Did you know that parents and caregivers who read one picture book with their children every day provide them with exposure to an estimated 78,000 words each year. Over the 5 years before kids enter kindergarten, the National Institutes of Health estimates that children from literacy-rich homes hear a cumulative 1.4 million more words during storybook reading than children who are never read to (Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics).  

And, it’s never too early to get started on a daily read-aloud program with your child! From using funny voices to dreaming up alternate endings together, here are our top tips to “Harness the Power of Reading Aloud to Kids of All Ages.”

Need a few book suggestions? These are some of our personal pre-K favorites (and these consistently popular titles should all be available at your local public library).

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carl
• Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
• I Was So Mad by Mercer Mayer
• The Lady with the Alligator Purse by Mary Ann Hoberman
• Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss
• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
• Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett
• Swimmy by Leo Lionni
• Go Dog Go by Dr. Seuss
• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
• The Mitten by Jan Brett
• Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

About Success Won’t Wait

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait, Inc. is a not-for-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. Want to learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s book access and literacy projects, how to donate books or volunteer your time? Simply visit About Success Won’t Wait.

Read now, because success won’t wait!