7 Kids’ Books Parents Love to Read Out Loud

If you asked me a little over three years ago to choose my favourite book, chances are that I would not have named Alice Schertle’s Little Blue Truck as my number one must-read. Three-plus years and two kids later, I’ve read about that friendly little truck and his gang of animal friends so many times that I can recite it from memory — and truth be told, I kind of love it.

There’s something a bit magical about sitting down with your kids to read a book. No matter what kind of day you’re having, it’s hard not to get caught up in the simple joy of reading a witty rhyme in a funny voice (or multiple voices, if you’re so inclined) while your little one giggles along. And that act of reading together can have an impact that lasts a lifetime, too. Author Emilie Buchwald famously said that “children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” With that in mind, here are some great read-aloud books to add to your family’s library.

Oi Frog (Kes Gray, Illustrated by Jim Field)

Recommended for ages 0 to 5

For little readers who love to rhyme, this thoroughly entertaining tale from Kes Gray will not disappoint. A pushy cat tries to make a reluctant frog sit on a log, and so begins a (hilarious) lesson in the seating rules of the animal kingdom. With its silly rhymes and colourful illustrations, Oi Frog will quickly become a family favourite.

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Roadwork (Sally Sutton, Illustrated by Brian Lovelock)

Recommended for ages 2 to 5

Construction-loving kids will be thrilled to read this book that follows the process of a new road being built. They may not be able to say "onomatopoeia" just yet, but they'll be learning all about it with every "squish" and "squelch" that help bring Roadwork to life.

The Snatchabook (Helen Docherty, Illustrated by Thomas Docherty)

Recommended for ages 3 to 6

A sweet rhyming bedtime story about bedtime stories? The Snatchabook is meta, and we love it. 

Mortimer (Robert Munsch, Illustrated by Michael Martchenko)|

Recommended for ages 4 to 7

No list of read-aloud books for kids would be complete without an entry from beloved children’s author Robert Munsch. Mortimer is one of Munsch’s earliest stories, and is sure to be a big hit with little ones who would rather stay awake to sing and play than go to bed. Don’t forget your silly voices for this one!

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The Book With No Pictures (BJ Novak)

Recommended for ages 4 to 8

Who would have guessed that a text-only children’s book could be so entertaining? There’s a reason that The Book With No Pictures has garnered so much attention since its release in 2014. Your wee ones won’t be able to contain their giggles while you say absurd words like “blork” and “bluurf” while trying to keep a straight face.

Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes (Eric Litwin, Illustrated by James Dean)

Recommended for ages 4 to 8

Take a walk with Pete the Cat as he breaks in his new white shoes — and runs into some unexpected messes along the way. Little ones can join in the storytelling by answering questions about colours, and singing along with Pete’s catchy shoe-tunes. 

Press Here (Hervé Tullet)

Recommended for ages 4 to 8

Interactive books aren’t just for smart devices! Hervé Tullet’s Press Here will have kids tapping, clapping and blowing on pages to see what happens next.

What books do you love to read aloud with your kids? Share your favourites in the comments below.