79 Rhyming Books for Kindergarten and Preschool
Looking for a list of rhyming books to teach rhyming words?
There is a mountain of educational research stating how important regular reading of picture books is in early literacy programs. Every teacher knows the benefits of reading to young children and the positive influence this has on children’s literacy development.
It is important to include rhyming books in your classroom library of read-alouds. Rhyming books for preschoolers and kindergarten children are vital in developing pre-reading and pre-writing skills and there is a direct correlation between learning rhyming and eventual reading readiness.
So let’s jump in!
Here’s a list of our absolute favourite rhyming books for early childhood classrooms. There is a strong focus on Australian authors and storylines. There are picture books depicting cultural diversity and inclusive education themes too.
Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Each Peach Pear Plum. I spy Tom Thumb.
Tom Thumb in the cupboard. I spy Mother Hubbard.
This is a classic picture book with strong rhyme and rhythm. Perfect as a read-aloud for young children. They will have fun with the game of 'I Spy' throughout the book too. Each Peach Pear Plum introduces characters from well-known stories, such as the Three Bears, Mother Hubbard and Tom Thumb, and encourages children to find the characters hidden in the pictures.
Duck in the Truck by Jez Alborough
This is the tale of a duck in a truck. A truck that was stuck in some yucky brown muck. A sheep in a jeep and a frog in a bush saw the truck stuck and gave it a push. But the truck stayed stuck! What now, can you guess? Could a goat in a boat get them out of this mess?
This colourful picture book is full of rhyme and rhythm as well as great storytelling. An entertaining rhyming story your children will enjoy immensely.
Who Sank the Boat? by Pamela Allen
Was it the cow
who almost fell in,
when she tilted the boat
and made such a din?
Winner of the 1983 Australian Picture Book of the Year Award, this wonderfully illustrated book is designed for sharing aloud and will engage children as they try to guess which animal spoilt a day’s rowing by sinking the boat. This classic story teaches concepts about sinking and floating and is a great book for retelling too. Perfect for small world play and story baskets.
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
Now every year in Africa
They hold the Jungle Dance,
Where every single animal
Turns up to skip and prance.
I think this one is a staple in any early childhood setting. Giraffes Can’t Dance tells the story of Gerald the tall giraffe would love to join in with the other animals at the Jungle Dance. But everyone knows that giraffes can't dance . . . or can they? A funny and touching rhyming story about a giraffe who finds his own tune and confidence too. An excellent book for teaching growth mindsets and rhythmic rhymes.
Rumble in the Jungle and Commotion in the Ocean by Giles Andreae
Some animals laugh
At the gangly giraffe
But I hold my head up and feel proud,
I really don’t care
When my head’s in the air
And my cheek’s getting kissed by a cloud.
These two picture books introduce young children to a variety of jungle and sea creatures through catchy limerick type rhymes and bright colourful illustrations. These books have endless possibilities for related educational activities.
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
She gave a sad smile as she looked to the sky;
“The only thrill left on my list is to fly!
But time never lingers as long as it seems.
I’ll chalk that one up to an old lady’s dreams.”
Rosie seems quiet during the day, but at night she's a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer. When her Great, Great Aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) comes for a visit and mentions her one unfinished goal--to fly--Rosie sets to work building a contraption to make her aunt's dream come true. Her invention complete, Rosie attempts a test flight--but the machine crashes to the ground. Discouraged, Rosie deems the invention a failure, but Aunt Rose insists that on the contrary, it was a raging success. You can only truly fail, she explains, if you quit. Reassured, Rosie returns to her engineering and inspires her classmates to join in the fun.
This popular children’s book has a growth mindset message and is a must for your library. Even if it didn’t rhyme, it would still be a must have!!
Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey
Pig was a Pug and I'm sorry to say, he was greedy and selfish in most every way. Pig is the greediest Pug in the world. He is grumpy, rude and unreasonable. But when Pig the Pug is asked to share his toys, something unexpected happens...
