Read-Aloud Books

Reading together -- whether at bedtime or anytime you need a quiet, calm activity -- is a cherished ritual for many parents and their kids. Next time you're ready to curl up together, try one of our favorite read-aloud books, from gentle picture books for little ones to poetry to exciting chapter books for kids who know how to read but enjoy having an intriguing story read to them. See our list of Adventure Books for more thrilling tales and Bedtime Books for more sleep-promoting read-alouds.

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Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site Poster Image
BOOK

Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site

age 2+

Charming bedtime book is magic for truck lovers.

By: Sherri Duskey Rinker (2011)
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Goodnight Moon Poster Image
BOOK

Goodnight Moon

age 2+

Ultimate going-to-bed book has stood the test of time.

By: Margaret Wise Brown (1947)
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There's a Wocket in My Pocket Poster Image
BOOK

There's a Wocket in My Pocket

age 2+

This is a terrific read-aloud or primer.

By: Dr. Seuss (1974)
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Will You Be My Friend? Poster Image
BOOK

Will You Be My Friend?

age 2+

Warm, happy adventure is sequel to beloved picture book.

By: Sam McBratney (2020)
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The Book with No Pictures Poster Image
BOOK

The Book with No Pictures

age 3+

No pictures but oodles of silly words and giggles.

By: B.J. Novak (2014)
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Go, Dog. Go! Poster Image
BOOK

Go, Dog. Go!

age 3+

Go, new readers. Go!

By: P. D. Eastman (1961)
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Hug Machine Poster Image
BOOK

Hug Machine

age 3+

Sweetly funny hugger's tale is irresistible read-aloud.

By: Scott Campbell (2014)
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Happy rabbit and scared bear together
BOOK

I'm Not Scared, You're Scared!

age 3+

Funny, sweet adventure story of friendship and facing fears.

By: Seth Meyers (2022)
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Llama Llama Time to Share Poster Image
BOOK

Llama Llama Time to Share

age 3+

Llama learns to share his toys in zippy read-aloud.

By: Anna Dewdney (2012)
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Scared cartoon dinosaur in pink overalls looking at a goldfish in a bowl.
BOOK

We Don’t Lose Our Class Goldfish: Penelope Rex, Book 3

age 3+

Funny, silly dinosaur story has amazing illustrations.

By: Ryan T. Higgins (2023)
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Diverse group of children playing and reading
BOOK

All Are Neighbors

age 4+

Colorful images celebrate diverse, inclusive neighbors.

By: Alexandra Penfold (2022)
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Good Night, Little Blue Truck Poster Image
BOOK

Good Night, Little Blue Truck

age 4+

Friends weather a storm together in reassuring bedtime tale.

By: Alice Schertle (2019)
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Green Eggs and Ham Poster Image
BOOK

Green Eggs and Ham

age 4+

A childhood favorite for good reason.

By: Dr. Seuss (1960)
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Interrupting Chicken, Book 1 Poster Image
BOOK

Interrupting Chicken, Book 1

age 4+

Funny award-winning book imparts gentle manners lesson.

By: David Ezra Stein (2010)
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little owl in armor holding a spear, standing atop a castle, with bright moon behind him
BOOK

Knight Owl

age 4+

Adorable owl befriends dragon in outstanding fantasy tale.

By: Christopher Denise (2022)
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A Sick Day for Amos McGee Poster Image
BOOK

A Sick Day for Amos McGee

age 4+

2011 Caldecott winner celebrates caring for one another.

By: Philip C. Stead (2010)
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Natalie Portman's Fables Poster Image
BOOK

Natalie Portman's Fables

age 5+

Familiar tales get a cute new spin in lively picture book.

By: Natalie Portman (2020)
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Rainbow Magic Series Poster Image
BOOK

Rainbow Magic Series

age 5+

Friends' fairy adventures are fun intro to fantasy.

By: Daisy Meadows (2005)
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The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True Poster Image
BOOK

The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True

age 6+

Perfect "knightly" read-aloud for younger children.

By: Gerald Morris (2011)
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Poster Image
BOOK

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

age 6+

Classic morality tale is wildly entertaining.

By: Roald Dahl (1964)
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