Machines of all type are fascinating to preschoolers, from fire trucks to trains. A storytime featuring cars and driving will surely be popular. For a craft project, make traffic light bookmarks. Also be sure to sing “Wheels on the Bus.”
Barton, Byron. MY CAR. Bright graphic illustrations show Sam in his car, driving to work.
Bee, William. AND THE CARS GO An engaging rhyme and graphical illustrations describe a traffic jam.
Burningham, John. MR. GUMPY’S MOTORCAR. Everyone wants to ride in Mr. Gumpy’s car, but no one wants to help push the car out of the mud.
Clement, Nathan. SPEED. A stockcar race, complete with the various colored flags, is this focus of this engaging book with a surprise ending.
Coy, John. VROOMALOOM ZOOM. Carmela’s father takes her on an imaginary car ride, so she will fall asleep.
Floca, Brian. RACECAR ALPHABET. An action-packed, alliterative text is the highlight of this celebration of racecars and the alphabet.
Harper, Jamie. MILES TO GO. Miles drives his little car to preschool.
Hubbell, Patricia. CARS: RUSHING! HONKING! ZOOMING! A wide variety of cars are celebrated in this energetic rhyming story.
LaReau, Kara. OTTO: THE BOY WHO LOVED CARS. Otto is so obsessed with cars that he turns into one!
Mitton, Tony. COOL CARS. Rhyming verse and colorful cartoons combine in this informational story, which is part of the “Amazing Machines” series.
Stein, Peter. CARS GALORE. Staccato verse and retro-style cars combine for a fun look at vehicles.
VanLieshout, Maria. BACKSEAT A-B-SEE. In this clever alphabet book, road signs are used to encourage children to “read” signs while in the car.