This classic story is requested over and over in our Prep classroom. Pig is a very naughty pug dog with hilarious antics and might even teach a lesson or two to young children about the value of sharing. If you children like this story (and I know they will), there are more adventures to explore in this literary series.
Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas by Aaron Blabey
Brian loves bananas. Trouble is, Brian’s a piranha. And his friends aren’t happy about his fondness for fruit. No. They're not happy at all...
I have lost count of how many times we have read this incredibly funny rhyming book. Can you tell we are Aaron Blabey fans? But can you blame us!! Aaron Blabey has written so many well-loved rhyming picture books for children. He is the creator of three hugely successful series - The Bad Guys, Pig the Pug and Thelma the Unicorn.
Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey
Oh, Thelma looked amazing. She was a unicorn! 'I'm special now,' she cried out loud. And so, a star was born...
Aaron Blabey does it again with this all-time favourite. Thelma is a pony who longs to be more. One day, she spots a carrot on the ground and comes up with a brilliant idea! She ties it to her head, just before a skidding truck spills pink paint and glitter all over her! A brightly coloured magical rhyming story!!
The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland
In the Jingle Jangle Jungle on a cold and rainy day, four little friends found a perfect place to play. Moose had marvellous antlers and Lion, a golden mane. Zebra had fantastic stripes and Sheep . . . well, Sheep was plain.
When the four friends meet a cranky bear, Moose, Lion and Zebra all think they know how to cheer him up. But it is plain, boring Sheep who has the solution. This story has vibrant illustrations and a fun, engaging plot. Just perfect for reading aloud to young children.
More titles in the series below. (I might have EVERY single one!)
I’m a Dirty Dinosaur by Janeen Brian & Ann James
I’m a dirty dinosaur
With a dirty snout.
I never wipe it clean
I just sniff and snuff about.
This is a gorgeous rhyming picture book about a naughty little dinosaur who loves to get dirty. One of our favourites. We read it again when we are learning about the letter /d/ and have set up mud painting provocations in Art. Ann James used real mud to paint the illustrations in the book. You can watch an educational video about her process HERE.
Rhyme Crime by Jon Burgerman
Who stole Marlow's happy smile, and replaced it with a crocodile? Who swiped Dingle's sneeze--aaaaachooo!--and left a stinky cheese? The thief took Tumble's orange, and switched it with a . . . with a . . . Hey, does anything rhyme with orange? No? Aha! Could this be the rhyming robber's undoing?
If you teach preschool, this book is a must! It is a fun and captivating story about a rhyming robber. The reader is encouraged to solve this silly rhyme crime, then guess at the name-nabber's next sneaky move. Lots of teachers set up crime scenes in their classrooms as a learning provocation for this engaging story.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Child’s Play
There was an old lady who swallowed a fly.
I don’t know why she swallowed a fly.
Perhaps she’ll die?
Forty years after its first publication this classic is still as popular as ever. The clever die-cut holes bring this iconic nursery rhyme to life. It has so many opportunities for innovations on the text and is perfect for retelling. Scholastic have many innovations of this rhyme available: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed some leaves, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a cactus etc.
Rhymoceros by Janik Coat
Stinky Inky,
Caring Daring
A blue rhinoceros demonstrates 16 pairs of rhyming words in this board book. It has little novelty features like gold foil stamping and flocking to provide a sensory experience to the reader. A great one for introducing word families and vocabulary development.
Ten in the Bed by Penny Dale
It’s a great big squash with ten in the bed. Roll over! Roll over! But how will the little one cope alone in the bed as his furry friends crash, thud and bump out? A magical retelling of a favourite sing-along rhyme, in which an adorable little boy shares his bed with all his cuddly toys. But there are so many toys in his bed that he can hardly fit in… unless they all roll over!
