best preschool books for the letter Ee

Reading opens a world of imagination and creativity for our children. If I read to each of my children each day, both together and individually, than I consider the day a success!

One of the main reasons why we do a letter of the week style preschool at home is to encourage me to continue to read new books, do new activities, and introduce new vocabulary. For our letter of the week, I will usually find a small stack of books and read them at breakfast time and try to emphasize the “Ee” at the beginning of words. We cycle through the small stack throughout the week during meal or other quiet times in the day. This is a fun way to read new books and reinforce some beginning sound phonics work.

Reading benefits a child’s mind, a child’s speech, a child’s life. You can read more about why reading is one of the most important things you can do with your baby or child at 10 reasons to read to your child.

I am making a preschool list for all of our favorite books from A to Z. And here is our preschool book list for the Letter E!! {You can see a detailed explanation for our preschool plans here : next round of the alphabet, for our preschool.}

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Our list for the Best Preschool Books for the Letter E

Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss is, by far, our favorite Ee book. Horton, a sweet and trustworthy elephant, is taken advantage of, and stuck sitting on a nest that is not his own. Paired with Seuss’ rhymes, this story will capture your heart, and teach your children about honesty and keeping your word.

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss is a beloved book in our home. But I have to be careful because every time we read it, my son wants me to make green eggs! We made a sensory bin for this beloved, and memorize-able, classic too!

An Extraordinary Egg by Leo Lionni is one of my son’s favorites. He just thinks that friendship between the little alligator and frog is the sweetest. And the last page cracks him up every time. I always appreciate Leo Lionni’s gorgeous collage illustrations.

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper tells the tale of the little train engine who helps the cars and cars full of toys and “good things to eat” get to the good boys and girls over the mountain. A tale to teach a child to say “yes!” and to try new things, even when it may be hard. {See: Three stories to teach children, “I Can Do It!”}

Emma’s Pet by David McPhail teaches children about feelings and emotions. Emma feels sadness and joy and many emotions in between as she seeks to find the perfect pet. What she finds in the end is heartwarming and tear-jerker worthy.

Emma’s Turtle by Eve Bunting is another story about another Emma. This time, a little girl, named Emma, excites her pet turtle about faraway lands and places. The turtle goes off on his own little adventure and learns a sweet lesson in the end.

The Ear Book by Al Perkins is fun early reader for young preschoolers.  The lively illustrations and rhymes will keep children interested and laughing.

The Eye Book by Theo LeSieg is another fun body part book in the genre of Dr. Seuss rhyme and fun pictures.  A boy, a girl, and everything else under the sun can see with their eyes!

Uncle Elephant by Arnold Lobel is a sweet I Can Read! story about a little orphaned elephant who is taken in by his fun, boisterous uncle.  This book, by the same author of Frog and Toad and Owl at Home, includes the classic simple sentences and beautiful, but no-nonsense pictures that parents and children have grown to love.

“Stand Back,” Said the Elephant, “I’m Going to Sneeze!” by Patricia Thomas is the story of all the animal’s fear over one big elephant trying to hold back a sneeze. This classic tale is redone with beautiful, realistic animal illustrations.

But No Elephants by Jerry Smath tells the story of an old woman who tells the salesman at her door that she will buy a pet, as long as it is not an elephant! A sweet tale, with rich and hilarious illustrations, about an old lonely lady and the biggest land animal.

The Elves and the Shoemaker retold by Lesley Sims One good turn deserves another is a moral lesson for the ages, but it doesn’t have to be boring! This is an enchanting story of down-on-their-luck cobblers, who stumble upon a hidden world of magical, mischievous elves. With beautiful illustrations and free online audio.

The Emperor and the Nightingale retold by Lesley Sims Have you ever heard the song of a nightingale? The Emperor hadn’t, but when he did, he became so entranced he just had to try to capture it for himself. Maybe trying to own a piece of nature for yourself isn’t the best idea, though… Readers of all ages will get lost in this heartbreaking but ultimately heartwarming story, which comes with free online audio.

Make sure to check out:

Tot School: Letter E

Our growing collection of free printables

10 reasons to read to your child

Best board books for baby