150+ Best Read Aloud Picture Books for Kids: As Voted by Parents
Do you love finding new-to-you picture books to read aloud to your children? If you answered yes, then this list is a treat for you! Below you will find over 150 of the very best read aloud picture books as voted by teachers and parents!
This list was developed from the responses of over 500 parents and teachers in response to the question, “What is your all-time favorite picture book to read aloud to your children?”
As I compiled this HUGE list of awesome picture books from the responses I was excited to find lots of new-to-us kids story books – books that I haven’t read before – as a teacher or a mum. Which is quite a novelty for a picture book addict like me!
Of course, many of our tried and true favorites made the list too! There are so many of the all-time best books for kids on this list that you are sure to find books to read aloud to children at preschool, kindergarten or home.
The Very Best Read Aloud Picture Books for Kids
So what makes a great read aloud book for children? While there is no one magic formula, I think great picture books that engage children will include;
- Captivating illustrations: It is no surprise that the pictures inform a child’s first impression of a book, so choosing books with wonderful illustrations is a great start.
- Engaging storyline: Nobody enjoys a boring book! Be sure to also check that the amount of text per page corresponds with your child’s attention span.
- Themes that the child can relate to: Moving house? Awaiting the arrival of a new sibling? Whatever life experiences your child is learning to cope with right now, chances are that there is a great book (or ten!) exploring that same theme.
- Books exploring universally important topics: Books exploring themes such as friendship, individuality or creativity, help our children to learn about human emotions and relationships.
- A surprise for the reader: Stories with unexpected endings or with interesting physical features, such as textures or last page pop-ups reward the reader’s interest and work especially well with younger children.
- Books that make them laugh: Humor in books provides a fabulous way to engage children of all ages.
- Books that have fun with words: Read aloud children’s books that play around with rhythm, rhyme or repetition, or that have fun with vocabulary can be particularly engaging for young readers.
And remember, just because a book doesn’t capture the interest of your child right now, doesn’t mean that they won’t return to it in six months, a year, or even five years with a renew interest and motivation to read and enjoy it!
RELATED: See our big list of read aloud chapter books as voted by parents too!
Now on to the list…Each title includes linked to Amazon (these are affiliate links) where you can find reviews and age recommendations for those you are not personally familiar with.
150+ Best Read Aloud Picture Books
Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger is an African American folktale about a boy and his father who are outcasts from their village, until the villagers need their help to stop the terrible giant, Abiyoyo.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst is a true childhood classic and the story of Alexander who is having the very worst day…so bad in fact, that maybe he should just move to Australia!
The Alfie and Annie Rose Storybook by Shirley Hughes is a lovely compilation of stories and poems about siblings Alfie and Annie Rose depicting everyday family life in a simple, reassuring style that young children can relate so well to.
Alice the Fairy by David Shannon is a sweet story about Alice, the temporary (and very imaginative) fairy in training to become a permanent fairy!
Aliens Love Underpants by Ben Cort is a delightfully silly, rhyming story about aliens visiting Earth for one purpose…to steal underpants!
For more fun rhyming books to read aloud with children, check out our list of the Best Rhyming Picture Books for Kids.
The Book With No Pictures by BJ Novak. You might think a book with no pictures seems boring and serious. But this is a great children’s book to read aloud! With this book everything written on the page has to be said by the person reading it aloud..even words like bloop and bluurf!
All the Ways to Be Smart by Davina Bell is a joyful ode to all the unique and wonderful qualities that make children who they are. A must read aloud picture book for every child.
Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman is the fabulous story of a newly hatched baby bird searching for his mother – which is kind of difficult if you don’t yet know what your mother looks like!
Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr features familiar animals, bold colors and a rhyming question-and-response text to delight young readers.
Burglar Bill by Janet & Allan Ahlberg is the story of a burglar who accidentally steals a baby – an event that leads him to reform to live an honest life.
Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina is a delightful story about a peddler and his efforts to outwit a band of mischievous monkeys.
The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss is the hilarious story of what Dick and Sally expect to be an ordinary day, until an unexpected guest in a red and white arrives – it is, of course, the Cat in the Hat!
Charlie the Caterpillar by Dom De Luise is a story of finding true friendship, no matter what one looks like.