Plenty of rhyme and rhythm in this old favourite. Perfect for exploring number concepts and small world retelling baskets. Your beginning readers will love exploring the detailed illustrations an reading along with the predictive text. So much fun making the animal sounds as each animal falls out of the bed.
The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
Deep in the water,
Mr. Fish swims about
With his fish face stuck
In a permanent pout.
Can his pals cheer him up?
Will his pout ever end?
Is there something he can learn
From an unexpected friend?
The pout-pout fish discovers that being glum and spreading "dreary wearies" is not really his destiny when he meets a surprising fish at the end of this story. Your children will be giggling with this hilarious ending. The illustrations are bright and colourful and there’s plenty of playful rhymes to help you teach rhyming words to your little ones.
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy by Lynley Dodd
Out of the gate
and off for a walk
went Hairy Maclary
from Donaldson's Dairy
This iconic children’s book was first published in 1983. It is the first in a series of rhyming books by New Zealand author, Lynley Dodd. Your children will love the characters: Hercules Morse, Bitzer Maloney, Muffin McLay, Bottomley Potts, Schnitzel von Krumm and Scarface Claw as they join Hairy Maclary on many adventures throughout the series. These rhythmic, rhyming books were written specifically for pre-school children and have become classic favourites in New Zealand and Australia.
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood.
A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good…
Silly old fox, doesn't he know?
there's no such thing as a Gruffalo.
The Gruffalo is a children's classic about a cunning mouse taking a walk in the woods. Along the way he meets predators out to eat him, but he tells each predator that he plans to dine with his friend, a "Gruffalo". He explains a Gruffalo is a monstrous, frightening creature. After tricking the last predator, the mouse is shocked to encounter a REAL Gruffalo!! You can imagine the suspense and the pure thrill this rhyming story provides to young children. This book has sold over 13 million copies and has won several prizes for children's literature.
Julia Donaldson has written a sequel - The Gruffalo's Child.
The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson
"The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood." But one wild and windy night the Gruffalo's child disobeys her father's warnings and ventures out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn't really exist . . . does he?
Julia Donaldson's rhyming text and Axel Scheffler's illustrations combine in this sequel to the much- loved Gruffalo story. The Gruffalo's Child is every bit as good as the first story. Do not be surprised when children ask for a re-reading again and again.
The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson
One little snail longs to see the world and hitches a lift on the tail of an enormous whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, past icebergs and volcanoes, sharks and penguins, and the little snail feels so small in the vastness of the world. But when disaster strikes and the whale is beached in a bay, it's the tiny snail's big plan that saves the day!
This beautiful story won the 2004 Early Years award for the best pre-school book. It has messages of adventure and friendship which make this rhyming story so much more special. The Snail and the Whale book lends itself to a great small world play setup.
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
The witch and her cat are happily flying through the sky on a broomstick when the wind picks up and blows away the witch’s hat, then her bow, and then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items, and all they want in return is a ride on the broom. But is there room on the broom for so many friends? And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from a hungry dragon?
So rhythmic and full of fun. Room on the Broom is a great text to explore number concepts as well as rhyme. It also has a lovely message about helping others and what makes a good friend.
The Rhyming Rabbit by Julia Donaldson
Poor old Rhyming Rabbit is feeling lonely and left out. None of his fellow rabbits appreciate his carefully thought-out poems. And as for the other woodland animals? They just tell him to be quiet. Then one starry night he meets someone who shares his enthusiasm for poetry.
The Rhyming Rabbit is a clever rhyming adventure story. We love the rhyming verse but especially love the bright illustrations with texture and glitter on every page.
What the Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson
"Oink!" said the cats . . . With all the MOOing and HISSing and BAAAing and CLUCKing, the farmyard is full of noise. But when Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len hatch a plot to steal the fine prize cow, it's the quietest animal of all who saves the day! Spot the glittery ladybird on every page of What the Ladybird Heard, a wonderful rhyming tale
Every page has a hidden glittery ladybird which is so much fun to find. Another excellent rhyming book from Julia Donaldson.
