Did you know that February 1st is World Read Aloud Day?
10 years ago LitWorld, a nonprofit organization that encourages self-empowerment and community change through literacy created World Read Aloud Day. This “holiday” is now celebrated in 173 countries and counting!
Reading aloud with your kids doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Pick a time of day that works for you and then each read each day. You can choose to read picture books or a chapter from a larger book it’s up to you and what works with your family.
10+ Chapter Books to Read Aloud as A Family
Reading a book together as a family is a great way not only to show your kids how important reading is but to create a family memory that will last a lifetime.
I have so many memories of my family gathered in the living room listening to my dad read aloud to us. Those are memories I treasure and want my kids to experience in our family!
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of 7 books written by C.S. Lewis. This is a classic fantasy series that has been enjoyed by readers of all ages for over 60 years.
Follow along with Lucy, Edmund, Peter, and Susan as they meet fantastical talking creatures, experience epic battles between good and evil and adventure through magical doorways into new lands. Though these books have some more intense moment’s I feel by mid-elementary age kids would be able to enjoy these books.
Winnie-the-Pooh
Even young children can enjoy reading longer stories. Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh is a great chapter book read aloud to start with young kids.
The Lightning Thief
The Lightning Thief is the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. This is an awesome book filled with adventure, surprises, and friendship. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to Greek mythology in a way that they will actually enjoy it and remember it! There are 5 books in this series. Because of the more intense moments in this book, I would recommend it for older elementary and up.
Little House on the Prairie
Little House on the Prairie is probably the best-known book by Laura Ingalls Wilder because of the movie. But this is actually the 3rd book int he series. There are 9 books in the Little House series. These books inspired by Laura’s own childhood give readers a unique glimpse into America’s frontier history as it’s told in heartwarming, unforgettable stories. Little House Books can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.
Harry Potter
Written by J.K. Rowling the Harry Potter series takes us into the wonderful world of Wizardry. This book is a fun fantastical read with details about the wizardry world and the fight for good from evil. There are 7 books in the series and they do have more intense moments so I would recommend this read aloud for older elementary through middle school ages. The first book in the Harry Potter series is Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
A Wrinkle in Time
A Wrinkle in Time is a Newbery medal winner and a classic. It’s a science fiction and fantasy book; it tells of the adventures Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin O’Keefe have in space and time as they search for Meg’s father. This book is a great read-aloud for families with preteens and teenagers. The book would be hard to understand for younger children.
Half Magic
Half Magic is the story of Jane and her siblings finding a magical coin, that grants wishes by half. Follow along as they figure out how to use the coin and the adventures it takes them on.
Growing up we had the book Half Magic on caste tapes and we would listen to it while we were driving in the car. To this day 20ish years later I can still hear the characters voices and remember parts of the story. If you want to listen to this book on your next road trip you are in luck it’s available as an Audiobook!
The Penderwicks
The Pednerwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy,
Follow along as the Penderwick sisters spend the summer holiday at a beautiful estate called Arundel. They are off on summer adventures with their new friend Jeffrey much to the displeasure of his mother Mrs. Tifton, who warns them to stay out of trouble. Which they will of course… won’t they?
After enjoying the first book in this series don’t forget to enjoy the other 3 Penderwick books.
Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
Reading Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is sure to bring some giggles and even fullon belly laughs from the whole family. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle lives in an upside-down house, her Kitchen is always full of freshly baked cookies and best of all she knows everything there is to know about children. When Mary turns into an Answer-Backer and other children’s problems arise Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle has the perfect cure and it always works, with plenty of laughs along the way.
Mrs. Piggle- Wiggle is the first book in a series of 5. It’s a perfect read aloud for families with children of all ages. From toddler to teen you will all get some chuckles out of this book. If you like Mary Poppins or Nanny McPhee you will love these books.
The Boxcar Children
The Boxcar Children follows the 4 orphaned Alden children begin their adventure by making a home in a boxcar. Their goal is to stay together and avoid an angry grandfather. In the process, they learn that things often aren’t the way we think they are.
This is the first Boxcar Children book was published in 1942 and since then the series has grown to include 151 different adventures that the Alden children experience. These books are perfect to read aloud to elementary age children.
Princess Academy
The Princess Academy tells the story of Miri, she lives in a mountain village where for generations they have lived a simple life until… the king’s priests have divined her village the home of the future princess.
In one year the prince will choose his bride from among the village girl. The King’s ministers set up an academy on the mountain and every teenage girl must attend. Winning the contest could give Miri everything she ever wanted, but it would mean leaving her home and family.
The Princess Academy series has 3 books and is a perfect read-aloud that all ages will enjoy. I first read this book while in College for a book club and really enjoyed it. It’s a great book to read no matter your age.
Free Printable Booklist
Get a free printable list with all of these books mentioned in this post including the book title, author and suggested age.
What is your favorite read aloud book?
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