When I look back on parenting, reading aloud will encompass many of my favorite moments. We read aloud each night before bed, but that isn’t our only story time. Sometimes you can find us cuddled on the couch reading, side by side on our bellies on the floor, or reading on a blanket in the sun. Our family loves all kinds of stories; from funny, to daring, to serious, to downright silly.
We still have libraries of books to discover, but we’ve found a few enduring favorites that make for a great read aloud experience. Some of them are from mom and dad’s childhoods, others we recently discovered, and some simply top our “must read” lists. We especially love chapter books, which allow us to go on an adventure together each evening and share in the anticipation of what comes next.
If you are looking for some great books to share, here are 15 of our Favorite Read Aloud Chapter Books.‘[metaslider id=5913]
My Father’s Dragon – The last time we read this book, I lay on a blanket in the grass with my three older kids, each listening intently. They took turns guessing how Elmer would outsmart the animals on Wild Animal Island and giggled at his preposterous tricks. The entire reading took less than an hour and everyone was delighted by this story of wit and rescue.
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase – My daughter and I eagerly read this story of cousins Bonnie and Sylvia. The two girls become heroes of their own sad orphan tale, battling the cruel Miss Slighcarp and her wicked ways.
Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy – This lovely, sometimes melancholy, story explores grief in subtle ways. The writing is engaging and your child will have to resist reading ahead to discover the story within the story.
The Secret Garden – I remember watching the mini-series as a child and I can’t believe I am only now reading the book. You are immediately drawn into Mary’s world as she leaves the familiarity of India behind to live in the strange and enchanting English moor.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – This book is laugh-out-loud, unapologetically funny. You’ll find yourself grimacing and giggling in turn at the Herdmans, ultimately falling in love with them.
Sideways Stories from Wayside School – My daughter loves to randomly quote me lines from Wayside school. She read this book out loud to me one afternoon and I laughed so hard, I cried. Pure silliness you won’t soon forget.
Anne of Green Gables – I’m absolutely aware that adding a series to a list is a kind of cheating, but I’m going to do it four times in this list anyway. I loved Anne as a girl and so did my husband. We couldn’t wait to introduce our kids to Anne’s delightful world of mishaps, misunderstandings, and cock-eyed optimism.
The Little House Series – You will love sitting alongside Mary, Laura, and Carrie as they listen to their father tell stories and experience the changing life on the prairie.
The Mysterious Benedict Society – Tests your wits alongside four very special children at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. Each chapter will keep you guessing, engaged, and curious to see what happens next.
The Littles – Your kids will be able to relate to these tiny mouse-like people living and adventuring in an over-sized world. The Little’s adventures will transport you back to your childhood too.
The Hobbit – Tolkein’s classic is simply made for reading out loud. Don’t let the tone of the movies scare you off – the book is lighter in tone and doesn’t really require three films. This is the perfect adventure to go on with your kids!
Pippi Longstocking – Pippi is delightfully odd, intriguing the neighbors and scandalizing adults. Your kids are sure to love this zany protagonist.
Harry Potter – Experiencing Harry Potter out loud with your children is like experiencing it anew again. I couldn’t wait for my daughter to discover the series’ secrets. We experienced Harry Potter together and then Ella returned time and again to read the series on her own.
The Naughtiest Girl in School – We discovered this gem in England last summer at a thrift shop. This throw-back to the 1940s follows Elizabeth, a spoiled child who attempts to get thrown out of boarding school.
Horrid Henry – Henry is another character we discovered in London. He’s a prankster who loves trickery and practical jokes. His little brother, Perfect Peter, is his opposite in every way. Your kids will shake their heads at Harry and laugh at his every day antics.
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