The best children’s books for early learning
As a parent, you likely see your child’s imagination regularly take over when they play, acting out scenarios they dream up on the spot. Children are natural storytellers!
In our child care centres, we notice the same spark during group projects or activities that encourage learning through play. The storytelling children use in play connects directly to the joy of reading.
An easy way to support your child’s learning at home is by reading great books together, such as the ones we feature here. These books support your child’s development and are easy to enjoy, whether you have five minutes or a child who insists on “just one more.”
Books that celebrate identity and belonging
Best for ages 2 to 6
Children build confidence and belonging when they see themselves, their families and friends, and their cultures reflected in stories — a key part of our curricula YMCA Playing to Learn™ and YMCA A Place to Connect™.
Suki’s Kimono by Chieri Uegaki
Recommended for ages 3 to 7
Suki proudly wears her kimono to school. 👘
Encourages children to share their own traditions.
Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris
Recommended for ages 3 to 7
A celebration of bold, curious, capable girls. 👩🚀
Helps children recognize their strengths.
A Dress With Pockets by Lily Murray
Recommended for ages 3 to 6
A child searches for the perfect dress with pockets. 👗
Supports independence and self-expression.
I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont
Recommended for ages 2 to 6
A lively, upbeat celebration of self-confidence. 😁
Helps children feel proud of who they are.
Under My Hijab by Hena Khan
Recommended for ages 4 to 8
A warm look at the diverse ways women choose to wear hijabs. 🧕
Builds cultural awareness and gentle curiosity.
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
Recommended for ages 3 to 8
A joyful celebration of natural hair. 💗
Encourages pride in racial identity.
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Recommended for ages 4 to 8
A girl celebrates her sister’s first day wearing a hijab. 💙
Helps encourage conversations about pride and cultural expression.
Books that explore feelings and emotional well-being
Best for ages 2 to 7
Self-regulation is a daily part of YMCA child care programming through mindful moment activities and opportunities to slow down. Books give children comforting, playful ways to explore big feelings.
Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia
Recommended for ages 4 to 8
Helps children connect physical sensations to emotions. 👂
Supports children in identifying and naming feelings.
Little Monkey Calms Down by Michael Dahl
Recommended for ages 1 to 4
A small monkey learns simple calming strategies. 🐒
Provides tools children can practise at home.
In My Heart by Jo Witek
Recommended for ages 3 to 7
Explores feelings that can be loud, quiet, bright, or shadowy. 💞
Builds emotional vocabulary and confidence.
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
Recommended for ages 3 to 7
Gerald the giraffe finds confidence in his own unique rhythm. 🦒
Encourages courage and perseverance.
Books that celebrate culture and community
Best for ages 2 to 8
Our child care programs encourage children to share stories, ask questions, and explore traditions. These books help spark discussions about culture, celebration, and community.
Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say
Recommended for ages 4 to 8
A poetic story about migration and home. 🏡
Supports understanding of family roots and identity.
Nibi Is Water by Joanne Robertson
Recommended for ages 3 to 8
An Indigenous story honouring water. 🌊
Builds environmental awareness and respect.
My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith
Recommended for ages 1 to 5
A gentle reflection on what brings joy. 💛
Encourages mindfulness and gratitude.
Ruby’s Chinese New Year by Vickie Lee
Recommended for ages 3 to 7
Ruby celebrates the Lunar New Year with zodiac animal friends. 🐴
Introduces cultural storytelling.
Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang
Recommended for ages 4 to 8
Amy works hard to make the perfect bao. 🥟
Encourages perseverance and family connection.
A Sweet New Year for Ren by Michelle Sterling
Recommended for ages 4 to 8
Ren prepares dumplings with her family. 🏮
Supports sensory learning and cultural appreciation.
Books that spark curiosity about nature and science
Best for ages 1 to 6
YMCA Playing to Learn™ encourages hands-on exploration and inquiry. These books inspire outdoor play and early science thinking.
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
Recommended for ages 3 to 6
A seed travels through the seasons. 🌰
Helps children explore growth and change.
Yucky Worms by Vivian French
Recommended for ages 4 to 8
Shows how worms help soil. 🌱
Encourages curiosity in the garden.
Outside Your Window by Nicola Davies
Recommended for ages 4 to 8
Poems about nature through the seasons. 🌄
Supports observing patterns in the environment.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Recommended for ages 1 to 4
A classic story about metamorphosis. 🐛
Perfect for early science learning.
Little Cloud by Eric Carle
Recommended for ages 2 to 6
Clouds transform into playful shapes. ☁
Encourages imagination and weather awareness.
Books that build early literacy and storytelling skills
Best for ages 1 to 6
Rhythm, rhyming, and repetition strengthen early language foundations — key to YMCA Playing to Learn™’s literacy outcomes.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
Recommended for ages 4 to 8
Crayons write humorous letters. 🖍
Encourages creative thinking.
Not a Stick and Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
Recommended for ages 2 to 6
Everyday objects spark imagination. 📦
Supports pretend play and creative thinking.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
Recommended for ages 2 to 6
A rhythmic adventure. 🐻
Great for sequencing and movement-based learning.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and TKTKTK
Recommended for ages 2 to 6
Alphabet letters climb a coconut tree. 🥥
Builds early literacy through rhythm.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Recommended for ages 0 to 4
A gentle bedtime classic. 🌔
Supports routine and early language.
Books that encourage cooperation, kindness, and problem-solving
Best for ages 2 to 7
A Place to Connect™ supports leadership, teamwork, and friendship. These books help children practise those skills.
We Share Everything! by Robert Munsch
Recommended for ages 3 to 7
Two children learn about sharing. 🤝
Supports cooperation and fairness.
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
Recommended for ages 2 to 6
A friendly truck models kindness. 🚚
Encourages helping behaviours.
Can I Play Too? by Mo Willems
Recommended for ages 3 to 6
A snake wants to join a game of catch. 🐍
Encourages flexible thinking and inclusive play.
Books that inspire imagination and adventure
Best for ages 2 to 7
Pretend play and creativity are central to YMCA Playing to Learn™. These stories encourage children to dream, imagine, and explore ideas beyond the pages.
Pete the Cat and His White Shoes by James Dean
Recommended for ages 3 to 7
Pete stays positive when things get messy. 😸
Supports flexibility and optimism.
The Mitten by Jan Brett
Recommended for ages 3 to 7
Animals squeeze into a lost mitten. 🧤
Great for prediction and storytelling.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
Recommended for ages 3 to 7
A funny chain reaction of events. 🍪
Perfect for exploring cause and effect.
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Recommended for ages 3 to 7
A clever mouse uses imagination to stay safe. 🐭
Supports storytelling and creative problem-solving.
Why these are the best children’s books for early learning
These stories help your child:
- Build confidence and cultural understanding
- Recognize and express feelings
- Strengthen language and storytelling skills
- Practise cooperation and problem-solving
- Spark curiosity about nature and science
- Develop creativity through imaginative play
Most importantly, they make reading together a consistent, joyful part of your day — something children remember.
