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Are you looking for a great book with nursery rhymes? You’re in the perfect place! Today we have 82 books with great rhymes for little readers that are just so much fun.
Language Skills Through Rhyming
Do you know that learning rhyming words is actually a very important skill for children to learn?
Nursery rhymes help develop phonological awareness as well as inferencing skills, both with encountering new words and in reading comprehension, in a fun way.
That’s why we compiled a list of the best books with rhyming words. These rhyming children’s books can be enjoyed by children of all ages with different language skills and reading skills and are generally written with kids 2-6 years old in mind.
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Favorite Rhyming Books
Young readers will enjoy this collection of our favorite books with rhymes. Some books tell a hilarious story through silly rhymes, others tell a wonderful story through rhyming text for older children, while others tell a simple story with beautiful illustrations for young kids.
One thing is true: these are the best rhyming books that will become your kiddo’s new favorite stories.
1. We Go Together!
We Go Together! by Todd Dunn. With irresistible rhythm and rhyme that begs to be read aloud, and joyful art, it’s a delight for parents and children to share.
2. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault. In this lively alphabet rhyme, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no—Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom!
3. Giraffes Can’t Dance
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees. With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.
4. Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin (Aladdin Picture Books)
Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin (Aladdin Picture Books) by Lloyd Moss. Written in elegant and rhythmic verse and illustrated with playful and flowing artwork, this unique counting book is the perfect introduction to musical groups.
5. Jamberry
Jamberry by Bruce Degen. The fun wordplay and bright paintings with lots of details for young readers to explore make Jamberry a perennial favorite, and this board book edition is a great stocking stuffer.
6. Goodnight Moon
In Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown with pictures by Clement Hurd,, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.
7. Madeline
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans is a story about Madeline—nothing frightens her, not tigers, not even mice. With its endearing, courageous heroine, cheerful humor, and wonderful, whimsical drawings of Paris, the Madeline stories are a true classic.
8. How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?
How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague tells us how dinosaurs do things, like what do they do when they are sick, and other things that people like us do.
9. There’s a Wocket in My Pocket! (Dr. Seuss’s Book of Ridiculous Rhymes)
There’s a Wocket in My Pocket! (Dr. Seuss’s Book of Ridiculous Rhymes) is a classic: Keep an eye out for the Zink in the sink and the Bofa on the sofa, and don’t forget to say goodnight to the Zillow on your pillow!
10. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle is a children’s picture designed to help toddlers associate colors and meanings to objects.
11. Hush! A Thai Lullaby
Hush! A Thai Lullaby by Minfong Ho is an endearing lullaby about a mother asking a lizard, a monkey, and a water buffalo to be quiet and not disturb her sleeping baby.
12. Little Blue Truck
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry is filled with truck sounds and animal noises, here is a rollicking homage to the power of friendship and the rewards of helping others.
13. Moo, Baa, La La La!
Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton is a raucous story about the sounds animals make and is just right for reading aloud.
14. Each Peach Pear Plum (Picture Puffin Books)
Each Peach Pear Plum (Picture Puffin Books) by Jane Ahlberg and Allan Ahlberg introduces favorite fairy tale characters, with a poem on each page that children have to guess and find.
15. Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Tom Lichtenheld is a great goodnight story. Crane Truck and friends finish lie down to rest to get ready for more play.
16. Whose Toes are Those?
Whose Toes are Those? by Jabari Asim and LeUyen Pham is an interactive board book that is perfect for celebrating the classic game of This Little Piggy.
17. Llama Llama Red Pajama
Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney is a rhyming read-aloud book about a Baby Llama turning bedtime into an all-out llama drama!
18. Down by the Bay
Down by the Bay by Raffi and Nadine Bernard Westcott is a book that makes children sing, encouraging even the youngest child’s speech and listening skills. This board book is perfect for early learning!
19. Drummer Hoff
Drummer Hoff by Barbara Emberley and Ed Emberley is a rhyming, vibrantly illustrated picture book based on the folk song of seven soldiers.
