Favorite Books to Read with Your Child

Teach, Read, Succeed: Ask the Expert

As we go into the Holiday Season, I wanted to share a few favorite books from my family to yours. You’ll find books for toddlers, beginning readers, and chapter books for young children.

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If you haven’t signed your child up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, to receive a free book in the mail each month, check for availability in your area here!

Toddler Books

It’s never too early to begin reading to your baby, whether it’s while they are still in the womb, or during those feeding sessions in their first few weeks and months. Hearing language helps to build later speaking and reading ability, no matter when you start.

We just got to the super exciting age where our daughter brings us a book, asks to be sit on our lap, and then listens to the story. But she doesn’t stop at one, she usually asks for three of her favorite books in a row. Here are a few of popular favorites in our house right now:

1. Llama Llama Red Pajama - This is currently one of the most popular stories in our house right now. We all love the rhymes, and the adorable Llama! We’ve even started to quote “What is Mama Llama doing” whenever I’m one of us is doing something and our toddler wants our attention, now!

2. Skinnamarink - When our daughter was a baby, we would play or sing Skinnamarink for her when she cried. Eventually, any time she heard the song she would stop crying and be immediately calmed. When I found out there was a book, I had to have it! Plus, now when we sing-read it to her, she can’t help but dance.

3. Corduroy - This classic I remember hearing from my childhood, is so sweet to read now as a bedtime story.

4. Brown Bear Brown Bear - The repetition in this book has made it a favorite! Once children are a little older, they can enjoy the pattern of this book to practice their pre-reading skills and read to you! We love talking about the colors, animals, and even making the noises that the animals make!

Beginning Readers

These stories are popular choices for reading aloud, and children love them!

1. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas - Pete the Cat is a favorite character among many children (and families), and his holiday book is perfect for the holidays!

   Here are a few more favorites for your Pete the Cat Collection:

   1. Pete the Cat: Out of This World - great for children who love learning about outer space

   2. Pete the Cat: Rocking In My School Shoes - this is a fun book for building excitement about back to school

   3. Pete the Cat: and His Magic Sunglasses - my personal favorite, for showing that a little change in our perspective can improve our mood

2. The Book With No Pictures - This book is a personal favorite, and children love it because it is so much fun. As the name suggests, there aren’t any pictures in the book. But, the words tell the story and are sure to keep your child engaged and will give you both a few laughs. I love this book for helping children to understand the importance of words and helps children to begin learning that words can tell a story, even without pictures.

3. Smithsonian Science Books - does your child love dinosaurs? Are they curious about outer space or the ocean? These books are full of information and pictures, that we might all learn new facts from.

   1. Knowledge Encyclopedia: Dinosaur

   2. Knowledge Encyclopedia: Ocean

   3. Knowledge Encyclopedia: Outer Space

   4. Knowledge Encyclopedia: Human Body

4. Are you looking for something your child can read on their own? Decodable books are perfect for this!

   1. Bob Books: Set 1

   2. Bob Books: Set 2

   3. Charge Into Reading Decodable Books (Stage 1)

   4. Charge Into Reading Decodable Books (Stage 2)

   5. Charge Into Reading Decodable Books (Stage 3)

   6. Charge Into Reading Decodable Books (Stage 4)

   7. Charge Into Reading Decodable Books (Stage 5)

   8. Charge Into Reading Decodable Books (Stage 6)

   9. Charge Into Reading Decodable Books (Stage 7)

   10. Charge Into Reading Decodable Books (Stage 8), (stage 9)

Could you use some help choosing which decodable books will be just right for your reader? Reach out, I’m here to help!

Beginning Chapter Books

For the young reader who is beginning to read chapter books, classics like The Magic Tree House Series, Junie B. Jones, and Amelia Bedelia are a few favorites!

1. The Magic Tree House Series Books 1-4

2. Junie B. Jones Boxed Set Books 1-4

3. Junie B. Jones First Grade Collection Boxed Set (11 books!)

4. Amelia Bedelia Boxed Set Books 1-4

I hope you find this list of books helpful, and that you are able to find books that your child enjoys. I know If you need help choosing the best books for your child, I’m here to help!

I’d love to hear from you, are there books that your child loves that are not on this list? Contact me here!

Are you interested in learning more about the foundational readings skills that are required to build reading comprehension? Click here to get my Foundational Reading Skills Guide, and start helping your child become a confident reader today.

Brittany is a teacher and reading specialist, fueled by her passions in teaching and supporting families. She supports families whether from birth through childhood.

Contact Courageous Moments to learn how she can help you and your child on your child’s reading journey.