{"id":42222,"date":"2025-02-18T10:48:31","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T18:48:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/?p=42222"},"modified":"2026-02-05T14:36:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T22:36:24","slug":"best-rhyming-books-for-young-readers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abcmouse.com\/learn\/advice\/best-rhyming-books-for-young-readers\/42222","title":{"rendered":"Best Rhyming Books for Young Readers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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50 Best Rhyming Books for Young Readers<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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These engaging books highlight the rhythm and playfulness of language and are excellent reads for toddlers and up!<\/h4>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Table of Contents<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Toddler Rhyming Books<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preschool Rhyming Books<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kindergarten Rhyming Books<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Grade Rhyming Books<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Grade Rhyming Books<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rhyming makes books even more fun and comes with benefi<\/strong>ts<\/strong>, such as helping children develop early literacy skills<\/strong>, recognize word patterns<\/strong>, and enjoy the experience of reading. It also keeps kids engaged when listening to read-alouds or reading independently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are our favorite rhyming books to share with your toddler, preschooler, kindergartener, first grader, or second grader! Be sure to follow up your reading time with other activities from our collection of rhyming resources!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Make reading together even more impactful with our tips and strategies for Shared Reading.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Toddler Rhyming Books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Use rhyming books at this age to introduce new ideas and encourage language development. As your child\u2019s speech continues to develop, encourage them to chant along with you as you re-read your favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. There\u2019s a Bear on My Chair<\/a> by Ross Collins<\/strong>
    <\/a>Mouse is pretty bothered by the bear on his chair that just won\u2019t leave. When Bear finally heads home, he\u2019s surprised to find a mouse in his house.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    \"Bee<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Bee-Bim Bop!<\/strong><\/a> by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Ho Baek Lee<\/strong>
      Sweet rhyming text tells the story of a little girl and her mother making their favorite Korean rice dish, bee-bim bop. Recipe included!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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      1. Sheep in a Jeep<\/strong><\/a> by Nancy E. Shaw, illustrated by Margot Apple<\/strong>
        The text and story are simple and fun, but the illustrations really make this read-aloud pop.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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        1. Night Night Farm<\/strong><\/a> by Roger Priddy<\/strong>
          Learn about farm animals in this board book with fun shaped pages that add interest to the experience.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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          1. Moo, Baa, La La La!<\/a> by Sandra Boynton<\/strong>
            Boynton\u2019s adorable and silly little books have become childhood classics. This is the one that started it all.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            \"Moo,<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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            1. Llama Llama Red Pajama<\/strong><\/a> by Anna Dewdney<\/strong>
              Here\u2019s the starter to another beloved series, which follows a little llama as he deals with a bit of fear about going to bed in the dark on his own.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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              1. I Love You Like No Otter<\/strong><\/a> by Rose Rossner, illustrated by Sydney Hanson<\/strong>
                This heart-warming book is full of rhyming verses and lots of fun animal wordplay too, as the narrator shares all the ways they love the listener.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                \"Mr.<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                1. Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?<\/strong><\/a> by Dr. Seuss<\/strong>
                  Dr. Seuss was the king of rhyming books, and this is a great starter story for toddlers, full of animal sounds told in clever rhyming verses.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                  1. Jamberry<\/strong><\/a> by Bruce Degen<\/strong>
                    Today\u2019s parents likely read this rhyming book for toddlers when they were kids. The simple story of a little boy and his bear friend on their search for berries of all kinds continues to delight.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                    1. Little Blue Truck<\/strong><\/a> by Alice Schertle, illustrated by Jill McElmurry<\/strong>
                      When Blue, a little truck, gets stuck in the mud, he\u2019d be in a real pickle if it weren\u2019t for all the farm animal friends he\u2019s made along his route!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                      Preschool Rhyming Books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      By preschool age, kids can start to recognize the rhyming words when they hear them. Try asking them to predict the rhyming word that comes next as you read together. Try pairing these engaging rhyming books with our 30+ pre-reading activities for preschoolers <\/a>to help grow excitement for reading. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                      1. See You Later, Alligator<\/a> by Sally Hopgood, illustrated by Emma Levey<\/strong>
                        This interactive rhyming book invites children to find their favorite nursery rhyme characters, fostering a love for poetry and enhancing their attention to detail.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                        1. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom<\/strong><\/a> by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, illustrated by Lois Ehlert<\/strong>
                          \u201cA told B and B told C \u2026\u201d This ABC book is a beloved preschool hit, with its catchy rhyming verses that tell the story of alphabet letters climbing (and falling from) a coconut tree.