Stick Man by Julia Donaldson
Stick Man lives in the family tree
with his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three.
This memorable rhyming story is about a stick who becomes separated from his family home. He is eventually reunited with his family in the "family tree". After reading this story, we make our own little stick men. Children just adore this one. Santa makes an appearance in the story and helps Stick Man find his way home so it is a good one to re-read around Christmas time too.
The Terrible Plop by Ursula Dubosarsky
“Goodbye, friend monkey,
I cannot stop.
I must get away
From the Terrible PLOP!”
This is such a great picture book about a little rabbit who learns that some things in life are not as scary as they seem. It is based on a Tibetan myth where a sound in the forest sets all the animals running for their lives from the Terrible Plop. It is a bouncy rhyming storyline which makes it perfect for read-alouds.
The Lost Leadbeater’s Possums by Tim Faulkner
The Leadbeater’s possums had lived in tall trees.
In the highlands down south where it’s cold.
They built their homes in empty tree hollows.
In a forest that was big and healthy and old.
A beautifully illustrated rhyming text by Tim Faulkner, a wildlife and conservation expert. This story is about a Numbat named Numby. Numby leaves his Mum and Dad and tries to find his own patch of woodland to make his home.
The Magic Hat by Mem Fox
One fine day, from out of town--and without any warning at all--a magic hat appears in the sky. It tumbles and bounces through the air and makes magic wherever it lands. Everyone is delighted as, one by one, the townspeople are transformed into giant playful animals. And then a wizard arrives. . . Rhyming language, rhythmic story and whimsical illustrations will have your children entranced. Mem Fox lives in Adelaide (Australia) and is an internationally acclaimed author - for good reason!! This book is a treasure - perfect for reading aloud.
Time for Bed by Mem Fox
It’s time to sleep, little bee, little bee,
Yes, I love you and you love me.
Another favourite picture book by Mem Fox. A lovely rhyming text and soft watercolour illustrations showing animal mothers sharing precious moments with their babies before they go to sleep. Ties in beautifully with the Living Things Unit in Science.
Aliens Love Underpants by Clare Freedman
Aliens love underpants.
Of every shape and size.
But there are no underpants in space.
So here’s a big surprise…
These funny Aliens love underpants. They love them so much they steal or borrow them and play with them in hilariously inventive ways. Super bright illustrations and clever rhymes in this naughty favourite.
Oi Frog! by Kes Gray and Jim Field
Cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs, mules sit on stools and gofers sit on sofas, but Frog does not want to sit on a log!
This picture book is a best seller and multi-award winner. It is full of everything young readers love - animals and silliness! Oi Frog! will have your beginning readers in fits of laughter and attempting to read it independently. Get ready for multiple re-readings of this one.
Oi Dog!, Oi Cat! and Oi Duck-billed Platypus! Are certainly worth reading too.
Frog on a Log? by Kes Gray and Jim Field
"It's very simple, really. Cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs, mules sit on stools, gophers sit on sofas, and frogs sit on logs." Each animal's designated seat rhymes with that animal's name. "It's not about being comfortable," explains the cat. "It's about doing the right thing. "The frog does not want to sit on a log. Doing his best to find an alternative place to sit, the frog asks the cat a litany of questions. For every answer the cat has, the frog has another question--until the frog finds out what dogs sit on!
An excellent read-aloud rhyming story that really helps young learners hear the rhyming parts of words. This is a must-have for your rhyming books library.
Dog on a Frog by Kes & Claire Gray and Jim Field
"You know the rules," said cat. "Cats sit on mats, frogs sit on logs, and dogs sit on FROGS!" "Well, I'm changing the rules," said the frog. In this hilarious sequel to Frog on a Log?, frog decides that he does not want to sit on a log, and he definitely does not want a dog to sit on a frog! So he changes the rules. Now, dogs sit on logs, and cats sit on gnats! But what will frog decide to sit on now? Chock-full of absurd animal rhyme pairings, Dog on a Frog? shows young readers that every animal has many special places to sit.