20. Barnyard Dance!
Barnyard Dance! by Sandra Boynton features lively rhyming text and a die-cut cover that reveals the wacky characters inside.
21. Ten in the Bed
Ten in the Bed by Penny Dale features a funny story – There were ten in the bed and the little one said, ‘Roll over, roll over!’ So they all rolled over and Hedgehog fell out. What will happen next?
22. Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Row, Row, Row Your Boat by Annie Kubler is a great introduction to books through well-known nursery rhymes and interactive text.
23. Busy Barnyard (A Busy Book)
Busy Barnyard (A Busy Book) by John Schindel and Steven Holt presents a mixed bag of kids’ favorite squawking, chomping, and flapping creatures.
24. Is Your Mama a Llama?
Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino and Steven Kellogg features riddle rhymes and six lovable baby animals that help Lloyd the llama discover just what kind of animal his mama really is.
25. I Spy Letters
I Spy Letters by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick is great for toddlers and preschoolers – they can search photos from the book to help them learn the alphabet.
26. Nursery Rhymes (Kate Toms Series)
Nursery Rhymes (Kate Toms Series) is a wonderful new collection of favorite nursery rhymes combined with beautiful, hand-stitched illustrations.
27. Mouse Mess
Mouse Mess by Linnea Riley is a cute story about a mouse in the house, and when he wakes up, he’s going to be hungry for a snack. He will leave a big mess!
28. The Lady with the Alligator Purse
The Lady with the Alligator Purse by Mary Ann Hoberman and Nadine Bernard Westcott has outrageous rhymes that will appeal to reluctant readers, eager readers, silly readers, and the whole family together!
29. Shoo Fly! (Iza Trapani’s Extended Nursery Rhymes)
Shoo Fly! by Iza Trapani follows an adorable mouse as he tries in vain to escape from a delightfully determined fly through lovely rhymes.
30. I Saw an Ant on the Railroad Track
I Saw an Ant on the Railroad Track by Joshua Prince and Macky Pamintuan is a captivating journey along the railroad tracks with a hungry little ant and the gentle giant of a switchman who cares for him.
31. Trashy Town
Trashy Town by Andrea Zimmerman, David Clemesha, and Dan Yaccarino features a rhythmic, repeatable refrain that will have children clamoring for repeat readings with beautiful illustrations.
32. The Itsy Bitsy Spider (Iza Trapani’s Extended Nursery Rhymes)
The Itsy Bitsy Spider by Iza Trapani is a perfect read-aloud; children will enjoy time and again the delightful antics of the energetic itsy bitsy spider.
33. Bear Snores On (Storytown)
Bear Snores on by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman is a beautiful read-aloud rhyming story that has fun, suspense, and a happy ending.
34. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Pam Adams is an illustrated version of the folk song about an old lady that swallows a fly.
35. Baby Danced the Polka
Baby Danced the Polka by Karen Beaumont and Jennifer Plecas is perfect fun for young children who like lively stories. This happy tale invites all to join in and dance along.
36. Clap Your Hands
Clap Your Hands by Lorinda Bryan Cauley will have little ones stomping, wiggling, and roaring, as the rhyming text reinforces important concepts.
37. The Very Cranky Bear
The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland teaches kids about the importance of sharing with others through adorable illustrations and delightful rhyming texts.
38. Edward the Emu
Edward the Emu by Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement has upbeat, rhyming text and expressive illustrations that are sure to make readers laugh out loud.
39. Duck in the Truck
Duck in the Truck by Jez Alborough is a fun story about a duck and his friends that get stuck in the muck. Luckily, they have more friends willing to help them! Enjoy this book with funny rhymes for kids of all ages.
40. Noni the Pony
Noni the Pony by Alison Lester has funny rhymes with delightful pictures and is sure to capture the imaginations and hearts of readers of all ages.
41. The Terrible Plop: A Picture Book
The Terrible Plop: A Picture Book by Ursula Dubosarsky and Andrew Joyner is a perfect read-aloud story for little ones needing assurance that plops in the day or bumps in the night aren’t as scary as they might seem.
