Best-Loved Circle Time Books

I am always on the hunt for amazing circle time books! There’s something about an incredible read-aloud that makes circle time so much more magical! Reading should be fun and exciting and with all of the wonderful books available, there is no reason to settle for less. Along with these great read-alouds, we have a ton more great book suggestions in our full list of the best preschool books.

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Circle time is such a special time filled with community and friendship, great stories and lots of friends. We have scoured our bookshelves for our absolute favorite circle time books for preschoolers and we certainly found quite a few!

We have included the following circle time books for preschoolers:

• Timeless & Classic Circle Time Books
• Circle Time Must-Have Preschool Books
• Circle Time Books to Engage and Laugh

Best-Loved Circle Time Books

Here are some of the most popular and best-loved circle time books that I have read for circle time and even in my own home while tucking my children in at night. These are all of my books that I want as a hardcover because we read them over and over again, and they just last so much longer that way! Just click on the book cover to see more about each book!

Timeless & Classic Circle Time Books

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin

This playful and zany picture book tells the story of dragons and their love for tacos. The book explains that dragons love parties and tacos are their favorite food, but with a strict distaste to spicy salsa. Be certain to not serve spicy salsa to dragons or you’ll end up with plenty of chaos! The colorful illustrations and simple, repetitive text make it engaging for preschoolers. It’s ideal for circle time because it sparks imagination and discussion about food preferences and the importance of following directions.

The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don & Audrey Wood

This a story that enchants all ages…and even parents and teachers! It is definitely one of the best circle time books around! It leaves you on the edge of your seat the whole time as you wait to see if the bear finds the strawberry!

The story centers around a little mouse who finds a red, ripe strawberry in the garden. The mouse is excited about the strawberry but becomes worried when it hears about the big, hungry bear who loves strawberries. The mouse tries various ways to protect the strawberry, including hiding it and disguising it, but eventually decides to share it with the reader (or the children).

This story encourages discussions about sharing, problem-solving, and empathy, making it a wonderful choice for preschoolers.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.

I bet I’m not the only one who remembers this from childhood. This is one of two books that I remember from kindergarten! Brown Bear has captivated audiences for decades, and it will always be a best-loved book! If you don’t own a copy, I would suggest grabbing one!

The book follows a rhythmic pattern where each page introduces a new animal and asks what it sees. Each colorful animal introduces the next one in the sequence, creating a chain of observations and responses until the book concludes with a teacher looking at the children.

“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” is engaging for preschoolers due to its repetitive structure, vibrant illustrations, and simple text that helps develop early literacy skills. It also encourages participation and interaction, making it an ideal choice for circle time activities.

When I went to visit a school in the Dominican Republic, this was one that I read there in Spanish. The children had never heard it and were in love at first sight. You can see a photo of it over on Instagram.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

I kept hearing about The Gruffalo, and when I read it, I finally understood why everyone loves it. In fact, we originally borrowed it from the library, but then we had to go get our own copy too! It is so witty and adorable. I can’t help it, but I have to read it with a British accent!

A very clever mouse takes a walk through the deep, dark forest. Using its wit, the mouse outsmarts the Gruffalo and avoids being eaten. It’s a captivating story that sparks imagination and teaches valuable lessons about bravery, wit, and friendship. It’s perfect for engaging preschoolers during circle time with its colorful illustrations, rhythmic text, and memorable characters.

Don’t miss this video of Scholastic’s The Book Boys singing The Gruffalo song!

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

This is a classic! In fact, it was written in the 1930s and became an instant best seller. It’s pretty easy to fall in love with this story! Ferdinand is different from all of the other bulls, and the other characters of the story just don’t understand him. He shows us how we all are unique and don’t have to be just like everyone else!

It’s a heartwarming tale that teaches children the value of being true to oneself and embracing one’s unique qualities. It promotes empathy and understanding, making it a perfect story for preschoolers during circle time.

Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen

This heartwarming and inclusive book celebrates the concept of a classroom community as a family. Through simple and preschool-friendly text, it illustrates how a diverse group of children and their teacher create a supportive and caring environment much like a family. This book is perfect for preschool circle time as it promotes empathy, cooperation, and understanding.