Totally full of fun and nonsense. This sequel is a fantastic read-aloud story that will teach early reading skills like rhyming.
Over the Hills and Far Away
A Treasury of Nursery Rhymes collected by Elizabeth Hammill
A collection of 150 classic nursery rhymes and 77 collaborating illustrators.
Over the Hills and Far Away is a unique collection of rhymes and verse from across the globe--rhymes from the English-speaking world as well as verse that entered English from Chinese, Latino, African, and other cultures.
Edward the Emu
Edwina the Emu by Sheena Knowles
There once were two emus who lived in the zoo,
One was Edwina and Edward was two.
They played every day, there was never a fight
And they cuddled up close to keep warm every night.
Two classic rhyming stories your children will love. Tired of his life as an emu, Edward decides to try being something else for a change. He tries swimming with the seals, he spends a day lounging with the lions, and even slithers with the snakes. But Edward soon discovers that being an emu may be the best thing after all. A humourous story about being yourself. In the sequel, after Edward meets his mate Edwina, little baby emus come along. The two are now faced with the modern challenge for Edwina to find her true place in the scheme of things. Your children will laugh along as Edwina goes job searching while Edward stays on the nest!
Families Families Families by Suzanne Lang
Some children have lots of siblings.
Some children have none.
Some children have two dads.
Some have one mum.
Mums and dads and grandparents and cousins and stepbrothers and aunts and great-grandchildren... if you love each other, then you’re a family! Silly animal families appear in framed portraits in many different combinations and demonstrating all kinds of non-traditional families.
Tricky’s Bad Day by Alison Lester
Tricky woke early, when it was still night.
He didn’t call out or turn on the light.
But his bottle was empty and Tilly’s was too,
So he set out to fill them like Mumma would do.
From one of our favourite picture-book authors comes a warm and funny story about the mess, muddle and love that is the life of a young family… and the freedom and solution of an outside adventure.
Magic Beach by Alison Lester
At our beach, at our magic beach,
we play in the sand for hours,
digging and building, with buckets and spades,
invincible castles and towers.
Imagine a perfect beach where you can swim, surf, splash through the waves, make sandcastles, hunt for treasure, explore rock-pools, muck about in boats, fish from the jetty, and build a bonfire under the stars. The Magic Beach has beautifully detailed illustrations and a rhythmic rhyming story.
Noni the Pony by Alison Lester
Noni the pony is friendly and funny.
Her shimmering tail is the colour of honey.
She lives on a farm at Waratah Bay,
and likes eating apples and carrots and hay.
A delightful rhyming story for young children. Noni is the nicest pony any little child could ever hope to meet!! We explore the theme of friendship with this beautiful book and sometimes set up small world play or story baskets to encourage retelling and re-reading.
Fish With a Wish by Katrina Logan
Fish didn’t feel very special at all. He felt slimy and scaly, and silent and small.
He had friends of all colour, all shapes and all size, who made all sorts of noises, from bellows to cries.
Fish is feeling a little insecure as all of his land-loving friends are colourful, talented and noisy. But will a rollicking friend-filled adventure help Fish discover the one thing that makes him truly special too? Children can relate to this lovely rhyming story. Beautifully illustrated with visually interesting text throughout.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.
A told B
and B told C,
“I’ll meet you at the top
of the coconut tree.”
We just love this picture book!! It has a rollicking alphabet chant that makes it one of our regular read-alouds. It is not only a great rhyming text. The characters are all alphabet letters and so this book has become an inspiration for many early literacy learning provocations. Pinterest is jam packed with educational resources and ideas to use this fun book in your play based classroom. There is a fantastic reading/song online HERE.
Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers
Every day, everywhere, babies are kissed –
On their cheeks, on their ears, their fingers, their nose,
On the top of their head, on their tummy, their toes.
