You are sitting in front of a group of preschoolers, book in hand. You may wonder whether this will be the story that captures their imagination. I know, I’ve been this teacher.
After years of working with young children in early childhood settings across Australia, I’ve learned something important: the right picture book doesn’t just entertain. It teaches, connects, and opens up a whole world of learning.
That’s why I put together the Storykate Booklist. It is a curated collection of the very best picture books for storytime with preschool children. The list is complete with activity extensions and learning prompts for each one.
Here’s a taste of what’s inside.
Why Picture Books Are So Powerful in Early Childhood
Picture books are far more than bedtime entertainment. I believe they have to be chosen thoughtfully and shared intentionally.
- Great books build language and literacy through rich vocabulary, rhyme, and repetitive text – think of Outcome 5 or language domain
- They develop emotional intelligence by exploring feelings, empathy, and relationships
- Books spark curiosity and inquiry: a great story always leads to great questions
- Books support cognitive development through sequencing, prediction, and problem-solving- think of the learning outcome 4
- Create community: shared stories build connection between children and educators – links well to Outcome 2
The books I’ve selected aren’t just popular. Every book has been read many times in real early childhood settings. They are genuinely engaging, captivating, and rich with learning potential.
A sneak peek at some favourites
🐛 The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
A timeless classic that teaches numbers, days of the week, healthy eating, and the life cycle of a butterfly: all through gorgeous collage illustrations. Perfect for extending into felt board stories, garden observations, and lifecycle puzzles.
🦁 The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Children love this one for its rhyming patterns, imaginative storytelling, and lessons in courage and problem-solving. A brilliant book for extending into puppet making, dramatic play, and drawing fantastical creatures.
🐨 Possum Magic by Mem Fox
A quintessentially Australian story that introduces children to native animals, iconic Australian foods, and the beauty of our landscape. Wonderful for map activities, food tasting, and connecting children to Country.
🐻 We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
Repetitive, rhythmic, and irresistible for young children. This one extends beautifully into obstacle courses, sound walks, bush walks, and collaborative storytelling.
🌈 The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
A stunning story about sharing, kindness, and the true meaning of friendship — with shimmering illustrations that children absolutely love. Perfect for process art, sensory play, and acts of kindness challenges.
🧙 Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
Friendship, teamwork, and bravery: all wrapped up in a magical rhyming adventure. Children love the dramatic play extensions: making potions, building brooms, and re-enacting the story.
What Makes My Booklist Different
There are plenty of “best books for kids” lists on the internet. But this one was built by an experienced early childhood educator.
Every book recommendation includes:
✅ Why this book / the specific learning value it offers
✅ Prompts and extensions / hands-on activities to extend the story into play, inquiry, and deeper learning
✅ Australian context / including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and Australian wildlife
✅ Diversity and inclusion / books that reflect the beautiful diversity of Australian families and communities
This is the kind of resource I wish I’d had when I started out in childcare in 2007…
Who Is This Resource For?
This booklist is perfect for you , if you are
- 👩🏫 Early childhood educator looking for fresh storytime inspiration
- 📚 Certificate III and Diploma ECE student building your professional practice
- 🏠 Family day care educator creating meaningful learning experiences at home
- 👨👩👧 Parent who want to extend their child’s love of books beyond the page
Get the Full Storykate Booklist
The sneak peek above is just a small taste of what’s inside. The full Storykate Booklist includes over 35 carefully selected picture books — each with detailed learning rationales and rich activity extensions across literacy, maths, science, dramatic play, art, and more.
It’s a resource you’ll come back to again and again throughout your early childhood career.
