Top story books for kids from 3 to 7 years old

 

Are you looking for story books for kids to read at home?

Or are you a secret reader at your kid’s school?

Parents and teachers have shared the top funny, popular and interactive books

to read for kids from 3 to 6 or 7 years old.

Buy, borrow or add them in your gift wish-list

and I reassure you that kids will love them.

Top story books for kids in alphabetical order

A

1. A fish out of water by Helen Palmer, Philip D. Eastman: It is a fast-moving story that starts with a little boy overfeeding his goldfish. Kids eyes get all wide with anticipation as you read the fish got bigger and bigger…
2. Alan’s big, scary teeth by Jarvis
3. Aliens love underpants by Claire Freedman
4. Almost everyone farts by Marty Kelley: Kids will insist on reading this rhyming story with sly humor again and again.
5. Anh Do What do they do with all the Poo from all the animals at the zoo?: Keep their attention and give them all the giggles.
6. Anything by Julia Donaldson
7. Are you a Cheeseburger? by Monica Arnaldo: This charming story book talks about a lonely raccoon and a glowing seed with humor. The world’s most important question: Can this seed grow cheeseburgers?
   
8. Arnie, the Doughnut by Laurie Keller: Arnie looks like an average doughnut, but he has an awful lot to say and he has bigger plans in store for himself!
   
9. A squash and a squeeze by Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler: A little old lady lives all by herself in her house but she’s not happy. Her house is too small, what can she do? 

B

1. Bad case of the stripes by David Shannon: Camilla Cream loves lima beans, but she never eats them. Because the other kids in her school don’t like them and she is very worried about what other people think of her.
   
2. Bark, George by Jules Feiffer: This is a hilarious story about a dog who can’t bark! 
   
3. Barry the fish with fingers by Sue Hendra, Paul Linnet: Barry is no ordinary fish. The hilarious text and bright, bold, colorful art will have kids begging to read this story again and again.
4. Beast Feast By Emma Yarlett : It’s better if you make up different voices for all the characters.
5. Be Brave, Be Kind, Be You
6. Be brave little penguin by Giles Andreae, Guy Parker-Rees: This is a rhyming story with a positive message about confidence and self-esteem.
   
7. Bear Sees Colors
8. Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg: A life lesson that all parents want their children to learn. It’s okay to make a mistake!
   
9. Bee & Me book by Elle J. Mcguinness
10. Be Mindful of Monsters: A Book for Helping Children Accept Their Emotions by Lauren Stockly, Ellen Surrey: This book can be used as a tool for social emotional learning and includes therapeutic metaphors and activities. You can also download the feelings chart.
    
11. Bernstein bears books
12. Billy Goats Gruff : Kids will reenact it on the playground for weeks.
13. Boop
14. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Eric Carle: This is a popular rhythmic story, in which kids love the repetitive sequence and always do it with us as we go. There is also ‘Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?’ and other books that younger siblings would enjoy too.
15. Bruce the bear
16. Bucket Filling From A to Z: The key to being happy by Carol McCloud, Caryn Butzke, Glenn Zimmer: This award-winning book uses the letters of the alphabet to help kids see the many, simple ways that they can fill buckets and fill their own buckets in return.
17. Busy Betty by Reese Witherspoon, Xindi Yan: Betty learns she can accomplish anything with perseverance, teamwork and one great idea.
    
18. But the bear snores on: It’s a book series, but it’s great for repetition.

C

1. Can I have a hug
2. Can never go wrong by Eric Carle
3. Caps For Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina: A timeless classic story book that as children love as they are chanting along with the naughty monkeys.
4. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr., John Archambault, Lois Ehlert: The alphabet book where the letters race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no… Tip: Use foam letters from the craft store for the kids to play with.
5. Click Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin: A quirky and hilarious farmyard tale about a bunch of literate cows.
6. Creepy carrot by Aaron Reynolds, Peter Brown: This hilarious story book shows it’s all fun and games until you get too greedy.
7. Creepy Crayon! by Aaron Reynolds, Peter Brown: This book is the third book in this hilariously spooky series about a young rabbit and a sinister crayon!
8. Creepy pair of underwearby Aaron Reynolds, Peter Brown: This is a a hilarious and just a little creepy story of a brave rabbit and a very weird pair of underwear. Kids will laugh historically, while you are reading.
9. Crunch the Shy Dinosaur
10. Color Blocked by Ashley Sorenson, David W. Miles: Readers must rub, turn, and tap the pages to straighten out pipes, unplug corks, and keep the color flowing.

