28 Nursery Rhyme Books for Preschool and Pre-K

the best nursery rhyme books for preschool

Are you looking for nursery rhyme books to read-aloud to your Preschool or Pre-K class? Research has shown that a child’s “ability to recite familiar nursery rhymes was both directly and indirectly related to later literacy and language abilities.” Here are 28 of my favorite nursery rhyme books you kids will love!

the best nursery rhyme books for preschoolers

Nursery Rhyme Books for Preschool and Pre-K

If you think nursery rhymes are old-fashioned, or they’re just for babies – think again! Nursery Rhymes are the hallmark of any high-quality early childhood program.

These classic rhymes are also powerful learning tools in the learning to read process. Reading popular nursery rhymes with young children daily in your classroom will help your students develop phonological awareness and oral language skills, which both directly impact reading development.

twinkle twinkle little star

Favorite Nursery Rhymes: Itsy Bitsy Spider

Is preschool really preschool without the Itsy Bitsy Spider? I think not!

Want to expedite the emergent literacy process in your classroom? Infuse your classroom centers with learning and fun with these done-for-you Itsy Bitsy Spider Lesson Plans.

Best Nursery Rhyme Books for Preschoolers

Classic Nursery Rhymes: Hey Diddle Diddle

Remember, the next time you say “Hey Diddle Diddle, the cat and the fiddle,” you’re helping your little learners become future readers!

Hey Diddle Diddle is a fun nursery rhyme that lends itself well to learning a wide variety of literacy skills. Aside from rhyming, this rhyme can be used to teach vocabulary, characters, setting, beginning, middle, and end – plus more! Bring this literacy rich rhyme to life in your classroom with our Hey Diddle Diddle Lesson Plans.

humpty dumpty

Nursery Rhyme Books: Humpty Dumpty

The classic cautionary tale of Humpty Dumpty remains popular to this day because young children can easily relate to the story line.

If you want to up your nursery rhyme game, then you don’t want to miss out on the Humpty Dumpty Lesson Plan Bundle!

mary had a little glam

Nursery Rhymes: Mary Had a Little Lamb

This rhyme is one my own students loved dearly for many years because we acted out the story in class. Just ask for volunteers to play the roles of Mary, the lamb, and the teacher. The other students play the roles of the children who laugh and play throughout the rhyme.

Invite the students to use their own names when they play the part of Mary, for example, “Jackson had a little lamb.” The student playing the part of the lamb crawls around the floor and follows whomever is playing the part of Mary.

Maria Had a Little Llama
Maria Had a Little Llama, by Angela Dominguez
A diverse version of the classic rhyme is a must have in today’s classroom. Invite your little learners to discuss ways the story is alike and different from the classic version.

Mary Had a Little Lizard
Mary Had a Little Lizard, by Kayla Harren
This wordless picture book is fantastic for teaching concepts like the pictures tell the story. You can also read it at the end of your Mary Had a Little Lamb study and ask your students if it reminds them of any other stories.

You can use the Mary Had a Little Lamb Lesson Plan Bundle to bring this rhyme to life in your own classroom.

the best nursery rhyme books for preschoolers

Nursery Rhyme Books for Preschool

I love doing this rhyme during our transportation unit!

Three Little Kittens

Three Little Kittens

If you’re looking for a rhyme that is perfect for your dramatic play center, then look no further! Put some mittens and clothespins in your dramatic play center. Next, attach a piece of string or yarn between two chairs and invite your students to wash the mittens and hang them to dry. You can also provide your students with colorful pom-poms, light brown felt, and pie tins to make pretend pies.

twinkle twinkle little star
Due to it’s popularity, this rhyme is perfect for the beginning of the school year, or for your space theme.

little miss muffet
Little Miss Muffet, by Iza Trapani
Here’s another favorite that my kids adored acting out each October.

baa baa black sheep
Baa Baa Black Sheep, by Iza Trapani
Hickory Dickory Dock, by Keith Baker

Jack B Ninja
Jack B. Ninja, by Tim McCanna and Stephen Savage
Your little learners will love this unique take on the classic rhyme!

The Neighborhood Mother Goose, by Nina Crews

More Nursery Rhyme Resources