Kindergarten author studies are the perfect way to spend a few weeks reading different books by amazing authors and illustrators! I guarentee these books will fly off the shelves after you read them aloud. You can even keep a special bin on the shelves for the authors and illustrators you study!

Tips for Kindergarten Author Studies:

• Start each class by showing the cover of the book. Ask students what they see on the cover? Point out the title, author, illustrator, and image. Ask students to predict the character, setting, or events in a story.
• Follow the library class routine of introducing the author or illustrator, reading the book, teaching your mini-lesson, modeling the activity, and letting students work. You can do your check out before or after the lesson.
• Read 2-4 books by that author or illustrator. This makes planning a breeze! Vary your activities, and have students vote for their favorite book by that author or illustrator.
• Avoid using authors they study in their classrooms. While rereading a book isn’t a bad thing, use this time to introduce new authors and illustrators to students. Not sure what author students your kindergarten teachers use? Ask them!

Kindergarten Author Study – Amy McDonald

Any nonfiction books by Amy McDonald are fabulous for kindergarten. They are short read alouds with vibrant photos and simple facts. If you have a bunch in the series, let students vote for which one you read aloud! Use these books for lessons on how to find information from pictures, drawing what facts they learned, and how to find books in the nonfiction section.

Included Series:

Animals in my Yard

Machines with Power

Community Workers

Community Places

All the books and series are great and kids will love to check them out.

Kindergarten Author Study – Oge Mora

Oge Mora is a fabulous author and illustrator to study for any grade level. Her illustrations are beautiful and there’s a reason she’s a Caldecott winner!

Favorite Books:

Everybody in the Red Brick Building

Thank You, Omu

I’m From

Saturday

Publishing in June 2025: More or Less by Alison Hughes, illustrated by Oge Mora

Kindergarten Author Study – Corey Tabor

You cannot go wrong with studying Corey Tabor. He has a variety of books, all with amazing illustrations and creative stories. Using a document camera to read aloud can help students see all the details in the illustrations!

Favorite Books:

The Fox series (Fox Has a Problem is my favorite!)

Mel Fell is a great book to introduce the Caldecott Medal

Simon and Better Bone

Ursula Upside Down

Snail Crossing

Did I just write all his books? What can I say? I think they’re great. Snail Crossing is my absolute favorite.

Kindergarten Author Study – Salina Yoon

Salina Yoon! Her beautiful illustrations and adorable characters will have your kindergartens begging for more. Salina’s books are great for teaching about character and setting.

Favorite Books:

Penguin on Vacation

Tap to Play (interactive!)

Found (perfect for teaching fiction/nonfiction)

Duck, Duck, Porcupines (and the whole series! Perfect for short stories)

Can you tell I love Salina Yoon? Keep her books in a bin in the library and kids will love to check them out!