Kansas Reads to Preschoolers is an annual event, since 2005, that promotes reading to all Kansas children from birth through age five in the month of November. Through the statewide program, parents, librarians and caregivers are encouraged to read the chosen title during a selected week and month.
A committee of librarians, library consultants and childcare professionals identify picture book titles well-suited to story time and children’s programs. The State Librarian reviews the committee’s three suggested titles then makes the final selection of one book to feature the month of November during Kansas Reads to Preschoolers.
Download documents with suggestions for activities, partners, recipes and read-a-likes in the boxes below.
Promotional Resources: Look in the right-hand column and you'll find downloadable posters in English and Spanish, banners for your unique event documents and social media graphics in English and Spanish to help invite your community to your Kansas Reads to Preschoolers events.
For more information about Kansas Reads to Preschoolers, contact Valarie Lamoreaux, Deputy State Librarian and Center for the Book Coordinator.
Little Nita has a BIG and delicious idea to serve her community, and she must persevere to see it through; this is the premise for the 2025 Kansas Reads to Preschoolers featured book, “Little Nita’s BIG Idea” by Anna W. Bardaus. Kansas Reads to Preschoolers Month is celebrated each November and encourages reading to all Kansas children from birth to age five.
"Research confirms that reading with children fosters more than just bonding among readers; it builds language, social-emotional skills, imagination and world awareness,” said Deputy State Librarian and Center for the Book Coordinator Valarie Lamoreaux. “The State Library of Kansas supports parents, educators, librarians — everyone who reads books with children.”
Kansas Reads to Preschoolers is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book, a program at the State Library of Kansas, the state affiliate of the Library of Congress’ Center for the Book. The mission of the Kansas Center for the Book is to highlight the state’s literary heritage and foster an interest in books, reading and libraries.
All Kansans are invited to explore this year’s BIG Idea with their local libraries. Contact Valarie Lamoreaux, Deputy State Librarian and Center for the Book Coordinator, Valarie.Lamoreaux@ks.gov, or via phone, 785-296-0393, with questions about this celebration of reading.
The State Library of Kansas supports the informational needs of government entities and the people of Kansas and serves as a repository for government publications. Through the coordination of statewide resource-sharing initiatives and grant programs, the State Library plays a crucial role in strengthening public libraries. The State Library of Kansas also oversees the Talking Books program, which provides specialized materials and support services to qualifying Kansans. Learn more at library.ks.gov.
Scholastic Literacy Partnership Program members can order now. If not a member, register for the Literacy Partnership Program. Contact Jennifer Johnson, jjohnson@scholastic.com or 800-387-1437 x6242 to confirm Literacy Partnership Program member.
Read-aloud Digital Book: Little Nita’s Big Idea / La gran idea de la pequeña Nita by Anna Bardaus with your preschoolers. English and Spanish options. Digital book created by SMART Reading, a literacy program in Oregon.
Haz clic para leer Little Nita’s Big Idea / La gran idea de la pequeña Nita con tu infante. Opciones de lenguaje disponibles: ingles y español. Libro digital creado por SMART READING, un programa de alfabetismo en Oregon.
