Reading aloud is a great way to engage young children with stories while expanding their vocabulary, developing their comprehension, and instilling a love of reading and learning. We’ve got some great storytime read aloud recommendations for you to share with your little ones and turn them into book lovers at an early age.
Ages 2-6
Eek!
A Noisy Journey from A to Z
by Julie Larios
illustrated by Julie Paschkis
“This clever take on the alphabet book lets readers fill in the story on their own…. Paschkis’ folk-art–inspired illustrations, filled with movement, pattern, and color, practically leap off the page…. An absolute zoo of an ABC book—in the best possible way.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
One Fox
A Counting Book Thriller
by Kate Read
“Stunning…brilliantly colored…striking… Just the right amount of tension, delicious vocabulary…and alliterative phrases make this a first purchase for group and one-on-one sharing. Count on requests for many readings.” —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Hat Tricks
by Satoshi Kitamura
“The spare, repetitive, interactive text engages readers in chanting the magic words with Hattie and watching expectantly, guessing what will emerge next….energetic illustrations… Dynamic, fun-filled, imaginative, and ideal for participatory reading aloud.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
Bark Park
by Karen Gray Ruelle
“This fun-to-read story is an ode to pups of all types, breeds, sizes, colors, personalities, etc…. Great for storytime or anytime that calls for a book brimming with dogs.” ―School Library Journal
What’s the Time, Grandma Wolf?
by Ken Brown
“Brown takes this game of tag and turns it into something quite delightful. The watercolor art is top-notch, with every character humorously distinctive. His depiction of Grandma is a particularly fine mixture of menace and sly good humor. A fun read-aloud.” ―Booklist
No Bows!
by Shirley Smith Duke
illustrated by Jenny Mattheson
“The book is destined to be a high-volume read-aloud, and much fun can be had.” ―Kirkus Reviews
Flying!
by Kevin Luthardt
“An engaging and effective father-son story…this is a charming introduction to the worlds of books, birds and imagination, and an apt choice for parent-child reading.” ―Kirkus Reviews
Ages 3-7
Red Truck, Yellow Truck
by Michelle Robinson
illustrated by Jez Tuya
“These dogs will give young readers something to howl about. A delight for the youngest of truck aficionados.” —Kirkus Reviews
Prince Ribbit
by Jonathan Emmett
illustrated by Poly Bernatene
Rich color and patterns reminiscent of tapestry or lace grace the digital cartoon art… [The ending] perfectly suits the story’s repeated admonition… [an] entertaining read-aloud.” —School Library Journal
Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3
by Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan
illustrated by Grace Zong
“A great read-aloud any day but certainly on Teacher Appreciation Day or the last day of school.” —School Library Journal
“Stanley and his fellow rodents are adorable…little listeners are sure to come back to Stanley over and over, as he explores jobs and uses equipment sure to pique their interest.” ―Kirkus Reviews
If You See a Kitten
by John Butler
“The delicately detailed illustrations are quite wonderful… Situated against a plain creamy background, each intricately drawn creature is an exquisite naturalistic rendering, requiring no extra fanfare. Perfect for preschoolers and younger, Butler’s tale easily lends itself to group read aloud settings, with each successive reading sure to become more riotous as the children become familiar with their responses.” ―Kirkus Reviews
Ages 4-8
I’ve Got an Elephant
by Anne Ginkel
illustrated by Janie Bynum
“The rhyming verses bounce along in a readable, repeatable, predictable (in the best educational sense) fashion, inviting participation in the places where children can guess what words are coming next. Matching the buoyant, gently humorous tone of the text are the sunny illustrations.… Fun for reading aloud.” ―Booklist
The Boy Who Cried Ninja
by Alex Latimer
“Hip and trendy but with a timeless theme, this is one enjoyable read.” ―Kirkus Reviews
Rodeo Red
by Maripat Perkins
illustrated by Molly Idle
“Perfect for reading aloud, it will have even the most die-hard Yankee speaking with a Texas drawl.” ―School Library Journal
Three Hens and a Peacock
by Lester L. Laminack
illustrated by Henry Cole
“Popular author Lester L. Laminack has created a comical look at what happens when we underestimate the value of others’ work. Henry Cole’s delightful illustrations heighten the story’s humor and will have readers of all ages laughing out loud” ―Midwest Book Review
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach
A Cuban Folktale
by Carmen Agra Deedy
illustrated by Michael Austin
“Deedy’s masterful retelling of this Latino folktale has a rollicking voice imbued with sly tongue-in-cheek humor. The acrylic illustrations, in a hyper-realistic style reminiscent of a softer William Joyce, are rendered in a vivid tropical palette. Shifting perspectives and points of view add vitality to the compositions, and facial expressions reveal both emotions and character traits. A scattering of Spanish words adds zest to this fine read-aloud.” ―Booklist
Ages 6-10
Ol’ Bloo’s Boogie-Woogie Band and Blues Ensemble
by Jan Huling
illustrated by Henri Sorensen
“Read-aloud audiences will giggle at the dialect, nonstop action, and atmospheric descriptions of Huling’s retelling.” ―Publishers Weekly
The Library Dragon
by Carmen Agra Deedy
illustrated by Michael P. White
“Deedy is an accomplished storyteller, and kids will likely enjoy her frequent puns and wordplay and [Michael White’s] droll, stylized illustrations, filled with vibrant color and lots of comical details.” ―Publishers Weekly
You’ve Got Dragons
by Kathryn Cave
illustrated by Nick Maland
“This excellent metaphor for the fears and worries of every child (and adult) is accompanied by relentlessly cheerful illustrations in fine line and rosy washes of color. Even the dragons themselves, though fearsome, are kind of pastel. A great choice for the walking worried.” ―Booklist