If the greatest story on earth is the story of God, and if the Author of this Great Story chose to record it using the art of word, then it is safe to assume that we ought to learn to love reading. The Author of life could have designated any mode, any medium to the revelation of himself, and he did it by his Word.
Though fallen, creation is a host for a world of words. It is filled with books that communicate truth and emotion, ideas and consequences, the human experience.
Growing up, I never learned the love of reading. Tragically, it was a chore, a task set before me for utilitarian ends (e.g., a high GPA, for prestigious college admissions, for a high paying job, for financial security).
But as a young mother, I have a second chance to be acquainted with the world of books again. New perspective this time. Because every good story points a tiny tantalizing light to The Story, which was written at creation and whose ending we know, but whose culmination we still await with eager eyes and longing hearts.

Here's a look at our first ever official summer reading list, which my three year old daughter happily used this summer:
- The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
-
The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies by Beatrix Potter
- The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher by Beatrix Potter
- The Tale of Benjamin Bunny by Beatrix Potter
- The Tale of Two Bad Mice by Beatrix Potter
- Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall
- Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
- Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
- Blueberries For Sal by Robert McCloskey
- The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
- The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton
- Puss In Boots (Classic fairy tale)
- Hansel and Gretel (Classic fairy tale)
- The Golden Bird (Classic fairy tale)
- Snow White (Classic fairy tale)
- Cinderella (Classic fairy tale)
- The Little Mermaid (Classic fairy tale)
- Jack and the Beanstalk (Classic fairy tale)
- Moses the Kitten by James Herriot
- Only One Woof by James Herriot
- Bonny's Big Day by James Herriot
- The Market Square Dog by James Herriot
- Smudge, the Little Lost Lamb by James Herriot
- Brambly Hedge: Spring Story by Jill Barklem
- Brambly Hedge: Summer Story by Jill Barklem
These titles range across classic fairy tales of old and more modern classics. Each of these stories delightfully draws you into a world of its own. Great for focused toddlers and older!
If you'd like to use this list, I have a simple printable reading list for you to download.
Download the Preschool Reading List
Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device