Rhyming is an important skill for new readers to practice. Rhyming books are perfect for reading with a Pre-K or Kindergarten class.
Children love to complete the rhymes as they listen to the stories. These 10 books are tried and tested with my own class and are kid approved!
10 Best Rhyming Books for Kindergarten
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Hop on Pop
I have to start this list with the king of rhyming: Dr Seuss! Dr. Seuss books are so much fun to read with and to children because they are so silly and have that engaging “sing-song” rhythm.
One of my favorite things about Dr. Seuss’ rhyming books is the many teachable moments.
I point out the rhymes that he made and ask my students “Is that a real word or a nonsense word? Why would he make up a word?” It’s because he’s completing a rhyme!
Allowing a child to figure this out helps them understand the concept of rhyming more fully. #winning
(I love Hop on Pop as an introduction to rhymes but let’s be honest: when it comes to rhyming books, you can’t go wrong with any Dr. Seuss book!)
See “Hop on Pop” on AmazonFrog on a Log
This book features a ton of classic, easy to understand (and guess!) rhymes.
All of the animals in the book have to sit on the object they rhyme with. The frog does not want to sit on a log, but cat (on the mat) tells him “that’s just how things are.”
Kids love the story in this book as well as completing the rhymes.
Bonus: There is a sequel! Dog on a Frog will be another fast favorite with your little readers. I can say that with certainty because both of these rhyming books are read often in my classroom!
See “Frog on a Log?” on AmazonRhyming Dust Bunnies
This silly book is about dust bunnies that just love to rhyme…except poor Bob. He just can’t quite figure rhymes out.
(You may have a few students who relate to him!)
Bob ends up saving the day which shows your kids that even if they can’t figure rhymes out right away, they will get their eventually!
Your kids will be giggling like crazy listening to this book and I can guarantee they will request it (probably every day!).
See “Rhyming Dust Bunnies” on AmazonLlama, Llama, Red Pajama
This book is insanely popular for a reason!
The stories in both this book and it’s sequels are really relatable for children.
It also has an excellent rhythm for reading. Kids love calling out the rhymes to finish the sentences and giggling at Llama’s silly antics.
You can even use it as an informal assessment as you read 🙌 #multitasking
See “Llama, Llama, Red Pajama” on AmazonThere’s a Bear on my Chair
This funny book is full of creative rhymes! Bear is sitting on Mouse’s chair and won’t get up no matter what Mouse tries! Once Mouse leaves Bear heads home. Guess what he finds there?
Kids have so much fun listening to this engaging story and completing all of the rhymes.
There are a few tricky ones that may stump them at first so it’s an excellent opportunity to introduce new vocabulary!
See “There’s a Bear on my Chair” on AmazonRicky, the Rock that Couldn’t Roll
This is a heartwarming story about being kind and including those who are different. Ricky just wants to roll around with his friends but he has a flat side.
The book has some funny elements and ends with a positive message.
The cadence and rhyme make it fun to listen to and to read. Kids will love completing the rhymes as they find out what happens with Ricky.
See “Ricky, the Rock that Couldn’t Roll” on AmazonThe Gruffalo
The Gruffalo is such a great story! It’s about a little mouse in the forest who runs into some predators. That is why he tells the about the Gruffalo.
It is big and scary but the little mouse isn’t scared. that is because he made him up!
The rhythm and rhymes are an amazing bonus to the wonderful story. It’s a little longer than many of the stories on this list but the content lends itself to all sorts of fun discussion and comprehension elements as well as practicing rhyming.
See “The Gruffalo” on AmazonSheep in a Jeep
This is a classic rhyming book that is well-loved by kids and teachers alike.
Sheep in a Jeep is short, sweet that kids find hilarious. They love laughing at the silly sheep.
One of the reasons I love this book is that it includes rhymes in the middle of sentences as well as at the end. This adds an extra element to identifying and practicing rhymes.
See “Sheep in a Jeep” on AmazonIs Your Mama a Llama?
This book is definitely a classic for a reason! You will read riddles as Lloyd the llama asks other animals about their mamas.
The riddle is given on the first spread of pages. The answer is on the next page and is always the completion of a rhyme.
Kids have so much fun calling out the answer to the riddle before you turn the page. Some of the animals may be new to them which gives the added bonus of vocabulary practice!
See “Is Your Mama a Llama?” on AmazonSee You Later, Alligator
I love this book because it is filled with the most fun “goodbye” rhymes. Children love to complete the silly rhymes as we read.
We especially love to read it before we leave the classroom on Fridays.
We practice the rhymes again as I give the phrases to my students on their way out the door. “See you later…” I say and I wait for the giggled “Alligator!” as a reply.
It’s an excellent way to head into the weekend.
See “See You Later, Alligator” on AmazonThese rhyming books have been a favorite in my classroom and in hundreds of others for a reason! Understanding rhyme can be challenging for some students to master.
Giving them the chance to experience them in a nonthreatening and engaging way may just be the key. Even your students who are rhyming masters will enjoy the stories, the rhythm and the fun of the rhyming stories you read.
Shop all of these rhyming books for Kindergarten!I hope you find these books and read them with your kids! Are any of your favorites on this list? Did I miss any? Let me know below! ?
If you’re looking for even more picture books to read aloud, check out this GIANT list of my favorites based on subject and skill! 🙌