As an educational leader, being invited to deliver a classroom read aloud for kids in your school system can be one of the best parts of the job.
Not only do you get to connect with your students and have some fun reading a favorite book out loud, but playing guest reader also gives you a chance to help boost your students’ language and literacy skills. You’re helping build kids’ vocabulary, developing their understanding of sentence structures, and helping them develop reading fluency and rhythm, and let’s face it — the students all look at you like you’re Taylor Swift!
Ego boost aside, you’re modeling that reading is fun, which helps instill a love of reading in children.
There’s just one big question: With all the incredible read aloud books for kids available on the shelves, how do you pick the perfect one?
Should you introduce kids to powerful themes like showing kindness or overcoming adversity? Should you choose a book that’s part of a series? What are the best read alouds for kindergarten or 1st grade? What about older students?
As a former 1st grade teacher, reading specialist, and instructional coach, I’ve been lucky enough to spend hours upon hours reading to groups of kids throughout my career. I’ve developed a long list of go-to favorites that are always a hit with students. I’ve narrowed down the list to five of my favorites to help you slay your Read Aloud debut.
Ingredients for a Successful Classroom Read Aloud With Kids
As you prepare to channel your inner LeVar Burton and deliver an epic reading performance, you might find that you’re feeling a bit nervous.
What if the kids don’t like the book you chose? What if you stumble over a few words or can’t hold their attention?
First, take a deep breath.
Then, brush up on the following tried and true tips for acing classroom read alouds every single time.
- Don’t Overthink It. You aren’t preparing to testify before Congress; you’re choosing a fun story to share with kids!
Pick a book that you will be excited about. The more excited you are about what you’re reading, the more you’ll instill excitement and a love of reading in the kids you’re reading aloud to. - Practice. Spend some time getting to know the book you’re going to read. Consider how you’ll hold the book while reading aloud (This isn’t the time for hand cramps!).
Think about the parts of the book where you want to really engage kids, either through your voice or by pausing to ask them questions. Flag those parts of the text with a Post-it note or by jotting a quick note-to-self in the book. - Lather, Rinse, Repeat. It’s OK to have a go-to book that’s your favorite that you always read aloud. You will be expert at crushing that read aloud, and it takes the pressure off of constantly having to find the “perfect” book.
If you need some help selecting the right book, here are my favorite recommendations.
5 Great Read Aloud Books for Kids
1. Pete The Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin and James Dean
Why It’s a Great Read Aloud Book Pick:
Pete the Cat is a beloved book series created by artist James Dean. The series features more than 80 books geared towards kids in grades K-3, and many kids cite this particular one as a favorite.
“Pete The Cat: I Love My White Shoes” is a great read-aloud pick for Pre-K and Kindergarten kids, with a sweet message about maintaining a positive outlook no matter what we may step in. In the story, Pete walks in his new white shoes, which change colors as he steps in different things, but he keeps walking along and happily singing his song.
The repetitive catchy song and vibrant illustrations make this a classic read-aloud that is fun to ham up. And when you’re asked back to the classroom later on, don’t worry—you’ll still have plenty of other Pete the Cat books to choose from.
Where to buy it: Bookshop.org
2. Elephant and Piggie: There Is a Bird On Your Head by Mo Willems
Why It’s a Great Read Aloud Book Pick:
You cannot go wrong with any Elephant and Piggie book. Created by the award-winning author and illustrator Mo Willems, this series is big on laughs and highlights many different aspects of friendship, problem solving, and how people love and support each other even when they’re very different.
These are fantastic read aloud books for kids in Pre-K through grade 1 who love the simple illustrations and expressive, hilarious conversations between fictional best friends Gerald the Elephant and Piggie the Pig.
In “There’s A Bird On Your Head,” Gerald needs Piggie’s help to solve the problem of not one, but two birds who are making a nest on his head.
Kids will giggle throughout the story, and early readers will love reading along with you.
Where To Buy It: More Than Words Book Shop
3. I Am Enough by Grace Byers
Why It’s a Great Read Aloud Book Pick:
This empowering picture book from author, actress, and activist Grace Byers reminds children that they are valuable and enough just as they are.
The story features an unnamed narrator who compares herself to beautiful things in nature, like the sun, rain, and the moon, as she discovers her own worthiness and uniqueness.
Not only does this read aloud book encourage self-acceptance, but it also encourages kids to rejoice in and celebrate the differences in people all around them.
“I Am Enough” is a fantastic read for kids in Pre-K through grade 2, filled with positive affirmations written in lyrical text and stunning artwork showcasing children from many backgrounds.
Where To Buy It: Bookshop.org
4. The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz
Why It’s a Great Read Aloud Book Pick:
Most kids are familiar with the original “Three Little Pigs” story, but “The Three Ninja Pigs” is a fresh take. Written by children’s author Corey Rosen Schwartz, this clever, action-packed twist on the classic follows the three little pigs (two brothers and a sister) as they learn martial arts to defend themselves and their village from the Big Bad Wolf.
Schwartz has written other modern takes on classics, including “Ninja Red Riding Hood” and “Hansel and Gretel: Ninja Chicks!”
This one is a winning pick because because of the rhyming text, gorgeous illustrations, and a clever feminist twist. It’s a high-energy read that’s sure to lead to plenty of laughs and engagement for kids in grades K-3.
Where To Buy It: Bookshop.org
5. The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds
Why It’s a Great Read Aloud Book Pick:
Any book by Peter H. Reynolds is going to be a beautiful, thought-provoking read aloud that will definitely make you teary-eyed in the very best way.
You may recognize Reynolds as the author of “The Dot,” another beloved children’s book that inspired an entire global celebration of creativity known as International Dot Day, which takes place each year on September 15.
“The Word Collector” stands out for its beautiful story, as well as its clever extra use as a vocabulary teaching tool. This inspiring picture book tells the story of a quiet boy who gathers words wherever he goes, ultimately discovering that words are powerful because they can comfort, inspire, bring people together, and even change the world.
The illustrations are calm and whimsical, and this is a fantastic read for kids in grades K-5 as they discover their own love of words.
Where To Buy It: More Than Words Book Shop
Feature image credit: City of Detroit/Flickr
