The Top Ten Fourth of July Books for Your In-Home Daycare

Preschool children are always eager to learn about the world around them. Flags, fireworks and parades are symbols of happy times to young children, and provide the perfect opportunity to explain the meaning of patriotism to your preschool classroom. Allow your story time to carry over into your art class by making Fourth of July fireworks poppers, flags and hats from construction paper, glitter, buttons, etc. Make this holiday a special one for your preschool classroom.

1. Fourth of July Mice! By Bethany Roberts, Doug Cushman
The mice family is celebrating America's Independence. They enjoy a parade, sack races, and a delicious picnic of crunchy sunflower seeds and cheese. Later in the evening they enjoy sparklers and a mesmerizing fireworks display. This is a wonderful story that will delight children of all ages.

2. The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh
When the thirteen colonies unite they choose Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence, and carry the news of Independence across the colonial settlements.

3. I pledge Allegiance by Bill Martin and Michael Sampson
This wonderful books explains the Pledge if Allegiance in terms that event he youngest child can understand. This is the perfect book for children ages 3-6.

4. The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
This famous poem recreates Paul Revere's famous midnight ride in 1775. You can find many colorful and beautifully illustrated adaptions in your local bookstore or library.

5. Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers by Karen Winnick
This is the true story of Grace Bedell, an eleven-year-old girl who suggested to Abraham Lincoln that growing a beard might enhance his chances for winning the 1860 presidential election.

6. A Picture Book of George Washington by David Adler
This colorful and wonderfully illustrated picture book gives an accurate account of the life of the "Father of Our Country" for young readers.