Read-Aloud Books

Last updated: February 24, 2025

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 Moon Poster Image

BOOK

Goodnight Moon

age 2+

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

Margaret Wise Brown Picture Book (1947)

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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.

Sherri Duskey Rinker Picture Book (2011)

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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.

Dr. Seuss For Beginning Readers (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.

Sam McBratney Picture Book (2020)

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Go, Dog. Go! Poster Image

BOOK

Go, Dog. Go!

age 3+

Go, new readers. Go!

P. D. Eastman For Beginning Readers (1961)

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Hug Machine Poster Image

BOOK

Hug Machine

age 3+

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

Scott Campbell Picture Book (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.

Seth Meyers Picture Book (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.

Anna Dewdney Picture Book (2012)

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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.

B.J. Novak Picture Book (2014)

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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.

Ryan T. Higgins Picture Book (2023)

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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.

Philip C. Stead Picture Book (2010)

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Diverse group of children playing and reading

BOOK

All Are Neighbors

age 4+

Colorful images celebrate diverse, inclusive neighbors.

Alexandra Penfold Picture Book (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.

Alice Schertle Picture Book (2019)

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Green Eggs and Ham Poster Image

BOOK

Green Eggs and Ham

age 4+

A childhood favorite for good reason.

Dr. Seuss For Beginning Readers (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.

David Ezra Stein Picture Book (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.

Christopher Denise Picture Book (2022)

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Let's Be Bees book cover: A big yellow-and-black-striped be talks to a little bee

BOOK

Let's Be Bees

age 4+

Pretending is big fun in playful reading tale.

Shawn Harris Picture Book (2025)

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The Big Cheese book cover: A smiling block of cheese stands on a first place podium

BOOK

The Big Cheese: The Food Group, Book 7

age 4+

Funny, warm picture book embraces humor and humility.

Jory John Picture Book (2023)

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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.

Natalie Portman Picture Book (2020)

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Rainbow Magic Series Poster Image

BOOK

Rainbow Magic Series

age 5+

Friends' fairy adventures are fun intro to fantasy.

Daisy Meadows Fantasy (2005)

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