Our FAVORITE Preschool Books for Homeschooling
Homeschooling during the preschool years is both exciting and a little overwhelming—especially if this is your first time teaching young children at home. There are countless book lists, preschool programs, and homeschool preschool curriculum options out there, but the best way to approach it is simple: start with great books.
When my daughter was two, we created a book rotation system and it has given her such a love for books! We have the bulk of her books on a bookshelf upstairs, but downstairs we have a reading nook with one forward facing bookshelf that holds around 12 books. Every couple weeks we rotate the books that are displayed in her book nook—this is something I recommend to anyone looking to encourage more reading in their home! (Shop our favorite forward-facing bookshelf on Amazon)
Books are the foundation of early childhood education, and whether you’re drawn to Charlotte Mason living books, thematic units, or more structured detailed lesson plans, having the right resources in hand sets you and your child up for success.
This blog post will guide you through the best preschool homeschool books, how to use them in your home, and why building a lifetime of learning begins in these early years.
Check out these Free Homeschool Resources for Preschool!
Why Books Matter in the Preschool Years
The preschool stage is often defined as ages 3–5 (though every child develops at their own pace). These years are sometimes called the “early years,” and they lay the foundation for everything that follows—language arts in 1st grade, math skills in high school, and even practical life skills in adulthood.
Books play a central role in this process because they:
Introduce vocabulary and language arts naturally.
Develop fine motor skills through related hands-on activities (think cutting, tracing, or making crafts inspired by stories).
Provide a window into social studies, science books, and the wider world.
Encourage imagination through fairy tales and nursery rhymes.
Support family values with Bible stories and even age-appropriate Bible study.
Guide younger children in learning practical life skills like sharing, helping, and working with their little hands.
For preschool-aged children, the best way to encourage learning is through a combination of play-based learning and rich, engaging reading.
For more information on the importance of reading, check out this post on nay.org: Read Together to Support Early Literacy
Living Books vs. Reference Books
If you’re researching preschool homeschool curriculum, you’ve probably come across the term “living book.” A living book is more than just information—it’s written in a narrative, engaging style that captures a child’s imagination. Think of a children’s book that makes your little learners ask for “just one more story.”
By contrast, reference books (like encyclopedias or fact-based texts) can be useful, but they’re best saved for older children or as future learning tools in middle school or high school. In the preschool years, stick to books that feel alive, interactive, and connected to the whole child.
Types of Preschool Homeschool Books
When building your preschool homeschool curriculum, aim for a variety of book types. Here are some of the most valuable categories:
1. Picture Books
A good book with beautiful illustrations is a preschool treasure. Picture books help younger children connect visuals with words, build comprehension, and inspire creativity.
Examples:
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.
2. Nursery Rhymes & Fairy Tales
Classics like nursery rhymes and fairy tales have stood the test of time. They help children develop memory, rhythm, and early phonics awareness.
Examples:
Grimm’s Fairy Tales (adapted editions for little learners).
3. Bible Stories & Faith-Based Books
For families incorporating faith into their homeschool preschool curriculum, Bible stories offer lessons in character, kindness, and practical life skills.
Examples:
The Beginner’s Bible
These can be paired with a simple Bible study routine for preschool-aged children.
4. Thematic Units & Themed Unit Studies
A themed unit is a great place to combine a children’s book with daily activities, crafts, and field trips.
Examples:
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie + baking cookies together.
Make Way for Ducklings + a trip to the local pond.
5. Science Books & Social Studies
Even little learners can explore subject areas like science and history through simple, engaging texts.
Examples:
6. Language Arts & Early Literacy
Focus on books that introduce the letters of the alphabet, phonics, and early reading skills in a natural, playful way.
Examples:
7. Math Skills & Counting Books
Preschool math is best taught through stories, games, and hands-on activities.
Examples:
Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews
Building a Preschool Homeschool Curriculum Around Books
Whether you’re piecing together your own free curriculum or investing in a preschool bundle with detailed lesson plans, books can be the centerpiece of your learning.
Here are a few ways to structure a preschool program:
1. The Charlotte Mason Approach
Charlotte Mason emphasized living books, play-based learning, and cultivating curiosity. For preschool, this means:
Short reading sessions.
Nature walks and field trips.
Copying short lines from favorite children’s books when ready.
Learn more about the Charlotte Mason Approach here!
2. The Thematic Unit Approach
Build units around topics your child loves (dinosaurs, weather, farm animals). For each themed unit, combine:
A picture book or living book.
Related hands-on activities.
Songs, nursery rhymes, or Bible stories.
3. Structured Preschool Homeschool Curriculum
Some families prefer a ready-made preschool homeschool curriculum or preschool bundle that comes with a teacher’s guide, daily activities, and detailed lesson plans. Many offer free resources or a free book list online, and some even provide free shipping on book boxes.
4. A Hybrid Approach
The best option for many families is blending methods. Use a book box of new releases, add free resources from online homeschooling sites, and create your own rhythm.
Practical Life Skills Through Books
Preschool isn’t only about subject areas like math or science—it’s also about teaching practical life skills. Books can guide conversations and inspire practice in:
Sharing and kindness.
Helping with chores.
Building independence with dressing, cleaning up, or cooking.
A good book like The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Chores can lead to a conversation about helping at home with their little hands.
Field Trips and Book Connections
Don’t underestimate the power of pairing books with real-world experiences.
Read The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, then play outside in the snow.
Pair Blueberries for Sal with berry picking.
Explore local museums after reading a simple social studies or history children’s book.
Field trips bring stories alive, and young children remember lessons better when tied to hands-on experiences.
Free Resources and Free Book Lists
If you’re on a budget (and who isn’t during the years of homeschooling), you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of free resources:
Free curriculum downloads online.
Libraries offering book boxes or new releases.
Websites with printable detailed lesson plans for each letter of the alphabet.
Some publishers even offer free shipping on preschool bundles, making it a great place to stock up.
Choosing the Best Preschool Homeschool Books
So, what’s the best way to choose? Here are some tips:
Look for living books that engage your child.
Mix in nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and Bible stories.
Add science books, social studies, and reference books for variety.
Don’t forget practical life skills through storylines.
Consider a preschool bundle with teacher’s guides if you want structure.
Use free resources and free book lists to supplement.
Final Thoughts: A Lifetime of Learning Begins Here
The preschool years are a time of discovery, curiosity, and joy. By choosing the right children’s books, creating themed units, and fostering a love of stories, you’re not just teaching your child—you’re building a foundation for future learning in every grade level, from 1st grade through high school and beyond.
Whether you’re reading aloud a picture book at bedtime, setting up hands-on activities after a morning story, or exploring Bible stories together, remember this: you don’t need to do everything perfectly. The best way to homeschool preschool is to enjoy it alongside your child.
And that is something that will last a lifetime of learning.
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