Our Favorite Read Alouds & Tips

Check out what our youth librarians love reading during storytime and get age-specific tips for choosing books to read with your child at home!

Updated February 6, 2024
L
LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County)Gladstone & Oak Lodge Public Libraries
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https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/childrens-books/articles/how-choose-read-aloud-books-babies-third-graders
How do you choose books to read aloud with your child? There are many things to think about: how interesting the topic or characters might be for your child; an intriguing setting, time period, or plot; the liveliness or beauty of the language; or how engaging the illustrations are. Some books are more appropriate based on social and emotional development at each stage of a young child’s life. Find guidance here in choosing great read alouds.
Endlessly ever after : pick your path to countless fairy tale endings! : a story of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, Hansel, Gretel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, a wolf, a witch, a goose, a grandmother, some pigs, and endless variations
Snyder, Laurel
Paper Book
This funny, original, choose-your-path picture book of fractured fairy tales will charm any young fan of the genre, putting the power of storytelling right in the reader's hands! Grab your basket and your coat. Put on some walking shoes. Turn the page...

Jessica's pick. Great for reading aloud with school-age kids!

Bark, George
Feiffer, Jules.
Paper Book
Named one of 100 Great Children's Books by The New York Public Library and #9 on School Library Journal's list of the Top 100 Picture Books! From acclaimed author-illustrator Jules Feiffer, Bark, George is a hilarious, subversive story about a dog who can't . . . bark! This...
Susannah's pick. Silly fun for toddlers and preschoolers!
Everybunny dance!
Sandall, Ellie
Paper Book
Bunnies dance, play, sing, and make a new friend in this delightful picture book from the author of Follow Me!, which School Library Journal called "a winsome selection suitable for storytime." Nobody is watching. Now's the perfect chance. ...

Heather's pick. A fun interactive read for energetic toddlers!

The I love you book
Parr, Todd
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! This adorable gift book from beloved author Todd Parr is the perfect way to say "I love you." With his colorful illustrations, playful humor, and inclusive storytelling, beloved author Todd Parr has long been a...

Susannah's pick. A sweet read-aloud to snuggle with!

Is everyone ready for fun?
Thomas, Jan
Paper Book
Chicken has some unexpected and exuberant cow visitors who have exciting plans for jumping, dancing, and wiggling on his teeny-tiny couch, and Chicken is none too happy about it. That is until the fun concludes with a quiet, cozy and delicious nap for all!

Heather's pick. A funny read-aloud for all ages!

The legend of rock paper scissors
Daywalt, Drew
Paper Book
New York Times Bestseller! 5 Starred Reviews! "Will have listeners in stitches." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Purely absurd, sidesplitting humor." --Booklist (starred review) "Demands bombastic, full-volume performances." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) ...

Heather's pick. Great for reading aloud with school-age kids!

Pete the Cat : I love my white shoes
Litwin, Eric.
Paper Book
Don't miss the first and bestselling book in the beloved Pete the Cat series! Pete the Cat goes walking down the street wearing his brand-new white shoes. Along the way, his shoes change from white to red to blue to brown to WET as he steps in piles of strawberries, blueberries, and other...

Heather's pick. A classic!

Rhyming dust bunnies
Thomas, Jan
Paper Book
Bug! Rug! Mug! Hug! These dust bunnies love to rhyme. Well, except for Bob. Much to the other bunnies' frustration, Bob can never get the rhythm right. Then he saves everyone from a big, scary monster wielding--gasp!--a broom, and they all breathe a sigh of relief. But can Bob save them from the big...

Susannah's pick. Silly fun for young ones learning how to rhyme!

Shh! We have a plan
Haughton, Chris
Paper Book
"3, 2, 1... GO!" And once again, the bird escapes. But these three friends will not cease in their endeavor to catch the bird, while the fourth one... The littlest one... has other plans. And so does the bird. Chris Haughton's acclaimed Shh! We Have a Plan arrives at the US, in Spanish for the...

Susannah's pick. An adventure for preschoolers and up!


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