Kids of all ages enjoy being read to and what better way to spend quality time with your family than to curl up and share in the love of reading. While reading aloud is common with children under 5, the numbers decrease significantly when kids reach 5 years of age, and decreases even further between 6-8 years of age.
While the adults in their lives think that because they can read, they no longer need read alouds, kids want to be read to. Even my oldest students enjoyed having me read out loud to them. Reading aloud creates a connection between the reader and listener, it can help young or reluctant readers to read stories they otherwise couldn’t access, it can foster a love of reading for years to come.
In honour of Family Day, let me share some of my favourite read alouds.
1. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown – I recently finished this, like literally days ago, and it lives up to the hype. The movie for this one came out in 2024, and is making big buzz among adults and kids alike. I encourage you to read this book out loud with your kiddos if you have or plan to watch the movie. Now that I have finished reading it, I can watch the movie too and I am looking forward to that!
2. Anything by Gordon Korman – perfect for readers who appreciate humour! I read Schooled out loud to my Grade 8 class and they loved it. There were so many laughs and they were asking to read more each day. Operation Do-Over would be another great choice, along with Korman’s latest titles: Slugfest, Faker, Old School.
3. The One and Only series by Katherine Applegate – with the latest installment out in 2024, The One and Only Family this series, which started with The One and Only Ivan, is beyond popular with middle grade readers.
4. Refugee by Alan Gratz (or really any book by Gratz) – a popular read that connects the stories of three seemingly unconnected young people who are forced from their homes and countries.
5. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin – if you’ve been here for a bit, you know I love this picture book. Like LOVE! Kids love it because it’s such a silly concept and the illustrations are great. They also love it because it is FUNNY! Combine the humour with perfectly placed pauses and the utilization of spacing, font, etc. and you have a great option for younger readers.
6. Knight Owl and Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise – these books are beautiful and the stories are so lovely. Your young readers will be enthralled by the bravery of the tiny birds who want to do a job no one thinks they should. The messages are one point and the illustrations are sure to impress all readers, young and old alike.
7. Get Down! by Taylor Sawchyn – I had to put this one the list as my youngest niece picks this one EVERY time she comes into the store. By a local author, Get Down! encourages the people in babies’ lives to get on their level and engage with them. Linnie’s favourite part is when we personalize the pages with Amma, Pops, Auntie Tessa, and her siblings. Plus, the cute puppy who is always with baby!
Pick up one of these books, or any book really, and share the love of reading with your littles. You just might spark something in them, and in yourself.