20+ Rhyming Books for Preschoolers

Rhyming books are some of the most fun to read aloud and to listen to, and they are a great way to introduce young readers to different sounds. This list of rhyming books for preschoolers is full of fun and colorful books that young kids will love listening to.

Rhyming Books for Preschoolers

Rhyming books are like magical keys for young minds! Here’s why they’re so important for preschoolers:

1. Language Development: Rhymes help kids learn about sounds and words. When they hear words that sound alike, like “cat” and “hat,” it helps them understand how language works.
2. Phonemic Awareness: That’s a fancy way of saying they learn to play with sounds. Rhymes make it fun for kids to notice and manipulate the sounds in words, which is a crucial skill for learning to read later on.
3. Memory Aid: Ever notice how easy it is to remember rhymes? “Twinkle, twinkle, little star” sticks in your head, right? Rhymes are like memory boosters, helping kids remember words and phrases more easily.
4. Predicting Patterns: Rhymes follow predictable patterns, which is super helpful for young brains. When kids hear rhymes, they start to recognize patterns in language, setting the stage for understanding more complex texts later.
5. Boosting Creativity: Rhymes spark imagination! They introduce kids to new words and ideas in a playful way, inspiring them to create their own rhymes and stories.

So, whether it’s “Green Eggs and Ham” or “The Cat in the Hat,” rhyming books are like little treasure chests full of learning and fun for preschoolers!

Books that rhyme for preschoolers

Llama Llama Red Pajama was written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney. This adorable rhyming bedtime book follows a little llama as he has trouble falling asleep and calls for his mother. Kids and parents alike will relate to the bedtime struggles, and will appreciate the sweet lesson.

The Gruffalo was written by Julia Donaldson. When a mouse taking a stroll through the woods is confronted by hungry predators, he convinces them that an invented creature called the Gruffalo is nearby. Kids will love watching the mouse outsmart the other animals, and the peppy rhyming text throughout.

Giraffes Can’t Dance was written by Giles Andrae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees. Gerald the giraffe just wants to dance, but he has trouble making his legs work the right way, until he gets some helpful advice on being himself.

Rosie Revere, Engineer was written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts. Rosie Revere wants to be an engineer, but she is afraid to show her inventions to people. But some advice from her great-great-aunt Rose will help her see that failure isn’t something to be scared of.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom was written by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault and illustrated by Lois Ehlert. This peppy rhyming book follows the letters of the alphabet as they race their way up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room for them all?

Green Eggs and Ham was written by Dr. Seuss. In this classic book, the main character tells Sam-I-Am that he does not like green eggs and ham, but Sam-I-Am is determined to make him try them. As the characters continue to argue, the repetitive rhyming text takes the characters to all kinds of crazy places and situations.

Rhyming books

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly was written by Lucille Colandro and illustrated by Jared Lee. This twist on the classic song pairs funny rhyming text with silly illustrations showing an old lady swallowing all kinds of animals.

The Cat in the Hat was written by Dr. Seuss. On a dreary day, a young boy and girl are visited by the Cat in the Hat and his troublemaking friends. Kids will love the ridiculous situations that the Cat creates and the rhythmic rhymes.

Bear Snores On was written by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman. Bear is sleeping soundly in his den when a bunch of animals sneak in to avoid the cold. He snores on for a while, until he is awakened and realizes they were all having fun without him. This sweet rhyming story is a great bedtime book for little ones.

How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? was written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague. This adorable book in the How Do Dinosaurs… series explores what dinosaurs should and shouldn’t do at bedtime. The rhyming text is paired with adorable illustrations of dinosaurs living with human families.

Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site was written by Sherri Duskey Rinker. In this sweet rhyming book, a group of trucks finish their work and end their day. The rhyming text lulls little ones to sleep while the cute cartoon illustrations show their favorite vehicles hard at work.

Preschool rhyming books

Little Blue Truck was written by Alice Schertle and illustrated by Jill McElmurry. As a cute little truck makes his way down a muddy road, he makes all kinds of animal friends. When he gets stuck, will his new friends be able to help him? This sweet story uses a fun rhyming text and lots of truck noises, making it perfect for little ones.

Sheep in a Jeep was written by Nancy E. Shaw and illustrated by Margot Apple. This peppy rhyming book follows a group of sheep in a jeep as they head out for an adventure. The simple rhyming text is paired with adorable illustrations of the little sheep and their bright red jeep.

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed was written and illustrated by Eileen Christelow. This classic rhyming poem gets paired with funny illustrations showing the monkeys jumping on their bed. Kids will love counting down and chanting along.

Snowmen at Night was written by Caralyn Buehner and illustrated by Mark Buehner. Have you ever considered what happens to your snowman when you go to bed at night? This funny rhyming book explores what possible shenanigans snowmen can get up to on their own at night.

Barnyard Dance was written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton. This fun rhyming book joins a group of animals as they dance around the barnyard. The rhyming text is paired with sweet cartoon illustrations, and includes lots of fun animal noises for kids to repeat.

Wild about Books was written by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Marc Brown. When a woman named Molly McGrew accidentally drives her bookmobile into the zoo, she introduces the animals to the joy of books and reading.

Rhyming books for kids

Dog on a Frog? was written by Kes Gray and Claire Gray and illustrated by Jim Field. In this hilarious story, a frog decides that he doesn’t want dogs sitting on him anymore, so he changes the rules of what can sit on what. Kids will love the ridiculous rhyming pairs and funny illustrations.

There’s a Bear on My Chair was written and illustrated by Ross Collins. When Mouse finds a bear sitting in his favorite chair, he tries everything to move him. Kids will like the two animal characters and their silly tactics.

The Pout Pout Fish was written by Deborah Diesen and illustrated by Dan Hanna. This rhyming story follows Mr. Fish as he swims around the ocean always pouting. But a friend teaches him that he doesn’t have to be dreary all the time.

Silly Sally was written by Audrey Wood. This funny story follows Silly Sally as she heads into town, moving in all kinds of silly rhyming ways. Kids will love the rhyming text and trying out the actions described in the book.

The Napping House was written by Audrey Wood and illustrated by Don Wood. When all creatures in the house decide to crawl into bed together, will it lead to a peaceful night sleep? This cumulative story features a fun rhyming text and dark, soothing illustrations.

Mouse Mess was written by Linnea Riley. In this story, a little mouse gets up for a snack and ends up making a big mess! The rhyming text is paired with colorful illustrations showing the big messes left behind.

Trashy Town was written by Andrea Zimmerman and David Clemsha and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino. Mr. Gilly cleans up Trashy Town, and this rhyming book follows him as he cleans up the trash all over town.