Just Imagine: Best Picture Book Read Alouds to Inspire Imaginative Play
Note: This post includes affiliate links.
My favorite memories of childhood are those in which I found myself creating and exploring different worlds. I remember producing and acting in countless performances, spending hours building and playing in forts, climbing “mountains,” and hunting for leprechauns. Childhood at its best is imagination and imaginative play.
As a mom and educator, my favorite aspect of Wiwiurka products is their natural ability to inspire imagination and wonder. I’d like to share five of my favorite picture book titles that inspire imaginative play.
WE BECAME JAGUARS
Publisher: Chronicle Kids Books | Author: Dave Eggers | Illustrator: Woodrow White
One day, a boy’s grandmother comes for a visit. Together, the two transform into fierce jaguars and explore the jungle, mountains, and more, only stopping when the boy realizes he should probably get to school.
Buy on Bookshop: We Became Jaguars
Buy on Amazon: We Became Jaguars
MY RAINY DAY ROCKET SHIP
Publisher: Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers | Author: Markette Sheppard | Illustrator: Charly Palmer
On a rainy day, a boy is stuck indoors. He decides to create an adventure unlike any other by making his own rocket ship and gear out of everyday household items and by blasting off to space. This book shows how kids can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary through imagination.
Buy on Bookshop: My Rainy Day Rocket Ship
Buy on Amazon: My Rainy Day Rocket Ship
GRACE AND BOX
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends | Author: Kim Howard | Illustrator: Megan Lotter
When the new refrigerator arrives, Grace gets Box. Grace and Box are the best of buddies. Box becomes a rocket, Roman ruins, a submarine, and more. When Box’s condition deteriorates, Grace takes care of it and finds innovative ways to extend its life and continue their creative adventures together.
Buy on Bookshop: Grace and Box
IVY BIRD
Publisher: Blue Dot Kids Press | Author: Tania McCartney | Illustrator: Jess Racklyeft
Ivy spends her day among the birds, pretending that she is a bird from sunup to sundown! Ivy pecks about, paddles in the pond, and creates a secret treasure nest. This delightful title captures the playful spirit of childhood and the joy of imaginative play.
STUCK INSIDE
Publisher: Sunbird Books | Author/Illustrator: Sally Garland
Tilly and her dog Toby are stuck inside. Together they gather a collection of outdoor belongings, many of which had been forgotten. With all their stuff, they make plans, reminisce about the past, and imagine great adventures. They also invent a spectacular dog-walking machine! In the process, they forget that they are stuck inside and they realize that the real fun of the outdoors lies within themselves.
These kids’ imagination stories can also be found in a Bookshop collection here and on an Amazon list here. They can be paired with a Montessori climbing arch in order engage kids in creative play. The featured XXL Rocker Balanced Board was kindly gifted by Wiwiurka.
You can discover more of my book recommendations and ideas on Instagram @thekidlitmama.