42. Don’t Forget the Bacon!
Don’t Forget the Bacon! by Pat Hutchins tells the story of a little boy that is set to go to the store… but he seems to be forgetting something… What could it be?
43. Rhymoceros (A Grammar Zoo Book)
Rhymoceros (A Grammar Zoo Book) by Janik Coat features a blue rhinoceros telling 16 pairs of rhyming words that land him in compromising contexts.
44. Baa Baa Black Sheep (Iza Trapani’s Extended Nursery Rhymes)
Baa Baa Black Sheep by Iza Trapani is a charming story told in lyrical verse that will inspire young readers to share the best of themselves.
45. The Gruffalo
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler has a moral story for kids to not stray too far from home in a warm and charming way.
46. Room on the Broom
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler is a fun family read-aloud – the perfect way to start Halloween celebrations. A sweet story of quick wits, friendship, and inclusivity.
47. I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More!
I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More! by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by David Catrow features a sing-song rhyming text and humorous energetic illustrations about a spirited child and outside-the-box, creative thinking.
48. Snowmen at Night
Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner is the perfect winter story. Have you wondered what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all!
49. Sheep in a Jeep
Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw and Margot Apple is an exciting rhyming picture book about a flock of hapless sheep driving through the country.
50. Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb
Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb by Al Perkins and Eric Gurney is a simplified board book edition of the classic book, featuring a band of musical monkeys who introduce babies and toddlers to hands, fingers, and thumbs.
51. Dog on a Frog?
Dog on a Frog? by Kes & Claire Gray and Jim Field shows young readers that every animal has many special places to sit. We love nonsensical fun!
52. Frog on a Log?
Frog on a Log? by Kes Gray and Jim Field is another book filled with silly rhymes! A read-aloud story that will have kids rhyming around the house!
53. I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie
I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson and Judith Byron Schachner is the perfect story to read during Thanksgiving, with lovely cartoon-style illustrations and traditional rhymes.
54. Moose on the Loose
Moose on the Loose by Kathy-Jo Wargin and John Bendall-Brunello is a colorful, comic artwork that highlights the hilarity that ensues when wildlife wanders indoors.
55. There’s a Bear on My Chair
There’s a Bear on My Chair by Ross Collins is a funny story about a poor Mouse! with a bear settled in his favorite chair. Mouse tries all kinds of tactics to move pesky Bear, but nothing works.
56. One Duck Stuck: A Mucky Ducky Counting Book
One Duck Stuck: A Mucky Ducky Counting Book by Phyllis Root and Jane Chapman is perfect for kids learning to count. This counting book not only contains bright bold illustrations but also has lots of sound effects that children will love to replicate.
57. The Frogs and Toads All Sang
The Frogs and Toads All Sang by Arnold Lobel and Adrianne Lobel has rhyming stories about frogs and toads, with lots of humor and warmth.
58. Who Stole the Cookies?
Who Stole the Cookies? by Judith Moffat is a story about Puppy, Turtle, and Cat who want to find out who stole the cookies from the cookie jar. This is a very basic mystery story for beginning readers.
59. I Like Bugs
I Like Bugs by Margaret Wise Brown and G. Brian Karas feature big type and easy words for children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. Rhyme and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story.
60. Hairy Maclary’s Bone
Hairy Maclary’s Bone by Lynley Dodd has everything: cumulative rhymes and sunny ink and watercolor illustrations. Perfect for kids in kindergarten and older!
61. Over in the Meadow: A Nursery Counting Rhyme
Over in the Meadow: A Nursery Counting Rhyme (A First Little Golden Book) by Lilian Obligado is a great way for little kids to practice their numbers with some nice nursery rhymes. We recommend this book for kids aged 2-5!
62. Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?
Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear? by Nancy White Carlstrom and Bruce Degen is a delightful book for young children everywhere. It’s a simple book that describes Jesse Bear’s activities from morning to bedtime.
63. The Sneetches and Other Stories
The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr. Seuss is a beloved classic that deserves a place in every child’s library. It includes the official versions of “The Sneetches,” “The Zax,” “Too Many Daves,” and “What Was I Scared Of?”
