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The best read aloud picture books have the power to spark children’s imaginations and foster a lifelong love of reading.
As an early childhood educator, you may already know the magic that read alouds can bring to your Kindergarten classroom.
But how can you make the most of this time-honored practice?
In this blog post, we’ll explore why read alouds are important in Kindergarten, effective read aloud strategies, and tips for choosing the best read aloud picture books.
So, grab a cup of tea, or your beverage of choice, and let’s dive in!
Read alouds play a crucial role in early literacy development, and Kindergarten is the perfect time to introduce children to the enchanting world of books. Here are a few reasons why the best read aloud picture books are essential for young learners:
When it comes to effective read aloud strategies, consider the following:
The ideal length for a Kindergarten read aloud will depend on the attention span and interest level of your students.
As a general rule, aim for 10-15 minutes per read aloud session.
This timeframe allows you to share a complete story without losing your children’s attention.
Keep in mind that some of the best read aloud picture books may require multiple sessions
Feel free to break longer stories into smaller segments if needed.
Summary: This heartwarming story is about a young raccoon named Chester who is nervous about starting school. His mother shares a secret called the “kissing hand” to help him feel her love whenever he needs reassurance.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Kissing-Hand-Audrey-Penn/dp/1933718005/
Summary: This rhythmic, engaging book teaches children the alphabet as the letters climb up a coconut tree. The lively illustrations and repetitive, catchy text make it a perfect read-aloud choice.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Chicka-Boom-Board-Book/dp/1442450707/
Summary: The beloved pigeon character from Mo Willems’ series returns in this book, as he faces his first day of school with reluctance and nervousness. The story provides a humorous approach to addressing common fears and anxieties about starting school.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Pigeon-HAS-Go-School/dp/1368046452/
Summary: This empowering story follows a confident young girl as she begins her first day of kindergarten, where she embraces her role as the “Queen of Kindergarten.” The uplifting text and vibrant illustrations make this an excellent read-aloud choice to inspire confidence in new students.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Queen-Kindergarten-Derrick-Barnes/dp/1524772118/
Summary: In this companion book to “The Queen of Kindergarten,” a young boy starts his first day of kindergarten with excitement and enthusiasm, taking on the role of the “King of Kindergarten.” The engaging story and colorful illustrations provide a positive message about embracing new experiences and making friends.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/King-Kindergarten-Derrick-Barnes/dp/1524740748/
Summary: This beautifully illustrated book follows the journey of Leaf Man, who is blown away by the wind and travels through various landscapes. The creative use of actual leaf shapes in the illustrations makes it a perfect read-aloud for the fall season.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Leaf-Man-Lois-Ehlert/dp/0152053042/
Summary: This story follows a brave old lady who encounters various spooky objects on a walk through the woods. The repetitive text and engaging illustrations make it an ideal read-aloud for the fall, especially around Halloween.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Old-Lady-Afraid-Anything/dp/0064431835/
Summary: Fletcher the fox tries to save the last leaf on his favorite tree, only to discover the beauty of autumn. The heartwarming story and beautiful illustrations make this a great read-aloud for fall.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Fletcher-Falling-Leaves-Julia-Rawlinson/dp/0061573973/
Summary: This Caldecott Medal-winning book captures the magic and wonder of a snowy day through the eyes of a young boy named Peter. The beautiful illustrations and simple text make it an ideal book to read aloud during the winter months.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Snowy-Day-Ezra-Jack-Keats/dp/0670654000/
Summary: A young boy loses his mitten in the snow, and various woodland creatures find shelter in it. The detailed illustrations and charming story make this a perfect read-aloud for winter.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Mitten-Jan-Brett/dp/0399252967/
Summary: In this delightful rhyming story, Bear’s friends gather in his cave while he sleeps, and he wakes up to join the fun. The book teaches about friendship and sharing in a cozy winter setting.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Bear-Snores-Karma-Wilson/dp/1416902724/
Summary: This classic story follows the journey of a hungry caterpillar as it eats its way through various foods before transforming into a beautiful butterfly. The book teaches days of the week, counting, and the lifecycle of a butterfly in a simple and engaging way.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-Eric-Carle/dp/0399226907/
Summary: Fletcher the fox mistakes falling blossoms for snow and worries about his friends who have just woken up from hibernation. This sweet story is perfect for introducing children to the beauty of spring.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Fletcher-Springtime-Blossoms-Julia-Rawlinson/dp/006168855X/
Summary: This colorful book teaches children about different flowers and how they grow, as a mother and child plant a beautiful rainbow garden. The bold illustrations and simple text make it a wonderful read-aloud for springtime.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Planting-Rainbow-Lois-Ehlert/dp/0152626107/
Summary: As the school year comes to an end, the students in Mrs. Hartwell’s class come up with a plan to make her smile and remember them during summer vacation. This touching story is perfect for wrapping up the school year and saying goodbye to friends.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Blues-Julie-Danneberg/dp/1580891047/