 

D

1. Dandelion Magic by Darren Farrell , Maya Tatsukawa : It is interactive and funny, the kids will have to make wishes, not only blow the dandelion, but also different directions. It’s a great story about a boy and his grandma as his hero.
2. Danny the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff: For Danny and his prehistoric playmate, even the most everyday activities become extraordinary, but Danny can teach an old dinosaur new tricks.
   
3. Dinosaurs love underpants
4. Don’t eat the teacher
5. Don’t open this book by Andy Lee: While you read this book, you can ask questions like “should we open the book?” or “should we turn the page?”
6. Don’t play with your food
7. Don’t push the button by Bill Cotter: A playful, smart, interactive picture book. Larry has only one rule: don’t press the button. There is also ‘Don’t touch this book’ and ‘Don’t shake the present’.
8. Don’t touch the flower by Alice Hemming, Nicola Slater
9. Do the voices by by Melinda Issakov, Grace Ji : It is a silly yet engaging book for all children. It includes characters like pirates, fairies, trucks, birds, and even a visit from The Queen!
   
10. Down by the cool of the pool
    
11. Dragon Post by Emma Yarlett
    
12. Dragons Love Farts by Hollywood Kay, Yorris Handoko: This book will make every child laugh out loud! Every scene features new dragons in hilarious situations.
13. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, Daniel Salmieri: You can follow up with an arts and crafts activity, such as making paper tacos or drawing them. If you don’t like the strong word “hate tacos”, you can say “don’t like tacos”. You can have a look at the YouTube video ‘how to draw a funny taco’.
14. Dump truck disco

E

1. Edward the Emu by Sheena Knowles, Rod Clement: Edward is tired of his life and he decides to try being something else for a change. But Edward soon discovers that being an emu may be the best thing after all.
   
2. Elmer by David McKee: This book has sold over 2 million copies around the world since 1989. The subtle message is that it is okay to be different and cheeky humour of the main character has made it that popular for sure!.
3. Explosion

F

1. Fiona Flamingo by Rachael Urrutia Chu, Kate Jeffery: It is the feelings book for kids that unlocks emotional intelligence superpowers.
2. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow: Their teeth are brushed, their pajamas are on, and as soon as they say good night to Mama, the five little monkeys start to jump on their bed! This popular rhyme is brought to life in this family favorite with a surprising twist.
3. Fox in socks
4. Frank the Farting Flamingo by Humor Heals Us: Frank is an awesome flamingo, except for one small problem: He has gas. In this story, he explains farting is so common that there are different kinds of names for each fart. This story will have kids rolling on the floor with laughter.
5. Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London
6. Funnybones by Janet Ahlberg, Allan Ahlberg: This book introduces the skeletons, specifically a big skeleton, a little skeleton and a dog skeleton.

G

1. Giraffes can’t dance by Giles Andreae, Guy Parker-Rees: A funny, touching and triumphant story about being yourself and finding your own tune.
   
2. Ginny Goblin is not allowed to open this box by David Goodner: Another book from the same series is ‘Ginny Goblin can’t have a monster for a pet’
   
3. Go away, big green monster by Ed Emberley
4. Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman: It is a great book for dog lovers of all ages.
5. Goldilocks and the 3 dinosaurs
6. Granny Donkey
7. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
8. Groovey Joe
9. Grovers Monster book
10. Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang, Max Lang: It is a hilarious book that shows kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings. However, they should be careful of hurting others in the process!

H

1. Hairy Maclary From Donaldson’s Dairy Mobi by Lynley Dodd : This is only one of the Hairy Maclary book series.
   
2. Harold and the purple crayon by Crockett Johnson
3. Have You Filled a Bucket Today by Carol McCloud: It is a book about kindness
4. Have You Seen My Dinosaur? by Jon Surgal: This book is fun, funny, and easy to read!
5. Here We Are: Notes For Living On Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers:
   
6. High Five! by Adam Rubin: Is is a rhyming and interactive story that includes a high five competition!
   
7. Hot dog by Mark Sperring
8. How to apologize by David Larochelle, Mike Wohnoutka: This humorous guidebook is full of practical tips about when, why, and how to say you’re sorry.
   
