Teaching your child about the letter P with letter P books can really help them to grasp the various letter P words and what the letter P sounds like in context. As you read these, be sure to point out the letter P on the cover of any of the books starting with P to help them not only learn about it’s sound, but also what it looks like.
Letter P Books for Preschool
Polly Porcupine’s Painting Prizes by Barbara deRubertis (Animal Antics A to Z)
I really love the Animal Antics A to Z series. They are the first books I head for when teaching about a certain letter to my children. Not only are they fun, but they very prominently (and creatively) feature the letter for each book. In this one Polly Porcupine has a painting problem. Her paintings are sloppy and drippy and different – and Papa Porcupine does NOT appreciate the mess. Can Polly solve her problem and paint a picture for the art show at the same time?
Poppleton by Cynthia Rylant
Meet Poppleton — he’s the new pig in town! He makes friends with his new neighbor, Cherry Sue. He goes to the library every Monday to read adventure stories. And he helps his friend Fillmore take his medicine when he is sick.
Penguin and Pinecone by Salina Yoon
When little Penguin finds a lost pinecone in the snow, an unlikely friendship blossoms. But Grandpa reminds Penguin that pinecones don’t belong in the cold: they need to be in the warm forest far away. Although he will miss his friend, Penguin returns Pinecone to his proper home.
Smart About the Presidents by Jon Buller, Maryann Cocca-Leffler, Dana Regan, Susan Saunders, and Jill Weber (Smart About History)
Kids will love discovering the floor plan of the White House, a list of presidential perks, and lots of interesting info about all the presidents, from George Washington to Barack Obama. (Did you know he is the only president born in Hawaii?) Each page is jam-packed with trivia, fun facts, and information on the historical events of each presidency.
The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey and Gustaf Tenggren
Five little puppies dug a hole under the fence and went for a walk in the wide, wide world. . . . The Poky Little Puppy was one of the original twelve Little Golden Books published in 1942, and went on to become the bestselling picture book of all time. The story of a curious puppy, who digs holes under fences and who has to go to bed without any strawberry shortcake, has delighted families for generations. it is, quite simply, an icon. Delightful to read aloud, The Poky Little Puppy is a cherished story that every child should know.
Perfectly Percy by Paul Schmid
This is Percy. Percy loves balloons. Balloons are fun! But Percy has a small problem . . . . . . and to solve it, he’ll need a really big idea! Paul Schmid, the author and artist of Hugs From Pearl, presents a story about an adorably prickly character with a big heart. Percy shows that there is no problem too big for a plucky porcupine to solve!
The Princess and the Pizza by Mary Jane Auch and Herm Auch
Full of tongue-in-cheek references to stories like Rapunzel, Snow White, and the Princess and the Pea, this fractured fairy tale is an hilarious twist on traditional tales in which a young woman’s practicality, good humor, and intelligence let her shape her own happy ending – with extra cheese and all the toppings her heart desires.
Pirates Love Pajamas by Sarah Hadsell
Riotous rhymes follow the course of a typical wacky day in the lives of a crew of pirates, from hoisting sails and laughing to dancing in cozy pajamas.
The Puddle Pail by Elisa Kleven
While sensible Sol collects things like feathers and shells, Ernst has a more whimsical approach: He wants to collect puddles and all they reflect–clouds, stripes, colors, and stars. Ernst’s imagination soars once he begins his amazing collection. Two brothers have very different ideas about what to collect–one likes bottlecaps, the other likes…puddles!
The Panda Problem by Deborah Underwood
Every story needs a problem. But Panda doesn’t have a problem. Unless . . . Panda is the problem.
The Penguin and the Pea by Janet Perlman
This retelling of the Princess and the Pea is based on the Hans Christian Andersen story, except the characters become penguins and do penguin-like things.