Summary: In this rhyming story, a family excitedly prepares for their summer vacation while trying not to forget anything important. The book captures the anticipation of the end of the school year and the start of a fun summer break.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Night-Before-Summer-Vacation/dp/044842830X/
Summary: This heartwarming book shares a series of wishes and hopes for a child’s future, making it an ideal read-aloud for the end of the school year. The book encourages children to dream big and embrace the possibilities that life has to offer.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/I-Wish-You-More/dp/1452126992/
Summary: Mr. Magee and his dog Dee embark on a camping adventure, encountering unexpected surprises along the way. This fun, rhyming story is perfect for summertime read-aloud sessions.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Camping-Spree-Mr-Magee/dp/0811836037/
Summary: This book celebrates the joys of summer, from beach trips to cookouts and fireworks. The vibrant illustrations and playful text make it an excellent read-aloud choice for the summer season.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Then-Comes-Summer-Tom-Brenner/dp/0763660713/
Summary: A crocodile worries about what will happen after swallowing a watermelon seed in this humorous and engaging story. The expressive illustrations and simple text make it an enjoyable summer read-aloud.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Watermelon-Seed-Greg-Pizzoli/dp/1423171012/
Summary: This timeless classic tells the story of Max, who sails to an island inhabited by wild creatures and becomes their king. The captivating illustrations and imaginative storyline make this a perfect read-aloud for any time of the year.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Wild-Things-Maurice-Sendak/dp/0064431789/
Summary: The Rainbow Fish learns the importance of sharing and friendship when he gives away his shimmering scales to other fish. This beautifully illustrated book teaches valuable life lessons and can be read aloud throughout the year.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Fish-Marcus-Pfister/dp/1558585362/
Summary: This calming bedtime story follows a young bunny as it says goodnight to everything around it. The gentle rhythm and soothing illustrations make this a perfect read-aloud for any season.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Moon-Margaret-Wise-Brown/dp/0060775858/
Summary: This classic tale follows the adventures of a small teddy bear named Corduroy as he searches for his missing button in a department store. The heartwarming story and charming illustrations make it an engaging read-aloud for children all year round.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Corduroy-Don-Freeman/dp/0140501738/
Summary: This repetitive, rhythmic book teaches children about colors and animals as different creatures describe what they see. The bold illustrations and simple text make this an excellent read-aloud choice throughout the year.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Brown-Bear-What-You-See/dp/0805047905/
Summary: This poignant story explores the relationship between a boy and a tree that selflessly gives him everything she has. The book teaches about love, selflessness, and the passage of time, making it a meaningful read-aloud for any season.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Giving-Tree-Shel-Silverstein/dp/0060256656/
Summary: Gerald the giraffe longs to dance but feels self-conscious due to his long legs and crooked knees. This uplifting story teaches children about self-acceptance, perseverance, and the importance of being themselves, making it a great read-aloud for any time of the year.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Giraffes-Cant-Dance-Giles-Andreae/dp/0545392551/
Summary: This whimsical story explores the love dragons have for tacos and the hilarious consequences that occur when they eat tacos with spicy salsa. The entertaining illustrations and amusing text make this book an engaging read-aloud choice for any season.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Love-Tacos-Adam-Rubin/dp/0803736800/
Summary: In this captivating tale, a clever mouse outwits various woodland creatures and even a fearsome monster called the Gruffalo. With its engaging rhymes and beautiful illustrations, this book makes for an entertaining read-aloud experience all year round.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Gruffalo-Julia-Donaldson/dp/0142403873/
Summary: This imaginative story features a box of crayons that go on strike, each writing a letter to their owner, Duncan, explaining their grievances. The book teaches children about problem-solving, empathy, and the importance of using all their resources.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Day-Crayons-Quit-Drew-Daywalt/dp/0399255370/
Summary: Based on the best-selling novel “Wonder,” this picture book introduces Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences, and teaches children about empathy, kindness, and the power of being unique. The heartfelt story and beautiful illustrations make it a wonderful read-aloud for any time of the year.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Were-All-Wonders-R-J-Palacio/dp/1524766496/
Summary: In this touching story, a young fruit bat named Stellaluna is separated from her mother and raised by a family of birds. The book teaches children about love, acceptance, and the importance of staying true to oneself, making it a fantastic read-aloud choice all year round.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Stellaluna-Janell-Cannon/dp/0152802177/
In conclusion, read alouds are a vital component of a successful Kindergarten classroom, offering numerous benefits for young learners.
By choosing the best read aloud picture books and employing effective strategies, you can create a memorable and impactful read aloud experience that will ignite your students’ passion for reading and support their literacy development.
Happy reading!
XO – Kisha
kisha@phonicstofluency.com
Phonics to Fluency
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One Response
GREAT list of books!! I agreee that reading aloud to young children is one of the most important things we can do as Kindergarten teachers! We set the tone for their love of reading and writing for the rest of thier lives!! READ ON Kindergarten teachers!! Make time for it everyday! Thanks for sharing such a detailed list of books and links to purchase them!!