Choosing Engaging Read-Aloud Books: Top 5 Tips
Selecting the right books to read aloud is key to creating a storytime routine your child looks forward to. The best read-aloud books grab your child's attention, stimulate their imagination, and make them eager to hear more. So, what should you look for when picking books to read aloud?
Want to skip right to the top 50 read-aloud books we have selected? Go ahead and click here. Please note, we do receive a small commission from any books purchased.
Here are 5 expert tips:
Provide choices and involve the child. Letting the child help pick books makes them an active partner in reading time. Give options to choose from and ask for their input. If your child is under two, limit the possibilities to two or three books to choose from. If the child is aged two to four, limit the options to three to four books. Limiting the choices makes it easier for children and adults to choose.
Choose books with rhythmic language. Young children are drawn to stories with repetitive refrains, rhyming, and other word patterns. These language rhythms make the story highly predictable and enjoyable to listen to. Great examples are classic nursery rhyme collections or rhyming picture books like those by Dr. Seuss.
Look for dialogue-rich stories. Books where characters talk to each other will be more engaging and fun to read aloud with dramatic expression. Dialogue moves the story along through action rather than just description.
Try classics above the official reading level. Be bold and read aloud books with advanced vocabulary, complex plots, and themes. Your model of fluent, expressive reading will help kids understand and enjoy stories beyond their own reading ability. And feel free to pause the story to answer questions or respond to what your child is observing. With a toddler, this might sound like a "bird" from the toddler, and the parent responds with, "I see the yellow bird; it's flying in the sky, isn't it?" This back-and-forth dialogue in reading is vital to reading comprehension and is excellent for bonding.
Let the child's reactions guide you. Notice if a book consistently bores them or fails to hold attention. Look for books they express in interest in, dogs, dragons, pirates, or outer space. What matters is what interests them. And they don’t like the book you are trying to read, you don’t have to finish it. Switching to a new story they connect with is fine. Great read-alouds match the child's interests.
Following these tips will help you build a collection of fabulous read-aloud books kids get excited about hearing. With engaging stories and your attentive presence, storytime becomes quality bonding time.
The most important part of picking a book to read aloud is your engagement with the book. If you are having fun reading the book, the child is more likely to have fun reading. Feel free to be expressive, try out new voices and sound effects, and enjoy the story. Happy reading!