Pigs Love Potatoes by Anika Denise and Christopher Denise
One pig wants potatoes . . . then so does his brother . . . his sister makes it three pigs, and Papa makes four. Then there are the neighbors! Now all the piggies want potatoes, and soon it’s one big potato party! Anika and Christopher Denise have teamed up to create this most charming, classic counting book, full of picture-perfect pigs and pleasing rhyme. Children will love Pigs Love Potatoes as much as, well, pigs love potatoes. And as you’ll see, that’s quite a bit!
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
Lilly loves everything about school, especially her cool teacher, Mr. Slinger. But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse and its treasures to school and can’t wait until sharing time, Mr. Slinger confiscates her prized possessions. Lilly’s fury leads to revenge and then to remorse and she sets out to make amends.
A Poodle in Paris by Connie Kaldor
In this charming story featuring funny illustrations by Fil & Julie and 12 catchy songs written and performed by Connie Kaldor, a dog named La Grande Fifi strolls through the streets of Paris bumping into a wide assortment of friends, including her Bichon Frise band who plays for her in a club called “Le Bow Wow!”.
The Princess and the Pea by Hans Christian Andersen and Jana Christy
A Little Golden Book version of the timeless fairytale of a princess and her sleepless night. Hans Christian Andersen’s classic The Princess and the Pea is a timeless story beloved for its bold princess and a little pea that ends up causing a big problem. Featuring beautiful illustrations filled with a bright array of colors, this charming Little Golden Book makes for a perfect bedtime read.
Plant Packages: A Book About Seeds by Susan Jane Blackaby (Growing Things)
A seed is like a little package – it has everything that it needs to make a new plant. Learn how tiny seeds can grow into big, leafy foliage.
A Pail Tale by Debbie Farrand
A lonely pail on the beach finds its true self worth. Finding out what it is NOT, Pail realizes that it can bring happiness to a little girl and at the same time, understands its purpose during a fun day at the beach.
Pajama Time! by Sandra Boynton
Pajama Time! is a good-night book with the irrepressible language, the inimitable illustrations, the irresistible cast of characters only Sandra Boynton could create. A jump-roping chicken and a pig on a swing. A Scottie in plaid pajamas and an elephant in a fuzzy one-piece with feet. And in sing-along nuttiness reminiscent of Barnyard Dance!, it’s time to head to bed-to the beat: Pajammy to the left. Pajammy to the right. Jamma jamma jamma jamma P!J! Everybody’s wearing them for dancing tonight. Jamma jamma jamma jamma P!J!
Dinner at the Panda Palace by Stephanie Calmenson
In this charming counting book, children will learn the importance of inclusion. Join one hungry elephant, two carsick lions, three pigs running from a wolf, and dozens of other playful yet famished animals as they swing, bound, and bounce into the Panda Palace for a hearty meal. But when the restaurant is totally full, will Panda make room for one more guest?
If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff
If you give a pig a pancake, she’ll want some syrup to go with it. You’ll give her some of your favorite maple syrup, and she’ll probably get all sticky, so she’ll want to take a bath. She’ll ask you for some bubbles. When you give her the bubbles… Readers will delight in the story of an accomodating little girl who tries to keep up with the whims of a busy little pig.
Potato Pants! by Laurie Keller
A potato and his eggplant nemesis struggle to find the perfect pants in this hilarious, heartwarming tale of forgiveness by bestselling Geisel-Award winning creator Laurie Keller. Potato is excited because today―for one day only― Lance Vance’s Fancy Pants Store is selling . . .POTATO PANTS! Potato rushes over early, but just as he’s about to walk in, something makes him stop. What could it be? Find out in this one-of-a-kind story about misunderstandings and forgiveness, and―of course―Potato Pants!