Every day, everywhere, babies are born. They are kissed and dressed and rocked and fed and of course loved!! Beautiful rhyming text and sweet illustrations, this book is a celebration of babies. Playing, sleeping, crawling, and, of course, the very noisy babies doing all the wonderful things babies do best.
Daddy, Papa and Me
Mommy, Mama and Me by Leslea Newman
“Who wants to play with me today?”
“I do!” Daddy and Papa say.
Both these stories have a rhythmic text and tell the stories of a child spending the day with its daddies (or mummies). There is no limit to what a loving family can do together and these books express the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children.
Look see, look at me. by Leonie Norrington and Dee Huxley
Look see, look at me.
I'm so much bigger now I'm three.
I can run, I can jump, I can skip, I can bump…
This age appropriate text features lively and engaging illustrations featuring Indigenous kids. Really is a terrific read-aloud text.
From the acclaimed author and illustrator team of You and Me and Our Place comes a delightful celebration of outback family life in an Aboriginal community. Leonie Norrington and Dee Huxley visited three northern communities, Wugularr, Barunga and Manyalalluk, to workshop words and drawings for this book.
Baby Bilby, where do you sleep? by Narelle Oliver
Out in the desert on a hot thirsty day,
Lots of secret animals are hidden away.
This lovely rhyming book is super engaging as the reader can peep through the peepholes in the pages to discover the secret hiding places of the bilby and other Australian desert creatures. Ties in beautifully with habitats and the science curriculum.
Have You Ever Seen a Sneep? by Tasha Pym
Pity the boy narrating this book! He's just trying to enjoy a day out, but every time his back is turned, the Sneep and its mischievous friends sneak up and spoil his fun. From one hair-raising surprise to the next, the boy explains his monster troubles to the reader. And when he finds out that we aren't worried by Grullocks and Floons and their ilk, he has a big favour to ask.
This hilarious story, illustrated with whimsical and witty style, features five naughty creatures and one adorable hero.
This text is always a great addition to the play dough table or art area. It is great for provoking creativity with imaginary creatures and monster creations. Also perfect for introducing nonsense rhyming words.
Cat In The Hat by Dr. Seuss
“have no fear, little fish,”
Said the Cat in the Hat.
“These Things are good Things.”
And he gave them a pat.
“They are tame. Oh, so tame!
They have come here to play.
They will give you some fun
On this wet, wet, wet day.”.
The Cat in the Hat is an absolute classic first published back in 1957. Rhythmic verse and plenty of rhyme along with an interesting story line about a cat who wears a red and white-striped hat and a red bow tie. He arrives at the house of Sally and her brother and despite the repeated objections of the children's fish, the Cat shows the children a few amazing tricks to entertain them. This book has multiple learning opportunities with ideas and inspiration all over Pinterest.
Hop On Pop by Dr. Seuss
House, Mouse!
Hop, Pop!
Cup, Pup!
An excellent book for word family lessons. Hop on Pop is hilarious and has a wonderful storyline. Perfect for introducing the concepts of rhyming words to young learners.
Ten Apples Up On Top! by Dr. Seuss
I am so good.
I will not stop.
Five!
Now six!
Now seven on top!
This book is a hilarious introduction to counting and rhyming. We always set up a math investigation area after reading this story about three animal friends trying to balance apples on their heads. Explore number concepts, counting, more and less, and balance, with this text as your inspiration.
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
I do not like
green eggs and ham.
I do not like them,
Sam-I-am.
With the signature rhymes of Dr. Seuss, we have another classic your children will love. The list of places to enjoy green eggs and ham gets longer and longer in this funny story and the reader might even learn a thing or two about trying new things! Plenty of complimentary educational activities on Pinterest for this one too!
Wacky Wednesday by Dr. Seuss
I went out the school door.
Things were worse than before.
I couldn’t believe it.
Ten wacky things more!
