The Ultimate list of Living Books for Preschoolers
What is a living book?
The idea of “living books” was created by Charlotte Mason, who was a 19th century educator, She believed children learned best not by memorizing information and facts but by consuming ideas and fostering imagination. The Charlotte Mason style of homeschooling is big on literature, and encouraging children to use their imagination, teaching them “living ideas” rather than facts. Living books are engaging stories that bring the idea to life through well written books. It uses expressive language which encourages children to use their imagination and yearn to learn more. These books are able to take one story and offer a multitude of lessons for your children.
I have put together the ultimate list of living books for preschool aged children, that you can use to begin your charlotte mason inspired homeschool library. All of these books are available for purchase from amazon Canada, and linked using my affiliate links.
The Little Engine That Could – By Watty Piper
The Little Engine That Could models ideas of perseverance, strength and believing in yourself, as well as helping others even when its not easy. When a train delivering toys to children breaks down a little blue train takes on the job of delivering the toys to the children. Despite her small size the train delivers the toys up over a difficult hill.
The Ugly Duckling– By Hans Christian Anderson and Robert Ingpen
After being teased for looking different, the “ugly duckling” leaves home beginning a journey that leads to self discovery and learning to love and accept yourself for who your are on the inside.
Paddington – By Michael Bond
Paddington turns up at a train station alone after stowing away on the train. Taken in by Mr. and Mrs. Brown they soon begin to see Paddington’s adventurous and playful personality. The book displays ideas of kindness, friendship and the importance of family.
Corduroy – By Don Freeman
After losing his button, Corduroy the bear goes on a night time adventure to find it, displaying ideas of perseverance and friendship when a little girl returns to buy him the next day after he finds his button.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – By Eric Carle
A classic book through multiple generations. The very hungry caterpillar eats his way through the book ultimately becoming a beautiful butterfly. Illustrating ideas of growth, change and becoming who you are meant to be.
Winnie the Poo – Classic 1926 edition – By A. A. Milne
This classic book with beautiful illustrations models friendship and wisdom as Winnie the poo and his friends adventure through the hundred acre woods.
The Carrot Seed – By Ruth Krauss
A little boy plants a carrot seed, waters it and waits for it to grow. This timeless book models patience, determination as well as the idea of what could happen when you put effort and care into something and are rewarded for your hard work.
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel – By Virginia Lee Burton
This classic book models hard work and determination. After new machines come in and Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel find themselves out of work, they are determined to prove their worth.
Harold and the Purple Crayon – By Crockett Johnson
This classic book is a testament to the power of imagination as Harold draws his adventures during a “walk in the moonlight”
Where the Wild Things Are – By Maurice Sendak
Little Max dresses in his wolf suit, after running a muck in his house his mother sends him to his room. From there we enter the wonderful world that is his imagination where you witness his adventures to an island where the wild things are! This classic story is another beautiful depiction of the wonders of imagination showing your children how powerful and wonderful it is.
Little Bear 3 Book Set – By Else Holmelund Minarik
This 3 book set offers beautiful stories that emphasize the importance and the beauty of family
The Tale Of Peter Rabbit – By Beatrix Potter
A beloved classic for generations, a mischievous little bunny gets into trouble and must ask for help to find his way back home.
The Shy Little Kitten – By Cathleen Schurr
A shy little kitten embarks on a journey, meeting friends and being adventurous, building confidence and self assurance along the way.
The Poky Little Puppy – By Janette Sebring Lowrey
a fun little story of a curious puppy who digs a hole under the fence and goes on an adventure.
Big Thoughts For Little Thinkers – Jesus – By Joey Allen
Trying to teach your children about the indescribable and incomparable man that is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This book uses preschool aged language and ideas to teach your toddlers about Jesus. A must have in a Christian or Catholic home.
Make Way for Ducklings – By Robert McCloskey
This story is about a woman trying to transport her eight ducklings through the busy streets of Boston to a pond in Boston park. The story models team work and determination to accomplish the task.
The Story of Ferdinand – By Munro Leaf
The story of Ferdinand is about a kind and tender hearted little bull. While the other bulls are playing rough Ferdinand wants to sit and smell the flowers. The story shows children that its okay to not be like everyone else, teaching self love and self acceptance.
Katy No-Pocket – By Emmy Payne
A kangaroo with no pouch is in distress but finds kindness and help in a construction worker. Teaching children that its important to always be willing to help and show kindness to everyone.
The Happy Lion – By Louise Fatio
A happy lion at the zoo finds his cage open one day, naturally he decides to adventure out to say hi to the people of the town, only to find himself confused when everyone is fleeing from him in terror. This funny story models friendship and acceptance.
The Giving Tree – By Shel Silverstein
Everyday a boy comes to the tree, eating apples, and swinging from his branches. He continues to ask more of the tree, and after constantly giving the tree has little left to give. The beautifully written stories touches on themes of gift giving and the ability of a person to offer love in return to build people up.
Chester the Worldly Pig – By Bill Peet
Chester’s dream is to be in the circus. This story models that its important to follow your dreams even when things don’t go as planned and things get tough, its important to persevere and fight for your dreams.
An Evening at Alfie’s – By Shirley Hughes
Join in on the fun adventures of Alfie. These adorable little stories feature charming illustrations and relatable stories for Toddlers.
Bonus: Preschool: Charlotte Mason Guide
A perfect introduction to Charlotte Mason styled Preschool!
I hope you try some of these books for your toddler! Building up a beautiful home library of books for your children is the first step if you are considering home schooling your kids! If you have read any of these, or have any of your favourite living books that I didn’t include, let me know in the comments!
Any of these books would also be great to add to a morning basket for your toddler! If you don’t know what a morning basket is or are looking for tips on what to include in one for your toddler, check out my blog post on Everything I included in my toddlers morning basket from Amazon Canada !
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