Princesses Wear Pants by Savannah Guthrie and Allison Oppenheim
Princesses Wear Pants follows the unflappable Princess Penelope Pineapple, who knows how to get the job done while staying true to herself. Princess Penelope lives in a beautiful palace with a closet full of beautiful dresses. But being a princess is much, much more than beauty. In fact, every morning Princess Penelope runs right past her frilly dresses to choose from her beloved collection of pants! What she wears each day depends on which job she has to do. Will she command the royal air force sporting her sequined flight suit? Or, will she work in the kingdom’s vegetable garden with pocketed overalls for all of her tools? Unfortunately for Princess Penelope, not everyone in the Pineapple Kingdom thinks pants are always appropriate princess attire. When the grand Lady Busyboots demands that Princess Penelope must wear a gown to the annual Pineapple Ball, the young royal finds a clever way to express herself. Penelope’s courage (and style choices) result in her saving the day!
Memoirs of a Parrot by Devin Scillian
Join a brilliant, but stubborn, parrot as he endures the banality of the pet store before being purchased by an equally insufferable young man. But while things between parrot and owner get off to a rocky start, the delights of having a pet (or human) bring them both around in the end.
I Am Invited to a Party! by Mo Willems (An Elephant and Piggie Book)
Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can. Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to. Gerald and Piggie are best friends. In I Am Invited to a Party! Piggie is invited to her first party. She doesn’t know what to wear, though, so she asks her best friend Elephant for help. Elephant’s advice is odd to say the least, so Piggie will try on all sorts of zany outfits before finally arriving at the party for a hilarious surprise.
Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party by James Dean and Kimberly Dean
It’s a party, a party, a perfect pizza party! That’s what Pete thinks as he piles the pie high with his favorite topping—pepperoni. But then his friends come over and add their own toppings to the pizza. Will Pete’s perfect pizza be ruined?
Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg
In this book with your little eye, take a look and play I spy – so starts the classic story from best-selling author/illustrator team, Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Each Peach Pear Plum introduces favourite fairy tale characters, such as Tom Thumb and The Three Bears and, with a poem on each page hinting as to what is hiding in the picture, children are encouraged to participate and follow the story themselves.
Parade by Donald Crews
Illustrations and brief text present the various elements of a parade–the spectators, street vendors, marchers, bands, floats, and the cleanup afterwards
The Peas Say Please by Tori Hane (I Can Do It)
This shaped board book is perfect for little ones who are growing up and trying new things–like sitting at the table. Is your child ready to transition from high chair to booster seat? These polite peas and other mealtime friends are ready to help! Reinforces manners & socializing Supports language & comprehension skills Encourages healthy food choices
Pencil: A Story With A Point by Ann Ingalls and Dean Griffiths
Jackson and Pencil used to have loads of fun drawing together. But after Tablet arrives on the scene and takes over, Pencil is no longer #1. He feels pointless. In a digital world, a perfectly punny celebration of imagination and hands-on creativity. Pencil and his boy Jackson are a great pair: they draw, they sketch, they scribble. But then Jackson gets Tablet and Pencil finds himself dumped in the dreaded junk drawer; he just can’t compete with Tablet’s videos, games, and movies. How will Pencil ever reclaim Jackson’s attention? With the help of some new pun-loving junk-drawer friends (and a drooling, pencil-chomping dog), Pencil sketches out a plan to draw Jackson back into their friendship. Pencil: A Story with a Point is a gentle reminder that technology is no match for imagination.
Penguins! by Anne Schreiber (National Geographic Readers)
They waddled into stardom in National Geographic’s March of the Penguins film. These guys are now nature’s ROCK STARS! If you’re age 5, you’re probably as tall as an Emperor. But why do they throw up so much? March this way, and find out all!
Pool Party! by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin (A Click Clack Book)
On a hot summer day, Farmer Brown and the animals have a pool party! One by one, everyone gets cool in the pool. Splash! Splash! Splash! Everyone except the cows, that is. The cows don’t like to be splashed. The cows don’t like noise. The cows don’t like a crowded pool. Will everyone have fun in the sun?