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                          \"Chicka<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                          1. La Madre Goose: Nursery Rhymes for los Ni\u00f1os<\/strong><\/a> by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal<\/strong>
                            This rhyming book gives classic nursery rhymes new life with the injection of Spanish words throughout. The author cleverly maintains the rhyme and rhythm of the originals, while offering a welcome bilingual twist.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                            1. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site<\/strong><\/a> by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
                              <\/em><\/strong>Little ones are often fascinated by construction equipment, so they\u2019ll love the rhyming verses and fun illustrations in this one.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                              1. The Rhyming Rabbit<\/a> by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Lydia Monks<\/strong>
                                One little rabbit is different from all the rest\u2014he\u2019d rather make up rhymes about grass than eat it! Join him on his quest to find a friend who loves poetry as much as he does.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                \"The<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                1. Fox in Socks<\/strong><\/a> by Dr. Seuss<\/strong>
                                  Introduce kids to tongue twisters with the fiendishly tricky text of this Seuss classic!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                  1. Giraffes Can\u2019t Dance<\/strong><\/a> by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees<\/strong>
                                    Skinny legs, knobby knees, and a neck that stretches on forever all make it hard to learn to dance, but that won\u2019t stop Gerald. Kids will be inspired by his growth mindset.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                    \"Book<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                    1. Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin<\/strong><\/a> by Lloyd Moss, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman<\/strong> Dr. Seuss was the king of rhyming books, and this is a great starter story for preschoolers, full of animal sounds told in clever rhyming verses.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                      1. Change Sings<\/strong><\/a> by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loren Long<\/strong>
                                        The youngest inaugural poet in history has written several inspirational books for children, showcasing her gorgeous and relatable verses.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                        1. Chicken Soup With Rice<\/strong><\/a> by Maurice Sendak<\/strong>
                                          Bring on the comfort food! Sendak\u2019s series of rhyming poems include one for each month, because there\u2019s never a bad time for chicken soup with rice!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                          Kindergarten Rhyming Books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                          This mix of rhyming books includes those that are good for reading aloud, along with a few that kindergarteners can begin to decode on their own. Invite them to identify words they recognize on the page whenever possible to encourage emerging reading skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                                          1. Rhyming Dust Bunnies<\/a> by Jan Thomas<\/strong>
                                            These four dust bunny friends love to rhyme, but Bob can\u2019t quite seem to get it right. Fortunately, he\u2019s got some other redeeming qualities that his friends learn to value more.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                            1. Child of the Universe<\/a> by Ray Jayawardhana, illustrated by Raul Col\u00f3n<\/strong>
                                              This lovely book of verse is the perfect meditative bedtime read, linking us all together as part of the greater universe.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                              \"Childrens's<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                              1. Room on the Broom<\/a> by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler<\/strong>
                                                It\u2019s easy to lose things (like your hat and wand) when you\u2019re riding on a broom. Fortunately, this witch has some animal friends to help her out. But is there room on the broom for everyone to ride?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                1. Hop on Pop<\/a> by Dr. Seuss<\/strong>
                                                  This Seuss book is full of CVC words, making it ideal for kindergartners just learning to read!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                  \"Madeline<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                                  1. Madeline<\/a> by Ludwig Bemelmans <\/strong> Since 1939, the charming little French schoolgirl Madeline has been delighting audiences for generations. The rhyming verses and beautiful illustrations remain timeless favorites today.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                                    1. The Pout-Pout Fish<\/a> by Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Dan Hanna<\/strong>
                                                      Mr. Fish\u2019s face seems stuck in a permanent pout, but it turns out that even he can learn to be kind and positive.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                      1. My Cat is Like That<\/a> by Barbara Pinke<\/strong>
                                                        Everyone\u2019s pet is unique, a fact brought home by the sweet rhyming verses in this tale of a ginger cat named Pizza.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                        1. Rhyme Crime<\/a> by Jon Burgerman<\/strong>
                                                          The crazy thief in this story replaces everything he steals with a rhyme\u2014what a crime!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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                                                          \"Rhyme<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                                          1. Frog on a Log<\/a> by Kes Gray, illustrated by Jim Field<\/strong>
                                                            In this tale, every animal must sit on a rhyming object: cats on mats, mules on stools, and so on. When Frog refuses to sit on a log, he throws everything into chaos.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                            1. All Are Welcome<\/a> by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman<\/strong>
                                                              The school in this story is a place where every student finds a space. Readers will enjoy learning about the diverse collection of students who attend.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                              First Grade Rhyming Books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                              As your child gains reading confidence, they\u2019ll be able to decode more and more of the words in these rhyming books. Continue reading together so you can offer assistance and encouragement along the way. You can also try adding in these reading worksheets for first graders<\/a> for extra practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                                                              1. Nothing Rhymes With Orange<\/a> by Adam Rex<\/strong>
                                                                Orange desperately wants to join the fruit parade and sing a rhyming verse about himself like all the other fruits. Can the other fruits find a way to help him fit into the song?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                1. Silly Tilly<\/a> by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by David Slonim<\/strong>
                                                                  There\u2019s nothing ordinary about Tilly, a goose who takes her baths in juice. Perhaps she\u2019s just a little too silly for the other barnyard animals, though!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                  1. The Snail and the Whale<\/a> by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler<\/strong>