Charlie the Ranch Dog by Ree Drummond is the story of life in the country on a ranch, as shared by a fabulous bassett hound, Charlie the Ranch Dog.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr is a fun alphabet rhyme about the letters of the alphabet racing to the top of a coconut tree.
For more fun alphabet books for children, check out our list of the Best Alphabet Books for Kids.
The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions by Anna Llenas. Color Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place; he feels angry, happy, calm, sad, and scared all at once! To help him, a clever child shows him what each feeling means through color.
For more children’s books about emotions for kids, check out our big list of Books About Feelings & Emotions.
Corduroy by Don Freedman shares the adventures of a small, soft toy bear named Corduroy who, after being left on the shelf by a discerning buyer, decides to search the store to find his missing button.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt is about the day Duncan goes to colour only to discover letters from all of his crayons saying the same thing – they’ve had enough and they quit!
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell is a fun, interactive book exploring which animal will make the ideal family pet!
Did you Take the B From My _ook? by Beck & Matt Stanton makes for a very funny read aloud as all the bs are missing. Now, the _eetle wearing _lue _oots is _ouncing on the _ed – oh no!
The Digging-est Dog by Al Perkins is a funny story about a dog who just can’t stop digging holes! He digs up gardens, road and buildings, and finally digs himself into a hole he can’t get out of.
Dinosaur Roar by Henrietta Strickland is a fun, rhyming tale of dinosaur opposites, the perfect read aloud for preschoolers.
The Disgusting Sandwich by Gareth Edwards tells the story of a sandwich that is dropped in the dirt and the race is on amongst the animals to see who will get the sandwich…but will they want it when they get it?
Dogger by Shirley Hughes tells the story of Dave losing his favourite soft toy – Dogger. But then Dogger turns up for sale at a neighbourhood fair and someone else buys him before Dave can get the money! How will Dave get Dogger back?
Do Not Open This Book and Do Not Open This Book Again by Andy Lee feature a fun, blue monster who insists you do not open, or turn the pages, of his book. Will you be brave enough to discover his secret?
For more very funny books for kids, check out our list of 30 Funny Books for Kids.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems sees the very funny, extremely persistent Pigeon try to get into the driver’s seat. Whatever you do, don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!
Don’t Push the Button by Bill Cotter is a book with just one rule – don’t push the button…even if it does look kind of nice. You never know what could happen.
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin shares the secret to a dragon’s heart…tacos! But watch the salsa. Dragons plus salsa = spicy trouble!
Dr Seuss’s Sleep Book by Dr Seuss is a sleepy tale filled with sleepy, yawning animals.
Duck on a Bike by David Shannon is the hilarious story of a duck who decides it could be fun to ride a bike. The other farm animals think it is the funniest thing they have ever seen – a duck on a bike! But maybe, just maybe they would like to try too!
Duck on a Tractor by David Shannon is the very funny follow up to Duck on a Bike and this time Duck is behind the wheel of Farmer O’Dell’s tractor!
Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg is a lovely tale of familiar fairy tale characters, told in rhyme, with an eye spy twist.
Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clement is a lovely story of learning to be who you are.
Fox in Socks by Dr Seuss features some of the slickest, quickest tongue-twisters in town, as told by the Fox to Mr Knox!
Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel is the first in the series of books about a lovely friendship – from writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other.
The Giant Jumperee by Julia Donaldson. Rabbit and his friends hear a mysterious voice saying, “I’m the giant jumperee and I’m scary as can be!” Who can it be?!
Giraffe and a Half by Shel Silverstein is the fun and crazy cumulative story of a boy and a giraffe.
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae is the story of Gerald, the giraffe would love to join in the Jungle Dance but everyone knows that giraffes can’t dance…or can they?
Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley is a wonderful, interactive book for helping children face that all too common childhood fear – monsters!
Go Dog Go by PD Eastman features all sorts of dogs! Red dogs, blue dogs, big dogs, little dogs-all kinds of wonderful dogs.
Good Boy Fergus by David Shannon is the story of a rather mischievous but lovable dog on an ordinary day.
Good Night Gorilla by Peggy Rathman shares the story of a gorilla in the zoo who is not ready to sleep. Instead he lets the other animals out of their cages for a nighttime adventure.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is the classic goodnight story of a little bunny saying goodnight.
Good Night Owl by Greg Pizzoli is a wonderful story about an owl preparing for bed who hears a strange noise and decides to investigate.