A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea by Michael Ian Black and Kevin Hawkes
Could anything possibly be more fun than a pig parade!? You wouldn’t think so. But you’d be wrong. A pig parade is a terrible idea. Pigs hate to march, refuse to wear the uniforms, don’t care about floats, and insist on playing country music ballads. Those are just some of the reasons. And trust me, this hysterical book has plenty more!
People by Peter Spier
In this encyclopedic picture book, Spier celebrates mankind in all its diversity-how we are similar and how we are different; in what we wear, eat, play, and how we worship. Small vignettes fill each page, illustrating the wonderful variety that exists among peoples of different cultures and races.
Pie by Sarah Weeks (Scholastic Gold)
When Alice’s Aunt Polly, the Pie Queen of Ipswitch, passes away, she takes with her the secret to her world-famous pie-crust recipe. Or does she? In her will, Polly leaves the recipe to her extraordinarily fat, remarkably disagreeable cat, Lardo . . . and then leaves Lardo in the care of Alice. Suddenly, the whole town is wondering how you leave a recipe to a cat. Everyone wants to be the next big pie-contest winner, and it’s making them pie-crazy. It’s up to Alice and her friend Charlie to put the pieces together and discover the not-so-secret recipe for happiness: Friendship. Family. And the pleasure of doing something for the right reason.
Pilgrims Progress: A Poetic Journey by Paul Cox, Stephanie Cox, and John Bunyan
Inspired by John Bunyan’s beloved story, “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” this book takes its readers on an incredible, poetic journey, filled with inspiring illustrations of the trials and triumphs of one man’s pilgrimage. Children of all ages will love it! Paul Cox of RefToons has put together this excellent kids version of an introduction to The Pilgrim’s Progress.
Curious George: Pinata Party by Marcy Goldberg Sacks
At a birthday party, Curious George discovers how hard it is to hit a pinata without being able to see. He sets out on a trek around the city with the help of Charkie, the dog, to explore using his other senses. When he returns to the party, George applies his heightened senses to make a direct hit at the pinata! Activities include fun suggestions for exploring your senses and a five senses quiz.
Pandas Love Pickles by Liz Lynch
Pandas Love Pickles is a whimsical ABC book that explores animals, food, different cuisines, and alphabet letters in a way that will inspire your young eater to try new things at mealtime. Through gorgeous illustrations of animals paired with silly foods to try, your little one will be excited to discover new things to eat.
Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann
Pinkalicious loves all things pink. From fairy dresses to cotton candy to bubblegum. Most importantly she loves eating pink cupcakes. Mommy and Daddy warn her not to eat too many, but Pinkalicious can’t help herself. They’re just too good! But when Pinkalicious eats one too many, she turns pink herself! What will she do?
Pinwheel by Salina Yoon
Turn the wheel and watch each scene transform with spinning, eye-catching designs! Award-winning artist Salina Yoon’s spectacular display of kinetic art immerses readers in a colorful, poetic journey. From a balloon-filled sky to the deep blue sea, Pinwheel reminds readers of the beauty all around them. Let the fun begin with every spin!
Piggies in Pajamas by Michelle Meadows
After Mama has put her kids to bed, she settles in to make some phone calls. But she keeps hearing things from upstairs. Could her little piggies be jumping on the bed or playing dress-up instead of sleeping? But every time Mama goes up to check on them, they are all tucked in…until the noises begin again! Kids and parents alike will relate to the eternal bedtime struggle so playfully depicted in this delightful picture book.
The Pilgrims of Plimoth by Marcia Sewall
In a text that mirrors their language and thoughts, Marcia Sewall has masterfully recreated the coming of the pilgrims to the New World, and the daily flow of their days during the first years in the colony they called Plimoth. When the pilgrims set out for America, they brought with them a dream for the future. Sickness, hardship, and heartache stood in the way of that dream. But the pilgrims worked hard, keeping their dream close to their hearts, until they were finally able to make it come true.
