Read-Aloud Picture Books for Kindergarten

In the spirit of “Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens” this cute rhyming Read-To-Me book is an ode to all things worth celebrating. From “licking the spoon” and “the man on the moon,” to “pony rides” and “shiny slides,” it captures all the small joys of childhood. Young children will relate to the every day joys while you relish in the nostalgia. The simple, fun rhymes make this a great book to share with preschoolers and kindergartners.

In this colorful book filled with vibrant collage illustrations, Hermit Crab has outgrown his snug little shell, so he finds himself a larger one. But soon he’s growing out of one house after another, forcing him to continue his search for a new home. This whimsical story, based on the actual behaviors of hermit crabs, shows kids how to cope with changes in their own lives. Whether anxious for the first day of kindergarten, moving to a new town or getting ready to move up a grade, little readers will learn through Hermit Crab’s experience, that growing up doesn’t have to be so scary.

Who knew math could be so heartwarming? In this cheerful picture book, 10 little chicks slide down a slide, swing on a swing and play hide-and-seek. But one lonely mouse wants to join in. He gets his chance when a ball becomes stuck and only he is small enough to retrieve it, proving that there are many ways to add up 10 chicks, but just one way to count a helpful new friend. This sweet book is great for picking up the basics of arithmetic and social-emotional learning at the same time.

From author Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle, of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” fame comes this sweet, interactive animal book. With rhythmic text and the delightful, boldly colored collage illustrations Carle is known for, this endearing Read-To-Me book teaches little ones how to identify colors by looking at the cascade of animals and birds.

“You know about ghosts, and goblins and ghouls. Witches and werewolves and… gulp… dental tools.” So begins this spooky rhyming tale about the long-necked vampire giraffe, Giracula. Hide your pies, tarts and cakes, everyone. Giracula is on the loose, and after getting a bite from a bat, he can’t get enough of sweets and a series of bakery thefts ensue. Your kid will love this hilarious cautionary tale of friendship and forgiveness.

“Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type” is a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek story about a scrappy crew of literate cows that go on strike. When the cows at Farmer Brown’s farm discover a typewriter one day, they put it to good use and type a letter asking the farmer for electric blankets to keep them warm in the chilly barn. Farmer Brown isn’t impressed by their demands (or newfound typing skills). So he responds with a firm “no.” And not surprisingly, the cows aren’t having any of it!

Cookie is a genius who loves math and Milk is a daredevil who can’t get enough of sports and adrenaline. They’re as different as can be, but they’re best friends. It may seem like an unlikely pair, but without Milk, Cookie wouldn’t imagine her best inventions and Milk couldn’t do her amazing stunts without Cookie. Filled with science and engineering factoids, this entertaining STEM read also contains important messages about friendship, diversity and even a glossary of notable women scientists in the back.

“Twelve kids. A dozen bedtimes. Endless sweet ways to say goodnight with science!” These are the first lines of this adorable rhyming STEM picture book. Its soothing text makes it the perfect bedtime story, while the inspiring themes will spark curiosity in your budding scientist. It’ll introduce them to the 11 branches of science, from astronomy and physics to chemistry and beyond, getting them excited to explore as they drift off for a night’s sleep.

“Hansel and Gretel” and “The Ugly Duckling” both get a clever update in this rhyming fairy tale. In this take, the pair of siblings encounter and have compassion for the ugly duckling in the woods when they see that the other ducks aren’t accepting him. The next day, Hansel and Gretel venture back out to collect wood chips, leaving a trail of bread crumbs to guide them back home. When they’re captured by a wicked woman in a gingerbread house, they don’t know how they’ll ever escape. But little do they know they were followed… by the ugly duckling who was eating their bread crumbs! Will the ugly duckling come to their aid and save the day?

If your kid like fractured fairy tales, they’ll love this silly spin on the classic story of Red Riding Hood. Narrated by the notorious Big Bad Wolf, in his version he’s a vegetarian who loves apples. After not eating for weeks, he encounters the conceited Little Red, who’s big red cape makes her resemble an apple and then the equally vein Granny who resembles a Granny Smith apple. In his telling, they’re both rotten and deserved their fate. The bright, funny illustrations and a quirky narrative will have your kid laughing at the darkly humorous tale.

Leo is a pretty cool little boy. He likes to draw, read books and do other things ordinary kids like to do. But unlike ordinary kids, Leo’s a ghost. Most people can’t see him, and his good intentions are often misunderstood by those he encounters (including the new family that moves into his house). So one day, he decides he’s been a “house ghost” long enough and sets out to see the world as a “roaming ghost.” Along the way he befriends a young girl named Jane, and the two set off on a day of imaginative fun. This sweet, humorous tale will show your kid the value of friendship and that it’s okay to be different (even if you’re a ghost).

Walt the lobstah’s greatest dream is to win first place in the annual Swell Gahdens contest. But year after year the honor goes to his “chowdah-head” rival Milton. One day, when (“holy whale poop!”) heaps of gahbage show up in their yahds, the two must work together to save their gahdens. As the title suggests, this cute picture book is a hilarious delight. It’s a silly and entertaining way for your kid to learn about sea life, conservation and the spirit of cooperation—as well as practical tips on how to help preserve our oceans.

“Out the door, down the stoop, past the neighbors, along the block…” Now the adventure begins! Follow a young girl in Brooklyn as she makes her way to school and back. From tree-lined streets, to the subway and into the classroom, there’s so much to see. With gorgeous collage illustrations and easy-to-understand text, this book is perfect for read-alouds and teaching kindergarteners directional concepts, like out, down, past and through.

The high level of interactivity makes this book a super-fun, engaging read-aloud. The premise is simple: On one very cold day, the numbers have frozen. You can follow along with your kid as they trace, blow on and count the numbers to unfreeze them. The story increases in urgency as the numbers cheer your kid on. It’s a fun book they’ll want to read over and over, and they’ll learn a lot about colors, seasons and patterns along the way.

“Some people collect stamps. Some people collect coins. Some people collect art. And Jerome? Jerome collected words…” With poetic rhyming narration and stunning illustrations, this a great read-aloud for introducing your child to the magic of words. “Magic words, delicious words, long and short words, crazy words..” .your kid can follow Jerome as he discovers them all in this dreamlike tale.