Snuggle up with your children and give these 45 of the best read aloud picture books a try!
Living within ten miles of three unique libraries certainly has its perks! On a near weekly basis my children and I will stop by one of our local libraries to browse for new reads.
After hundreds of trips and thousands of books read I finally decided to make a list of the best read aloud picture books for kids (at least in our humble opinion đ ). I hope that they will help you narrow down your search if youâre on the hunt for some wholesome stories to cuddle up to.
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Best Read Aloud Picture Books
This list of best read aloud picture books is broken down into 6 separate categories:
- Dog Books For Kids
- Farm Books For Kids
- Friendship Books For Kids
- Funny Books For Kids
- Books About Kindness
- Christian Books For Kids
I will say that I have noticed over the past nine years of reading to my children that it is becoming more difficult to find good wholesome stories for kids. Our childrenâs minds are extremely impressionable. We must be cautious to guard their hearts and minds against unwholesome influences that could confuse and lead them astray.
Below are 45 of our personal favorites that we have purchased or repeatedly borrowed from the library. They are filled with sweet stories of kindness, clean humor, beautiful illustrations, and character building truths.
Dog Books For Kids
Thereâs a reason that there are so many dog lovers on the planet. Their innocence and sweet nature has a way of drawing us in and making us smile. If youâre looking for a new read about some furry friends check out these dog books for kids.
Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog
Little Madeline finally gets to adopt a puppy of her own, but in doing so comes to the realization that there are many dogs at the local animal shelter who are also looking for love and a forever home. She gets the idea to invite friends to read to the animals in hopes that they too will feel loved and possibly find a family of their own in the process.
James Herriot’s Treasury for Children: Warm and Joyful Tales
Veterinarian and author James Herriot (author of All Things Bright and Beautiful) is a delightful storyteller in these sweet stories for young readers. This beautifully illustrated collection contains eight individual works about animals with a few dog and kitten tales in the mix!
Sport: Ship Dog of the Great Lakes
In 1914 a stray puppy was rescued by crew members of the Hyacinth. Sport, the ship dog, became a faithful companion and crewmate of these men for the next 12 years, as well as a friend to everyone he met along their travels.
Stay: A Girl, A Dog, and A Bucket List
Stay is a sweet story about a girl and her dog. Eli has been by Astridâs side since she was a small girl- the very best kind of friend. Astrid decides to create a bucket list of things for the two of them to experience together as a way to thank him for his companionship. Memories are made along the way, but there is only one thing that has ever truly been on Eliâs bucket listâŚ
Stormy
Not every good book needs words. The beautiful illustrations and heartfelt storyline of this one will engage young and old readers alike.
Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship
This one is based upon the real life events of Jessica Kensky, a Boston Marathon runner, as she learns to readjust to life after her amputation. Jessicaâs incredible service dog, Rescue, was a central part of her healing process.
Picture Book By Dog
If youâre looking for more of a light hearted and funny dog book for kids Iâd encourage you to give Picture Book By Dog a read. A simple story told from a dogâs perspective reminds us all that family means absolutely everything.
Farm Books For Kids
One of the most appealing aspects of farm life is that it truly does instill the value of hard work and the gratitude that naturally results in the process. These farm books for kids offer lessons on kindness, friendship, and worthy character traits.
Go, Little Green Truck
Little Green has always been Farmer Grayâs trusted helper- until Big Blue arrives on the scene. Even though he isnât needed in the same way he used to be, Farmer Grayâs daughter sees value in Little Green and finds a special job just for him.
Tractor Mac: Autumn Is Here
Transitions can be hard, especially for Fergus the calf. Fergusâ disappointment over the loss of summer quickly turns around as Tractor Mac and friends share with him the joys of autumn.Â
Otis the Tractor Series
Otis is a friendly tractor with a big heart. Each of the six books in this series are just as sweet and teach children the importance of placing others before themselves and what it means to be a true friend. Otis is a clear winner in the best read aloud picture books category!