Just how wacky can a Wednesday get? Shoes on the wall, tortoises in trees, pigs without legs and teachers on roller skates!! We always read this one when we are learning about the letter /w/ but it is a great counting story too. Children will have lots of fun counting all the wacky things they can find on each spread of this rhyming book.
The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith
I was walking down the road, and I saw a donkey ... hee-haw! And he only had three legs. He was a wonky donkey.
This text is actually a very funny song with each page telling the reader something new about the wonky donkey. In the end, we end up with a spunky, hanky-panky cranky stinky dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky donkey. Watch your children laugh and sing along. Our copy Includes a bonus CD with the song performed by Craig Smith, which will have children in fits of laughter! Great for developing reading comprehension skills as the children can predict the new word for each clue given in the story.
Dinosaur Roar! by Paul & Henrietta Stickland
Dinosaur fierce,
Dinosaur Meek,
Dinosaur Roar,
Dinosaur squeak,
Originally published in 1994, Dinosaur Roar! is a classic rhyming story. Perfect for teaching rhyme to preschoolers, especially those with a fascination with dinosaurs. Great one for vocabulary development and although the illustrations are those typically found in children’s books, these ones are quite authentic. The book carries the endorsement of the Palaeontology Department at the Natural History Museum.
Gorilla Loves Vanilla by Chae Strathie and Nicola O’Byrne
Sam's Sundaes is far and away the best place on Jelly Bean Street to get your favorite ice cream flavor! One day, five animals dash through the door, hoping little Sam Sundae will whip up the ice cream treat of their dreams. Stinky blue cheese for mouse, fish finger ice cream for cat, squirmy wormy ice cream for chicken, muddy ice cream for hippo, and daisy/grass/dandelion ice cream for cow all seem like excellent choices for each ice cream dreamer. That is, until Gorilla walks in and asks for the most surprising choice of all! This delightfully wacky book will have kids howling with laughter and asking for more, more, more of this deliciously funny story.
I do not own a copy of this one but it was recommended as a great rhyming text.
My cat likes to hide in boxes by Eve Sutton
The cat from Spain flies an aeroplane.
The cat from France likes to sing and dance.
Cats from many different countries like to do all kinds of strange things like flying aeroplanes, or singing and dancing, or even playing the violin! Young children will love joining in with this fun rhyming story that is also just right for beginner readers. The illustrations are by Hairy Maclary creator Lynley Dodd.
Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas
Bug! Rug! Mug! Hug! These dust bunnies love to rhyme. Well, except for Bob.
Much to the other bunnies' frustration, Bob can never get the rhythm right.
Then he saves everyone from a big, scary monster wielding - gasp! - a broom, and they all breathe a sigh of relief.
But can Bob save them from the big, scary monster's next attack?
Vrrrrrroooommm . . This one is very popular in the teaching community and has plenty of related educational resources online. Just check out Pinterest for some related rhyming lesson ideas and resources.
The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler
Your pumpkin pie slice skin,
Your caramel corn nice skin;
Your toffee wrapped,
Ginger snapped,
Cinnamon spice skin!
Like a big nursery rhyme, this story tells important messages about social acceptance, social harmony, friendship, self-esteem, and diversity. Colourful illustrations and relatable content make this a delightful rhyming picture book for young learners.
How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? by Jane Yolan & Mark Teague
How does a dinosaur eat all his food?
Does he burp, does he belch, or make noises quite rude?
Does he pick at his cereal, throw down his cup,
hoping to make someone else pick it up?
Young children will connect to this story about how dinosaurs eat their food. The amusing illustrations show the dinosaur characters having a difficult time learning to behave at the dining table. An excellent read-aloud.
This is by no means a complete list. There are so many wonderful picture books for teaching rhming words in the early childhood setting, Is your favourite here?
Let me know in the comments below if you have a rhyming book recommendation to add to the list.
Looking for some engaging rhyming resources for your early years setting?
