The Best “Down in the Garden, Up in the Sky” Books for Preschoolers

Parent involvement in a child’s education is critical in early childhood development and helping a child reach their full potential. Supporting evidence is overwhelming. Research shows parent involvement not only leads to higher academic achievement, greater cognitive and problem-solving skills.  

Reading to your children also helps develop greater self-control, improved mental health, show advanced social and emotional development, become more resilient to stress, and have more positive relationships with their peers when their parents are involved in their children’s education. 

At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse, we recognize these tremendous benefits to children, and we strongly encourage and even expect parents to be involved in their child’s preschool education. One of the ways parents can be involved in their education is by reading to them aloud. 

Our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, Creatively Shine™, consists of fun, engaging monthly themes like “Music and Movement” and “Heart Healthy Lifestyle.”  

The theme for May is “Down in the Garden, Up in the Sky.”  

Here is our list of 10 books that support our monthly curriculum theme.  

• A Rainbow of My Own | Author: Don Freeman
• Worm Weather | Authors: Jean Taft and Matt Hunt
• The Rain Came Down | Author: David Shannon
• Up In the Garden and Down in the Dirt | Author: Kate Messner
• Planting a Rainbow | Author: Lois Ehlert
• The Very Quiet Cricket | Author: Eric Carle
• I See the Wind | Author: Phyllis Harris
• Who Is in the Garden | Author: Simon Abbott
• Compost Stew | Author: Mary McKenna Siddals
• Flower Garden | Authors: Eve Bunting and Kathryn Hewitt

We ensure reading selections are age-appropriate, and we encourage families to ask their children questions before, during and after the book to help them connect what they heard or read. Fun tip: Ask your children to play or act out the plot. This brings the books to life and makes reading even more fun.