Have you been searching around for a great book to read to your preschoolers for President’s Day? If so, I know of a handful of books that you may want to take a look at. They are some of my favorites. Here’s a cursory glance at each one:
“George Washington’s Teeth”
If your preschoolers enjoy rhyming books, I’d definitely recommend that you pick up a copy of Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora’s book “George Washington’s Teeth.” It tells the story of the iconic President’s dental problems in a very entertaining way. Most kids are sure to find it funny in spots. Oftentimes, you can buy a copy of the book through major retailers for less than $7.
Based on my experience, the book can also be paired with a host of activities. For example, you could take the opportunity to talk to you child about good oral hygiene and use plaque disclosing tablets to further make your point. Depending on your timing, you might even be able to take advantage of the Give Kids A Smile Day. It is an annual event that takes place in early February. You can read more about it on the Colgate website. There are also free lesson plans related to George Washington’s teeth posted on the Dental Museum’s website that you could utilize as well.
“George Washington’s Cows”
David Small’s book “George Washington’s Cows” is another funny, rhyming book that I am sure your preschoolers will adore. The storyline focuses on the President’s animals, which seem to have an interesting life of their own. The book tends to retail for around $12 a copy.
You can find a mini lesson plan to pair with the book on the Live Oak Media’s website. I’d also suggest that you consider giving the kids a themed snack to go along with the story. Excellent items to use during snack time are containers of milk, Cow Tails, dried cherries and Very Cherry Rice Krispies Treats.
“Looking at Lincoln”
I’d also like to suggest that you check out Maira Kalman’s book “Looking at Lincoln.” I found it to be well written, entertaining and full of fun facts that most preschoolers will appreciate. For example, there are references made to Lincoln’s favorite dessert, his favorite fruit and his dog. In most instances, a copy of the book may be purchased through assorted retailers for around $13.
“Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers”
In my opinion, Karen B. Winnick’s “Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers” is an enjoyable read as well. The storyline focuses on the actions of Grace Bedell. Bedell was said to have written a letter to Lincoln asking him to grow whiskers during his run for the Presidency. The kids I know of liked the story as well as the illustrations. Your preschoolers may feel the same way. Purchasing a copy of the book through a major retailer is likely to lighten your wallet by about $10. You can also find free lesson plans to use with the book posted on the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s website.
“Let’s Celebrate President’s Day”
Lastly, you may want to think about picking up a copy of Peter Roop’s book “Let’s Celebrate President’s Day.” Even though it is geared towards kindergarteners, I think that some preschoolers will appreciate the book too. It contains a lot of information about Washington, Lincoln and the White House along with a few jokes thrown in for good measure. The illustrations were nicely done as well. You can usually purchase the book for less than $10 through select retailers.
Source: Personal Experience
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