Supporting Imagination and Exploration
Carefully selected books to support imitation, symbolic representation, and active exploration
Young children are naturally curious about the world around them. They learn through observation, exploration, and pretend play. They’re also beginning to notice, recognize, and engage in play using props, gestures, and roles. The books in this series are designed to support curiosity and imagination through colorful and engaging stories and illustrations.
Be a Friend
Be a Friend
Written and illustrated by Salina Yoon, this book tells the experience of a boy who connects to the world and others by showing, instead of speaking.
Bedtime for Sweet Creatures
Written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, in this book a child goes through the same emotions and actions as different animals as they prepare for sleep.
Red, Yellow, Blue (and a Dash of White, Too!)
Zonia's Rain Forest
Nosotros Means Us
Written and illustrated by Paloma Valdivia, this story features a mother and child who imagine transforming into different versions of themselves over time.
Nosotros Means Us
Written and illustrated by Paloma Valdivia, this story features a mother and child who imagine transforming into different versions of themselves over time.
Shadow
Green on Green
Written by Dianne White and illustrated by Felicita Sala, this story follows a family noticing changes in the world, and in their own family, as each season passes.
Flashlight
TEACHING THROUGH BOOKS
Key Takeaways
Books can encourage investigation and exploration
Investigation and exploration are key ingredients that spark a love for learning. They foster curiosity and creative thinking about the world around us
Books can inspire and support pretend play
Children have an opportunity to learn about the world and themselves through pretend play. Books encourage children to imitate, pretend, and engage in role-playing.
Books show how we use symbols to convey ideas
Our world is filled with symbols that convey ideas, emotions, and information. Books provide an opportunity to introduce and talk about the way we use symbols in everyday life.
