The 17 Best Read Aloud Books: Chapter Books Your Kids Will Love

17 chapter books to read aloud

My kids love to listen to me read so I am always on the hunt for great read aloud books.  Whether I am reading poems, picture books, or chapter books, reading is the one thing I can do that will keep my kids captivated. 

Reading to your children at night great way to unwind.  You will often find all of us sitting in one bed reading “just one more chapter”.

For little kids especially, their listening comprehension is much better than what they will be able to read independently.  So, even if you practice reading with your kids every night, it is also so important to continue to read to your children as well. 

They will thank you for it! We have a list of 17 great read aloud chapter books you can enjoy with your children.

*This post may contain affiliate links. We get a small commission if you purchase an item from an affiliate.*

Read Aloud Books: Modern Tales

 

the chocolate touch by patrick skene catlingThe Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling

I adore this story about a little boy who gets the magical power to turn everything he touches into chocolate. This twist on the Midas Touch is adorable and the thought of turning parents into chocolate had my kids rolling with laughter. This is one of our favorite read aloud books.

 

teddy and coTeddy & Co by Cynthia Voight

Think Winnie the Pooh meets Toy Story in this sweet story about a group of toys.  This is on of the read aloud books that we recommend reading first because of its wonderful message and sharing and kindness.

 

Giraffe

Yours Sincerely, Giraffe by Megumi Iwasa

This book is so cute.  I love it.  Giraffe is looking for a friend and decides to write a letter.  He finds a Pen pal, Penguin, on the other side of the world.  How old school and sweet.  This book is really engaging and cute and it is one of the read aloud books we read over and over again.

 

Mercy WatsonMercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo

I love Kate DiCamillo and these read aloud books are no exception.  They are so cute and funny and the pictures (by my favorite Chris Van Dusen) are amazing.  My kids cracked up while reading about this sweet pig. This book series is one that parents will love almost as much as their kids.

 

DespereauxTale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Yes, we have two books by Kate DiCamillo. She is a modern storyteller that appeals to children in an intelligent and thoughtful way. I feel like I could have chosen every single one of her books to put on this list of read aloud books so take your pick.  This Newberry Award-winning book is delightful.

 

Earth Dragon

Rise of the Earth Dragon: A Branches Book (Dragon Master Series) by Tracey West

We have read all of these. Even though my son is a little old for them now, I will definitely be reading these to my daughter.  There are female dragon master characters that make this series appealing to boys and girls alike.

 

bunnicula

Bunnicula by Deborah Howe

Chester, a cat, and Harold, a dog, live in perfect harmony with their family until a new pet is brought onto the scene. When the family brings home a new bunny named Bunnicula, Chester is convinced he is Dracula’s rabbit.

Hijinks ensue. It’s the first in a series and the second one is even funnier than the first. This is one of the read aloud books every Halloween too!

 

28931552Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne

Whether your kids love dragons or pandas, soccer, or sharks, these stories have a plot line for every child. They are fun, quick, and enjoyable.  When Jack and Annie discover a tree house filled with books, they can never guess that they will be transported into different worlds.  These are great read aloud books and great firsts.

 

Ruby the red fairy

Magic #1: Ruby the Red Fairy by Daisy Meadows

This series is sweet and enjoyable.  I know that it may seem that this series might only be appealing to girls but, my son brought these home from the school library in Kindergarten so that I could read them to him.

 

Read Aloud Books: Classics

 

paddingtonPaddington by Michael Bond

Even before he became a motion picture star, this little bear won my heart.  With his hat, duffle coat and suitcase, he was definitely my favorite growing up.  My kids love him just as much with his crazy antics.  He is sweet, lovable and hilarious.  The perfect combination!

 

RamonaRamona Quimby Age 8 by Beverly Cleary

Ramona is another adorable character who is perfectly imperfect.  She is sweet and lovable and gets into her share of trouble.  Whether you are reading to boys or girls, every child can relate to Ramona.

 

6310Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

I grew up reading Charlie and the Chocolate factory.  In fact, I still have the copy I received from my friend Jeff that includes the inscription from his mother “Happy 6th birthday Jackie, Love Jeff”.  It also has the inscription from him: “poo poo poo, I do not love you Jackie Robins”.  I read this copy to my kids.

 

my fathers dragon byMy Father’s Dragon by Ruth Styles Barnett

I love this book at my kids first fantasty chapter book.  It is such a great story and continues with two more books after. Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland complete this trilogy.

 

charlottes web full color by e b whiteCharlotte’s Web by E.B White

This is such a wonderful story of unconditional love and friendship.   When Fern saves the life of Wilbur, the runt of the pig litter, Charlotte befriends him and ultimately saves his life a second time. This is such a heartwarming story. I try to read it without crying.

 

Mr. PopperMr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater

This Newberry Honor book is a classic.  Originally published in 1938, it tells the story of a painter who find himself with a house full of penguins.  This hilarious tale is sure to keep the kids entertained.

 

Stuart LittleStuart Little by E.B. White

Adventure- Check. Animals- Check. Animals who can talk and wear clothes- Check check. This is a tale that everyone loves about a boy who also happens to be a mouse.  All my kids love this great story.

 

the littlesThe Littles by John Peterson

I always wished that the Littles were real.  A family of people with tails (the littles) live in the Bigg family house and always make sure that the house is well take care of.  When the family goes away for the summer and a new family moves in, trouble starts.  This book is a timeless classic.

Looking for the perfect books to read aloud? We have some classics as well as some that are bound to be new favorites. Kate Dicamillo, Beverly Cleary and E.B WhiteReading out loud to your kids is the perfect way to promote literacy. From beloved favorites like Stuart Little and the Ramona to New favorites like Mercy Watson, we have them all.

From E.B white to Kate DiCamillo. We have the authors that know how to write books children want to read and you will enjoy reading aloud.

First Chapter books to read out loud to your child and encourage a life long love of learning.

What are your favorite read aloud books?

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.