Presidents’ Day is a day off from school, but do your kids know what this holiday is about? Reading a few books to your children is a fun and easy way to teach them a little bit about Presidents’ Day. Many people believe that Presidents’ Day is a time to celebrate all of the presidents or to honor our current president. However, this is mistaken. More: 8 Of Our Favorite Valentine’s Day Books for All Ages Presidents’ Day was named to celebrate the birthdays of two important presidents: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. A combined holiday was chosen because the two men were born within days of each other. Washington was born on February 22 and Lincoln on February 12. Presidents’ Day is celebrated on a Monday between the two dates. If you need some starting points for what to teach kids about, tell them about the lives and contributions of these two presidents. Help them also to understand what a president is and what having one means for the people. Here are ten books that will get you off to a great start:
Best Presidents’ Day Books for Kids
Presidents’ Day
This cute picture book and easy reader is written as a narrative. It tells the story about a group of children putting on a play about Washington and Lincoln. Stories are one of the best ways to weave informational content for young kids. Purchase it here.
This Little President: A Presidential Primer
Younger kids will enjoy this Presidents’ Day read aloud. Each page has a short sentence about an important president in US history as well as a whimsical illustration. Purchase it here.
Celebrating President’s Day: What Is a President?
You can’t learn what Presidents’ Day is without first understanding what a president is! This book explains just that in a simple way for kids to understand. Purchase it here.
If I Were President
Parents of daughters will love how a female president is portrayed on the front of this book. It’s a great one for kids who are about nine or ten years old, because it taps into their need to relate personally to information they learn. Purchase it here.
P Is for President
Another good book for learning about a president’s role. This one is perfect for preschoolers. Purchase it here. Pin these ideas to save for later:
Presidents’ Day (Rookie Read-About Holidays)
This informational text is clear and simple enough for preschoolers to understand. Beginning readers can tackle the text on their own as well. Purchase it here.
Who Was George Washington?
This biography set makes learning fun and interesting for children ages eight and up. They are easy to read and packed with information. The Who Was…? series is a great first source for a biography project as well. Purchase it here.
National Geographic Readers: George Washington
This volume of the National Geographic Readers series is full of facts from Washington’s childhood, the Revolutionary War, and his service as America’s first president. Purchase it here.
Who Was Abraham Lincoln?
Another Who Was book. For a fun and slightly more advanced activity, kids can read both books and compare the two presidents. Purchase it here.
National Geographic Readers: Abraham Lincoln
This National Geographic Reader is especially helpful for helping kids to understand the Civil War and how Lincoln’s decision to abolish slavery impacted the United States. Purchase it here. Looking for more ways to teach your kids about Presidents’ Day? Check out these quick and easy Presidents’ Day crafts.