9. Hug Machine by Scott Campbell: This story encourages a warm, caring and affectionate approach to life. Everyone deserves a hug!
   

 

I

1. I ain’t gonna paint no more! by Beaumont Karen Beaumont, Catrow David Catrow: It is a story about a spirited child with creative thinking.
   
2. I am amazing
3. Groovy Joe: Ice cream and dinosaurs by Eric Litwin, Tom Lichtenheld: Groovy Joe faces three roaring dinosaurs hungry for his doggy ice cream. But Joe knows just what to do and he has them all sharing while moving and singing along.
   
4. I’d really like to eat a child by Sylviane Donnio, Dorothee de Monfreid: What do you think? Too edgy for secret reader
5. I’m in a book by Mo Williams
6. I’m not scared, you’re scared by Seth Meyers, Jr. Rob Sayegh: This story is equally hilarious and touching. It is a tale of adventure, bravery, and daring rescue that will inspire the adventurous spirit and make us laugh.
   
7. I need a new butt
8. I need my monster by Amanda Noll: A unique monster-under-the-bed story with the perfect balance of giggles and shivers. This book relies on the power of humor over fear and glorifies the scope of a child’s imagination.
9. Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein
10. In my heart: a book of feelings by Jo Witek, Christine Roussey : This is a book that explores a full range of emotions from happiness to sadness and from bravery to shyness.
11. I say ooh you say ahh by John Kane: In this book, kids help with the story by responding to simple verbal or visual cues. This hilarious book is perfect for reading aloud and it is fun for the whole family.
12. It’s so funny

J

1. Johnny the Walrus by Matt Walsh, K. Reece: It is a story book of innocence, identity, and imagination.
2. Just because by Matthew McConaughey, Renee Kurilla: A story book full of humor and wisdom.

K

1. Kitchen disco by Clare Foges, Al Murphy: In this hilarious book, when the sun goes down, the Kitchen Disco starts up – and all the fruit come out to play.
   
2. Knight Owl by Christopher Denise: This story is full of wordplay and optimism. The surprising display of bravery proves that cleverness and friendship can rule over physical strength.
   
3. Knuffle Bunny book series by Mo Willems

L

1. Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast by Josh Funk, Brendan Kearney: Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast have a beautiful friendship until they discover that there’s only one drop of maple syrup left…
   
2. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena, Christian Robinson: A story that celebrates the love between a grandmother and her grandson.
3. Leonardo, the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems
4. Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, Kevin Hawkes: This disarming story will win over even the most ardent of rule keepers.
5. Little Blue Truck Makes A Friend: A Friendship Book for Kids by Alice Schertle: After the book you can make a craft and decorate truck cut out cookies.
6. Little Critters
7. Little Green Donkey by Anuska Allepuz: This is a laugh-out-loud cautionary tale and resonates with all picky eaters and their parents! 
   
8. Little Red Hen
9. Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers: Kids can explore feelings of loss and loneliness during this story.
10. Love Monster
11. Loves Makes a Family by Sophie Beer: A book for EVERY family!

M

1. Mel Fell by William Kotzwinkle: This book is a Caldecott Honor Award winner and ALA Notable Book of the Year. Kids will enjoy and concentrate into this story as you turn the book sideways and upside down to follow Mel on her journey from downward fall to triumphant flight. This is a tale of self-confidence and taking a leap of faith.
2. Mmm cookies
3. Mixed: An Inspiring Story About Colour by Arree Chung : It is a charming story of difference and acceptance.
4. Mix it up! by Hervé Tullet: This book is a joyful exploration of colour!
5. Mom for a day
6. Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler : It is a clever, funny and charming tale.
7. Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins
   
8. Mouse Paint
9. Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can you? by Dr. Seuss
10. Mrs. Wishy Washy
11. Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown: This book shows that there’s a time and place for everything… even going wild.
12. My Many Coloured Days by Dr. Seuss: An excellent introduction to discussing feelings with children.
    

