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Music, Rhymes, and Songs Books. Songbooks and rhyme books give you the words and actions for the songs preschoolers love. They help children hear the sounds in words, learn finger plays, and build a repertoire to sing at home. These 8 books are favorites with families and teachers.
- 8 books
- Ages 3–5
- Summary and how it helps
- Author and publisher listed
A note about editions: publishers and covers change when books are reprinted, and some books are published by more than one imprint. The publisher listed is for a recent edition. Check the cover or the ISBN of the copy you buy or borrow. Your local library can often find any of these books for free.
Quick Picks
Use this table to compare the books. Tap a title to jump to the full summary.
| # | Book | Author | Publisher | Ages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Wheels on the Bus | Raffi | Crown Books for Young Readers | 3–5 |
| 2 | Down by the Bay | Raffi | Crown Books for Young Readers | 3–5 |
| 3 | Baby Beluga | Raffi | Crown Books for Young Readers | 3–5 |
| 4 | My Very First Mother Goose | Iona Opie (editor) | Candlewick Press | 3–5 |
| 5 | The Neighborhood Mother Goose | Nina Crews | Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins) | 3–5 |
| 6 | Hand Rhymes | Marc Brown | Dutton Children’s Books | 3–5 |
| 7 | Wee Sing Children’s Songs and Fingerplays | Pamela Conn Beall and Susan Hagen Nipp | Price Stern Sloan | 3–5 |
| 8 | The Eentsy, Weentsy Spider: Fingerplays and Action Rhymes | Joanna Cole and Stephanie Calmenson (compilers) | Morrow Junior Books | 3–5 |
Why Music, Rhymes, and Songs Books Help
Words at your fingertips
Songbooks give you lyrics and actions so you can sing along.
Rhyme and rhythm
Rhyme collections build sound awareness for reading.
Finger and action plays
Hand rhymes build finger strength and focus.
Together time
Singing from a book makes a cozy family routine.
8 Best Music, Rhymes, and Songs Books for Preschoolers
1. The Wheels on the Bus
- Author
- Raffi
- Illustrator
- Sylvie Kantorovitz Wickstrom
- Publisher
- Crown Books for Young Readers
Summary: A picture-book version of the classic bus song, with a new action and sound on every page.
How it helps preschoolers learn: Children learn the sounds and parts of a bus, and the song invites actions. Singing and reading together builds rhythm and memory.
Try this: Add your own verses and make a bus from a cardboard box.
2. Down by the Bay
- Author
- Raffi
- Illustrator
- Nadine Bernard Westcott
- Publisher
- Crown Books for Young Readers
Summary: A silly rhyming song where each page asks a funny question that ends in a rhyme. Children love thinking up their own.
How it helps preschoolers learn: It builds rhyme awareness and creativity. Silly pictures keep children laughing.
Try this: Think of your own silly rhyming question together.
3. Baby Beluga
- Author
- Raffi
- Illustrator
- Ashley Wolff
- Publisher
- Crown Books for Young Readers
Summary: A gentle song about a baby beluga whale swimming and playing in the sea, with calm pictures to match.
How it helps preschoolers learn: The slow, soothing tune is great for quiet time. It introduces ocean animals and gentle storytelling.
Try this: Read it at rest time and talk about ocean animals.
4. My Very First Mother Goose
- Author
- Iona Opie (editor)
- Illustrator
- Rosemary Wells
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press
Summary: A collection of classic nursery rhymes with warm, detailed illustrations of animals and children.
How it helps preschoolers learn: Rhymes build sound awareness and memory. Detailed pictures give children lots to talk about.
Try this: Pick a rhyme a week to learn by heart, with actions.
5. The Neighborhood Mother Goose
- Author
- Nina Crews
- Illustrator
- Nina Crews
- Publisher
- Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins)
Summary: Familiar nursery rhymes illustrated with photographs of children in a city neighborhood.
How it helps preschoolers learn: Real photos help children connect rhymes to their world, and the diverse children let many families see themselves.
Try this: Act out a rhyme with your own neighborhood or toys.
6. Hand Rhymes
- Author
- Marc Brown
- Illustrator
- Marc Brown
- Publisher
- Dutton Children’s Books
Summary: A collection of finger and hand rhymes with illustrations that show the hand motions for each rhyme.
How it helps preschoolers learn: The pictures show how to do each finger play, so parents can learn quickly. Hand motions build finger strength and attention.
Try this: Learn one hand rhyme and do it in the car or at the table.
7. Wee Sing Children’s Songs and Fingerplays
- Author
- Pamela Conn Beall and Susan Hagen Nipp
- Illustrator
- Nancy Spence Klein
- Publisher
- Price Stern Sloan
Summary: A well-known songbook of traditional children’s songs and finger plays, with simple words and music notation.
How it helps preschoolers learn: It gives parents the words and actions for many classics. It’s a handy reference for building a family song collection.
Try this: Choose a song from the book each week and make up your own verse.
8. The Eentsy, Weentsy Spider: Fingerplays and Action Rhymes
- Author
- Joanna Cole and Stephanie Calmenson (compilers)
- Illustrator
- Alan Tiegreen
- Publisher
- Morrow Junior Books
Summary: A collection of fingerplays and action rhymes, with simple instructions and cheerful illustrations.
How it helps preschoolers learn: Finger plays build finger strength, memory, and listening. The clear instructions make them easy to learn.
Try this: Do a finger play before a meal or in line at the store.
Tips for Reading Music, Rhymes, and Songs Books with Your Child
- Pick one song or rhyme a week and repeat it.
- Add actions and let your child lead.
- Use the pictures to talk about the story in each song.
- Sing without worrying about your voice.
Pair These Books with More Learning
Music, Rhymes, and Songs Books FAQs
Where can I find the words to preschool songs?
Songbooks like the ones on this page include the words and often the actions. Your local library is another great source. Our song pages list titles and ideas but don’t reprint lyrics.
What is the best songbook for a preschooler?
Choose one with clear pictures, songs you already know, and simple directions for actions. A mix of picture-book songs and a larger collection works well.
Do I need a CD or app to go with a songbook?
No. Many parents sing from the book. Some songbooks include a CD or are paired with recordings, which can help you learn the tune.
Are nursery rhyme books still worth buying?
Yes. They give children a shared set of rhymes and build sound awareness. They’re also short, so they fit into busy days.
More Book Lists
- English and Early Reading (12)
- Math and Counting (11)
- Science and Nature (10)
- Feelings and Friendship (11)
- Art and Creativity (8)
- Music, Rhymes, and Songs (8)
- Community and School Readiness (9)
- Parent Guides (7)
- All Preschool Books
Make Reading Part of Every Day
Pair these books with our free curriculum, activities, songs, and printables.
Sources
- CBS News: AAP recommends reading aloud to children daily, starting in infancy
- CDC: Milestones by 4 Years
- CDC: Milestones by 5 Years
- NAEYC: Developmentally Appropriate Practice
This guide is general educational information for parents. It is not medical advice. Book summaries are written in our own words. If you are concerned about your child’s development, talk with your child’s doctor or teacher.