Reading books with rhyming words to an emergent reader will be a motivating experience. With repetition, they'll begin to recognize the letters of the alphabet they have memorized and sang correspond with individual sounds. Hearing and distinguishing individual sounds (phonemes) first is critical to the beginner reader (Time to Rhyme article Scholastic Parent). Learning to read takes patience and practice as the words in a book become sentences and those sentences can become a message, a story, knowledge, or all of the above! Fluency in reading is critical to a child's future success in achieving standard academic benchmarks and literary enjoyment. But... it all begins with sound awareness.
Antiracist Baby by Ibram Kendi - Goodreads, "Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversation at the earliest age."
How Do You Feel? by Jodie Shepherd - Goodreads, "Rhyming text and captivating photos of kids just like them help toddlers understand a range of emotions. The rhythmic text helps children retain new vocabulary words. The simple, engaging photos will encourage children to "see and say," while the informational nonfiction text introduces a variety of subjects."
Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa by Anna Dewdney - Goodreads, "It's an exciting day for Llama Llama; he's going to visit Gram and Grandpa Llama and spend the night! His first night away from home...and from Mama. But he makes sure to pack everything he needs. And there are so many fun things to do with Gram and Grandpa. It's not until he gets ready for bed that he realizes that's he's forgotten something important. Fuzzy Llama! Fortunately, Grandpa Llama has a wonderful solution and soon Llama Llama is having sweet dreams."
Never Touch a Tiger! by Rosie Greening - Goodreads, "You must never touch a tiger...Unless it's in this book! Meet the wild party animals in this amazing addition to our popular 'Never Touch...' series. Adults and children alike will love reading the rhyme which warns of the dangers of touching a jungle animal...and then ignoring the advice! Innovative silicone touches feature on the cover and every spread, creating a truly tactile reading experience."
The Chalk Giraffe by Kirsty Paxton - Goodreads, "In 'The Chalk Giraffe' we follow an artistic child who finds herself drawing a giraffe with chalk...but she is surprised when her creation comes alive and demands changes to his surrounding landscape. What follows is a quirky and humorous tale of creativity and perspective, with the beautiful African landscape as a backdrop to this new and unlikely friendship."
Crocodiles Need Kisses Too by Rebecca Colby - Goodreads, "Fun to read aloud, rhyming text describes prickly porcupines, roaring tigers, and slithery snakes--not the most cuddly creatures, but still worthy of hugs and snuggles from their mamas!"
Goodnight, Veggies by Diana Murray - Goodreads, "Every veggie needs their shut-eye in this bedtime book that celebrates community, the joys of a small garden, and the importance of taking care of ourselves."
Macca The Alpaca by Matt Cosgrove - Goodreads, "Some Llama Drama Macca the Alpaca is the alpaca-llama mashup of the year!"
Bug Dipping, Bug Sipping by Maryiln Singer - Goodreads, "Come see bugs of all different kinds dipping , sipping, crawling, calling, and so much more in this charming, rhyming book that includes a special section with facts on each type of bug."
I Can Build It! (Princess Truly Series) by Kelly Greenawalt - Goodreads, "Princess Truly is a great inventor! With her magic, sparkling curls, she can build anything from a Brushy-Brush machine to a super-cool, turbo-boosted racing bike for her little brother. But when Truly and her sidekick pug Sir Noodles discover that the animal shelter is all out of treats, it's time for their biggest invention yet...the Super Snack Machine!"
Shut the Door! by Robert Lopshire - Goodreads, "When a little bear forgets to close the door to his house, he encounters a series of unwelcome (and untidy) visitors--including a swarm of flies, an egg-loving skunk, and a moose in search of a bath! This rhymed easy-reader by Robert Lopshire author of Put Me in the Zoo and I Want to Be Somebody New! --is perfect for beginning readers, and its surprise ending (in which the little bear's mom forgets to shut the door herself--oops!) will leave kids giggling with glee while reinforcing the message that we ALL need to be responsible for our actions."
Surf's Up! by Luke Flowers - Goodreads, "Moby Shinobi and his dog Toby are excited for a day at the beach! Moby tries to use his ninja skills to build a huge sand castle, catch some fish, and save a leaking sailboat... but each try ends in a mess!"
For more hands on tips to encourage your beginner reader see Reading Rockets and 10 things you should know about reading.