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss is the hilarious tale of Sam-I-Am and his green eggs and ham. Would you dare to try them?
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson sees a clever mouse outwit a series of forest animals who rather fancy him for their tea, with the story of a terrible gruffalo. A longstanding favorite in our house.
The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson tells the story of the Gruffalo’s child on a hunt for the big bad mouse she has heard so much about. Instead she finds a tiny mouse in the woods and decides to eat it…or will she!
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney is a beautiful story of the love between a parent and child, delightful for parents to read to their children.
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd (in fact, the entire Hairy Maclary series) was loved by both my kids when they were preschool/kindergarten age. The cumulative rhyming prose is perfect for inviting pre-readers to join in and who wouldn’t love such a fabulous bunch of puppies!
Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack by Lynley Dodd is the story of a small and determined duckling who sets out to play with a reluctant Hairy Maclary.
Have Fun Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell is a wonderful story about the power of imagination and being creative with what you have.
Hello My Name is Octicorn by Kevin Diller. Meet Octicorn – half octopus, half unicorn, half confused … which sometimes makes it a rather hard to fit in!
The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson. “Quick! Hide all your goodies! The Highway Rat’s coming, and he’s going to steal your snacks.” Will our lovable villain, Highway Rat, finally meet his match?
For more fun with Julia Donaldson, check out our list of Short Movies from Children’s Books featuring a number of Donaldson’s great book to movie adaptations.
Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester is the story of Rodney Rat who cannot pronounce his Rs. His classmates tease him mercilessly until one day he saves the whole class from a big, bad bully.
Hop on Pop by Dr Seuss has to be the ultimate Seuss rhyme! Loved by toddlers and preschoolers, it’s also a great book to share with early readers.
A House is a House for Me by Mary Ann Hoberman is a fabulous story told in rhyme about the homes that we all live in – all sorts of different creatures and even some non-creatures!
Hubble Bubble Granny Trouble by Tracey Corderoy is the story of a little girl with a granny who is a little bit different than all the other grannies – she’s a witch!
I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley celebrates the beauty of African American hair.
I Wish That I Had Duck Feet by Dr Seuss. What would life be like with duck feet or horns like a deer or a whale spout on your head?
If I Built A House by Chris Van Dusen is about building the house of your dreams. Would you include a race track, a gigantic slide or a flying room?
I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm is the touching story of Elfie, a dachshund, and her special boy. They live happily together until one morning Elfie does not wake up.
I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa Mccourt is the story of a mother’s unconditional love and affection for her child.
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek is a beautiful book that describes a range of emotions and how they make you feel physically through simple language that children can easily relate to.
Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber is the story of Ira who is excited to sleep at his friend’s house, until his sister questions whether he should take his teddy.
It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler is the humorous tale of PJ Funnybunny and his quest to be more than just a bunny.
Jack and the Flum Flum Tree by Julia Donaldson. When Jack’s granny is ill with a case of the moozles, Jack sets out on a perilous journey to source the only cure – the fruit of the flum flum tree!
The Jolly Postman by Janet & Allan Ahlberg provides a fun follow up to beloved fairy tales as the classic characters write letters to each other, each delivered by a very jolly postman. There’s a letter of apology from Goldilocks to the bears, a postcard for the giant from Jack and more.
Katie Morag Delivers the Mail by Mairi Hedderwick is the first in the Katie Morag series of stories about village life on a Scottish island.
For more read aloud children’s books exploring life all over the world, check out our list of 75 Picture Books from All Around the World.
Katy No-Pocket by Emmy Payne is a classic tale of a kangaroo without a pouch.
King Bidgood’s In The Bathtub by Don and Audrey Wood is a humorous tale of a King who refuses to get out of the bath to rule his kingdom.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a reassuring story about starting school (or being away from parents) for young children. Chester Raccoon does not want to start school until his mother introduces him to the Kissing Hand to reassure him of her love.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems is the story of Trixie and Knuffle Bunny’s trip to the laundromat with Dad that goes terribly wrong when Trixie realizes some bunny’s been left behind!
Leap Back Home to Me by Lauren Thompson sees a frog taking his first leap out into the world, and his mama who is always waiting back home for his return.
Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni is the amazing story of being friends and also being yourself.
The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood shares the antics of little mouse who will do anything to save his strawberry from the big, hungry bear. It brings a smile to the face of my preschooler every single time we read it.
