[Billy Goats Gruff Posts: 10 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

I'd like titles of books that are specifically targeting 3 to 5 year olds, though up to 6 is fine.

I don't mean books that a 3 year old would like, even though the book is for an older audience. I mean books that are specifically published with 3 to 5 years in mind.

[Franzilla Posts: 1,000 Status: Offline Gah! WWW]

I'm sure lots of people will chime in with recommendations, but have you tried the advanced search on Amazon? Then you could limit your search to a specific age and even a publisher, which might be even more helpful to you. Although looking at it, they define it by baby-3, and 4-8 years old. So maybe that's not so useful?

Actually, I did a quick search on 'picture books 3-5 years' and came up with this on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/b?node=2578999011

Might be helpful to you! Good luck!

[Billy Goats Gruff Posts: 10 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Excellent, thank you Franzilla. 

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 6,227 Status: Offline Language is so cool! WWW]

Everything by Eric Carle, Denise Fleming, Brian Barton, Donald Crews, and Lois Ehlert. (Okay, so I may be exaggerating when I say everything, but it will be close to everything.) There are many more authors who specialize in this age group. The librarian is your best friend for searches like this.

[koozoo Posts: 84 Status: Offline Writing=Breathing! WWW]

Lois Lenski, Leo Leoni are two of my favorites. Kevin Henkes too. Plus the ones already mentioned - especially Eric Carle.

So many choices!

[Billy Goats Gruff Posts: 10 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Thanks, everyone. It seems that those books are from author/illustrators. I heard from a published friend that her editor said picture books are going to trend towards 3-5, as opposed to 5-9, so I was curious about the makeup of those books. Of course, that's one editors opinion from a division of a Big Five, and others may feel differently. Just sharing what I heard.

[Keila Posts: 57 Status: Offline I know what it means, to miss New Orleenz WWW]

Ezra Jack Keats books come to mind. A Snowy Day, Whistle for Willie. Recent book, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and Are You Ready to Play Outside by Mo Willems.  Books well under 1,000 words.

[Billy Goats Gruff Posts: 10 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Thanks, Keila! 

[HDWestlund Posts: 993 Status: Offline writer and bookseller]

I have to be honest, as a bookseller, I consider 3-5 the prime PB age for almost any picture book. Most parents are now seeking to get their 5-9 year olds reading and easy reader/chapter books are what you see them buy for their 5-9 year olds the most.

Popular books include Lady Bug Girl, Olivia, Llama Llama, Fancy Nancy, etc., which really are prime for 3-5. Lesser known, personal favorites include "Wink, the Ninja Who Wanted to Be Noticed", "Tea Rex", "Dangerously Ever After", "The Princess and the Bag of Frozen Peas", and Mark Teague's latest Three Little Pigs retelling (the wolf just has low blood sugar...) Among soooo many others--there really are a lot of great picture books out there.

[Pczajak Posts: 12 Status: Offline Read everyday! WWW]

Lets not forget Monster Needs A Costume. Oh are we not self promoting...sorry.

[Betsy Posts: 2,123 Status: Offline PICKY EATERS WWW]

I have two children in that age group to buy for this year. I know most of the classics (and these kids have them plus books written by several people on this board), but what about books currently out this year? Any recommendations? I admit I haven't kept up.

[dinalapomy101 Posts: 1,831 Status: Offline Happy writing to all! WWW]

I agree with HD; as a librarian when patrons ask for the books for 3-5 year olds, I point them to the picture books. 6-9, I go for easy readers and early chapter books, etc.

Ellen, some picture books I've loved this year are MR. TIGER GOES WILD, FLORA & THE FLAMINGO, THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT, XANDER'S PANDA PARTY, and MOUSTACHE BABY.

[Betsy Posts: 2,123 Status: Offline PICKY EATERS WWW]

Thanks, Deena!

[Andi W. Posts: 546 Status: Offline WWW]

The Obstinate Pen --  Frank Dormer  (my just 5 yr. old grandson loves this one)


Sophie's Squash --Pat Zietlow Miller


The Day Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans --David LaRochelle

[Pczajak Posts: 12 Status: Offline Read everyday! WWW]

Two of my favorites are


The Dark by Lemony Snicket




Stuck by Oliver Jeffers

[Vijaya Posts: 6,890 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

Ooooh, lots of authors: Rosemary Wells, Eric Carle, Eve Bunting, Kevin Henkes, Lola Schaffer, and some of our own members: Betsy(Ellen), KatyD, Anne Marie, SYoon (Salina), and many more. Even though my children are teenagers, we still can't give away some of our PBs.

Vijaya

 

[RevellWriting Posts: 20 Status: Offline Author of STONEBIRD WWW]

Check out some of Neil Gaiman's picture books.