Concept Books are a perfect genre for early learners and readers, as they focus primarily on introducing a concept, whether it be shapes, colors, weather patterns, self-acceptance, or emotional fluency. That being said, the best concept books weave multiple concepts into the same story– check out some of our favorite concept books (and this blog post), and you’ll see what we mean!
I Spy from A-Z
It’s time to learn letters– and play a game at the same time! In this fun concept book, colorful groups of objects are pictured, and learners must find the objects that start with the featured letters. Once they’ve guessed the objects, they can check their answers on the next page! Vibrant colors and interesting objects are perfect for literacy learning fun!
You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang, illustrated by Christopher Weyant
In this adorable book, two fuzzy friends argue about who is big and who is small– until a pack of new arrivals completely changes their perspective. A fantastic read-aloud, this story teaches multiple concepts—but most importantly, what it means to be different.
The Color Monster: A Story about Emotions by Anna Llenas
Color Monster has a big problem– with all his colorful emotions jumbled up, he can’t make sense of them at all! Thankfully, a little girl helps him sort them out, explaining each vibrant emotion one by one. Colors, feelings, and creative cut-paper illustrations make this simple story a must!
How the Crayons Saved the Rainbow by Monica Sweeney, illustrated by Feronia Parker Thomas
The Sun and Clouds have always been best friends, but after a fight, they refuse to spend any more time together. As a result, the world loses all its rainbows—and then, all of its color! That is, until a forgotten box of crayons takes matters into its own, well, colors. This fun story focuses on multiple concepts, including color and weather– and the crayon illustrations?! Just perfect.
Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes by Roseanne Greenfield Thong, illustrated by John Parra
Full of color and culture, Round Is a Tortilla teaches children how to look for shapes in everyday life. With simple poetry that integrates multiple Spanish words, children will find triangles in watermelon slices and tortilla chips, see squares in fountains and windows, and discover ovals in lockets and eggs. Not only that, but there’s a glossary of terms at the back!
Triangle by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
When Triangle plays a sneaky trick on Square, Square can’t help but play a sneaky trick of his own on Triangle. But was Square’s trick on purpose or by accident? While you and your child figure out that question, your little one will also be learning to recognize shapes and sizes! Perhaps all that hidden learning is the authors’ sneaky trick?! :) In any case, this fun book will have you giggling and getting brainier all at once!
Goodnight Numbers by Danica McKellar, illustrated by Alicia Padrón
In this sweet concept book, parents put a baby to bed while each page focuses on everyday numbered objects, narrated in a style similar to Goodnight, Moon. There are four frogs on the bathroom mat and nine butterflies on the mobile above the baby’s crib. There are five splashes in the tub and ten fingers and toes. This book acts as a perfect bedtime book, as well as a fun way to introduce numbers all around us.
10 Little Ninjas by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Nate Wragg
In this clever take on the classic No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, two parents have their hands full with 10 little ninjas, then 9 tiny astronauts, 8 rapid racers, and on and on until, finally, all ten kids are fast asleep. Great as a read-aloud, bedtime book, or counting book, this fun story uses jaunty repetition and familiar rhythm to celebrate kids’ imaginations and teach early learning skills!
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho
Her eyes aren’t like sapphire pools with a fringe of feathery lashes. Instead, they kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, just like her mama’s eyes, her grandmother’s eyes, and her little sister’s eyes. In this gorgeous story, the main character recognizes her own beauty through the love she feels for and from her family members. With sweeping illustrations and beautiful imagery, Eyes that Kiss in the Corners is a must-read.
Outside In by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Cindy Derby
In our Inside lives, we can sometimes forget that Outside exists. But Outside always seems to find ways to remind us– and to beckon us back. With vibrant watercolor illustrations and simple imagery, Outside In is a beautiful tribute to our never-ending relationship with nature.