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney sees Llama heading off excitedly for his first day of preschool but when it comes time for mama to leave, Llama is not so sure about school any more.
Llama Llama Red Pyjama by Anna Dewdney is a comforting night time read for young children who find separation at bedtime difficult.
Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers tells the story of a boy who discovers a penguin on his doorstep, and figuring the penguin must be lost sets out to find the penguin’s home, in what culminates in a journey of friendship.
Magic Beach by Alison Lester is the place where adventure begins! Swimming, surfing, splashing, sand castles and more.
The Magic Hat by Mem Fox is the story of a hat that appears in a town, making magic wherever it lands. The townspeople are transformed into playful animals and then the wizard appears.
Marvin Gets Mad! by Joseph Theobold is a cautionary tale about anger and calming down from big emotions.
For more books about feeling angry, check out our list of 25 Books about Anger.
Meg and Mog by Helen Nicoll and Jan Pienkowski is the first in the classic series of books featuring the kind hearted witch, Meg, and her faithful companion cat, Mog. These titles have remained popular for over 40 years for a reason!
Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard is a wonderful story about showing appreciation for others. The misbehaving students in Room 207 take advantage of their teacher’s good nature until she disappears and they are faced with a rather witchy substitute!
Miss Tizzy by Libba Moore Gray is a lovely story of friendship across generations. Miss Tizzy is beloved by the children in her neighborhood because she makes time to be with them. And when Miss Tizzy becomes ill, the children know just how to return the favor.
Mog the Forgetful Cat by Judith Kerr. Mog is very forgetful and always in trouble. Until one day her forgetfulness comes in handy.
The Monster At the End Of This Book by Jon Stone. Sesame Street’s Grover will do anything to stop you turning the pages of this book..after all, there is a monster at the end of the book!
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires. A girl has a wonderful idea – she is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and she tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, the girl gets really mad and quits! Will she ever succeed in making her most magnificent thing?
For more read aloud books about developing a growth mindset, check out our list of 25 Growth Mindset Picture Books.
Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins. A grumpy bear who loves to cook eggs, is mistaken as the mother of goslings who were to be his meal! Bruce tries (in very comical ways) to be rid of the goslings but after several attempts, finally decides to embrace his newly formed family and make the best of it.
Mustache Baby by Bridget Heos is the funny story of a baby born with a mustache and the ways the mustache informs his identity – from cowboy to cat burglar!
My Big Shouting Day by Rebecca Patterson is a book for a bad day or a bad mood, with a reassuring ending.
My Cat Likes to Hide in Boxes by Eve Sutton is a fun rhyming story about an ordinary house cat and his rather extraordinary counterparts all around the world.
Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs by Tomie dePaola is a beautiful intergenerational story about Tommy and his relationship with both his grandmother and his great-grandmother.
Never Tease a Weasel by Jean Condor Soule is a funny, rhyming tale about being kind to animals.
The Night Pirates by Peter Harris tells the story of Tom when he is awoken by a band of tough girl pirates and decides to join their ranks. Together they set sail in search of treasure but what will happen when they meet a crew of tough grown-up pirates?
Noni the Pony by Alison Lester. “Noni the Pony is friendly and funny. Her shimmering tail is the color of honey.” A beautiful rhyming tale about friendship.
Oi Frog by Kes Gray. “It’s very simple, really. Cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs, mules sit on stools, gophers sit on sofas, and frogs sit on logs.” But Frog does not want to sit on a log! This fabulous series by Kes Gray are simply the best books to read aloud to kindergarteners.
One Button Benny by Alan Windram is the story of Benny, an outcast amongst his fellow robots as he only had one button. But Benny’s button is very important and when he saves the day all of the other robots realise how important a friend Benny actually is.
One Duck Stuck by Phyllis Root is a one-of-a-kind counting book about a mucky duck stuck in the mud!
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr Seuss is a whimsical rhyme about a parade of fascinating imaginary creatures that shows kids that reading can be simply about good, old fashioned fun.
Owl Babies by Martin Waddell is a lovely story that through the experiences of a sweet trio of owl babies reassures young children that their mama is coming back.
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch is a modern day fairytale featuring a brave princess who rescues a very snooty and ungrateful prince.
The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson is about a string of paper dolls on a fantastical adventure through the house and out into the garden. Can the escape the dangers they encounter along the way?
