The sound of a parent’s voice, the experience of sitting in your lap and turning the page, the joy of reading a book together, is one of the most magical, greatest gifts you can give your child. So here are my top book picks for reading aloud together. Before you start, you might enjoy my ten tips for reading aloud.
George and Martha: The Complete Stories of Two Best Friends Collector’s Edition by James Marshall
James Marshall is one of my favourites, and friendship is one of my favourite subjects. So I think this collection of stories featuring George and Martha, two best friends, will quickly become your favourite, too. See other books by James Marshall for more fabulous read alouds.
Tim All Alone by Edward Ardizzone
Little Tim’s adventures make for exciting read alouds. Wonder together what will happen next in this story and all of Tim’s classic adventures, which you can find in Edward Ardizzone’s collection of Little Tim stories.
Swimmy by Leo Lionni
This beautiful, award-winning story of a brave little fish has been read aloud by families for decades. I’m a big fan of Lionni, and all of his books make for fabulous read alouds.
The Frog and Toad Collection by Arnold Lobel
Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad stories are classics for a reason. Introduce your children to these devoted friends in this collection of three stories, and then browse the full collection of Frog and Toad books.
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd
Margaret Wise Brown always shows up in my top book picks. She is simply the best. Runaway Bunny is one of her most charming stories, and any of her books are perfect for curling up on a lap and reading together.
A Hole is to Dig by Ruth Krauss, illustrated by Maurice Sendak
You and your children will love hearing the definitions throughout this book: “hands are to hold; a hole is to dig; the ground is to make a garden.” What other definitions can you come up with together? Other books, like The Carrot Seed, I can Fly, and Open House for Butterflies, also by Ruth Krauss, are perfect for reading aloud.
The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne
This collection includes the complete texts of Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. These characters and their stories will come to life as you read their adventures together aloud.
Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban, illustrated by Garth Williams
Before she can sleep, Frances needs a glass of milk, kisses, and answers to her many questions. I think you will love reading all of Frances’ books by the brilliant Russell Hoban.
Pokko and the Drum by Matthew Forsythe
The multiple-award winning book is beautiful to read aloud together as you meet Pokko, her magical drum, and her enchanted forest.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
The illustrations are dreamy and the text is lyrical– read it or chant it or sing it aloud, and it’ll be a favorite adventure.
And if I may, here are two of my books that are especially fun to read aloud:
Skip to the Loo! A Potty Book by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Anita Jeram
There are very fun words to say in this book, like dodo-diddley-do, hullabaloo, and yes, even poo!
Poor Doreen: A Fishy Tale by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
Mrs. Doreen Randolph-Potts, a very funny fish, does not even realize she has been lifted out of the water by a fishing pole. Kids will love being in on the joke as our oblivious heroine arrives, in a roundabout way, at her final destination.
And finally, for older children:
Visit my list of Great Family Read Alouds for my picks of chapter books your family will love to read together.
Would you like me to read to you? Visit my IGTV, and let’s read together.