 

 

N

1. The Detective Dog by Sara Ogilvie, Julia Donaldson: This book celebrates the relationship between a little boy and his rather special dog.
   
2. Never Let A Dinosaur Scribble! by Diane Alber
3. New House, Same Underwear by Brenda Li: This hilarious book makes moving fun by helping kids cope with emotions and changes in their lives.
   
4. Nibbles: the Book Monster by Emma Yarlett: Nibbles the Book Monster is on the loose, and he’s chomping through all of your favorite fairy tales! Will anything or anyone be able to stop him?
5. No, David by David Shannon: David is a beloved character. His good humor, mischievous smile, and laughter-inducing antics underline the love parents have for their children.
   
6. No jumping on the bed by Ted Arnold
7. Nom Nom Cough Cough: It is a great book for kids that go from preschool to early elementary.
8. Noodle and the No Bones Day by Jonathan Graziano, Dan Tavis
   

O

1. Oh Say Can You Say Di-no-saur? All About Dinosaurs by Dr. Seuss: Dr. Seuss presents the facts in a lively and rhythmic manner. Probably it is appropriate for kids older than 5 years old.
   
2. Oi Frog! by Kes Gray, Jim Field: It is an hilarious rhyming story book about a frog that discovers that all animals have their special places to sit!
3. Open Very Carefully: A Book with Bite by Nick Bromley, Nicola O’Byrne: What would you do if you were settling down for a quiet bedtime story and you realized that a crocodile had fallen into your storybook?
   

P

1. Paper bag princess by Robert Munch
2. Peanut Butter & Cupcake by Terry Border: What’s a little piece of bread to do when he’s feeling lonely? Find a friend of course!
   
3. Penguin gets the hiccups
4. Pig the Fibber: This book will have kids rolling with laughter.
5. Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey: Pig is the greediest Pug in the world. He is ill-tempered, rude and unreasonable. When Pig the Pug is asked to share his toys, something unexpected happens…
   
6. Pirates Love Underpants by Claire Freedman, Ben Cort
   
7. Piranhas don’t eat bananas by Aaron Blabey
8. Please don’t read this book by Deanna Kizis, Sam Boughton
9. Potato Pants by Laurie Keller
10. Poo in the Zoo by Steve Smallman, Ada Grey: Children will laugh out loud at this gloriously funny, poopy picture book! It is packed with humour and the romping rhyme and deliciously cheeky wordplay is a joy to read aloud.
    
11. Press here! by Herve Tullet: this is such a cute book. It involves participation from kids and learning about primary colors.

R

1. Rainbow fish by Pfister Marcus: The glittering fish in the sea, discovers adventures and friendship.
2. Roar of a snore
3. Robert Munsch Mortimer : Give them instruments to make a bunch of noise when he sings. There’s lots of repetition words.
4. Room on the Broom : It is an interactive and sweet story to boot, technically Halloween book? there is the cutest “movie”version of it.
5. Ricky, the Rock That Couldn’t Roll by by Jay Miletsky, Erin Wozniak: This book is a hilarious and heartwarming adventure about the importance of friendship and the power of perseverance.
   
6. Runaway pancake: It involves singing.

S

1. Sam and Dave dig a hole
2. Sam, the most scaredy-cat kid in the whole world by Mo Williams
3. Say ohh say aye
4. Secret Pizza Party by Adam Rubin:
5. Share, Big Bear, Share! by Maureen Wright, Will Hillenbrand: This book combines humour and a gentle message about the importance of sharing something special with friends.
6. Sharing a shell by Julia Donaldson: I have read this book myself probably every day for 2 months in a row. It is a great story book for kids especially if you want to discuss ideas like sharing and being part of a team.
7. Shark in the park by Nick Sharratt: Is it really a shark?
8. Silly Sally
9. Skippy John Jones by Judy Schachner: Skippyjon Jones is no ordinary kitten. He’s actually a great sword-fighter ready to battle banditos the world over! This cat dons a mask and cape to save the day.
   
10. Snappy croc loves to brush by Jane Clarke
11. Sock on the Loose
12. Splat the cat! byRob Scotton: It’s Splat’s first day of school and he’s worried. Just in case, Splat decides to bring along his pet mouse and hides him in his lunch box.
    