Sleep Tight Farm : A Farm Prepares for Winter
Sleep Tight Farm is an informative book that describes the hard work necessary to live and work on a farm, as well as the rewards that follow.
The Barn
The Barn is another wholesome farm book for kids told from a barnâs point of view. For dozens of years animals have all found a comfy spot nestled inside of the secure walls of the barn⌠who delights to protect them in the serene hills of the countryside.
Best Read Aloud Picture Books – Friendship Books For Kids
Friendship books for kids are some of our favorite reads in our home! Thereâs something special about snuggling up together to read a heartfelt story of kindness among friends. Many of the best picture books for kids in this section are bedtime favorites for our family!
A Sick Day For Amos McGee
This is currently one of my 6 year old sonâs favorite books! Amos McGee is a kind hearted zoo worker who makes each animal feel loved. When he comes down with a terrible cold the animals make every effort to return the kindness. Precious illustrations and a sweet and simple story will make this one of the best picture books of all time and a treasure for years to come.
Brave Enough For Two
Brave Enough For Two is a delightful read aloud picture book! Hoot and Olive are best friends who use their imaginations to explore the world around them. Olive isnât so sure about one particular adventure but discovers sheâll need to be brave enough for both of them to lead Hoot safely home.
This Way, Charlie
Jack is a grumpy goat that likes keeping to himself. Charlie, a partially blind horse, arrives at the ranch ready to spread kindness. Over time Jackâs heart softens towards the friendly horse and a sweet friendship blossoms. This precious picture book for children is a must read!
If You Plant A Seed
A beautifully illustrated short story about the impact of bitterness in our hearts⌠and the beauty that grows from seeds of kindness.
Franklinâs Friendship Treasury
Franklin the turtle learns lessons on friendship in this classic multi volume set.
Finding Winnie
Another one of the best read aloud picture books is Finding Winnie. This is the true story of a veterinarian serving in World War I who rescued a baby bear that later became the inspiration behind the Winnie the Pooh series.
Hello Lighthouse
Although this one isnât necessarily a friendship book for kids, it is also illustrated by Sophie Blackall (of Finding Winnie) and is too good not to mention. Hello Lighthouse is a simple story about the daily affairs of a lighthouse keeper and his family.
Daisy
Daisy the warthog doesnât quite fit in with her peers and often gets teased. She loves collecting little treasures from the forest and one day she discovers a truly precious surprise.
The Library Lion
Ms. Merriweather insists that libraries are for people not for lions⌠that is until a certain someone warms her heart.
Little Elliot: Big Family
Little Elliot canât help but feel lonely as his best friend Mouse goes away for a family reunion. He takes a walk and finds a special family of his own while on his journey.
Margaretâs Unicorn
Upon moving to a cottage by the sea with her family Margaret meets an unexpected new friend exactly when she needs one most. This is another one of the best picture books for kids with beautiful illustrations and a sweet storyline.
Lottie and Walter
Sometimes friends come from unexpected places⌠and reassure us that our fears arenât so scary after all. This picture book for children includes a funny little song that always makes my son giggle.
Curious George and the Sleepover
George is ready for his first sleepover! Despite some uneasiness and a few mishaps along the way it turns out to be a wonderful visit with kind friends.
Little Juniper Makes It Big
Juniper the raccoon is discouraged by her small size. A new friendship and the gentle words of her mother teach her that she was made perfect just the way she is.
The Little Blue Cottage
The Little Blue Cottage eagerly awaits the arrival of âthe girlâ each year as summer approaches. This sweet story and poetic nature is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Funny Books For Kids
Our family loves to laugh and each of these funny books for kids brought about some smiles and giggles from each of us. I hope that they put a smile on your face as well.
Mindful Mr. Sloth
Sasha is one energetic little lady. Although getting things done quickly can be a good thing Mr. Sloth reminds her that sometimes itâs nice to slow down a bit and enjoy the beauty around you.
The Dragon and the Nibblesome Knight
In this funny book for kids a boy stumbles across a mysterious creature and nurses it back to health before the two realize that they are sworn enemies. The Dragon and the Nibblesome Knight is sure to get some giggles with itâs funny plot and catchy rhymes.
