Summer is the perfect time for kids to immerse themselves in reading. U.S. Bank employees are teaming up with us to promote summer reading! Employees shared some of their top children’s book recommendations for kids age 4-5.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Reviews by Halle Morrell
The life of a caterpillar is rather short-lived. But, that life does not die. Rather, it switches first into a cocoon and then morphs into a butterfly. This book illustrates this process and the events leading up to it. The main point of this book emphasizes the steps leading up to the caterpillar creating his cocoon and starting to morph, especially in regards to appetite. The caterpillar gets extremely hungry and eats everything he can find to stock up and not get hungry while he’s changing. This book teaches the science behind a caterpillar’s journey to becoming a butterfly along with utilizing a great deal of physical and visual characteristics to increase interaction.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
The mouse in this story is very greedy. He always wants more. If you give him a cookie, he’s going to want the milk to go with it, and then that will lead to something else he wants. There will always be something else that the mouse wants. That is why it is important to understand the cause and effect and how it works. What starts as a simple cookie can lead to some crazy things.
Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban
Frances did not like to try new things and was an extremely picky eater. The only things that Frances ever wanted to eat were bread and jam. But, when Frances finally tried new food and wasn’t as stubborn she learned that she liked other foods too. Frances learned that a well-rounded meal is good for her to grow and to stay healthy.
Berenstain Bears series by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Review by Lauren Sandberg
The Berenstain Bears collection follows the story of a family of bears who learn valuable lessons in each story. These books are short and easy to understand while still entertaining the reader and presenting problems people face every day in a context understandable by children. These short tales make great bedtime stories for younger children.
Best Friends Forever (Care Bears Friendship Club series) by Quinlan B. Lee
Review by Amanda Huynh
This story is part of the Care Bears Friendship Club series. It’s a great option for kids learning to read or those who have outgrown beginner books. I recommend this book as it teaches children about friendship in a colorful and fun way. This story shows that you can have more than one best friend and friendship does not end when you are apart. The discussion questions at the end of the story are perfect for engaging the kids with the lesson of the story.