13. Spring stinks by Ryan T. Higgins
14. Stand back said the elephant I’m going to sneeze: This book is always a hit!
15. Stand tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell, David Catrow: a book about bullying and what to do about that.
16. Stellaluna by Janell Cannon: It is a great book and different ages get different things from it.
    
17. Stomp
18. Stop calling me a monster: It is a cute and silly book that kids like!
19. Stick and Stone by by Beth Ferry, Tom Lichtenheld: This hilarious and heartwarming story book proves once and for all why best friends rock!
20. Stick Man by Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler
21. Strictly no elephants by Lisa Mantchev, Taeeun Yoo : a book with a gentle message of inclusion and helping others.
22. Stuck by Oliver Jeffers : this is a hilarious story with a surprise ending.

 

 

T

1. The book with no pictures by B. J. Novak: It is always a hit! This book is hilarious if you animate it, you have to fully commit to the bit, always have kids laughing so hard. Bonus: you don’t have to slowly show the pictures to every single set of eyes!
   
2. The Button book by Sally Nicholls
3. The circus ship by Chris Van Dusen: It is a great rhyming book and amazing illustration. There’s a page where all animals are “hidden”so you can find them.
4. The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas: It is jaw-dropping pop-up book.
5. The dark at the top of the Stairs
6. The dot book by Peter H. Reynolds
7. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein: This beautiful and meaningful story has received numerous awards and the video on YouTube more than a million views.
8. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler: Another popular book is ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’.
9. The Hiccupotamus by Aaron Zenz: An elephant, a centipede, and a rhinoceros try finding a cure for Hippo’s colossal case of hiccups.
10. The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, Joanne Lew-Vriethoff: This book is the perfect tool for coping with all kinds of separation anxiety, loss, and grief. If you would like to find a list of books to explain death, loss and grief to kids, read this post.
11. The Jolly Postman or Other People’s Letters by Janet Ahlberg: Join the Jolly Postman on his rounds as he delivers cards and letters to various fairy-tale characters. This classic and innovate story includes six envelopes with pull-out letters and cards.
12. The Last Chocolate
13. The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors by Drew Daywalt, Adam Rex: This funny story book reveals the epic tale behind everyone’s favorite playground game.
14. The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper: This story talks about how even though they were little they could still try their best and be a big help just like the little blue engine.
15. The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood, Don Wood: It is a book known and loved my millions of kids around the world since 1984. It is so fun for a read aloud!
16. The Little Red Hen by J.P. Miller
17. The Lorax: The classic story that shows how to save the planet! by Dr. Seuss : A book with silly rhymes, humour and ecological message. It is recommended for children older than 4 years old. There is also a lovely movie that you can watch after you read the story.
18. The Magic Hat by Mem Fox, Tricia Tusa: This magic hat is moving around…But where will it land next?
19. The napping house by Don Wood, Audrey Wood: This story book has sold more than one and a half million copies. There are also six original songs that are just as fun, jaunty, and sweet as the story itself. The music, originally produced in 1989, is based on the book.
20. The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen: Bright ocean colors and playful rhyme come together in this fun fish story. It is a great story for kids from 3 to 7 as well as babies and toddlers.
21. The singing mermaid by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks
22. The Smeds and The Smoos by Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler: It is a glorious love story of alien folk that reminds on Romeo and Julie story.
    
23. The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
24.  The Snatchabook by Helen Docherty, Thomas Docherty: Books are mysteriously disappearing in the woods of Burrow Down. A rabbit decides to stay awake and catch the book thief.
25. The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr : This is a timeless classic enjoyed and beloved by generations of kids since 1968! Bonus if you use a tiger puppet and plastic food as props.
26. The very quiet cricket by Eric Carle: Children can “help” by rubbing their hands together every time the cricket rubs his wings together.
27. The wide mouth frog by Jonathan Lambert, Keith Faulkner: This laugh-out-loud funny pop-up book takes on a traditional American tale about a wide-mouth frog.
    
