Blogging A to Z: Rhyming
Probably some of my most favorite books to read aloud – rhyming books! Rhyming books have such great rhythm and really are so much fun to read aloud. Rhyming is a great early literacy tool to practice with PreK kids. The skill of rhyming helps kids to distinguish the different sounds that letters make. This helps kids get ready to read because they understand that by putting different letter combinations together, the word will change. You might also see that your child can “read” their favorite story, oftentimes one that rhymes. Rhyming helps kids more easily memorize songs and stories.
Near Rhymes & Pronunciation
But, I will warn you, some authors will “cheat” a little and use things called near rhymes or slant rhymes. Near rhymes are words that sound similar but do not rhyme. For example, from Hope Is the Thing With Feathers by Emily Dickinson.
“Hope” is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all,
Dickinson uses soul and all as a slant rhyme. It personally drives me bananas when I’m barreling along in a picture book and all of a sudden stumble across a near rhyme. The other thing to look out for are authors from other countries – specifically the U.K. Every once in a while, you’ll find that you have to put on a British accent to pronounce a word to make sure it rhymes!
Rhyming books are so fun to read aloud!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Book List #18 – Rhyming
- 1-2-3 Peas by Keith Baker
I love this series by Keith Baker – the alphabet one is just as fun! - All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
A beautiful story about belonging, filled with diversity on every page. - Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
One of my favorite stories for storytime, the rhyming in this book works so well! - Bloom Boom! by April Pulley Sayre
A poem and beautiful photography are combined in this rhyming book about spring. - If I Was the Sunshine by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Loren Long
I love Julies writing and she’s always paired with the most gorgeous illustrators! - Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Meg Hunt
A feminist, outer space retelling of Cinderella – this is a must-read. - Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast by Josh Funk, illustrated by Brendan Kearney
One of my favorite rhyming authors out there – Josh really knows how to work with rhymes! - Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
Have you heard Ludacris rap this book? It’s awesome! - Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas by Aaron Blabey
This is an adorable story about a piranha that wants to eat fruit! - Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy E. Shaw, illustrated by Margot Apple
This series is well-loved by the kids in our library and is a lot of fun to read aloud. - Underwear! by Jennifer Harney
Any book you read with underwear is sure to be a hit! - Whose Knees Are These? by Jabari Asim, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
A sweet story about all of baby’s body parts.
If you’re interested in purchasing any of the titles on this list, please use my affiliate link for Bookshop.org. When you purchase from this link, I will earn a commission as an affiliate.
For the month of April, I’ll be sharing early literacy tips and book lists as part of the Blogging A to Z Challenge. Learn about the importance of early literacy and ways to incorporate tips and tricks into your family’s daily routine. Developing language skills before kids head to school helps them to be ready to learn when they reach school-age. In addition to great content, you’ll also get a new book list for each letter, resulting in over 300 board book and picture book suggestions for your family to enjoy!
One Comment
J.S. Pailly
I remember reading an old poem in English class where the poet had rhymed the words laughter and daughter. It seems very strange now, but apparently there was a time when those words did rhyme.