We are soaking up the summer rays and good vibes here at the InvestiGator Club®. In between fizzy, fuzzy water fun and silly sandcastles, the InvestiGators™ have been reading and chatting about delightful books that focus on foundational literacy. We are out of control and need to share.
We recently posted our Science of Reading Insight by Dr. Timothy Shanahan about the impact of learning letter names in early reading. The InvestiGators™ hand picked a wish list of great books to introduce or practice alphabet knowledge and phonemic awareness this summer. These fun, sing-songy books are perfect for together reading.
As supporters of independent bookstores, especially Sammy’s Bookshelf, we encourage you to purchase all your books from this charming little shop. Don’t get up — just squish your toes in the sand and open the InvestiGators™ Wish List for easy ordering and delivery of our favorite reads (or yours) to keep the learning growing this summer.
Favorite Reads
Dinosaur Roar! 🔗
By Henrietta Stickland and Paul Stickland
A rhythmic, roaring introduction to dinosaurs that’s both fun and educational. With bold illustrations and simple opposites (fast/slow, weak/strong), it’s perfect for toddlers learning language and dino-lovers of any age.
Sheep in a Jeep 🔗
By Nancy E. Shaw and Margot Apple
A silly, bumpy adventure featuring five sheep and one red jeep. This classic rhyming tale is full of mischief and mishaps, making it a favorite for early readers and giggle-filled read-alouds.
Clara Caterpillar 🔗
By Pamela Duncan Edwards and Henry Cole
Clara may not be flashy like some butterflies, but she’s brave and true. A beautiful story about self-acceptance and the power of inner strength, with alliteration and rich vocabulary that make it a teaching gem.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom 🔗
By Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault, and Lois Ehlert
A vibrant alphabet romp where letters climb a coconut tree in chaos and fun. With its catchy rhythm and colorful illustrations, this modern classic is a must for any early literacy shelf.
Alligators All Around: An Alphabet 🔗
By Maurice Sendak
From the legendary author of Where the Wild Things Are, this quirky board book explores the alphabet with a family of alligators. Whimsical, funny, and delightfully retro.
Animalia 🔗
By Graeme Base
An intricate, visually stunning alphabet book that doubles as a seek-and-find puzzle. Each page is packed with alliterative animals and hidden details — a favorite for older children and adults alike.
The Gruffalo’s Child 🔗
By Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
A clever little mouse outsmarts predators — and even a mythical Gruffalo — in this rhyming tale of brain over brawn. Witty and perfectly illustrated, it’s a modern classic of imaginative storytelling.
LMNO Peas 🔗
By Keith Baker
Peas — yes, peas! — bring the alphabet to life as they zip around on bikes, paint murals, and more. A creative twist on ABCs that celebrates individuality and possibility.
Eating the Alphabet: Fruits & Vegetables from A to Z 🔗
By Lois Ehlert
Vibrant collage art introduces children to healthy eating and a wide range of fruits and veggies from around the world. It’s an educational favorite with rich colors and simple labeling.
Little Blue Truck 🔗
By Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry
A friendly blue truck teaches lessons about kindness, teamwork, and helping others. With rhythmic text and country charm, it’s an enduring favorite for toddlers and preschoolers.
Read together. Share the ❤️.
About The InvestiGator Club®:
The InvestiGator Club® family of early childhood resources delivers play-based learning programs for children from birth through transitional kindergarten. Standards-based curricula are approved and adopted in states throughout the U.S., including Texas, Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland, Louisiana, Illinois, Minnesota, South Carolina, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Delaware, and more. The delightful InvestiGator Club® characters engage young children in developmentally appropriate experiences that bring joyful learning to classrooms, childcare providers, and families. For more information, email Robert-Leslie Publishing, The Early Childhood Company™, or call 773-935-8358.