One of the best things we can do for a growing child is read to them regularly, if not daily. A perfect way to encourage this is to have a picture book which engages both of you when you read it.
Whether it’s great illustrations, funny voices or a catchy rhyme, below are some of the great children’s picture books which kids really enjoy (and you will probably get a kick out of too).
You can click on the pictures to watch a YouTube video of the book being read aloud, or purchase the book on Amazon through the links provided.
For other great book ideas – check out our Catalogue of Stories and if you want a new story read to your child every day without any of the effort, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel: Daily Read Aloud.
Room on the Broom
Written by Julia Donaldson, Illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Julia Donaldson does a fantastic job writing in rhyme that it’s easy to see why one of her classics is on the list. It has a witch, a dragon and some short one liners from a few other animals which allows you to have some fun with your voice. Not only that, but the rhythm of this story is easy to follow and will be a book which children will continually want to read again and again, no matter their age.
Age Range: All children who enjoy picture books.
Click image to watch Room on the Broom read aloud on YouTube
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Click image to watch The Very Hungry Caterpillar read aloud on YouTube
Written & Illustrated by Eric Carle
Another classic which has been enjoyed by children around the world for years (since 1969) – and it’s easy to see why. It’s a simple story which you can read without changing your voice for a character or needing to follow a rhythm or rhyme. Aimed at younger children as the main audience, it’s a story they will remember for years and will likely read to their own children in the future (it was for me).
Age Range: up to 4 years old
The Day the Crayons Quit
Written by Drew Daywalt, Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Children of all ages love to draw and this book explores the individual feelings of a box of crayons through letters each of them has written to their owner – the child. This could be the first experience your child has with looking at themself through a different lens as they will start to think about how they make their crayons feel when they use them (or don’t use them). Each page is a different crayon’s letter which allows you to be creative with your voice and do your best impersonations of the characters you think best fits the content of the letter – my favourite is the whinging beige crayon.
Age Range: 2+ years old
Click image to watch The Day the Crayons Quit read aloud on YouTube
The Very Noisy Baby
Click image to watch The Very Noisy Baby read aloud on YouTube
Written & Illustrated by Alison Lester
Did anyone say animal noises? Younger kids love it when you make noises like animals and this story is infectious with it. Not too much or too fast that it becomes an effort to read, but just the right amount to have the child enjoying every page. The repetitive nature of the story makes it easy for children to follow along, especially when ‘knocking on the door’, which is fun for them to be involved with when reading the hardcover version.
Age Range: 1-5 years old
Bluey - The Beach
From the Bluey TV Series (ABC Kids Australia)
Bluey has quickly become a fan favourite for many young children all over the world, so it’s no surprise that they love any book based on the TV show. The Beach was the book of the year at the 2020 Australian Book Industry Awards, but with such a cult following now, it could have easily been any of the Bluey collection. This book is based on the episode of the same name and has some great lessons for young children. It’s also quite an easy read, even with the ‘lift the flaps’ which children love to do for you.
Age Range: 1-5 years old
Click image to watch Bluey – The Beach read aloud on YouTube
The Cat in the Hat
Click image to watch The Cat in the Hat read aloud on YouTube
Written & Illustrated by Dr Seuss
Another old classic which was probably read to you when you were a child. There’s a reason this story has stood the test of time. Its rhyming is fun and can be done at whatever pace you are comfortable with. The rhythm is short and easy to pick up and follow but becomes difficult as you pick up the pace, which makes for additional fun with each readthrough that you do. The pictures are classic Dr Seuss and represent exactly the story being told which is engaging for children as they follow along. And don’t forget the great message it conveys to always clean up your mess when you finish playing. Once you get started with Dr Seuss rhymes, you’ll find yourself transforming standard sentences into a verse out of one of his books, of which there are plenty to choose from, such as Green Eggs and Ham or One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish – All of which are fantastic and highly recommended.
Age Range: 2+ years old
Other Dr Seuss story selections such as Green Eggs and Ham or One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish available here:
Or even more selections available in our Catalogue of Stories:
Pig the Pug
Written & Illustrated by Aaron Blabey
The first in a series of books which no doubt (if you start with this one) you will collect many more of in the years ahead. These books are fantastic for kids as they explore all the naughty things which Pig the Pug does, but which also deliberately exaggerates the downside of doing these naughty things. Another simple rhyme and one which you can put your own flair on – especially when it comes to the voice of Pig the Pug. The illustrations are simple but do a great job at demonstrating the emotions of the dogs which really allows children to connect and engage with the story.
Age Range: 1+ years old
Click image to watch Pig the Pug read aloud on YouTube
Spot’s First Walk
Click image to watch Spot’s First Walk read aloud on YouTube
Written & Illustrated by Eric Hill
I’m sure you’ve heard of Spot before. These short, descriptive and simple to read stories are great for children to learn and grow their early vocabulary through simple sentence structure. The ‘Spot’s First’ series is not only a great way for young children to follow a story which is read to them, but also provides a perfect entry point for toddlers when they commence learning to read on their own. There is an abundance of Spot books available, so don’t get fixated on any one in particular, but the ‘lift the flap’ versions are great to keep young children entertained through the reading – even if you’ll need to sticky tape some of the flaps back into the book.
Age Range: 0-3 years old, then 4-5 years old when learning to read.
Let’s Go Shopping Peppa
From the Peppa Pig TV Series (Published by Ladybird)
Another fan favourite TV show with a cult-like following of children. Like the Bluey books, you could essentially pick any of the countless different books which are based on one of the episodes. This one is simple to read and easy for children to follow along. What’s great is the demonstration of helping with the shopping and using a list to buy items – not requesting for anything that catches their eye. The counting of items is especially good for learning early numeracy while the book also demonstrates giving everyone a turn to do something.
Age Range: 1-6 years old
Click image to watch Let’s Go Shopping Peppa read aloud on YouTube
The Gruffalo
Click image to watch The Gruffalo read aloud on YouTube
Written by Julia Donaldson, Illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler make it onto the list for the second time with another great story which captures the imagination of children and warrants repeated readings which never get old. With a fairly simple sentence structure and plenty of descriptive words, the back and forth of the interaction makes for a fun reading. Rhythm and rhyme are done with perfection to tell the tale of the mouse and his ‘make-believe’ monster – the Gruffalo. You’ll get plenty of enjoyment reading this book to your child, and the more you enjoy it – the more they will too.
Age Range: All children who enjoy picture books.
Also worthy of mention is The Gruffalo’s Child which continues the story with a different perspective – one where the ‘make-believe’ monster is the mouse…
If you didn’t find the type of book you were looking for, check out our Catalogue of Stories where you can view the story being read aloud on YouTube. With a new story added every day, there’s always plenty of options available for you to find the perfect gift for your child.