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Parent Guides Books. Parents are a child’s first teachers. These 7 books are written for you. They explain how young children learn, how to read aloud well, how to teach early reading, and how to talk so your child listens.
- 7 books
- For parents
- 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 | Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons | Siegfried Engelmann, Phyllis Haddox, and Elaine Bruner | Simon & Schuster | For parents |
| 2 | The Read-Aloud Handbook | Jim Trelease and Cyndi Giorgis | Penguin Books | For parents |
| 3 | Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn—and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less | Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, with Diane Eyer | Rodale | For parents |
| 4 | The Importance of Being Little: What Preschoolers Really Need from Grownups | Erika Christakis | Viking | For parents |
| 5 | Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs | Ellen Galinsky | HarperStudio | For parents |
| 6 | How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2–7 | Joanna Faber and Julie King | Scribner | For parents |
| 7 | The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind | Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson | Delacorte Press | For parents |
Why Parent Guides Books Help
How children learn
Books explain play-based learning and what preschoolers need.
Reading support
Guides show how to read aloud and teach early reading.
Daily strategies
Practical ideas for talking, listening, and handling big feelings.
Confidence
You’ll feel more sure about what to do and what to skip.
7 Best Parent Guides Books for Preschoolers
1. Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
- Author
- Siegfried Engelmann, Phyllis Haddox, and Elaine Bruner
- Publisher
- Simon & Schuster
Summary: A scripted, step-by-step program with 100 short lessons that teach a child the sounds of letters and how to blend them into words.
How it helps preschoolers learn: It gives parents a clear plan, with exact words to say, so they don’t have to guess. Short, daily lessons build skills step by step. It works best when your child is interested and ready.
Try this: Try the first few lessons and stop if your child isn’t ready. Keep it short and positive.
2. The Read-Aloud Handbook
- Author
- Jim Trelease and Cyndi Giorgis
- Publisher
- Penguin Books
Summary: Explains why reading aloud matters and how to do it well, with practical tips for different ages and long lists of recommended books.
How it helps preschoolers learn: It helps parents build a daily reading routine and choose good books. The recommendations make it easy to build a home library.
Try this: Choose one tip from the book, like reading 15 minutes a day, and start tonight.
3. Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn—and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less
- Author
- Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, with Diane Eyer
- Publisher
- Rodale
Summary: Explains how children learn through play and conversation, and why pushing early academics and drills can backfire.
How it helps preschoolers learn: It reassures parents that play is real learning and gives ideas for learning through everyday moments. It supports a play-based approach to teaching at home.
Try this: Turn one drill into a game, like counting steps or hunting for letters.
4. The Importance of Being Little: What Preschoolers Really Need from Grownups
- Author
- Erika Christakis
- Publisher
- Viking
Summary: Looks at what preschoolers need, including time to play, talk, and explore, and questions the trend toward formal academics at a young age.
How it helps preschoolers learn: It helps parents and teachers focus on conversation, play, and curiosity. It gives insight into what a good preschool experience looks like.
Try this: Spend 10 minutes a day following your child’s lead in play, without directing.
5. Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs
- Author
- Ellen Galinsky
- Publisher
- HarperStudio
Summary: Describes seven life skills, such as focus, self-control, communication, and taking on challenges, and explains how to help children build them.
How it helps preschoolers learn: It gives parents practical ways to build skills like attention and problem solving. It shifts the focus from facts to learning how to learn.
Try this: Pick one skill, like focus, and look for chances to practice it in daily play.
6. How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2–7
- Author
- Joanna Faber and Julie King
- Publisher
- Scribner
Summary: Offers practical communication tools for young children, with real-life examples for handling tantrums, power struggles, and everyday frustrations.
How it helps preschoolers learn: It teaches parents ways to acknowledge feelings and solve problems together, which reduces conflict at home. The examples are easy to try right away.
Try this: Try acknowledging your child’s feelings before you give a direction.
7. The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind
- Author
- Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
- Publisher
- Delacorte Press
Summary: Explains how a child’s brain develops and gives 12 practical strategies for handling big emotions and challenging behavior.
How it helps preschoolers learn: It gives parents a simple way to understand tantrums and calming strategies. The strategies support emotional learning and connection.
Try this: Practice ‘connect, then redirect’ the next time your child has a big feeling.
Tips for Reading Parent Guides Books with Your Child
- Pick one book at a time and try one idea a week.
- Don’t try to do everything. Choose what fits your family.
- Check your library for copies before buying.
- Share tips with your partner or caregivers.
Pair These Books with More Learning
Parent Guides Books FAQs
Which parenting book is best for teaching my child to read?
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons gives step-by-step scripted lessons, and The Read-Aloud Handbook explains how and why to read aloud. Many families use both.
Do I need a parenting book to teach my preschooler?
No, but a good book can give you confidence and ideas. You can also use our curriculum and activities, and visit your local library.
Do these books recommend flash cards and drills?
Einstein Never Used Flash Cards argues that play and conversation are better for young children than memorization. The Importance of Being Little makes a similar case for play.
How can I find these books for free?
Check your local library, ask about interlibrary loan, or look for used copies. Many libraries also offer e-books and audiobooks.
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.