When it comes to reading books to your kids, there’s nothing better than when your child chooses a book you actually enjoy reading! Whether the book has a fun rhyming rhythm, or includes songs, or requires silly accents or funny sounds… some books are just more fun to read aloud!

Here are some of my favourite picture books I’ve read to my five kids over the years…

  • Wombat Stew by Marcia K. Vaughan — A classic Aussie story. How can you not love singing the ‘Wombat Stew’ song over and over throughout the story?!!
  • And the Train Goes…  by William Bee — so many fun sounds to make (plus, you can spot a little snail on each page).
  • The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson — possibly one of the most clever rhyming stories ever!
  • Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems — so, so fun (and the story is so sweet too).
  • Choo Choo, Clickety Clack by Margaret Mayo — all the sounds of the vehicles make this a fun one to read aloud (every single one of my toddlers loved this book).
  • Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman — Michael and I could probably read this book with our eyes closed we’ve read it so many times!
  • I Want my Hat Back by Jon Klassen — so clever, so funny. An all-time favourite.
  • The Everywhere Bear by Julia Donaldson — we love this sweet rhyming story.
  • We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury — such a beautiful, poetic verse. It’s hard to go for a nature walk and not have the words in your head.
  • Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson — all of her books are fun rhyming stories, but this one is a favourite.
  • Thidwick the Big Hearted Moose by Dr. Seuss — I have such a soft spot in my heart for Thidwick as my mum used to read this book to me when I was little!
  • The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson — another sweet story that includes a rhyming verse/song throughout.
  • Beware of the Frog by William Bee — absolutely hilarious (slightly scary). This story captivated all of my kids.
  • Who Sank the Boat? by Pamela Allen — another favourite from my childhood and a fun one to read aloud. Do you know who sank the boat???
  • Are you My Mother? by P.D. Eastman — I love making all the sounds of each animal and object as the little bird walks around trying to find his mother.
  • The Runaway Dinner by Allan Ahlberg — a hilarious story with a bit of cheeky British humour. I have memories of my big boys laughing out loud to this story.
  • Animals Should Definitely NOT Wear Clothing by Judi and Ron Barrett — it’s actually the clever illustrations that make this book so funny and fun to read.

 

For more book recommendations, check out the following blog posts: Favourite First Chapter Books to Read Aloud to Children, Wilkie’s Current Favourite Books (age 6), and 30 Favourite Picture Books for Toddlers. I’ve also shared lots of book recommendations in my ‘At Home with Kids’ eBook.