Tikki Tikki Tembo retold by Arlene Mosel

Tikki Tikki Tembo is a title I remember my kindergarten teacher reading. On a whim I borrowed it from the library for my class, and it turns out that they loved it too! It’s really a great story to teach preschoolers about names, safety, and the importance of clear communication, all wrapped up in an engaging and memorable tale from Chinese folklore.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

I’m sure you’ve all heard of this title, and I just had to include it because no amazing children’s book list is complete without it! I heart Eric Carle!

This delightful story teaches young children about food and transformation but also offers opportunities for learning about days of the week, healthy eating, and the natural world. It’s a timeless choice for preschool circle time that engages children’s imaginations and educates them in a fun and interactive way.

Check out this adorable video adaptation, using the illustrations from the book.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

I love using this picture book for circle time! I think that Max helps empower children to understand their feelings and emotions, especially if they have a fear of monsters. If your kids love this, we even have a whole list of not so scary monster books.

“Where the Wild Things Are” can be a wonderful story for preschoolers to explore themes of imagination, emotions, and the importance of home.

Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathman

This book is so simple yet so engaging! It’s silly, it’s adorable, and it’s suspenseful! All of my children have loved listening to these books before bedtime, and my students have loved it during circle time.

It captures preschoolers’ imaginations with its playful illustrations and engaging storyline. The zookeeper says goodnight to all the animals in the zoo, not realizing that the mischievous gorilla has taken his keys and is quietly letting all the animals out of their cages. It’s perfect for circle time activities that focus on animals, bedtime routines, and interactive storytelling.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.

This beloved book is now available as a board book! Children and adults both fall in love with the story chant, and it’s one of my favorite ways to introduce children to the alphabet! This book is a must-have!

Follow along as the lowercase letters of the alphabet climb up a coconut tree, one by one. As they climb, they shout, “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!” The tree starts to bend under their weight, causing all the letters to tumble down in a colorful, jumbled mess. The uppercase letters then come to the rescue, helping the lowercase letters back up the tree. Together, they all learn their lesson about teamwork and the importance of working together.

Watch the Scholastic Book Boys version of this popular alphabet learning book.

Circle Time Must-Have Preschool Books

Everybody in the Red Brick Building by Anne Wynter

This wonderful circle time book celebrates diversity and community as it introduces the various residents of a certain red brick building, with different ages and backgrounds. Each page reveals a new neighbor and their unique qualities, showcasing the beauty of inclusion and togetherness. It’s a perfect story for promoting acceptance, friendship, and understanding among young children.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

The Pigeon books are so funny! They don’t have a lot of words, and the illustrations are perfect for young children. If you are looking for a light-hearted and silly book, this one is fantastic!

The story begins with a bus driver asking the reader for a favor: to watch the bus while he’s gone, and specifically, to not let the pigeon drive the bus. The pigeon desperately tries to convince the reader (and begs, pleads, bargains, and throws tantrums) to let him drive the bus. It’s a favorite during circle time for its interactive nature and the pigeon’s hilarious antics.

There is a Bird on Your Head by Mo Willems

There is a Bird on Your Head sounds simple, but it is wonderful! If you have not heard of the Elephant and Piggie books, they are so fun! Especially if you do the voices. And these books make doing voices a cinch, even if you find that awkward or intimidating.

I asked one of my students, an expert on the Elephant and Piggie books, which book was her favorite. She said this one, and I have to agree that it is extra wonderful!

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

This is my last Mo Willems recommendation, but it is still exceptional. The little girl in the story loses her special bunny but her daddy cannot figure out what she’s trying to tell him. The children love the suspense that builds up as she tries to get her bunny back, and I think they can relate to her. Especially the times when adults just don’t get it!

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

Dive in with Jabari, a young boy who is determined to jump off the diving board at the swimming pool. Through Jabari’s journey, preschoolers learn about facing fears, overcoming challenges, and the excitement of accomplishing something new. The story beautifully captures Jabari’s emotions as he navigates his feelings of fear and excitement with the support of his patient father. Preschoolers learn bravery, attempting new things, and celebrating their achievements.

It Looked Like Spilt Milk by Charles G. Shaw

This books uses spilt milk…and turns it into something fun and exciting! Children (as well as adults) have lots of experience with spills, and I love how this book puts a positive spin on it.

The book starts by showing different shapes that resemble spilled milk against a blue sky. Each shape is compared to something familiar, like a rabbit, a bird, or a tree. As the story progresses, each shape transforms into a different object until finally, it reveals that it was just a cloud in the sky all along.

