Get up and Move While you Read! Great books for preschoolers who won't sit still.

I frequently get asked to recommend children’s books that involve movement.  Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy stories that have an element of participation in them.  These types of books are great when they don’t want to sit still for a story.  They allow the children to move around and engage in the story in a different way.  This type of reading can be just as valuable as sitting and looking at a book, as it still addresses the six pre-reading skills identified in the Ready for Reading Program.  Here are some of my favourite books that get children moving:

 

Can you Make a Scary Face? by Jan Thomas

This funny book by Jan Thomas gets kids rolling on the floor with laughter.  A great read for small or large groups of children. Play "let's pretend" with a ladybug, as she gets kids to stand up, sit down, shake, and of course, make a scary face!

 

Cat Secrets by Jef Czekaj

The secret of how best to live a cat's life will be revealed only to those who can prove that they are genuine cats.  This cute and humorous book gets kids meowing, purring, and stretching along with the cats.

 

From Head to Toe by Eric Carle

Animals encourage the reader to exercise by getting them to follow their movements.  As always, Carle's pictures and text are great for young readers and their parents.

 

 

 

Here Are My Hands by Bill Martin

This book goes through various parts of the body, pointing out the parts and mentioning their functions, from "hands for catching and throwing" to the "skin that bundles me in."  

 

 

 

If You're Happy and You Know it (Jungle Edition) by James Warhola

Jungle animals sing the verses of this popular song.  Kids have a great time roaring, crawling, stomping, jumping and flapping like the animals in the book.

 

 

The Seals on the Bus by Lenny Hort

In another twist on a popular song, this one, Wheels On the Bus, animals including seals, tigers, geese, rabbits, monkeys, and more make their own sounds as they ride all around the town on a bus. Children enjoy singing along, and making the various animal sounds and actions.