Stories & songs about what we do all day--from baking to naptime to going to the library.
Storytime Starters
Are you a teacher needing new storytime ideas? Are you a parent whose child can't read enough bug books? Check out our Storytime Starters. Based on the themes used at Madison Public Library's Preschool Storytimes, these thematic lists include books, songs, fingerplays, Play Literacy suggestions and more! Additional themes will be added throughout the year.
You can search our Starters by general keyword, specifically by title, or filter by topic.
Who doesn't love an adorable baby? Enjoy these fun, playful books full of adorable little ones.
Topic: Let's Play!
Year Updated: 2023
A storytime to help young ones begin to learn how to size up their world.
Topic: Preschool Concepts
Year Updated: 2023
Build something together with these books about construction sites and the people--and machines, of course!--that make them work.
Topic: Let's Play!, STEAM
Year Updated: 2024
Hop down the bunny trail and into this playful storytime all about our fuzzy cottontail friends.
Topic: Fun Favorites
Year Updated: 2024
Explore the great big world of colors with this vibrant storytime.
Topic: Preschool Concepts
Year Updated: 2023
Love makes a family! Enjoy these books about families of all kinds.
Topic: Growing Up
Year Updated: 2023
Not feeling well is a very normal part of being a human. These books can help little ones understand its ok to feel sick and maybe feel a little better.
Topic: Growing Up
Year Updated: 2023
Enjoy these titles that explore the color, texture, and culture of food!
Topic: Fun Favorites
Year Updated: 2023
Old friends, new friends, unexpected friends, friends of all ages, these books explore the love and joy of friendship wherever you find it.
Topic: Let's Play!
Year Updated: 2023
A collection of frog and toad stories that will be sure to keep you hopping.
Topic: Nature & Animals, STEAM
Year Updated: 2023
Help your little one gain that independence of getting dressed on their own--no matter the season--with this collection of stories.
Topic: Growing Up, Preschool Concepts
Year Updated: 2023
A storytime about hats of all kinds--and the people (and creatures!) that wear them.
Topic: Fun Favorites
Year Updated: 2024
A storytime about winding down, looking at the moon and stars, and getting ready for sleep.
Topic: Fun Favorites, Growing Up
Year Updated: 2024
A collection of knitting- and yarn-themed books as cozy as your favorite sweater.
Topic: Fun Favorites
Year Updated: 2023
Snuggle up with a cozy, heartfelt storytime perfect for a day in at home.
Topic: Fun Favorites
Year Updated: 2023
This is a storytime filled with songs to sing together (or by yourself).
Topic: Fun Favorites, Let's Play!
Year Updated: 2024
Let's go play in the dirt with these messy, muddy books!
Topic: Nature & Animals, STEAM
Year Updated: 2023
Counting to 5 is a key prekindergarten skill. Count forwards and backwards, up and down with these great number-centered books.
Topic: STEAM
Year Updated: 2023
Near & far, up & down, fast & slow, explore the preschool concept of opposites with these engaging books.
Topic: Preschool Concepts
Year Updated: 2023
Explore the great outdoors or just right outside your door with these stories of ponds and wetlands and the animals that call them home.
Topic: Nature & Animals, STEAM
Year Updated: 2023
Get ready to march in the most fun parade ever: A story parade to make you laugh, sing, and play!
Topic: Let's Play!
Year Updated: 2024
Ice cream, popsicles, watermelon? Yum! A storytime full of refreshing favorites.
Topic: Fun Favorites, Let's Play!
Year Updated: 2023
Trains, tuk tuks, cars, rocketships... enjoy this storytime all about the different ways we travel from place to place.
Topic: Fun Favorites
Year Updated: 2024
Make a SPLASH with this storytime all about water (and the creatures who depend on it).
Topic: STEAM
Year Updated: 2024
A storytime full of tools, trucks, and fun interactive stories all about building.
Topic: Let's Play!, STEAM
Year Updated: 2023