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.
All day long
Stories & songs about what we do all day--from baking to naptime to going to the library.
Babies
Who doesn't love an adorable baby? Enjoy these fun, playful books full of adorable little ones.
Big & small
A storytime to help young ones begin to learn how to size up their world.
Building & Construction
Build something together with these books about construction sites and the people--and machines, of course!--that make them work.
Bunnies
Hop down the bunny trail and into this playful storytime all about our fuzzy cottontail friends.
Colors
Explore the great big world of colors with this vibrant storytime.
Families
Love makes a family! Enjoy these books about families of all kinds.
Feeling sick
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.
Food
Enjoy these titles that explore the color, texture, and culture of food!
Friends
Old friends, new friends, unexpected friends, friends of all ages, these books explore the love and joy of friendship wherever you find it.
Frogs
A collection of frog and toad stories that will be sure to keep you hopping.
Getting dressed
Help your little one gain that independence of getting dressed on their own--no matter the season--with this collection of stories.
Green
These books make it easy to be green!
Hats
A storytime about hats of all kinds--and the people (and creatures!) that wear them.
It's Nighttime
A storytime about winding down, looking at the moon and stars, and getting ready for sleep.
Knitting
A collection of knitting- and yarn-themed books as cozy as your favorite sweater.
Let's get cozy
Snuggle up with a cozy, heartfelt storytime perfect for a day in at home.
Let's Sing!
This is a storytime filled with songs to sing together (or by yourself).
Mud & Worms
Let's go play in the dirt with these messy, muddy books!
Number fun
Counting to 5 is a key prekindergarten skill. Count forwards and backwards, up and down with these great number-centered books.
Opposites
Near & far, up & down, fast & slow, explore the preschool concept of opposites with these engaging books.
Ponds & Wetlands
Explore the great outdoors or just right outside your door with these stories of ponds and wetlands and the animals that call them home.
Story Parade
Get ready to march in the most fun parade ever: A story parade to make you laugh, sing, and play!
Summer Tasty Treats
Ice cream, popsicles, watermelon? Yum! A storytime full of refreshing favorites.
Travel & Transportation
Trains, tuk tuks, cars, rocketships... enjoy this storytime all about the different ways we travel from place to place.
Water
Make a SPLASH with this storytime all about water (and the creatures who depend on it).
What Will We Build?
A storytime full of tools, trucks, and fun interactive stories all about building.