28. There’s a bear on my chair by Ross Collins
29. There was an old lady who swallowed a fly by Pam Adams: Get puppets and props, and tell them when they hear the chicken, they need to help you cluck and then prompt them accordingly. Another book is ‘There was a Coyote that Swallowed a Flea’. Some people prefer to use other words, instead of  the word ‘die’.
30. The smartest giant in town by Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler: George wished he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look. However, he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes!
31. The very busy spider by Eric Carle
32. The very hungry caterpillar by Eric Carle : This is a much-loved classic book with a deceptively simply, hopeful story. A great story book for kids that provides opportunities for discussion and comprehension questions regarding healthy eating habits and life cycle.
33. The very impatient caterpillar by Ross Burach : A funny book that provides real facts about how caterpillars transform into butterflies.
34. The very quiet cricket by Eric Carle: It is a classic story of finding your “voice”.
35. The watermelon seed by Greg Pizzoli: One funny crocodile who has one big fear. This is swallowing a watermelon seed!
    
36. The World Needs Who You Were Made To Be by Joanna Gaines, Julianna Swaney: This book celebrates how creativity and acceptance can come together to make for a bright and beautiful adventure.
37. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin: In this poem about growing up, the author explores all the things you can choose to be, from brave and bold to creative and wise.
38. The true story of the three little pigs by Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith
39. This is a ball by Matt Stanton, Beck Stanton: The book that drives kids crazy indeed!
40. Tiny T-Rex and the Impossible Hug by Jay Fleck and Jonathan Stutzman: it is a book that proves the best hugs come from the biggest hearts.
41. Toot by Leslie Patricelli
42. Trashy Town by Andrea Zimmerman et al.: A story with rhythmic, repeatable refrain that is great for kids that are interested in how things work.
43. Trash Truck by Max Keane: This books is about Hank, a 6 year-old boy with big imagination that becomes friends with Trash Trunk. If kids love this books, there is also a Netflix original animated series ‘Trash Truck’ that is produced by Glen Keane Productions.

 

U

1. Unicorn day by Diana Murray, Luke Flowers
   
2. Up up down by Robert Munsch

W

1. Wacky Wednesday by Dr. Seuss: Children will love counting up the crazy things they see on every page of this book.
2. Waiting is not easy by Mo Willems
3. Walter The Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle, Glenn Murray
4. We are in a book by Mo Willems: This is one book of the award-winning duo Elephant and Piggie book series. Other books are
5. We don’t eat our classmates: It is a funny and cute book.This is one of the most popular story books for kids based on their feedback.
6. We love the lady pancake and sir French toast books
7. We’re going on a bear hunt: This is a book to read for kids, but there’s also a song. Find the YouTube video with the author for a beat, have kids do a walk down the hallway afterwards and do silly walks associated with the book.
8. We share everything
9. What if everybody did that by Ellen Javernick, Colleen Madden
10. What the Ladybug heard next
11. When cookie meet carrot by Erica Perl
12. When the dragons came
13. Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak: One night Max puts on his wolf suit and makes mischief, so his mother calls him ‘Wild Thing’ and sends him to bed without his dinner. That night a forest begins to grow in his room and the story continues…
14. Wolfboy by Andy Harkness: It is not a long story and it has a surprise ending. Animate with different voices.

Y

1. You are (not) small by Anna Kang, Christopher Weyant: Two fuzzy creatures can’t agree on who is small and who is big. A couple of surprise guests show up, settling it once and for all! 
   
2. You get what you get and you don’t get upset by Heath McKenzie

Z

1. Zog by Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffle: Zog is the keenest dragon in school and the most accident-pron. Will he manage to capture a princess?

 

