Children’s Story Time Books

Looking for picture books to read aloud at circle time? These children’s story time books are sure to entertain kids!

Story Time Books“I want you to be the Home Reading Parent,” my first grader told me. His teacher probably told the class about the vacant spot and had them ask their parents if they were interested.

“Okay, I’ll email your teacher,” I agreed.

The job seemed pretty simple. The program encourages students to read books at home for fun, so every month, the Home Reading Parent (that’s me) tallies how many pages they’ve read. Those who turned in their logs automatically receive a pencil and a pizza coupon, while those who read 500 pages or more get a free book as well.

Easy enough—my job would be to tally the numbers, hand out prizes… and, I later learned, read to the class every month.

“The kids love it when a parent comes in to read,” his teacher reassured me. “It’s optional, but it might be something you’ll enjoy.”

I imagined that a roomful of first graders can get squirmy. They interrupt. And deep inside, I wondered whether they’d enjoy these stories or if they’d be a boring addition to their day.

Turns out, the kids loved it (phew!). I tried to make each story time memorable, starting with the books I’d bring to read.

Children listening to stories

Children’s story time books

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I loved reading to my son’s classroom so much, that I volunteered once more when his little brother entered kindergarten. Being able to read to a roomful of eager students became a highlight each month.

Not all books lend themselves well to being read aloud to a roomful of kids. I wanted stories to inspire, to make them laugh, and to think. I wanted them to look forward to story times, to rush home and be inspired to keep reading.

Below are my top picks as well as a few suggestions to make each book engaging. Take a look:

1. Robo Sauce by Adam Rubin

This book is a great choice that’s certain to surprise the kids. Robo Sauce shares the story of a boy who wants to turn himself—among many other things—into a robot. Thanks to a few flaps and clever cover design, the book itself turns into a “robot” book. Sure enough, the kids were amazed at the transformation.

2. The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak

While The Book with No Pictures truly has no pictures, it has plenty of laughs, especially as I was “forced” to read silly words and songs.

I began this session by bringing one of my books I pulled from my shelf. I asked the kids, “Have you seen books like these that adults read? The ones with no pictures? Well, I brought one, too. Let’s find out if all books with no pictures are boring, or if they could be fun.”

3. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig

I truly believe we need more kindness in this world, and The Invisible Boy shows kids one of the easiest ways to do that. The story centers on Brian, a quiet child in a rambunctious classroom who is often overlooked.

For this story time, I asked the kids many questions, and they responded with their own. One of them asked why Brian has color at the end of the book whereas he was drawn in black and white in the beginning. I asked what they think Brian is feeling and why, as well as what could make him feel better.

The book itself even comes with its own questions you can ask, depending on which page you’re on. An inspiring book that encourages children to lead with empathy.

4. Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty

My son suggested that I read Iggy Peck, Architect for good reason—Beaty’s books have wonderful rhymes. The kids had a hoot at some of the funny instances, like when Iggy built a tower out of dirty diapers. Rhyming books make for awesome read aloud stories, especially if you read them smoothly and slowly.

I began story time by asking if anyone knew what an architect was. I also changed facial expressions and used hand gestures to show things like smelly, anger, and getting a bright idea.

And finally, I finished the story by asking what had changed in Miss Lila Greer and what the kids had done to solve the problem. We also talked about other solutions they could’ve done, and why they may or may not have worked.

5. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

The Day the Crayons Quit

I was excited to read The Day the Crayons Quit, not only for its humor but because the book lends itself well to props. You can bring crayons of the colors mentioned in the book and hold one up for each page you read. (And check out more children’s books about colors!).

Ask the kids how many of them have crayons, and whether they’ve ever thought about what their crayons must think about how they’re used.

6. Amelia Bedelia picture books by Herman Parish

My kids love reading Amelia Bedelia picture books, and they lend themselves well to story time.

The books are filled with jokes, especially using homophones. For instance, Amelia Bedelia’s First Apple Pie tells of how her grandmother said, “Shoo! Shoo!” to try to shoo the birds away. In response, Amelia removes her shoe and tries to bat the birds away with it.

7. Miss Nelson Is Missing by Harry G. Allard Jr.

I remember reading Miss Nelson Is Missing and feeling a little spooked by the story, in a good way. This classic book lends itself well to different voice changes, from sweet Miss Nelson to cackling Miss Viola Swamp.

Highlight clues in the book to show who Miss Viola Swamp actually is, and why she had dressed in costume to get her class to behave.

8. Hey, Mama Goose by Jane Breskin Zalben

Kids love guessing, and Hey, Mama Goose gives just enough hints to see which nursery rhyme character is coming up next! Characters in fairy tales swap homes, from the gingerbread house of Hansel and Gretel to the Three Little Pigs’ brick house.

As you read the story, see if the children can guess which character the book is talking about.

9. This Is Me by Jamie Lee Curtis

Children love to talk about themselves, and this book lends itself to discussing where we come from. At the beginning of the reading session, I asked the kids if they, their parents, or their grandparents came here from another city or country.

We talked about the diversity of where people come from and the stories they take with them.

After reading This Is Me, we discussed what they would pack in their suitcases if they were to go to another place. We talked about the things that remind them most of their home, or favorite items they can’t part with.

10. Stars by Mary Lyn Ray

Stars is a beautiful, inspiring read about holding on to the good things in life, especially when the days aren’t so bright. It also shows how we can find stars everywhere, and not just in the sky.

One part of the story includes cutting out a star and keeping it in your pocket for when you need one. You can cut out your own stars and give them to the kids to keep in their pockets as well.

11. The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach

The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach

“We read such a funny story today,” my son reported in kindergarten. After much describing and searching, it turned out his teacher had read The Very Impatient Caterpillar. The book features a caterpillar who literally can’t wait to turn into a butterfly.

You’ll hear from the impatient caterpillar and his more patient, though slightly annoyed, friend. This is a fantastic read for switching “voices” and expressions.

12. Sleepy, the Goodnight Buddy by Drew Daywalt

Sleepy the Goodnight Buddy

Sleepy, the Goodnight Buddy is a hilarious conversation about a boy and his new stuffed animal that’s supposed to help him sleep. As the kids discover, the way Sleepy does that is quite unconventional.

The book lends itself well to a read aloud, and in fact, I invited my son to read Roderick’s parts while I read Sleepy’s parts.

Story time tips

Reading to kids besides your own can get tricky. Part of your success is in learning how to manage a roomful of fidgety children. The teacher is instrumental in keeping the class in order, but I also found a few tips to keep the kids engaged:

  • If the kids are rowdy, acknowledge the intention. When I was handing out their prizes, I announced how they had read so much more than the previous month. The chatter began, as one kid began talking after another. I acknowledged how proud they must feel, then steered the conversation back to handing out the prizes.
  • If a child interrupts while you’re reading, hold your hand up to quiet him. Kids will interrupt, but out of respect for others, they need to wait for a more appropriate opportunity. Keep reading, then after you’re done, invite questions and comments.
  • Ask engaging questions. Kids love giving their opinions, so you might ask, “What do you think is going to happen next?”

Conclusion

I never would’ve thought I’d be creating a list of books for story time. As much as I love reading to my kids, reading to a roomful of children not my own is entirely different.

But I had a blast, and those monthly story times became a highlight for me. I loved sharing books my kids and I loved, encouraging their classmates to read at home, and even putting on a few theatrics here and there as I read.

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