Richard Scarry’s Planes by Richard Scarry (Richard Scarry’s Busy World)
Climb into the cockpit and take-off with this board book of Richard Scarry’s fast and fun planes! Featuring jet planes, helicopters, parachuters, and even Santa’s sleigh, little pilots will be searching the skies for vehicles as whimsical as these.
Planets by Elizabeth Carney (National Geographic Readers)
This brilliantly illustrated book taps into children’s natural curiosity about the vast world of space. This level 2 reader, written in simple language that is easy for young readers to understand, introduces children to our solar system, including all of the planets and dwarf planets, and lots of fascinating fun facts.
A Platypus, Probably by Sneed B. Collard III
What has a bill like a duck’s and the body of a beaver? A platypus, probably. Engaging text follows a female platypus through her life, while sidebars offer in-depth information about this unique monotreme and her environment. Vivid, accurate illustrations capture the wonder of this amazing creature.
Police: Hurrying! Helping! Saving! by Patricia Hubbell
Police rush off to start their day. Who know what jobs will come their way! Police keep us safe and protect us. They direct traffic, give directions, and provide first aid. The police are our friends!
Porcupine’s Pie by Laura Renauld (Woodland Friends)
Porcupine can’t wait to share Fall Feast with her woodland friends, so when everyone she greets is unable to bake their specialty due to a missing ingredient, Porcupine generously offers staples from her pantry. When Porcupine discovers that she, too, is missing a key ingredient, the friends all work together to create a new Fall Feast tradition. Porcupine’s Pie will inspire children ages 4-8 to act generously.
Pandas Love Pizza by Liz Lynch
Calling all young readers and picky eaters! If you loved Pandas Love Pickles, you have to try Pandas Love Pizza. Featuring ALL NEW ANIMALS exploring ALL NEW FOODS, this charming book of ABC’s inspires children to always keep trying new things at mealtime!
Pray & Play Bible for Young Children by Group Publishing
This Bible story and activity book is certain to become a classic! 14 favorite Bible stories are beautifully bound in a large 9×12 hardcover complete with four-color artwork throughout. Bible stories spring to life with beautiful…easy, child-friendly language…and fun play that helps children enjoy and remember. Children will experience and remember each important Bible story!
Perpetually Preying Praying Mantis by Marilyn Anderson and Marilyn Kent
An educational, entertaining and beautifully illustrated book about the praying mantis. The book includes limericks, science fun facts, care of the praying mantis, puzzles and a finger puppet project.
Propeller Plane by Nancy Robinson Masters (How Does It Fly?)
The earliest airplanes all used propellers to fly. Find out how these planes work and how they were used.
Never Touch a Porcupine by Stuart Lynch
You must never touch a porcupine . . . except in this book! This woodland-animal-themed touch-and-feel book is perfect for young children. They will love reading the funny rhymes that warn of the dangers of touching the animals . . . and then ignoring the advice! Innovative silicone touches feature throughout the book, with a different texture for children to explore on every spread.
The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs (Parable Series)
This charming story for children illustrates how a loving farmer can turn a simple pumpkin into a simply glorious sight. In the same way, God’s transforming love can fill each of our hearts with joy and light. Liz Curtis Higgs created this parable as a way to share the Good News with her own precious children each harvest season . . . and now with children everywhere.
Patty Panda’s Perfect Patches by Betty Ward Cain
Patty Panda is great at sewing. Her specialty is making unusual patches for pants with holes. She can make any hole in pants look special and unique. It is fun to try and guess what her patch will look like when you see the hole she is trying to cover. Patty’s name makes the “p” sound. Can you think of other words that begin like Patty’s name? Patty has a special song and she loves to play letter sound games. She also has a guessing game. Can you remember what patch she made for each hole shape?
Pyramids by Laura Marsh (National Geographic Readers)
Travel to ancient Egypt to learn all about its amazing pyramids in this National Geographic Kids Reader.
Did I miss any other great letter P books that you like to read to your preschooler? Leave a comment below and share your favorite books beginning with P words or featuring words that start with P.