The most popular series of books to read for kids

• An Elephant & Piggie Book: There is a bird on your head by Mo Willems: Gerald and Piggie are best friends. These books are perfect for children that learn to read. If you read the book to kids, you should read it in voices. Piggie is high pitched and excited, while Gerald is low pitched and easily anxious.
• Crayon book series: Some of them are ‘ The day the crayons quit‘, ‘the day the crayons came home‘, ‘the crayons went back to school‘ .
• Daniel Tiger books by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz, Jason Fruchter: One of the most popular books is Daniel’s Potty Time.
• Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus by Mo Willems: This is a book that kids love, love, love and every time I read it in my Kindergarten, someone comes to my room from the office to make sure everything is okay as the kids laugh their heads off! That Pigeon is a passionate bird and there are more books in this Pigeon series, for instance ‘The pigeon has to go to school’, ‘The Pigeon needs a bath’ and ‘Don’t let the pigeon stay up late’.
• ‘How do dinosaurs ______?’ book series: It is a cute book series and it rhymes. For example, there are books about how do dinosaurs say goodnight, go to school, clean the room.
• “How to catch _____” series by Adam Wallace, Andy Elkerton: This is popular book series and it includes a book about a unicorn, a star, a dinosaur, a mermaid and more.
• If you give a mouse a cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff: It is part of a book series. Other books, for instance, are ‘If you give a pig a pancake’ and ‘if you give a moose a muffin’. It has spare, rhythmic text and it definitely inspires giggles!
• Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney: It is a rhyming read-aloud favorite for over a decade and it is an ideal story for bedtime reading. There is also ‘Llama Llama Time To Share’, ‘Llam Llama Misses Mama’, ‘Llama Llama I Love You’, ‘Llama Llama Destroys The World’ and more.
• ‘Pete the Cat _____’ by James Dean, Eric Litwin, Kimberly Dean: There are songs to play after you read the books. You can also listen to it on YouTube to get the hang of the singing part before you read the story books. You can choose the books of the series based on the discussions and the learning you aim for. For instance, there is a Phonics box that includes 12 books and Pete the Cat helps kids learn to read with phonics. If you want to practise and talk about colors, cause and effect, then ‘___ I love my white shoes’ is the best book for you.  You can have the kids say “goodness no”each time it says “Did Pete cry?” They will be able to answer the simple questions about what color it turned his shoes. If you prefer to practise counting and basic subtraction with the kids, then ‘___and the 4 groovy buttons’ is a super good choice. Moreover, ‘___Crayons Rock’ is all about drawings. Children learn that art is unique and it is not meant to be perfect.
• Pinkalicious Phonics 12 Books Box Set by Victoria Kann: This set of 12 simple and fun Pinkalicious storybooks is a fun way to learn to read and enter into the world of phonics.
  
• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty: This book is about is about pursuing one’s passion with persistence and learning to celebrate each failure on the road to achieving one’s dreams. There are more books in this series, like Ada Twist, Scientist and they all encourage curiosity, perseverance and STEM learning.
• The Bad Seed by Jory John et al.: It is the most popular among the 6 books of the series. Funny and charming stories with nice messages.
• The Day The Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, Oliver Jeffers: This is a funny and clever book that encourages kids’ creativity. It is part of a book series.
• ‘The dinosaur that pooed ______!’ book series by Tom Fletcher, et al.: There is a book about a pirate, daddy, Christmas, a planet, a bed etc.
• The monster at the end of this book by Jon Stone, Michael J. Smollin: Grover from Sesame Street begs kids not to turn the pages, but of course children just have to see this monster for themselves…
• ‘There’s a ______ in your book’ book series by Tom Fletcher, Greg Abbott: There is a book about a superhero, monster, dinosaur, dragon, alien and more. These books are fun, super engaging and very interactive. Kids love stroking, poking and flapping the book to make magic happen as they turn the pages.
• The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland
• The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith, Katz Cowley: It is a hilarious story book that kids love, love, love. There is a a song that goes along with the books on YouTube, make up the different noises and actions that take place throughout. Children can join in every time it says “hee haww”. It’s been so popular among kids that they couldn’t stop there. There are more books by the same author and illustrator, like Dinky Donkey.

 

Theme-based story books for kids

Bedtime story

• Duck in the fridge by Jeff Muck: This story book starts with a boy that discovers a duck in his fridge and soon he finds more. Will the boy ever be able to get to sleep? It is a story filled with loads of visual humor and the silliness that kids love pours off each page.
• Goodnight already! by Jory, John, Benji Davies
• I Love You When You’re Angry by Erin Winters, Kaitin Bucher: This book normalizes emotions, promotes unconditional love for children, grace for parents, and provides a feelings chart with interactive questions in the back. Calm your kids worries by the reminder that good days and bad days end the same – with an “I love you, now sleep tight!”
• PJ Funnybunny Camps Out by Marilyn Sadler, Roger Bollen: P.J. and his pals believe that camping is not for girls. But when two mysterious ghosts frighten the boys all the way home, only the girls know the real story. Avoid reading this story to young kids that might be afraid of ghosts though.
• Unicorn night Sleep Tight by by Diana Murray, Luke Flowers
• Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? by Brianna Caplan Sayres, Christian Slade

