Penn State University Libraries - Predictable Books

Predictable books, sometimes called pattern books, are picture books that contain rhyme, repetitive words, songs, refrains, or phrases, questions or some other structure that makes them predictable. Patterns can include chain or circular stories, cumulative stories, repeated scenes, familiar cultural sequences, interlocking structure and turn-around plots. The repeated elements of predictable books help young listeners remember what comes next as they join in as the text is read aloud. Predictable books are a bridge to independent reading.

Anderson, N. A. (2006). Elementary Children’s Literature: The Basics for Teachers and Parents. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

Jacobs, J. S. & Tunnell, M. O. (2004). Children’s Literature, Briefly. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Simpson, M. J. (1986). The Reading Resource Book. Atlanta, GA: Humanics, Ltd.