A Porcupine Named Fluffy
Fluffy the porcupine isnât too fond of his name, but canât help but be comforted when he meets his new rhino friend.
Sloth and Squirrel In A Pickle
Squirrel is fast and Sloth is unimaginably slow. Despite their differences, these two friends embark on an adventure and get themselves in quite the pickle until their genius resourcefulness kicks in.
The Donkey Egg
Mr. Bear is quite grumpy until he begins caring for his donkey egg. He becomes quite fond of his precious egg and canât wait for his new friend to hatch, but is in for quite a surprise!
Not Your Typical Dragon
Crispin the dragon is a little bit different from the rest. He canât seem to breathe out fire no matter how hard he tries. Thankfully, his unique ability ends up saving the day.
Books About Kindness
Each of these books about kindness shares character building truths for little ones.
Three Little Engines
A sweet retelling of The Little Engine That Could (with a twist) that reminds us that sometimes we may need some help to overcome obstacles along our journey.
The Story of Ferdinand
In this classic picture book by Munro Leaf Ferdinand the bull would prefer resting beneath the cork tree and smelling the pretty flowers to bull fighting any day.
Strictly No Elephants
A little boy and his pet elephant donât always fit in with those around them, so they decide to create a space where everyone is welcome.
The Sparkle Box
The Sparkle Box is one of the best Christmas picture books for kids with a simple message- the importance of placing others before ourselves.
Related: 15 (SQUEAKY CLEAN) WHOLESOME FAMILY MOVIES
Christian Books For Kids
The Christian books for kids genre has exploded in recent years. Below are a few of our favorites that share the gospel and the amazing grace of our Heavenly Father.
Arlo and the Great Big Cover-Up
This in another one of my sonâs favorite picture books for children. It beautifully explains the concept of sin and Godâs forgiveness. Arlo makes a bad decision then tries to conceal it from his mother. He learns that our actions have consequences which at times involve discipline, but that grace can also be extended when we are truly repentant over our actions.Â
Who Gave the Birds Their Song?
Who Gave the Birds Their Song? is a rhyming read aloud picture book for children that uses unique animal characteristics with an obvious element of design to point children to their Creator. Includes sweet watercolor illustrations along with real life animal photographs and fascinating facts.
Little Pilgrimâs Progress (2021 Illustrated Edition)
John Bunyanâs classic is retold in this beautifully illustrated version for children. Helen Taylorâs brilliant use of animals clearly communicates our need for a Savior and Godâs merciful act in sending us a Redeemer. Although it is a lengthy one and not your typical short story, I can honestly say that it is one of the best picture books for kids. Â
The True Princess
The king must leave his castle to protect his people all the while teaching his young daughter that character is built upon hard work and perseverance.
Just The Way You Are
Just The Way You Are is a wonderful Christian book for kids. It shares the story of a little girl as she discovers that her adopted fatherâs love isnât based upon her abilities. He loves her just the way she is simply because she is his daughter. Godâs love isnât merited. He offers extravagant grace simply because He created us.
Audrey Bunny
Audrey, a stuffed animal bunny, believes that her imperfections will prevent a little girl from loving her. She soon discovers that true love isnât dependent upon our appearance or abilities, for we are all fearfully and wonderfully made by God.
The Crippled Lamb
Joshua has a crippled leg that prevents him from playing with the other lambs. He often feels lonely and wonders why he has to be so different from the rest. Little does he know that God has a special plan to use him in an amazing way.
The Legend of the Three Trees
This classic picture book follows three trees as they share their greatest hopes and desires. Not one of those dreams is fulfilled in the way they imagine, but each one receives a much greater mission by playing a role in the life of Jesus.
I hope that this list of the best read aloud picture books is helpful for you. Books have a way of reaching our childrenâs hearts in a way that we sometimes canât. Intentional time spent reading together can strengthen our bond, provide opportunities for discussion, and bring about sweet smiles and laughter.
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