64. Hickory Dickory Dock
Hickory Dickory Dock by Keith Baker is a beautiful adaptation of the familiar nursery rhyme “Hickory Dickory Dock”. As a huge grandfather clock strikes each hour from one o’ clock in the afternoon to midnight, a different animal passes by, and the mouse has a funny interaction with each of them.
65. Cars! Cars! Cars
Cars! Cars! Cars by Grace MacCarone and David A. Carter is a rhythmic tour of the many different kinds of cars and includes lessons about opposites, colors, and numbers.
66. I’m a Little Teapot
I’m a Little Teapot by Iza Trapani is a book to share with friends and family—after all, isn’t that what “Tea-Time” is all about?
67. The Cat in the Hat
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss. A favorite among kids, parents, and teachers, this story uses simple words and basic rhyme to encourage and delight beginning readers.
68. Who Sank the Boat?
Who Sank The Boat by Pamela Allen is a charmingly funny read-aloud that asks an important question: “Who sank the boat?” Join a cow, a donkey, a sheep, a pig, and a tiny little mouse to figure it out!
69. My Cat Likes To Hide in Boxes
My Cat Likes To Hide in Boxes by Eve Sutton and Lynley Dodd. Children will love joining in with this fun rhyming story that is just right for beginner readers.
70. Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush
Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush by Iza Trapani is perfect for kids of all ages. Delightful art depicts the antics of the mischievous animals as they lead the gardener on a chase ’round the mulberry bush.
71. Rhyming Dust Bunnies
Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas is a lovely book about dust bunnies that love to rhyme. Well, except for Bob. Will Bob ever learn to rhyme?
72. The Pout-Pout Fish
The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen. Playful rhymes come together in Deborah Diesen’s fun fish story that’s sure to turn even the poutiest of frowns upside down.
73. The Seven Silly Eaters
The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman and Marla Frazee is a highly comic rhyming romp that surprisingly and nicely twists into a birthday story.
74. Very Short Fairy Tales to Read Together (You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You)
Very Short Fairy Tales to Read Together (You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You) by Mary Ann Hoberman was designed with emerging readers in mind and each of the tales is told in short rhyming dialogues.
75. Miss Spider’s Tea Party
Miss Spider’s Tea Party by David Kirk is the modern classic about a sweet spider and her friends, now available for the first time in a Scholastic Bookshelf paperback version.
76. The Hungry Thing
The Hungry Thing by Jan Slepian and Ann Seidler is a hilarious book that will get kids excited about reading and words as they fall in love with the Hungry Thing’s crazy antics!
77. And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street
And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street by Dr. Seuss is a story about a young boy whose father always wants to know how his day was and if anything exciting happened. So the boy uses his imagination to turn an ordinary sight into a grand chaotic parade.
78. Horton Hears a Who!
Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss is a lovely story about the importance of caring for each other. This story showcases the very best of Dr. Seuss, from the moving message to the charming rhymes and imaginative illustrations.
79. Kermit the Hermit
Kermit the Hermit by Bill Peet is about a little boy who saves Kermit from disaster, and the once cranky crab works hard to repay him. What do you think will happen after?
80. “Stand Back,” Said the Elephant, “I’m Going to Sneeze!”
“Stand Back,” Said the Elephant, “I’m Going to Sneeze!” by Patricia Thomas and Wallace Tripp is a classic story of an enormous sneeze in the marking, told in sprightly nonsense verse. It’s fun to share with a child at home or as a read-aloud at school.
81. “I Can’t” Said the Ant
“I Can’t” Said the Ant by Polly Cameron is a nonsense story told in rhyme about what happened when the ant tried to help Miss Teapot after her fall.
82. The Caboose Who Got Loose
The Caboose Who Got Loose by Bill Peet includes a paperback edition of the book and a compact disc. Perfect for car trips, classrooms, and bedtime listening, these recordings feature lively sound effects and original music.
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Which book that rhymes was your favorite?
