Posted Oct. 16, 2024
I Can't Hear You
The power of words is beyond measure. Words can inspire us, tease us, and manipulate us. They are powerful.
Inspiring kids to love reading will change their lives – every day! So how do we do that
“Inspiration?” Read to them – out loud – every day! I am passionate about the power of play
to create happy kids. My second passion has to be reading.
My friend and neighbor, Sarah
Laucks, is also passionate about reading and kids. I asked her to give me a list of great
read-aloud books for kids. She went way beyond my request.
Recommended Read-Aloud Books to Share with Your Children
by Sarah Galbraith Laucks, Beehive Books and Art
Here are some books that work well as read-aloud titles. There are many options,
but this list is full of books that work well for me with my own children and also
with other children.
There are many popular titles out there, some of which you’ll see on this list. My
goal, however, with this list was to introduce you to some wonderful books that are
currently not very well known so that you can discover some fantastic reading experiences
to share with your family. There is enjoyment to be had in these books for both you,
the reader, and all ages of listeners.
About the Reading Levels for the Recommend Read-Aloud Books on This List
I divide children into four reading levels based on age and their stage in reading development. There is
overlap among the levels. Read these short descriptions to help you choose books for your children.
Remember that it is encouraged to read books aloud from every reading level – both easy and more advanced.
Little Ones: Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and children in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten.
Emerging Readers: Children who are actively learning to read. Typically kindergarten to third grade.
Independent Readers: Children who are able to read and are now strengthening their ability to
read, expanding their vocabulary and comprehension, and discovering the enjoyment of reading for themselves.
Typically third grade to sixth grade.
Fluent Readers: These children can tackle most of the reading they encounter. They may need help
for more difficult vocabulary.
For Little Ones....
With little ones, sit your child on your lap and place the book in front of them.
Read at their pace. Do not worry if a child does not want to finish a book. It is
okay if they want to go slow or fast through a book. If they request a specific book
– read it. Even if you find yourself reading that same book over and over and over again.
This is all very normal for a little one’s development! These 10 books are a great place
to start. You can also visit your local library. Take a large bag. With your child pick
books to fill your bag. Take them home and enjoy them (but remember it’s okay if you
don’t read all of them!).
1. Peek-a-Who by Nina Laden
2. I Kissed the Baby by Mary Murphy
3. Any book published by Priddy Books
4. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
5. It’s a Book by Lane Smith
6. I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont
7. Any book by Beatrix Potter. Peter Rabbit is the most well-known.
I recommend veering off the common path and instead reading one these three: The Tale of Two Bad Mice,
The Tale of The Flopsy Bunnies, and The Tailor of Glouchestershire
8. Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
9. Have You Seen My Cat? by Eric Carle
10. Any lift-a-flap book by Karen Katz
For Emerging Readers....
When your child enters the “emerging reader” stage you’ll discover the world of “early
reader” books. Know that some of these are very good, while others are very bad. And while
early readers and leveled readers can be great to read, the wide and vast world of picture
books and early chapter books is perhaps a better place to spend your read-aloud time.
1. Any book from the Elephant and Piggy series by Mo Willems
2. Any book from the Mr. Putter and Tabby series by Cynthia Rylant
3. How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
4. Little Robot by Ben Hatke
5. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
6. James Herriot’s Treasury for Children by James Herriott
7. Port Side Pirates by Oscar Seaworthy
8. The Girl with a Brave Heart by Rita Jahanforuz
9. The Ultimate Pirate Handbook by Libby Hamilton, Mathieu Leyssenne, and Jason Kraft
10. Any book from the Little House Picture Books series by Laura Ingalls Wilder with illustrations by Renee Graef
For Independent Readers....
The independent reader is on the cusp of being able to read just about anything.
This accomplishment is significant, and they deserve to be rewarded. Every book on this
list is enjoyable. These books are perfect for reading aloud, but don’t be surprised when
they take the book from you so they can read it faster on their own!
1. The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo
2. Fortunately the Milk by Neal Gaiman
3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
4. Return to the Willows by Jacqueline Kelly
5. Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead
6. 26 Fairmount Avenue by Tomie dePaola
7. Babe the Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith
8. The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
9. The Year of Miss Agness by Kirkpatrick Hill
10. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
For Fluent Readers....
Some books I include here feature challenging reading while other books are
easier. All of these book represent the beauty that awaits the fluent reader. Once
a child is comfortable reading they can enjoy all the great writing that exists,
whether it is challenging to read or not. Each book on this list can lead you down
a rabbit hole of reading adventure by exploring the story in greater detail or reading
more books written by each author.
1. King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry
2. The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
3. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
4. Marjorie (originally titled Marjorie of Monhegan) by Sidney Baldwin
5. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
6. The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli
7. The Catwings series by Ursula K. le Guin
8. The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
9. The Bears on Hemlock Mountain and The Courage of
Sarah Noble, both by Alice Dalgliesh
10. Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick
Your Guide for the Read-aloud Adventure....
There is a man who pioneered the read-aloud approach. He advocated for it when no one
else thought it was worthwhile. He researched it to make sure his theory was correct about
how well it works. And he wrote a book about it – which he self-published in 1979, long
before anyone was self-publishing.
His name was Jim Trelease. His book is The Read-Aloud Handbook. It is my #1 recommended
book for anyone who wants to raise a reader.
About the Creator of This List of Read-Aloud Titles:
Sarah and her husband Marc recently bought the property next to Discovery Park Ohio.
They are currently rescuing the farm and turning it into The Flower Farm Ohio – a place
where families can learn about plants and flowers, homesteading, homeschooling, art, and
more. One thing you’ll find on the farm in the future will be the children’s bookshop,
Beehive Books and Art. You can find Sarah’s writing on the website beehivebooksandart.com.
Thank you Sarah!
Do this for your family, your kids, and yourself. Make it a nightly habit. Snuggle
up with them on the couch and explore the world. If you’re not a good or fast reader,
that’s OK. The practice will help (we are who we are). Read to your kids, even the older ones!
It’s Fun Being a Kid Again!
Let’s have some fun at Discovery Park!
That’s what good play is all about.
No directions, nobody telling you that “you can’t do it that way”.
It’s pure discovery!
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