During circle time, you can engage the children by asking them what they think each shape looks like and encouraging them to use their imaginations to see different things in the clouds. It’s a wonderful book to stimulate creativity and discussion among preschoolers!

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

“Llama, Llama red pajama

Waiting, waiting for his mama.”

I love all of the Llama Llama books, and red pajama is super sweet! It talks about emotions and feelings that our little ones are experiencing and how to work through them. It’s definitely a great one to add for social/emotional understanding.

During circle time, you can emphasize the themes of bedtime routines, emotions, and the comfort of knowing parents are always there. It’s a heartwarming story that resonates with young children and encourages discussion about feelings and family relationships.

As I was writing this post, I heard the very sad news that the author, Anna Dewdney, passed away. I love that her final wish was that people would read a book to a child.

Check out this fun sing-along video to go along with the story.

The Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

After getting lots of reader suggestions on this one, I went ahead and grabbed the book! This has become a new all-time favorite. The story of the Pout-Pout Fish as he goes from being pouty to finding out that there is something else he can do with that frown is absolutely beautiful! I now consider this book a must-have!

It’s a wonderful choice for circle time activities that promote empathy, self-expression, and social-emotional learning.

A Kissing Hand for Chester Raccoon by Audrey Penn

I love the story The Kissing Hand, but it is definitely too long for young children. This is the abbreviated version, so you don’t have to paraphrase any longer!

It’s such a tender story that teaches preschoolers about love, reassurance, and coping with separation. It’s an excellent choice for circle time activities as Chester the raccoon learns that even though he’s away from his mother, he can carry her love with him wherever he goes.

No, David by David Shannon

I was hesitant about this book once upon a time. David gets into a lot of trouble. He hears “no” quite a bit. Should children hear about David? Yes, they should! They empathize with him and fall in love with him.

It certainly teaches young children about boundaries, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Plus it’s a great launching point for discussing appropriate behavior. It’s even fun to change his name to the name of your child or students!

Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin

“Did Pete cry? Goodness no. Buttons come, and buttons go.”

Pete the Cat has the best attitude! Even when his buttons fall off. I love the catchy tune and Eric Litwin does a fantastic job with this story. Plus it teaches preschoolers about counting and maintaining a positive attitude. Preschoolers appreciate the musical verses and I catch them singing often!

 

Stick and Stone by Beth Perry

This is a fantastic social/emotional title for a circle time read-aloud book! Stick and stone absolutely captivates young children and helps teach them about friendship and overcoming obstacles. I get asked to read this over and over again.

This story is all about two friends who are very different from each other but learn that being kind and standing up for each other is what makes their friendship strong. Preschoolers connect with the characters and this adorable book helps develop essential social skills.

Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle

I adore this Eric Carle book. We get to learn about the seahorse and all of the other amazing daddies of the ocean, and the illustrations are stunning! Preschoolers delight in the marine life, colors, and the theme of caring for offspring. It’s so precious to see young children make the connection about how other animals take care of their babies in special ways, like human parents do.

If you need even more ocean themed books, head over to our entire list of ocean books.

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

This precious story follows a young child who experiences a range of emotions after something upsetting happens. Various animals try to help the boy in different ways—some suggest talking about it, others suggest being angry or building something new. However, it is the rabbit who simply listens quietly without judgment. Through this gentle and understanding approach, the rabbit helps Taylor process his emotions and find comfort in his own time. This book is ideal for preschool circle time as it teaches valuable lessons about empathy, kindness, and the importance of listening to others.

Circle Time Books to Engage and Laugh

Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Bruce is a grumpy bear who loves to cook eggs, but one day, he becomes the unexpected mother to four goslings. Bruce tries everything to get rid of them, but they think he’s their mom. The story humorously explores Bruce’s attempts to parent these goslings, from teaching them to fly to finding them their favorite foods. Through funny mishaps and heartwarming moments, Bruce learns to embrace his new role as a mother, and the goslings bring joy and companionship into his life. This is the perfect circle time book for teaching preschoolers about unexpected friendships, the joys of caring for others, and well, having a good laugh.

A Perfect Day by Lane Smith

This delightful picture book follows several animal characters as they each experience what they consider to be a perfect day. The story spotlights different perspectives on what makes a day perfect for different animals, a dog playing in water, a bird enjoying some birdseed… until the bear comes along. The bear’s entrance will have your preschoolers’ squealing in delight at his antics! This book is great for preschool circle time as a launching point to discuss feelings, preferences, and empathy towards others’ experiences.

