10 Great Books to Read-Aloud with Children!

Spending time reading aloud with our children is a meaningful way to nurture our connections, instill a love of books, and create treasured memories. But there are so many fantastic books available that it can be overwhelming to know where to start! If you’re struggling to choose a title or two, I’ve compiled a list for you of 10 great books to read-aloud with children!

I have many treasured memories of reading aloud to my children.

We started with board books when they were babies, then moved on to picture books, and worked our way up to chapter books.

Reading aloud has taken place around the kitchen table during breakfast.

On the couch in the middle of the day with a big bowl of popcorn.

And at night, snuggled up together in bed.

We’ve read aloud during road trips, flying in airplanes, settling into hotel rooms, and tucked into sleeping bags while camping.

And while the list of incredible titles are limitless and my recommendations could go on for days, I absolutely ADORE the following titles. So let’s start with these!

Here are 10 Great Books to Read-Aloud with Children!

Please note the age recommendations listed are what I personally consider appropriate. Your opinion on this may be different so be sure to preview these books and make your own decision according to your views.

1. Winnie the Pooh (complete set)

by A.A. Milne (6+)

In my humble opinion, this is one of the best read-alouds to start with.

Clever, whimsical, and endearing, I can’t help but recommend the complete set!

A.A. Milne wrote this for his son, Christopher Robin, and in the years since, countless children, (and their grown-ups!) have fallen in love with these stories. We follow along on the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Owl, Tigger, Rabbit, Kanga, Roo, and Eeyore, taking part in their adventures, conundrums, and tender moments.

An absolutely delightful read!

2. Nate the Great

by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat (6+)

This is a simple and enjoyable read!

This is the first book in a series all about Nate the Great, a young detective eager to solve mysteries in his neighborhood and beyond.

In this first book, Nate is on the hunt for his friend Annie’s lost picture. He must gather all of the facts, interview key suspects, and eventually crack the case! Full of loveable, quirky characters, this is definitely a fun read.

This title is perfect for emerging readers. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are essential as we try to help Nate solve the mystery.

3. By the Great Horn Spoon

by Sid Fleischman (8+)

This is one of my favorite all-time books!

Set during the Gold Rush, Jack and his butler Praiseworthy, set off an adventure westward, as they seek their fortune in gold.

Their journey is prompted by their desire to help Jack’s aunt, who is struggling with debt and being forced to sell her home.

Trouble follows Jack and Praiseworthy everywhere and we accompany them through one adventure after another.

Using their intelligence and wit, they outsmart the trickiest of circumstances.

We finally discover at the end whether or not Jack and Praiseworthy have been successful in their attempts to strike it rich.

Perfect read-aloud for a study of the California Gold Rush. So clever, fun, touching, and entertaining!

4. The Unfinished Angel

by Sharon Creech (8+)

This book is an absolute treasure!

In a serene little village in the Swiss Alps, lives an “unfinished” angel, who is still waiting for her instructions from the angel-training center. But when an American girl named Zola arrives, the quiet town is turned upside down and the angel becomes quite irritated.

But as Zola and the angel spend more time together, they begin to find common ground as they encounter a small group of orphans who need help.

As they develop a plan, their purpose is discovered and they come to understand how much power there is in small and simple acts of kindness.

This story is truly endearing, as we experience the wonder and appreciation for the life that is all around us.

5. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

by Roald Dahl (8+)

Chances are that if you haven’t read the book, you’ve likely seen a version of the movie!

So creative, unpredictable, intriguing, and touching, I think it’s a great one to listen to on audio, while on a road trip or series of long car rides.

Charlie Bucket, a poor boy with a kind heart, has been lucky enough to find a golden ticket inside of a Willy Wonka candy bar. This means that he, along with four other children, have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory.

As the five children embark on the journey of a lifetime, we experience unexpected and fantastical adventures around every twist and turn.

Full of action and imagination, this is a wild and wacky read-aloud!

6. Trumpet of the Swan

by E.B. White (8+)

If you’re a fan of E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little, you will definitely want to get a copy of this book!

Louis is a trumpeter swan. But not only is he unable to trumpet proudly; he is unable to make even the slightest sound.

This is especially problematic because he has fallen in love with a swan named Serena. Since he can’t show off for her by trumpeting, she pays him no attention.

Louis tries everything he can think of to gain Serena’s love, including attending school in order to learn to read and write. But nothing seems to work until his father steals him a real trumpet.

This is a lovely, thoughtful book all about persistence, dedication, and pure love of music.

7. Judy Moody was in a Mood

by Megan McDonald (8+)

This is the first book in the Judy Moody series, which I recommend.

Judy Moody is about to start third grade and she’s not too thrilled about it. But when her teacher assigns a special class project, she has an opportunity to express herself, which she does with gusto!

This is a fun series so once you’re done with this first book, you will have plenty more waiting for you!

8. The Boxcar Children

by Gertrude Chandler Warner

This is another one of my childhood favorites.

Four orphaned siblings, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, discover an empty boxcar in the forest and decide to turn it into their home.

Using their imagination and the limited resources around them, they are able to create a sweet little home as they care for each other despite their circumstances.

They are eventually introduced to their grandfather, who they had previously believed was a cruel man, but in fact, is very kind and generous.

This is a lovely first book to a series that has delighted children for years.

9. The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1

by Rick Riordan (10+)

Rick Riordan creates some of the most dynamic and captivating books and this is no exception!

Percy Jackson has just gotten kicked out of boarding school, which has happened repeatedly.

Recently, he has unintentionally been angering some of the Greek gods which and this has put him in immediate danger. To make matters worse, Zeus’s master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.

Percy and his friends have ten days to find the true thief and return Zeus’s lightning bolt.

This book is packed full of action and adventure. My kids learned so much about Greek mythology by reading this entire series.

10. Blue Birds

by Caroline Starr Rose (10+)

Written in free verse, this is a unique and eye-opening story about a historical event often forgotten about in history books.

Set in 1587, 12-year old Alis and her parents travel from England to settle in the New World. But soon after settling, they find themselves in conflict with the Roanoke tribe.

Alis develops a secret and dangerous friendship with a Roanoke girl named Kimi. Despite not speaking the same language, the two become extremely close and end up risking their lives for each other.

This is a fascinating look into a part of history we rarely spend much time learning about; the lost colony of Roanoke. It’s a beautiful story about friendship, sacrifice, and bravery.