Repetition is key to many types of learning, but it’s especially important for early literacy learners! As they learn to navigate text and make predictions, children can predict upcoming text and engage not only with the story, but with the rhythm of the story structure– without even realizing it! That’s why stories with repetitive refrains are not only fun to read aloud, but they are a perfect choice for an early learner. Here’s a list of ten of our favorite picture books with repetitive refrains!
Dinosaurumpus by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees
When the ground starts to rumble and your feet start to shake, you’d better get ready– because the dinosaurumpus is about to begin! In this super fun rhythmic read-aloud, all kinds of dinos gather to boogie through the night– with a repeating refrain that will keep you and your littles dancing right along with them! This is such a fun book both to read and get your kiddos moving and grooving!
Bedtime at the Swamp by Kristyn Crow, illustrated by Macky Pamintuan
It may be time for bed, but there’s a monster in the swamp! Instead of splashing back home, brothers, sister, and cousins scamper up a tree to hide– and when the monster finds them, even he is in for a big surprise! This rollicking story bounds from page to page with the refrain, “Splish, splash, rumba-rumba, bim, bam, boom!” It’s the perfect book for any bedside table– your kids will beg for it over and over again!
The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen, illustrated by Dan Hanna
Despite the pleading of all his friends, the Pout-Pout Fish can’t cheer up. He’s convinced that because of how he’s made, all he’ll ever be able to do is pout. Then a very special fish shows him a different way to use his pout-pout features. This fun story reminds both kids and adults that it’s never too late to change our perspective!
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean
Pete the Cat has four groovy buttons (and a song to sing about them!), but one by one, they all pop off! When the last button pops, will he be able to keep singing his song? With multiple refrains, simple math, and vibrant illustrations, this is a fun read for kids and adults.
A Bear Sat on my Porch Today by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Rilla Alexander
First a bear, then a squirrel, then a skunk and a raccoon?! No matter how many times the narrator cries “Boo, Shoo!” the woodland animals just won’t leave her porch! And that porch can only hold so much weight…. This charming story will keep your kids giggling. Check it out!
Can I Join Your Club? by John Kelly and Steph Laberis
All Duck wants are friends, but when it comes to Lion Club, Snake Club, and Elephant Club, he’s just not what they’re looking for. When Duck finally decides to create his own club, he changes the application rules– and ends up with the most friends of all! This fun, quirky story is full of whimsical illustrations, great read-aloud elements, and an important message about including others.
Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank
As Mama buys supplies at the market, Baby charms the many market sellers. One after another, they give Baby bananas, oranges, biscuits, and more, until Mama’s basket is very, very heavy. This sweet story includes bright illustrations, an introduction to numbers, and a beautiful message of generosity and community.
Ducks Away by Mem Fox, illustrated by Judy Horocek
As Mother Duck leads her five ducklings across a bridge, one of her ducklings peers down and falls into the water below! As the other ducklings fall one by one to the river, Mother Duck is left to wonder where she should go– should she stay on the bridge or join the babies below? An excellent choice for illustrating number combinations with early learners, this story is short, sweet, and fun!
Five Busy Beavers by Stella Partheniou Grasso, illustrated by Christine Battuz
Five busy beavers work to build a dam, but one by one, they leave– until only one busy beaver is left to complete construction. When the last busy beaver takes a break, he returns to a big surprise from all his woodland friends! This rhyming story includes simple number practice as well as fact pages that explain the importance of beaver dams to each of the animals mentioned in the book.
The Ninjabread Man by C.J. Leigh, illustrated by Chris Gall
Far away in a small dojo, a sensei mixes an age-old recipe that will test his students like no other test can. But when he opens the oven door, the ninjabread man slips past even the sensei! Spouting a twist on the refrain of the traditional gingerbread man story, the ninjabread man taunts each of sensei’s students. Will any of them defeat the “dangerously delicious” cookie? This clever take on the gingerbread man story even includes a recipe for ninjabread! Check it out!
I hope you enjoyed these Top 10 Picture Books with Repetitive Refrains!
For more great ideas, feel free to check out Top 10 General Nonfiction Picture Books or my Top 10 Animal Picture Books!
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