As National Reading Month comes to a close, we at Bright & Early want to celebrate the joy of books one last time this March! Our teachers and staff have put together a list of their favorite children’s books—stories that spark imagination, encourage curiosity, and bring joy to reading time. Whether you’re snuggled up for bedtime or enjoying a classroom read-aloud, these books are sure to become favorites in your home as well.
Our Favorite Children’s Books:
📖 A Color of His Own – Leo Lionni
A beautifully illustrated tale about a chameleon searching for his own identity and discovering that being with friends is more important than standing out. A gentle story about self-acceptance and belonging.
📖 You Will Be My Friend! – Peter Brown
Join enthusiastic Lucy the bear as she embarks on a mission to make a new friend—sometimes a little too eagerly! A funny and heartfelt story about the ups and downs of friendship.
📖 Corduroy – Don Freeman
This classic tale of a teddy bear searching for a home has warmed hearts for generations. Follow Corduroy’s adventure through the department store as he hopes to find someone to love him, just the way he is.
📖 Some Bugs – Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel
A lively, rhyming book introducing young readers to all kinds of crawling, flying, and creeping bugs. The vibrant illustrations and playful text make it a perfect book for curious little explorers!
📖 The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear – Don & Audrey Wood
A suspenseful and humorous story about a clever little mouse trying to protect his precious strawberry from an unseen but very hungry bear. Kids love the interactive storytelling!
📖 The Book with No Pictures – B.J. Novak
Who says a book has to have pictures to be fun? This hilarious read-aloud makes kids giggle with silly words, unexpected jokes, and surprises on every page. A great way to show kids the power of words!
📖 The Rabbit Listened – Cori Doerrfeld
A gentle, heartfelt story about empathy and the power of simply listening. When Taylor’s block tower falls, different animals try to help, but it’s the quiet rabbit who truly understands. A must-read for teaching emotional intelligence.
📖 It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny – Marilyn Sadler, illustrated by Roger Bollen
P.J. Funnybunny isn’t sure if he wants to be a bunny anymore! He sets off to see what it’s like to be other animals, but in the end, he learns to appreciate who he is. A charming tale about self-acceptance.
📖 Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day – Jamie Lee Curtis, illustrated by Laura Cornell
This playful book helps kids explore emotions in a fun and relatable way. From silly to sad, curious to mad, the story celebrates the many feelings we all experience.
📖 What Do You Do with a Chance? – Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom
A beautiful and inspiring book about taking chances, overcoming fear, and embracing new opportunities. A great conversation starter for kids about bravery and perseverance.
📖 The World Needs More Purple People – Kristen Bell & Benjamin Hart, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman
This fun and energetic book teaches kids how to be kind, inclusive, and curious—just like a ‘Purple Person’ who brings people together!
📖 How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids – Tom Rath & Mary Reckmeyer, illustrated by Maurie J. Manning
A wonderful introduction to kindness and empathy, this book teaches children how positive interactions “fill” our invisible buckets, while negativity “empties” them. A perfect way to build a caring classroom or home.
📖 Goodnight Moon – Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
A bedtime staple, this gentle and poetic story takes readers through a quiet, soothing goodnight ritual. The rhythmic text and soft illustrations make it a timeless classic.
📖 Where the Wild Things Are – Maurice Sendak
An adventurous and imaginative story about Max, who sets sail to the land of the Wild Things. A celebration of creativity, emotions, and the love of home.
📖 The Napping House – Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood
A charming cumulative tale where one sleepy character after another piles onto the bed—until something surprising wakes everyone up!
📖 Green Eggs and Ham – Dr. Seuss
A classic, rhyming favorite that teaches kids about trying new things in the most fun and silly way possible. Who can resist the charm of Sam-I-Am?
📖 Are You My Mother? – P.D. Eastman
A heartwarming and humorous story about a baby bird searching for its mother. Along the way, he meets all kinds of animals before finally finding where he belongs.
Happy Reading!
As we wrap up National Reading Month, we hope this list inspires joyful reading moments with your little ones all year long. Keep turning the pages, sharing stories, and fostering a lifelong love of reading!
Check out our latest reel featuring some of our favorite books, and let us know a few of your family’s favorites in the comments!