The Napping House by Audrey & Don Wood

All throughout the house, everyone is sleeping until…well, I can’t give it away.  This book is filled with wonderful literacy elements, including repetition. It keeps us all on the edge of our seats too. And children love books about sleeping (even the children who never want to sleep).

Preschoolers love the antics that occur and the rhythmic text is so inviting. It’s a kid-favorite every single year and it is always in preschool circle time book box!

My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook

A relatable and insightful story for preschoolers about interrupting and learning to wait for their turn to speak. The book follows Louis, a young boy who often interrupts others when he has something to say. His words burst out like a volcano, disrupting conversations and causing frustration for those around him. With the help of his parents and teacher, Louis learns strategies to control his urge to interrupt, such as using his hand to signal when he has something to say and waiting patiently for his turn to speak.

This book is excellent for preschoolers as it addresses a common behavior in a gentle and understandable way. It teaches the importance of listening, patience, and respecting others’ conversations.

Don’t Be Silly, Mrs. Millie by Judy Cox

Mrs. Millie, a kindergarten teacher, has a knack for mixing up words and phrases in funny ways. Throughout the day, she accidentally confuses things like using toothpaste instead of glue, wearing a sweater on her head, and even trying to write with a banana! Despite her silly mix-ups, Mrs. Millie’s students find her antics entertaining and endearing. They help her straighten out her misunderstandings with laughter and patience, showing that even mistakes can be fun and bring people closer together.

This story is so fun to read! Each page leaves everyone in anticipation of what clever thing she’ll say next!

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

This silly book follows Penelope, a young dinosaur who learns an important lesson on the first day of school: dinosaurs should not eat their classmates, even if they look delicious. Penelope struggles to make friends as she keeps accidentally eating them, until she realizes how it feels to be eaten herself. Through funny and relatable situations, the book teaches about empathy, making friends, and the importance of treating others kindly. This is one of the most loved books in our classroom! It has silly parts and teaches a valuable lesson that children resonate with.

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae

This is a book that my Facebook readers said they loved! Once we grabbed it, I knew why it was such a popular pick!

Follow Gerald, a giraffe who wants to dance but feels discouraged because he thinks he’s clumsy and awkward. Despite the being mocked by the other animals at the Jungle Dance, Gerald finds encouragement from an unlikely friend, a wise cricket. With the cricket’s support and believing in himself, Gerald discovers his own unique rhythm and dances in his own special way, to the amazement and applause of everyone.

This book is ideal for preschool circle time as it teaches important lessons about perseverance, self-confidence, and celebrating differences. It promotes the idea that everyone has their own talents and abilities, and encourages children to embrace their individuality.

I can’t get enough of this hilarious video from Scholastic’s Book Boys – they CAN dance!

Cowhide-and-Seek by Sheri Dillard

The story revolves around a group of farm animals playing hide-and-seek in the barnyard. However, there’s a twist—Cow can’t find a good hiding spot because she stands out with her black and white spots. Despite her initial frustrations, Cow eventually discovers that her unique appearance can be an advantage when playing games. This book is so silly and delightful and sends such a positive message about embracing differences.

The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak

You have to grab this book! This unique and hilarious book that preschoolers absolutely love for circle time. It challenges the reader (or adult reader) to say silly and unexpected things aloud, simply because they are written on the pages.

The book is designed to be read aloud by an adult, who must say everything written in the book, even if it’s silly, nonsensical, or embarrassing. This creates a fun and interactive experience where preschoolers delight in hearing adults say funny words and phrases.

It is such a great choice for preschool circle time because it not only entertains but also promotes language development and listening skills. It teaches children that words have power and can create strong reactions, whether through laughter, surprise, or imagination.

You can see a sneak peek reading of it here, with BJ Novak reading it:

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

Owl Babies is on my list because a lot of my readers said they love it! We couldn’t resist and grabbed it right away!

This heartwarming story is perfect for preschool circle time. It tells the tale of three owl siblings, Sarah, Percy, and Bill, who wake up one night to find their mother gone. The three owlets anxiously wait for her return, comforting each other with reassurances that she will come back soon. The story beautifully captures their emotions of fear, uncertainty, and eventual relief when their mother returns.

This book is ideal for preschool circle time as it explores themes of separation anxiety and the bond between parent and child. It offers a comforting message about love, patience, and the reassurance that parents always return. The simple text and expressive illustrations make it easy for young children to understand and relate to the owlets’ feelings.

Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire

“Why should they put you in the zoo?

What good are you?

What can you do?”

Sometimes we feel that we just don’t fit in or we are told “no” for no good reason. I love how this book tackles these issues, and it is always a crowd pleaser that my students and my own children beg to read over and over again.

10 Apples Up on Top by Dr. Seuss

This Dr. Seuss book is always amusing! It teaches counting and I often hear giggling while reading it. It’s so fun to see the silly things that are happening as the characters count and balance their apples. They balance the apples while jumping, running, and even roller-skating! In the end, they all learn that teamwork and friendship are more important than winning the competition.

It’s a classic and playful early reader book loved by preschoolers!

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

Caps for Sale is a classic, and its simplicity is charming. Children love hearing, “Caps for sale” all throughout the book and watching the mischievous monkeys! Before you know it, the children will have the book memorized and they’ll be working on counting at the same time!

How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long

This book is SO entertaining! It’s perfect to read on Talk Like a Pirate Day or for a pirate theme…or just for fun! It is a little bit long, but if you have a great pirate voice, you’ll keep everyone’s attention!

This book is perfect for preschool circle time because it combines imaginative storytelling with lively illustrations that capture the excitement of pirate adventures. It introduces children to concepts such as friendship, teamwork, and the joy of imaginative play. Preschoolers will delight in the playful language and humorous antics of the pirates, while also learning about the importance of being true to oneself.

Maya Was Grumpy by Courtney Pippin-Mathur

Maya was Grumpy is always a favorite. We all have moments when we are grumpy, and this story leaves children full of laughs and enjoyment! We all have grumpy days, don’t we!?

Throughout the day, Maya encounters various situations that continue to frustrate her, from spilled milk to a broken toy. However, with the help of her grandmother and a little time spent alone, Maya discovers ways to turn her grumpy mood around.

This book is ideal for preschool circle time because it helps children understand that it’s okay to feel grumpy sometimes, and that emotions can change. It encourages empathy and self-awareness as preschoolers relate to Maya’s experiences and learn how to cope with their own feelings of frustration.

It teaches valuable lessons about resilience and finding ways to improve one’s mood, making it a valuable addition to preschool book lists focused on emotional development and social skills.

Marsupial Sue by John Lithgow

Musical books are perfect for circle time, and Marsupial Sue is definitely a class favorite! The book with CD is a must! This is definitely a song you the children will ask to listen to over and over again.

It follows the adventures of Sue, a young kangaroo who dreams of being different from the rest of her family. Despite her mother’s warnings, Sue sets off on a journey to discover her own identity. Along the way, she meets various Australian animals who encourage her to embrace her unique qualities.

This book is ideal for preschool circle time because it combines playful storytelling with catchy rhymes and rhythm. The lyrical text engages children and encourages participation as they join in with the repetitive verses. The colorful illustrations complement the whimsical narrative, bringing Sue’s imaginative journey to life.

Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh

Whenever I am teaching about color mixing, I love to add this book to the mix! It is a book that you just can’t go wrong with, and how fun to see the mice creating new colors!

It tells the story of three white mice who discover jars of red, blue, and yellow paint. Curious and playful, the mice climb into the jars and begin to explore mixing colors. They discover that by mixing two colors together, they can create new colors.

This book is ideal for preschool circle time because it introduces young children to basic color theory in a fun and engaging way. The simple storyline and bold, colorful illustrations capture the attention of preschoolers as they learn about primary and secondary colors through the playful antics of the mice.

What books are on your list as must-haves? I’d love to hear…and I just might add your suggestion too! Additionally, check out our full library of book lists:

Best of Books

• Best Books About Farm Animals
• Best Ocean Books for Kids
• Best Rhyming Books for Kids
• Best Yoga Books for Kids
• Best Friendship Books for Kids

Books for Social/Emotional Growth

• Powerful Preschool Books that Celebrate and Accept Differences
• Books on Kindness
• Books that Teach Gratitude and Thankfulness for Kids
• Books About School for Kids

Seasonal Books

• Pumpkin Books Perfect for Reading this Fall
• Fantastic Fall Books for Preschoolers
• Not So Scary Monster Books for Kids
• Winter Books

I also have a FREE workshop to make your circle time more magical. Sign up for Circle Time Success, and get my tried and true solutions!