Parts, More Parts & Even More Parts by Tedd Arnold is a funny series of stories about the strange things our bodies do – from fuzz in our belly button to loose teeth.
Peace at Last by Jill Murphy tells the funny story of Mr Bear and the night he could not find anywhere peaceful to sleep.
Peanut Butter and Cupcake by Terry Border is a wonderful story about friendship and the journey to find a friend that feels just right.
Mr McGee and the Perfect Nest by Pamela Allen. Lazy Bird wanted a nest. Nothing would do except the best. She tries teapots, dustbins and more until she sees Mr McGee’s umbrella! Has she found the perfect nest
Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin is the popular story of Pete the Cat out for a walk in his new white shoes.
Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey. This is one of our favorite kindergarten read aloud books! Children love Pig the rather naughty pug. He’s more than a little greedy and selfish but his naughty plans never quite work out the way Pig hopes they will!
The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems sees the persuasive Pigeon back and this time he insists that he doesn’t need a bath!
Pirates Love Underpants by Claire Freedman and they’re on a special quest to find the fabled Pants of Gold for the Captain’s treasure chest!
Red is Best by Kathy Stinson is a celebration of colour – because red is always best!
The Rhyming Rabbit by Julia Donaldson is about a rabbit who feels lonely and misunderstood as none of the other animals appreciate his poetry. Until one night he meets someone who shares his enthusiasm.
Room On the Broom by Julia Donaldson is the story of a friendly witch and her cat companion as they encounter a series of helpful animals that would ask to join them on the broom.
Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beatty is a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer. Her first task – to make a contraption that will help Great Aunt Rose to fly!
Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran might not look like much but sand and rocks and some old wooden boxes but it is a special place – a sparkling world of jeweled homes, streets edged with the whitest stones, and two ice cream shops, at least in the imaginations of the children of Roxaboxen.
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown is the sweet story of a bunny who keeps running away from his mother in an imaginary game of hide-and-seek. But mother is there for him every time he returns.
Sadie and the Silver Shoes by Jane Godwin. Sadie has three older brothers to pass along hand-me-downs, so she doesn’t have much say in choosing clothes! But Sadie is allowed to pick her shoes. So one day she buys the most beautiful silver shoes. Sadly, when Sadie and her brothers are adventuring, one shoe falls into the creek and is swept away. Whatever will Sadie do with only one silver shoe?
The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Anne Hoberman is a funny story about a mother with seven children who are all very fussy eaters. When every child wants to eat different things for every meal, what is a mother to to?!
The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson is a sweet story about giving selflessly to others in need.
Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright is a snowman who feels the cold. When he seeks a warm solution, he melts! Fortunately the children know just what to do to build Sneezy up again..
Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell is about having the confidence to stand tall when when others try to tear you down.
Steam Train Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker is a bedtime story about the dream train that is loaded with all the ingredients for wonderful dreams.
Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch is a lighthearted tale about not being afraid to be yourself and the dangers of following others instead of having your own mind.
Stick Man by Julia Donaldson. One day Stick Man is carried off by a mischievous dog who wants to play and things go from bad to worse as Stick Man is carried farther and farther away from home. How will he ever make it back to his family?
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf is the classic 1936 story of a bull who would much rather smell flowers than fight in bullfights.
For more like classics to read aloud to your children, check out this big list of Classic Picture Books for Kids.
The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business by Werner Holzwarth. The hilarous tale of a little mole who wakes up one morning to have one of the other animals ‘do its business’ on his head. The Little Mole sets out to track down the culprit, and to exact his revenge in his own little way!
Stuck by Oliver Jeffers has to be one of the best children’s stories to read aloud! It shares the story about a time Floyd’s kite got stuck in a tree. When he throws up his shoe to knock it down, that gets stuck too and before long a whole host of funny things end up stuck in the tree! Will Floyd get his kite back?
Superworm by Julia Donaldson saves the day in all sorts of ways and is loved by his friends. But who will save Superworm when he is captured by a wicked Wizard Lizard?
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig is the story of a donkey who accidentally turns himself into a rock with a magic pebble. His family are distraught when they discover him missing and Sylvester desperately tries to find a way back to them.
Tabby McTat: The Musical Cat by Julia Donaldson. Tabby McTat sings all day long with Fred the busker, until the day they are separated. How will they find each other again?
