These read-aloud books for kindergarten are so fabulous that parents will want to read them over and over too!
Does your kindergarten have a favorite book he or she is constantly asking you to read?
Do you actually enjoy that book?
If not, you’ll especially appreciate this list of parent-approved, enjoyable read-aloud books for kindergarten!
And even if you do happen to like your child’s favorite book of the moment, the books listed below will definitely help you round out your collection of great kindergarten read-alouds!
All of these books were selected from our personal home library, and are available on Amazon. But don’t forget to check out your local library to see if you can get your hands on them there!
Because they’re all so fantastic, we couldn’t rank them based which one is they VERY best. So we organized them by these topics instead:
- Kindergarten read-alouds that promote reading
- Read-aloud books that promote kindness
- Classic fairy tales with a twist
- Our favorite kindergarten read-alouds
Keep on reading to check them all out!
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Best read-aloud books for kindergarten that promote reading
Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
Originally published in 1940, Caps for Sale is an endearing story about a peddler who carries his caps on his head. Mayhem and hilarity ensue when he encounters a rambunctious group of monkeys!
This book is especially great if you have a kindergartener who is learning CVC words because they can help you sound out or read the word “caps” every time it appears on the page.
Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham
This hilarious alphabet book is anything but an alphabet book! When the pushy and self-centered moose intervenes and takes the place of the letter D, everything takes an unexpected – and very funny – turn.
Be sure to pay attention to all of the illustrations because they’re jam-packed with action.
Of course, this book is perfect for kindergarteners who have learned the alphabet and can put it back in the proper order.
Take Care, Good Knight by Shelley Moore Thomas
This hilarious book came to us through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library years ago, and we are so glad it did!
(If you’ve never heard of Imagination Library, be sure to check it out! Depending on where you live, you may be able to receive one free kids’ book in the mail once a month.)
Three little dragons are asked to take care of the wizard’s cats. But because they can’t read, they need the Good Knight to help them when things get a little crazy!
Free Resource Library
If you aren’t already a part of The Reluctant Homeschool Mama’s Free Resource Library, you can join right here!
Inside the library you’ll find over 30 free printables to help you organize your homeschool – from Field Trip Reports and Book Reports to Unit Study Planners to a Learning Styles Quiz, you don’t want to miss these great resources!
The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers
This fun read-aloud book for kindergarten tells the story of Henry, who loves books. Henry just doesn’t love to read books though – he loves to eat them.
With quirky and fun illustrations, every reader follows Henry to the realization that reading is truly delightful and that he doesn’t need to rush to be the best or the most of anything.
Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor
The perfect book for any young girl who loves to be fancy, Fancy Nancy wishes her family could be fancy too. When they do have a fancy night out, things don’t go exactly as planned, and Nancy learns what’s even more important than being fancy.
Every book in the Fancy Nancy series is fantastic for helping kindergartners feel excited about expanding their vocabulary and learning new things!
Imagination
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
This classic children’s book is the perfect kindergarten read-aloud!
Harold is a young boy who uses his crayon to draw his story. Starting out by drawing the moon and a sidewalk, Harold decides to go for a walk. Eventually, he draws an entire city full of windows and finally makes his way back home.
Even though many toddlers are familiar with this book, it is worth reading again now that kids are more capable with their fine motor skills and may want to take an “adventure” as Harold did!
Harold and the Purple Crayon is also part of the Five in a Row curriculum series, which we love for homeschooling our kindergarteners!
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
Originally published in 1936, this classic story is about a young Spanish bull who doesn’t like to fight.
This story is great for teaching about how to stay true to your values and how kindness can have an impact on others.
I’m Bored by Michael Ian Black
In this laugh-out-loud funny book, readers follow one young girl who is so bored. When she receives a talking potato, everything changes and her imagination runs wild.
This book is ideal for anytime you hear your kids say, “I’m bored.”
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
This incredibly popular If You Give … book series began with this book.
When a young boy gives a mouse a cookie, the mouse asks for a drink of milk. But when the boy gives the mouse his milk, the mouse continues to ask for more and more.
Kids love looking at the cute illustrations and wondering where the mouse’s big imagination will take him next!
Dogs Don’t Wear Sneakers by Laura Numeroff
The author of the If You Give a … series, Laura Numeroff wrote this darling book in the early 1990s.
The hilarious illustrations show what could happen if dogs wear sneakers, if cows learn to dance, or if yaks learn to ski.
At the end of the book, encourage your kindergartner to use his or her imagination to share what would happen if moose went bowling or skunks rode scooters – or any of the animals did the silly thing they do in this book!
Related article: How to Easily Create a Fabulous Homeschool Library
Kindergarten Read-Alouds about Kindness
The Mine-o-Saur by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
Another fantastic offering from Imagination Library, this book helps kids understand the importance of sharing and being kind.
With clever rhyming verses interspersed throughout the book, this is one kindergarten read-aloud that is worth reading over and over again!
Pigs to the Rescue by John Himmelman
When Farmer Greenstalk has trouble with his tractor on a Monday, the pigs come rushing to help! However, their help isn’t really that helpful.
This delightful book details how helpful the pigs are on every day of the week, so this book is perfect for kindergarteners who are learning the days of the week.
Be sure to spend time carefully examining the illustrations because they’re hilarious!
Thanks to the popularity of Pigs to the Rescue, there are three great follow up books now too:
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
This sweet story is about a mouse named Chrysanthemum who lives an idyllic life – until she goes to school for the first time, where other young mice make fun of her name.
Teaching lessons about kindness, self-acceptance, and the importance of connection, this endearing story is especially perfect during the fall when kids are going back to school and chrysanthemums are blooming.
Corduroy by Don Freeman
First published in 1968, the story of Corduroy, the bear who lived in a department store, has been a favorite for many generations!
