levi keeps his feelings stuffed inside. But, as Levi goes about his day, he sees men crying and learns that it’s okay to feel his emotions.
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Sorry, Grown Ups, You Can’t Go to School!
Available from:Mom, Dad, Grandma, and the dog want to go to school, too. They’re ready with backpacks, and Dad explains that he can even tie his own shoes. But they can’t go because school is just for kids and teachers. Lucky kids!
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Take Your Pet to School Day
Available from:What happens when all the kids at Maple View bring their pets to school? Chaos, noise, and messiness. The teachers know that pets don’t belong at school, so who could have changed this rule? Lots of silliness and a surprise ending will make this a new favorite school story.
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Child of the Universe
Available from:In a lullaby of sorts with luminous illustrations and lyrical text, this picture book celebrates how the universe connects us all and also how we each are “grand and marvelous, strong and mysterious” individuals.
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No More Naps
Available from:Annalise refuses to take her nap, even when her dad pushes her in the stroller around the park. However, the people and animals they pass are only too happy to take her naps for her — and they fall asleep. But what will happen when Annalise wants her nap and all the naps are taken?
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Toby Is a Big Boy
Toby’s new little sister named Iris is getting all of Mama’s attention. Even though Toby is excited that he can do so many big boy things all by himself, he’s also mad that Mama isn’t helping him. That’s when Mama reminds Toby that even with a new little sister, Toby will always be her baby, too.
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Do I Have to Wear a Coat?
Available from:Readers travel through the four seasons, learning just when they’ll need a coat, and seeing the fun-filled things that each season brings. For example, in spring, it’s new farm babies, baseball, and rain; while in summer, the hot weather is perfect for going to the beach.
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