The ability to identify and produce rhyming words is an important foundational reading skill. Rhyming can also be silly and fun! Parents and caregivers can help children develop this skill by reading high-quality rhyming picture books to children, starting at birth. Many picture books feature rhyming as part of the text, but I would like to share with you some of my favorites that I have enjoyed reading to my own children and to my library storytime friends.
The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton: This classic bedtime tale follows a variety of animal friends as they complete their bedtime routine out at sea. You may even find yourself rocking your baby or toddler to the end refrain, “The moon is high. The sea is deep. They rock and rock and rock to sleep.”
Hurry Up! A Book About Slowing Down by Kate Dopirak: A book that reminds us all to slow down and enjoy the little things in life. Bonus: this story also features opposite concepts!
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle: One of my personal and storytime favorites! This story is a lot of fun to read as the rhymes just roll off your tongue. Plus, it features lots of animal and vehicle noises that children will enthusiastically chant with you!
Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney: Parents will sympathize with Mama Llama in this bedtime book where Baby Llama does not want to go to sleep! Of course, after some “llama drama” from Baby Llama, all ends well with kisses and snuggles from Mama.
Red House Tree House Little Bitty Brown Mouse by Jane Godwin: This delightful picture book combines rhyming text with bold, bright illustrations in an interactive story that is sure to engage young readers. Color and counting concepts abound as the reader is also challenged to find the little mouse on each page.
Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas: Ed, Ned, and Ted love to rhyme, but Bob does not seem to share his friends’ ability. Or is he actually trying to tell his friends something important? Get ready to rhyme and laugh!
--Shelly Wimberley, Youth Librarian, Owasso Library