As Corduroy finds adventure while trying to repair his missing button, he also finds friendship when a little girl comes back to buy him and take him home.
How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer
This wonderful book about kindness really helps kids understand that their actions have a real impact on others.
Illustrated by the idea that every person has an invisible bucket floating over his or her head, Felix is a young boy who goes through the day watching how he contributes to helping others fill (or spill) their buckets.
Additionally, as he sees his own bucket getting emptier, Felix figures out how to refill it by being kind to others.
Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein
This Caldecott Honor Book is all about Little Red Chicken and his bedtime story routine. As his dad reads familiar fairy tales to him, Little Red Chicken interrupts every story, from Little Red Riding Hood to Hansel and Gretel.
Finally, Little Red Chicken decides to create his own story, with his own darling illustrations.
This book is perfect for a discussion about consideration and thoughtfulness.
The Crayon Box that Talked by Shane DeRolf
This sweet rhyming book details the struggles within a box of crayons who just can’t get along.
But when a little girl takes the crayon box home and starts using the crayons to create her own masterpiece, the crayons realize that while they’re all unique, they can all contribute meaningfully.
This book is a perfect lead-in for a discussion about recognizing that we all have strengths or that working together is a great idea.
Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton
A New York Times Bestseller, this book illustrates what happens when two boys face off with two different toys: a shark and a train.
The illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld are hysterical, so be sure to take your time to look at them carefully (and read every caption too!).
This delightful book teaches that while a little friendly competition can be useful, it’s even better to end the competition and still be friends.
Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast by Josh Funk
In the back of the fridge, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast discover that there is only one drop of syrup left.
With adorable rhyming text, they both race through the refrigerator to claim the syrup for themselves.
At the end of the book, they realize they’ve been outwitted by Baron von Waffle, and decide that as friends, sharing is better than caring only about themselves.
Related article: 15 Awesome Educational Toys to Make Homeschooling Easier
Classic Fairy Tales – Almost
The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz
This clever book retells the story of the Three Little Pigs – but with a hilarious twist or two!
Parents will love the delightful and creative rhyming text and kids will love the funny variations from the familiar story.
(Oh, there’s a helpful little glossary in the back to help you pronounce some of the Japanese words!)
If you like this book as much as we do, be sure to check out Ninja Red Riding Hood too!
Goldi Rocks and the Three Bears by Corey Rosen Schwartz
Another hilariously fantastic fairy tale re-telling by Corey Rosen Schwartz, this book will keep kids laughing throughout!
The three bears are searching for the perfect vocalist for their band, and sadly three little pigs and a girl in a red hood just weren’t right.
When they return to their cottage however, they find that their microphones, headphones, and more have been disturbed by none other than a golden-haired girl who can hit the perfect high C!
My Lucky Day by Keiko Kasza
In a slight twist on the Three Little Pigs, one little pig accidentally knocks on a fox’s door.
With quick thinking and excuses that will make you smile, the little pig actually experiences a very lucky day.
The surprise ending will have your kids asking you to read this delightful kindergarten read-aloud over and over again!
And if you love this book, be sure to check out Badger’s Fancy Meal, also be Keiko Kasza.
More favorite read-aloud books for kindergarten
Silly Doggy! By Adam Stower
One morning, Lilly finds what she thinks is a doggy in her garden. Without looking, Lilly’s mom tells her she can’t keep her new pet.
So Lilly writes an adorable Lost and Found description for her doggy, and of course, someone comes to reclaim their pet.
Luckily enough for Lilly, she finds another animal in her garden the next day.
Be sure to pay attention to the front and endpapers of the book too!
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
This hilarious read-aloud book for kindergarten tells the story of Farmer Brown and his problem with his cows: they like to type.
Because they like to type, they also like to make demands for things like electric blankets. And when the cows get what they want, the hens and the ducks begin to make demands too.
This Caldecott Honor Book has been followed by more than a dozen other Click Clack books!
How Do You Hug a Porcupine? By Laurie Isop
Another fantastic book with rhyming text, asks kids to come up with an answer to the question, “How do you hug a porcupine?”
With lots of fun and varied illustrations, this book is a great way to discuss the power of brainstorming and making an educated guess.
But mostly, it’s just really fun!
Final thoughts about these read-aloud books for kindergarten:
Sometimes it can feel like the choices for read-aloud books for kindergarten are almost limitless, which is why it’s always nice to have some good recommendations, right?!
These kindergarten read-aloud books are not only well-loved by kindergarten-age kids, they’re also fun for parents to read too! Enjoy!!
Related articles about homeschooling, books, and more:
15 Amazing History Book Series for Your Homeschool
The Best Advice for How to Start Homeschooling
How to Keep Your Toddler Busy While You Homeschool
Have you read any of these favorite read-aloud books for kindergarten?
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1 thought on “25 Fun and Fantastic Read-Aloud Books for Kindergarten”
This list is awesome! Thank you! I’ve only ever heard of Fancy Nancy so I am excited to pick up a few of these for my daughter. I think she will love them. We love reading aloud at home and if the book is entertaining and teaches a valuable lesson then it’s a win-win for me and my daughter! A really wonderful book we read together recently that tackles BIG feelings, self-esteem, and the importance of telling the truth is “Chocolate Covered Courage With Blessings On Top” by Nikki Cooper (https://nikkipcooper.com/). The book has clever rhymes and beautiful illustrations that helps keep young minds engaged and teach important life lessons in a way that they can understand. The main character, Davis, is adorable and relatable and my daughter truly connected with her. This was an easy read and has become a nighttime staple in my home. Our next purchase is “Chocolate Covered Courage with Blessings On Top” in the Chocolate Covered series. I definitely recommend adding this to a future list! it’s a must read for sure