12 Letter A Books for Preschool Read Alouds
Are you on the hunt for the perfect books to introduce the fascinating world of the letter ‘A’ to your preschooler? Look no further! As a mom and former teacher, I know how important it is to make early learning enjoyable and impactful, and that’s why we’ve created this list of letter A books just for you.
From adventurous ants to amazing apples, this collection is filled with children’s books that not only help with letter recognition and early literacy skills, but also excite young minds with fun stories and vibrant illustrations.
Whether you’re a parent looking to spend quality reading time with your child or a teacher eager to enhance your lesson plans, these books are sure to be a hit.
This book list is the first in our series of letter books, so be sure to check out our other lists as you move through all the letters of the alphabet!
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Letter A Books for Preschoolers
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When you're looking for books on specific alphabet letters, the Animal Alphabet Library is one of the best ways to teach letter recognition and letter sounds. "A is for Ant" is a captivating board book that dives deep into the world of ants with vibrant illustrations. Instead of hopping from one animal to the next like most alphabet books, this book cleverly focuses on 'A' words like antenna, apple, anthill, and even ant farm, each page revealing cool facts about ants. It's more than just playful imagery; there's a sprinkle of knowledge on every page. With this blend of fun and learning, it's no wonder your little one might be reaching for it again and again!
Apples is a book all about one of the most common fruits in America. The book talks about lots of things people do with apples, like making apple pie or cider. This book doesn't fall far from the apple tree, along with all of the festivities included in this fun book.
We absolutely love all of the popular books from Mo Williams, and this book is no exception! First of all, the illustrations in this book are absolutely charming, capturing the warm relationship between Amanda and her stuffed alligator. Even before reading the story, the illustrations will make you feel like you are a part of Amanda and Alligator's world.
The story itself is very engaging, exploring themes of friendship and relatable issues for toddlers and young children. This makes it a fantastic choice for a read-aloud session with your little ones.
Although the book is targeted towards a younger audience, the writing style is timeless and you will enjoy it as much as the children do. The story is not overly simplistic, but is layered with humor and depth. The playful tales and cute drawings are sure to make both kids of all ages smile. It's a must-have for any bookshelf or classroom!
This book is about a little girl who wants to squash an ant, but the ant tries to defend himself. This teaches kids to care for animals and people of all shapes and sizes. Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist read this book and said it was, "The perfect tool to help inspire compassion in our world’s youth.”
This wonderful and fun book has great lessons of morality for kids growing into caring and respectful people.
Informational texts are a great way to teach new concepts to young children. Acorn to Oak Tree is a great book and is one of the best books that explain the cycle of how a tiny little acorn grows into a giant tree. Children enjoy learning about the life cycle of plants, and this little book with its simple texts and photos is the perfect introduction.
Amazing Airplanes is a book all about planes, different parts of planes, and plane crew, yet makes it fun by using cute illustrated animals. Any child obsessed with machinery will love this book. It talks about the landing gear, the cockpit, the cabin, and more. It also shows the cute little animals and watch as they become the stewards, pilots, and other assorted crew.
10 Apples Up On Top! by Dr. Seuss is a classic book where a lion, dog, and tiger try to balance apples on their heads, counting from one to ten. It's packed with 'A' words like "apples" and "animals," making it awesome for teaching preschoolers about the letter 'A'. The catchy story and cool pictures make it a hit with the little ones! Great choice for any classroom working on counting and letter recognition or for fun bedtime reading.
This book takes young readers on a stellar journey beyond our planet. Through dazzling illustrations and simple yet engaging text, kids get a peek into the life of an astronaut, exploring spaceships, experiencing zero gravity, and gazing at distant stars. This book is a dream ticket for any child fascinated by space, making them feel one step closer to the stars. It's a cosmic ride that blends fun and learning, fueling both imagination and curiosity about the universe!
This enjoyable book is a super fun read. It's about a kid who's sure there's an alligator hiding under his bed. The story follows his clever plans to get rid of it, making for some really funny moments. The pictures are colorful and playful, perfect for capturing little ones' attention. It's a great pick to show kids that facing their fears can be a fun adventure. It's great for a read aloud at school, or as a reminder that there's nothing scary about going to bed!
You know how sometimes you just feel like everything is going wrong? Well, Alexander knows that feeling all too well, and in this classic book, you'll experience his no good, very bad day with him. As you read through the story, you might even find yourself nodding along, thinking, "Yes, I've had a day just like that!"
While the book is written primarily for kids, adults will find plenty of humor and relatability in Alexander's misadventures. The author uses engaging language and illustrations that are sure to keep both you and your little one entertained. If you're looking for a playful bedtime story or read aloud, this book is a great pick.
This children's book is perfect for teaching your little ones about counting and apples. The plot revolves around a group of farm animals who pick apples from a tree, one by one. The vibrant illustrations are sure to catch your child's eye, keeping them engaged throughout the entire story.
One of the best aspects of this book is how it cleverly incorporates counting and subtraction into the storyline. Your child will enjoy counting along with the animals as they pick apples from the tree, and witness how the number of apples decreases with each animal's turn. This real-world application of counting adds an educational touch to a charming story.
As you open "Richard Scarry's A Day at the Airport," you instantly feel the anticipation of an airport adventure. The story follows lovable and relatable characters as they embark on a journey filled with airport discoveries and excitement.
The detailed illustrations are both captivating and colorful, drawing in young readers as they explore the busy world of travel. This book is a great tool for familiarizing your child with airport vocabulary or setting expectations for an upcoming trip.
As You Read…
As you are reading to your child, point to the words on each page. Have your child identify the letter of the alphabet that you are working on and point to it.
Practice finding the different ways to write the letter A. Point to the capital letters and lowercase letters on each page.
Look at the pictures and name all of the items that start with A.
Pair the letter sound with letter identification. For example, practice repeating “A, apple, /a/” for the short a sound.
When reading new books, give your child the opportunity to predict what will happen next.
After reading a book, ask your child to tell you something that happened in the story. See if they can remember the main character or tell you their favorite part.
Other Ways to Learn Letter A
Books are a fun way to learn letters, but there are other great ways too! Be sure to check out our Show and Tell Letter A Ideas for lots of things that start with A. You may want to try different foods that start with A and try some new recipes! These letter A toys can be great for educational play.
Check Out These Alphabet Books
If you want some great alphabet books to identify all of the letters, here are a few of our favorites:
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.
- AlphaOops!: The Day Z Went First by Alethea Kontis
- G is for Goat by Patricia Polacco
- See our full list of the best alphabet books here!
MEET THE AUTHOR
Amanda
As a mom of 4 kids (and the oldest of 4 kids herself), Amanda has over 30 years of parenting experience. A former special education teacher, Amanda has a Master’s degree in Special Education and a second M. Ed. in Educational Leadership.
When she’s not working, Amanda enjoys DIY projects, exercising, photography, and long walks through Target.
You can find Amanda on all social media at @parentingnestblog and @amandaseghetti
