Exploration is how we grow, and childhood discovery can be found high and low, including between the pages of our favorite books! For as long as humans have walked the earth, stories have helped us shape our understandings, explore the world and unleash our imaginations! 

Here at Children’s Discovery Center, we are true believers in the power of stories. Whether you are reading to your infant, toddler or preschooler, storytime is a magical time. That’s why our team has rounded up a list of our favorite children’s books to share at home with your young learners.

Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith

Chosen by: Ms. Adriana

This Scholastic story will have your little one (and yourself) in fits of laughter. “Wonky Donkey” tells the story of a “spunky, hanky panky, cranky, stinky, dinky, lanky, honky tonky, winky wonky donkey” and his mishaps and adventures through a fun- and rhyme-filled read that will get stuck in your head for days.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin 

Chosen by: Ms. Sara

“Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?” is a modern kids classic and a favorite on our team. By Bill Martin Jr. and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” author Eric Carle, this easy read is perfect for teaching children colors and animals with its iconic illustrations and singsong story.

Llama Llama Mess, Mess, Mess by Anna Dewdney 

Chosen by: Ms. Kali

Playing is fun, but cleaning up? Not so much! “Llama Llama Mess, Mess, Mess” follows the Llama Llama and Mama Llama as the little llama learns the importance of tidying up after making a mess. This read is a favorite pick by CDC’s Ms. Kali for how its engaging story helps teach children why they should pick up after themselves.

Pete the Cat and the New Guy by James & Kimberly Dean

Chosen by: Ms. Clarissa

Everyone is a little different, and it’s our differences that make us special! “Pete the Cat and the New Guy” explores this important lesson as our feline protagonist meets his new neighbor, Gus, and helps him gain confidence through his unique qualities. This read is recommended to help teach our children that, even though we are all different, there is always something everyone can do together.

LLama LLama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney

Chosen by: Ms. Pedigo

Starting school is an exciting milestone for parents and students alike, but so much “new” can also be overwhelming for little ones unready to let go. “Llama Llama Misses Mama” follows our little llama on his first day of school as he overcomes his worries about leaving mom. We love this book for how it helps reassure children they are safe at school. Ms. Pedigo especially enjoys how the activities in the book are similar to what we do in our CDC classrooms and often lead to discussions about coming to our school.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault

Chosen by: Ms. Alex

Learning our A, B, Cs is a childhood must! So why not make it as fun as you can? “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” is an energetic approach to learning the alphabet that will have your child singing and laughing along. Our early childhood educators love this story for its silly and colorful approach to this essential lesson. Plus, we love to sing along too!

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Chosen by: Ms. Morgan

In this sweet and soft-spoken story, a young rabbit wishes goodnight to the familiar possessions in his room. “Goodnight Moon” is the definition of a classic for generations and the perfect bedtime story to get your little one nice and sleepy. Nothing is more special than sharing our favorite childhood books with our children. Ms. Morgan says she would read this book with her parents every night and is now sharing it with her son.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Chosen by: Ms. Brogan

This moving story follows a young boy and his favorite tree as they learn lessons on generosity, compassion and understanding of the gives and takes present in all life’s relationships. Shel Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree” has become a must-read for children but has lessons to teach readers at any point in their lives.

The CDC Difference

At Children’s Discovery Center, successful lives begin with intentional discovery in a compassionate learning environment. Through our hands-on, S.T.E.A.M. powered lessons, our early childhood educators encourage students to follow their paths and find their light by discovering the natural world around them. Contact us today to learn more about our unique approach to learning, enroll your child and tour our facilities.