                                                                    A little snail\u2019s life changes when she meets a whale and sets off to explore new lands she never thought she could reach.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                    1. One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish<\/a> by Dr. Seuss<\/strong>
                                                                      This classic is just the right reading level for most first graders, making this a book they can read on their own or out loud to you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                      1. How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?<\/a> by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague<\/strong>
                                                                        What child doesn\u2019t love to read about dinosaurs? This book combines fact with fiction for a rhyming good time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                        1. Hairy MacLary from Donaldson’s Dairy<\/a> by Lynley Dodd<\/strong>
                                                                          Hairy MacLary, an adorable pup, sets off with his rhyming chums to explore the town. The rhythmic text of this charming story makes it incredibly fun to read aloud.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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                                                                          \"Hairy<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                          1. Down to the Sea With Mr. Magee<\/a> by Chris Van Dusen<\/strong>
                                                                            Mr. Magee and his dog Dee spend a wonderful day on the sea, until an unexpected encounter sends them flying into a tree!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                            1. Bear Snores On<\/a> by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman<\/strong>
                                                                              This classic is just the right reading level for most first graders, making this a book they can read on their own or out loud to you.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                              1. The Seven Silly Eaters<\/a> by Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Marla Frazee<\/strong> <\/strong> Poor Mrs. Peters \u2026 her whole family is full of picky eaters who each demand their own particular food. She\u2019s at her wits\u2019 end until a clever gift from her children solves the problem once and for all.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                                1. Wild Symphony<\/a> by Dan Brown, illustrated by Susan Batori<\/strong>
                                                                                  In addition to the rhyming verses of this engaging book, kids and parents can listen to music written especially for the story by using an interactive smartphone app!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                                  Second Grade Rhyming Books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Second graders will be able to read many of these rhyming books on their own. Ask them to read aloud to you so you can both share in the rhyming fun! Than try these fun reading activities<\/a> with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                                                                                  1. Ricky, the Rock That Just Couldn\u2019t Rhyme<\/a> by Mr. Jay, illustrated by Erin Wozniak<\/strong>
                                                                                    When a school assignment tasks kids with writing rhyming stories, Ricky is alarmed to find he can\u2019t seem to make rhymes. Fortunately, his friend Tess the Tin is there to help him out.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                                    1. The Mosquito Burrito<\/a> by Didi Dragon, illustrated by Lenaska Ti<\/strong>
                                                                                      Sprinkled throughout with Spanish words, this clever book teaches kids how to rhyme in two languages!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                                      1. The Gruffalo<\/a> by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler<\/strong>
                                                                                        This is the original book that spawned the phenomenon! Find out why kids and families all love the Gruffalo so much with this rhyming read.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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                                                                                        1. Ada Twist, Scientist<\/a> by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts<\/strong>
                                                                                          Inspire a future generation of scientists with this tale of the sprightly Ada and her quest to find the source of an unpleasant odor. Then, check out the rest of the entries in The Questioneers series.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                                          1. I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew<\/a> by Dr. Seuss<\/strong>
                                                                                            This lesser-known Seuss book has the same incredibly fun and twisty rhyming text, along with a longer story about a crazy journey that\u2019s perfectly suited for read-alouds to a slightly older audience.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                                            1. Kermit the Hermit<\/a> by Bill Peet<\/strong>
                                                                                              A crusty cranky crab prefers to hide from everyone else in Monterey Bay, but when a little boy saves his life one day, Kermit must come out of his shell to repay the favor.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                                              \"Kermit<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                                              1. \u201cStand Back,\u201d Said the Elephant, \u201cI\u2019m Going to Sneeze!\u201d<\/a> by Patricia Thomas, illustrated by Wallace Tripp<\/strong>
                                                                                                Will an elephant\u2019s sneeze bring all the jungle animals to their knees? Read on to find out!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                                                1. A Light in the Attic<\/a> by Shel Silverstein<\/strong>
                                                                                                  Poetry can be a nice break from stories, since the shorter length means you can squeeze one in anytime. This classic collection of zany and thoughtful poems has been appealing to kids for decades.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                                                  1. The New Kid on the Block<\/a> by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by James Stevenson <\/strong><\/strong> <\/strong> Here\u2019s another roundup of beloved poems written just for kids, with all sorts of rhymes to engage young readers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                                                    1. Fresh-Picked Poetry<\/a>  by Michelle Schaub, illustrated by Amy Huntington<\/strong>
                                                                                                      A trip to the farmer\u2019s market inspires this collection of poetry, as two children become friends and explore all the sights and sounds around them.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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                                                                                                      More Rhyming for Kids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Rhyming Read Alouds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Pre-readers will love listening to the silly rhyming stories of Pet on a Jet<\/em> and Dan and Jan<\/em> from ABCmouse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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