Ever wonder what to bring to your Kindergarten read-aloud? I have. It can be tough knowing which books make the best books for Kindergarten read-aloud.
There I was, signed up as a mystery reader for my son’s Kindergarten class, and I was so nervous about which books to pick. Will the Kindergarten class be bored? (gasp!)
Even worse, will I embarrass my son with the books I selected? (bigger gasp!) Eek! I sat in the car, anticipating the opportunity to read aloud to my son’s Kindergarten class with sweaty palms and small jitters, hoping I had picked the best books for Kindergarten! The good news?
It went so well! And coming out of it, I have a super fun collection of book titles for you to have in your back pocket that your Kindergartners will enjoy.
RELATED: Have kids at home? You will love the activities on our BIG KID activity cards.
Which Books Should You Read to Your Kindergartner?
When picking out a book, look for:
- A catchy storyline – if the storyline is boring your kids to tears, it will certainly do the same for you! You need a book that you enjoy reading. I promise you – it makes all the difference!
- Books that have humor so you can read again and again – I love books that give me a giggle. It makes read-aloud so much more entertaining because you know what? You’re going to have to read it again, and again, and again. Kids get hooked on good books!
- Books that inspire imagination – good stories spark creativity, and you need that for everything. Trust me! Art, science, math, literacy – there’s no subject that doesn’t use imagination!
- Word repetition – kids learn best through repetition, and the best books contain keywords to help your kid’s vocabulary.
If you’re stumped on how to inspire your child to get excited about reading, check out this great article on, How to Raise a Reader.
RELATED: Looking for activities for 5-7-year-olds? This list is an absolutely must-see!
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Funny Children’s Books
There is nothing better than a room full of five and six-year-olds laughing. There is just something about that giggle that is contagious.
Caps for Sale
A story about the peddler’s efforts to outwit the monkeys, teaching kids about problem and resolution (warning might trigger preschooler chants and giggles). Caps for Sale is a perfect book for early readers. Easy-to-read and includes repetition, patterns, and colors.
Don’t Blink!
Don’t Blink is an FUN interactive book that may seem to be on your side, reluctant sleeper — but it’s truly a bedtime book in disguise! (Truly a mom win).
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
Another interactive book, where children get to decide the pigeon’s fate! (What could go wrong?) Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is a fun read and Mo Williams perfectly captures a preschooler’s temper tantrum.
Dragons Love Tacos
I mean, who doesn’t love tacos? Even Dragons Love Tacos! This deliciously funny read-aloud is a tale of a new friendship and the perfect snack that will make you laugh until spicy salsa comes out of your nose. Kids will loveee that.
Elephant & Piggy BIGGIE-BIGGIE!
Spark early readers imaginations with this fun read! An Elephant & Piggie Biggie is another favorite from best selling author Mo Willems.
Imogene’s Antlers
Imogene’s Antlers is a whimsical story of a little girl who wakes one morning to discover she has grown antlers has delighted children since it was first published over 30 years ago!
The Book with No Pictures
You might think The Book With No Pictures seems boring and serious. Except . . . here’s how book works. Everything written on the page has to be said by the person reading it aloud. Even if the words say . . . BLORK. Or BLUURF. Did I mention that this book is written by irreverent writer, BJ Novak, of the hit TV show, the Office? Hilarity and sparking creativity in your kids is sure to ensue with this fun read.
The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash
A class trip to the farm, goes awry with Jimmy’s pet Boa. The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash is a day to remember for classroom of kindergartners. Have fun with this read aloud!
Best Books for Kindergarten Overall
So now that we have these little people laughing let’s read some substantial books that teach subtle messages in character and storyline. Here are my general book picks for Kindergarten.
Be Kind
This books answers “What does it mean to be kind?” – a timeless question kids and adults alike can ponder about. Revisit the Be Kind as a reminder or as resource for a troubled time!
Click Clack Moo
Cows that type? A hilarious farmyard tale that will get kids giggling at the thought of… cows that type! Hear that? Click Clack Moo? Read this to get some kindergartner participation!
Diary of a Worm
In Diary of a Worm, follow the adventures of a worm with his curios daily diary entries. But unlike you or me, he never has to take a bath, he gets to eat his homework, and because he doesn’t have legs, he just can’t do the hokey pokey—no matter how hard he tries!
Listen Buddy
Buddy’s father had a beautiful big nose. He was a great sniffer. Buddy’s mother had beautiful big teeth. She was a great chomper. Buddy had beautiful big ears. It didn’t matter.
A bunny that can’t seem to listen? Listen Buddy… Now, doesn’t that sound familiar to mom’s far and wide?
Lines that Wiggle
Follow the line that runs through this picture book and turns itself into all kinds of things: the waves above an octopus, the veins in a leaf, the wrappings curling around a mummy, and the trapping threads of a spiderweb.
Lines That Wiggle is a catchy rhyming text brought to life by creatures that WIGGLE! And sure to send some giggles through any kindergartner.
Not a Box
Not a Box captures the thrill when pretend feels so real that it actually becomes real—when the imagination takes over inside a cardboard box, and through play, a child is transported to a world where anything is possible.
After reading this book aloud, continue the fun by drawing shapes like a triangle or circle, and asking your child what the triangle is NOT!
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun
A book on having the courage to be who you are? Now we can always be reminded of that no matter what age! Give this a read for any kid that feels like a Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun.
The Dot
“Just make a mark and see where it takes you.” This book is a great way to plant a seed of curiosity and help uncover the innate creativity in our children.
When you’re done reading this book, you can always refer to the story of “The Dot” whenever your kid feels inflexible or scared of doing something new!
The Paper Bag Princess
A classic story of girl power. Who doesn’t love that? With her wits alone and nothing but a paper bag to wear, the princess challenges the dragon to show his strength in the hopes of saving the prince. Read The Paper Bag Princess to see if it’s worth all the trouble!
Read-Aloud Books Chapter Books for Kindergarten
Ivy and Bean
Read about how opposites can become the best of friends in Ivy and Bean
Magic Tree House Books 1-4
Choose a Great Book for Your Kindergartner!
Next up, take a look at the best books for beginning readers that your Kindergartner can read to you in the upcoming years!
See These Other Fantastic Books for Kids
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Activities on Demand
Want great ideas without the ads? Download these 20 hands-on learning games for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Good read alouds grab a child’s attention. They are descriptive and the sequence of events can connect to the child’s life experiences.
Read alouds are books that parents, teachers, and other students can read to the class. The best book for read alouds are ones that add humor.
A five year old should be reading what they are excited about. Remember reading may mean looking at the pictures, creating the story line in a child’s head as they flip through pages, or reading the words.