Christmas theme

• Bear stays up for Christmas by Karma Wilson, Jane Chapman:
• How to catch a Gingerbread Man by Adam Wallace, Andy Elkerton.
• The Dinosaur that pooped Christmas by Tom Fletcher et al.
• The Gingerbread man by Elena Temporin
• There’s an Elf in Your Book by Tom Fletcher, Greg Abbott

Easter theme

• Happy Easter from the crayons by Drew Daywalt, Oliver Jeffers.
• How to catch the Easter Bunny by Adam Wallace, Andy Elkerton.
• It’s not easy being a bunny by Marilyn Sadler, Roger Bollen: In this hilarious story book, a young bunny explores life with different animal friends. It is a cute story that kids can repeat with you, def holds their attention and engages them. This is a perfect gift for Easter or celebrating bunnies all year round. There is also one more popular book from the same book series ‘Honey Bunny Funnybunny‘.
  
• Pete The Cat: Big Easter Adventure by James Dean, Kimberley Dean. The creators of this book brings us along for a hippity-hoppity Easter adventure with the coolest cat around: Pete! This book includes 12 Easter cards, a fold-out poster, and stickers.
• The Dinosaur that pooped Easter by Tom Fletcher et al.
• The Good Egg Presents: The Great Eggscape! by Jory John, Pete Oswald: This book is about a hilarious egg hunt adventure that reminds us to break out of our shells and help our friends in need! The two sticker sheets make it perfect for Easter and they are definitely a bonus for all kids.

St Patrick’s day

• How to catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace, Andy Elkerton

Halloween

• Eek! Halloween! by Sandra Boynton
• Hair Toe by Daniel Postgate
• The Dinosaur that pooped Halloween by Tom Fletcher et al.

 

Books to read to kids that you can find in English and other languages

Down the back of the chair! by Margaret Mahy, Polly Dunbar

Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel, Blair Lent: This is a classic re-creation of an ancient Chinese folktale. Three decades and more than one million copies later children, teachers, and parents love to learn about the danger of having such an honorable name.

 

Authors

In general parents and teachers highly recommend any book written by some of the best authors of kids books. Below you can find a list of these authors. You might have already read some of their books in the alphabetical book list.

• Berenstain Bears
• Bill Martin Jr.
• Diane Alber
• Eric Carle
• Jory John
• Julia Donaldson
• Laura Numeroff
• Mo Willems
• Nanette’s Baguette
• Rachel’s Bright
• Robert Munsch
• Shel Silverstein poems
• Skippy John Jones
• Todd Parr

 

Tips

It is a fact that you can make even mediocre books way more fun by making them more interactive. Let’s go through some important tips from a Kindergarten teacher.

Delivery is very important

Read with enthusiasm, change your voice and volume, exaggerate, make funny voices, gestures, really get into character. Use lots of voice inflections, make your voice reflect the moods in the story and (if they get antsy), lower your voice to a loud whisper. Make an absolute fool out of myself. Kids will be fully engaged if you are!

Keep kids involved

Get the kids to be engaged in the book, get them to say repetitive phrases, ask them questions, get them to do actions with certain words, get them to help you sound out certain words or even turn the page for you!

Use props

Super hero capes, puppets using socks and gloves, relevant items etc. For instance, if a book is about rain, bring a misting bottle with water. But if you want to go crazy, dress up!

Use apps like Novel Effect

Novel Effect app has sounds that go along with books and it’s an extra special experience for the kids.

Avoid inappropriate books for their age

You should avoid lone stories like Dr Seuss for young kids. No matter what you do, it would be impossible to keep their attention.

 

If you would like to find a list of books to explain death, loss and grief to kids, read this post.

 

These are the best story books for kids 3 to 7 years of age.

But remember, it’s not always about the book,

it’s also about the reader!

So just be creative and make it fun!