The Importance of Reading Aloud to Preschoolers
Read aloud time is hands down the most important activity I do with my preschoolers. Actually, it’s the most important thing with all of my kids, no matter the age.
But for preschoolers especially, being read to regularly is hugely important.
Listening to well written books helps kids increase their vocabulary, learn sentence structure, and improves language and listening skills. It also instills a love of reading early on in their lives.
>>> For more about the benefits of reading aloud and how I’ve helped my kids love reading, check out my post How to Help Your Reluctant Reader Become a Bookworm
From Picture Books to Chapter Books
For preschoolers (and even older kids!), picture books should still be an important part of read aloud time. By this age, though, most preschoolers will be able to enjoy and benefit from longer stories as well.
If you have older kids, you may be looking for something that everyone can enjoy together. This can be a challenge because a lot of chapter books won’t hold the attention of younger listeners.
Having four kids from preschool to 5th grade, I’ve had to learn from trial and error which books will work for everyone. It hasn’t been an easy task!
The following books have become family favorites for all ages and are preschooler approved. So if you’re looking for some easy, fun first chapter books for your preschooler, give some of these choices a try.
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Chapter Books for Preschoolers
My Father’s Dragon
My Father’s Dragon is hands down my top recommendation to anyone who is looking to start adding short chapter books into their preschooler’s reading time.
The book is a sweet tale of a boy’s adventure to free a baby dragon. It’s a simple and engaging tale with a lot of silliness to keep little kids listening.
The book is actually part of a trilogy, and it’s easy to find all three books in one. We’ve read them all (several times!) and were a huge hit with with all four of my kids.
Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
You can’t go wrong with anything from Roald Dahl. He’s a master of storytelling and has a way of writing that no kid can resist.
While some of his other books might have some material that could be tough for sensitive preschoolers (he doesn’t shy away from the grotesque!), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is his most lighthearted and fun book.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
A Bear Called Paddington
We love Paddington! This book is on the shorter side, making it a perfect chapter book for preschoolers transitioning to longer stories.
A Bear Called Paddington is a sweet story about a bear from Peru who finds himself living in London with a family. Adapting to his new life, he gets into all kinds of trouble.
Kids will love this sweet, funny book and the adventures Paddington goes on.
A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
Zoey and Sassafras
I’ve only just discovered Zoey and Sassafras with my youngest (now 4), and I wish I had heard of them sooner!
Zoey is a girl who finds out she, like her mom, can see magical creatures that other can’t. Her mother has been caring for magical creatures since she was a child, and Zoey is now learning to as well.
These books have a strong emphasis on STEM, which is great! Zoey wants to be a scientist like her mom, so she always uses the scientific method when solving problems.
I love that this exposes young kids to science in a fun way. I also love that it normalizes girls being scientists, which seems to still be something that you don’t see as often as you should.
Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro
Pippi Longstocking
A classic! I loved this book as a child, and all of my kids have loved it as well.
Nothing beats Pippi’s wild adventures, and the quick pace of the book helps little kids stay engaged.
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
We are currently reading Mr. Popper’s Penguins for the second time now that my 4 year old is getting more into chapter books.
This book is so fun and easy to read aloud.
Mr. Popper, a house painter who dreams of nothing but exploring the Antarctic, finds himself with one, then two, then many penguins living in his house.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Florence and Richard Atwater
Mercy Watson
A cute book about Mercy, the pet pig, and the family who loves her.This short, cute book is great for preschoolers who struggle to stay focused with longer books.
Kate DiCamillo is an excellent storyteller, and her books for younger kids don’t disappoint.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo
Dory Fantasmagory
Dory Fantasmagory is a girl with a huge imagination.
Read about her wild (mostly imaginary) adventures and the struggles she has as the youngest in the family. Preschoolers with older siblings will relate.
Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon
The Chocolate Touch
What kid doesn’t wish they had the power to turn anything into chocolate?
This is a great book based on the story of the Midas touch, teaching kids that being greedy has consequences and that maybe there really is such a thing as too much chocolate.
The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz is such a classic, and preschoolers will love the memorable characters and their adventures.
Another bonus is that you can read the book and then watch the movie.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Conclusion
If your child is ready to start listening to longer stories, check out some of these tried and true chapter books for preschoolers.
Do you have any favorites that haven’t been included in this list? Leave your book recommendations in the comments!
[…] my recommendations of first read aloud chapter books for preschoolers, check out my top favorites […]