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox shares a simple message of diversity and tolerance with our very youngest citizens.
Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey is about a horse who dreams of being a unicorn but when her dream unexpectedly comes true she learns a lesson in loving yourself…even without sparkles!
There’s a Hippopotamus on the Roof Eating Cake by Hazel Edwards. There is an imaginary Hippo who can do whatever he likes up on the roof. In fact, he does all the things a little girl wishes she could, but is not allowed!
This is a Ball by Beck and Matt Stanton is a fun interactive book that is sure to drive your children crazy! A great picture book to read aloud to preschoolers!
Thomas’ Snowsuit by Robert Munsch. A hilarious story about Thomas who is not happy with his new snowsuit and despite the pleas of his mother, teacher and even school principal, he refuses to wear it.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr. When the doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea they certainly don’t expect to see a big furry, stripy tiger at the door!
Time for Bed by Mem Fox is a peaceful rhyme about baby animals going to sleep. A perfect sleepy time read aloud book for toddlers.
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle. In autumn, a strong wind blows flower seeds high in the air and carries them far across the land. One by one, many of the seeds are lost until only the tiniest seed remains.
The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland. Four animal friends take shelter from the rain in a cave, only to find it is already occupied by a very cranky bear. Can the well meaning friends find a way to help the bear feel happier?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is the beloved tale of a voracious caterpillar who eats his way through the days of the week before changing into a beautiful butterfly.
We’re Going on A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen deserves a place on every family bookshelf. This classic tale of a family headed off on a bear hunt engages children with it’s engaging chant.
What the Ladybug Heard by Julia Donaldson is a fabulous romp through a farmyard as the animals band together to stop a team of rascally robbers from stealing the farmer’s fine prize cow.
Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek is one of the BEST read aloud books for toddlers! This clever story features red sheep and blue sheep, wind sheep and wave sheep, scared sheep and brave sheep, but where is the green sheep?
Where’s My Teddy? by Jez Alborough. Eddie’s in for the surprise of his life when he discovers that his teddy bear has grown much too big to cuddle… but is this teddy really his???
Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman. Love is the greatest gift we have to give our children, it’s the one thing they can carry with them each and every day and this book is a celebration of the love a parent has for their child.
The Wide Mouthed Frog by Keith Faulkner is about a curious frog who questions all of the animals about what they like to eat…until he meets one that likes to eat wide mouthed frogs!
For more fun books featuring frogs, check out our collection of picture books about frogs.
The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith is a hilarious cumulative song, with each page telling us something new about the donkey until we end up with a spunky, hanky-panky, cranky, stinky, dinky, lanky, honky-tonky, winky, wonky donkey!
The Worst Princess by Sara Ogilvie is the tale of a feisty princess as she escapes the clutches of a disappointing prince in a funny twist on the traditional princess tale.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. When Max puts on a wolf suit and makes mischief his mother calls him ‘Wild Thing’ and sends him to bed without his supper in this award winning celebration of emotions, imagination and the power of home.
Whiz Pop! Granny Stop! by Tracey Corderoy. Granny just loves to help- a little magic always speeds things along but her granddaughter wants to have her birthday the “normal” way — no magic!
Wilfrid Gordon MacDonald Partridge by Mem Fox. Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge lives next door to a nursing home in which resides Miss Nancy, his favorite friend, because she has four names as well. When Miss Nancy “loses” her memory, Wilfrid sets out to find it for her in this book for reading aloud with children of all ages.
Wolf’s Coming by Joe Kulka. A howl echoes through the forest, animals quickly stop what they’re doing and run for home. Look out–Wolf’s coming! But things are not as they seem in this suspenseful story.
Wombat Stew by Marcia Vaughan. A dingo catches a wombat and begins to make wombat stew but he receives some rather unusual cooking advice from the other bush animals, unaware that they are protecting their friend, Wombat.
For more read aloud picture books like Wombat Stew, check out our collection of picture books about Australian animals.
Zog by Julia Donaldson is the keenest dragon in school but he’s also the most accident-prone! Luckily, a mysterious little girl always comes by and patches up his bumps and bruises. But will she be able to help him with his toughest test- capturing a princess?
Now that you have a heap of great read aloud book suggestions, be sure to check out our read aloud tips and make read aloud time your favorite part of the day!
