Finding the right may read alouds for kindergarten can be a bit of a challenge when you're trying to wrap up the school year while keeping twenty-some five-year-olds from literally bouncing off the walls. It's that weird time of year where the weather is finally gorgeous, the kids are starting to smell like the playground, and everyone—including the teacher—has one eye on the calendar.
But honestly, May is one of my favorite months for storytime. The kids have grown so much since September. They actually sit through longer stories now, they get the jokes, and they're starting to make those deep connections that make teaching so rewarding. Here are some of the best picks to keep your classroom engaged as the school year winds down.
Celebrating the Magic of Gardening and Nature
May is basically synonymous with things blooming. Most kindergarten classrooms are probably doing some sort of plant life cycle unit right about now. It's the perfect time to pull out books that make them want to get their hands dirty.
Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens
If you haven't read this one yet, you're missing out. It's a trickster tale about a clever rabbit and a very lazy bear. What makes it a hit for may read alouds for kindergarten is the way the book opens—it flips up vertically instead of sideways. The kids always think that's the coolest thing ever. Plus, it teaches them about which vegetables grow above ground and which grow below, all while they're laughing at the bear getting outsmarted.
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
This is a classic for a reason. It's a bit longer, but by May, your students are ready for it. It tells the story of the "Lupine Lady" who wanted to make the world more beautiful. It usually sparks a really sweet conversation about what the kids can do to make their own neighborhoods or the school playground look better. It's a great tie-in if you're doing any Earth Day carry-over projects or spring planting.
The World of Insects and Creepy Crawlies
You can't get through May without talking about bugs. The kids are seeing them at recess, and let's be real, they're probably trying to bring them inside in their pockets. You might as well lean into it with some solid read alouds.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
I know, I know—you've probably read this a thousand times. But is it even a kindergarten classroom if you don't read this in the spring? It's the gold standard for may read alouds for kindergarten. If you're lucky enough to have those live butterfly kits in your room, reading this while the real caterpillars are stuffing their faces is a core memory for these kids.
The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall
This book is absolutely stunning. The rhythm of the text is bouncy and fast, which helps keep their attention. It does a fantastic job of explaining how bees make honey without feeling like a boring textbook. The "buzz buzz" sounds throughout the book make it really interactive. It's a great way to help kids move past the "bees are scary" phase and start seeing them as the little helpers they are.
Getting Ready for the Big Move
By the time mid-May hits, the "first grade jitters" start to creep in. Even the kids who act like they're too cool for school get a little nervous about leaving their familiar classroom. Using stories to talk about these feelings is a lifesaver.
Last Day Blues by Julie Danneberg
From the same author who wrote First Day Jitters, this one flips the script. The kids in the story are worried that their teacher will be sad and lonely all summer without them. It's hilarious because, as we all know, teachers are usually the ones most excited for summer break! It's a lighthearted way to acknowledge that the year is ending and that it's okay to feel a mix of happy and sad.
First Grade, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson
This is a straightforward, sweet book that helps demystify what happens next year. Kindergarteners have a lot of misconceptions about first grade (some of mine once thought they had to stay overnight!). Reading books like this helps settle their nerves and gets them excited for the "big kid" hallway.
Celebrating Moms and Caregivers
Mother's Day usually falls right in the middle of our busiest May weeks. While we're busy helping kids glue pasta to picture frames, these books help set the tone.
Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins
If you want a book that will have the kids (and you) laughing out loud, this is it. It's not your typical sentimental Mother's Day story. Bruce is a grumpy bear who accidentally becomes a "mother" to a bunch of goslings. It's a great way to talk about how "moms" come in all shapes and sizes and that being a caregiver is about what you do, not just who you are. It's a huge hit every single time.
How to Raise a Mom by Jean Reagan
The "How to" series is always a winner with the five-year-old crowd. This one is framed as a guide written by kids on how to take care of their moms. It's adorable and gives the students ideas for things they can do to be helpful at home. It's also a great mentor text if you want your students to write their own "How to" books as a May writing project.
Dealing with the May Wiggles
Let's be honest: some days in May, the kids just need to laugh. Their attention spans are shorter because they can see the sun shining through the window. On those days, I reach for the "emergency" books—the ones I know will get their full attention no matter what.
The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak
If you haven't read this to your class yet, save it for a Friday in May. There are no illustrations, but the reader has to say every single word on the page, no matter how silly. Hearing their teacher say things like "Be-doongie" or "I am a monkey who taught myself to read" is pure gold for kindergarteners. It's a guaranteed way to reset the energy in the room.
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
This is another high-energy favorite. It's weird, it's fast-paced, and it involves a giant taco party that goes horribly wrong when spicy salsa is involved. It's a great book for practicing "predictions." I usually stop right before the dragons eat the spicy salsa and ask, "What do you think is going to happen?" The chaos that follows in the illustrations is exactly what a wiggly May afternoon calls for.
Making the Most of Your Read Aloud Time
When you're picking out your may read alouds for kindergarten, remember that it's okay to keep things simple. You don't always need a grand lesson plan or a 20-minute craft to go with every story. Sometimes, just sitting on the rug and enjoying a good book together is the best way to bond before they head off to first grade.
I like to take my read alouds outside once in a while during May. If you have a patch of grass or some shade, grab your book and head out. There's something about being in the fresh air that makes the stories feel a little more special. Plus, it burns off a little bit of that end-of-year energy.
As you navigate the busy-ness of field days, assessments, and packing up your classroom, don't let the magic of storytime slip away. These books are more than just fillers; they're the ways we say goodbye to a wonderful year. Whether you're learning about lupines with Miss Rumphius or laughing at Mother Bruce, these moments are what the kids will remember most. So, grab a stack of these favorites, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy these last few weeks of reading with your "babies" before they move on to the next big adventure.