I have been reading aloud to my girls since they were just a few months old, and it continues to be one of the favourite parts of our day. Even as children become independent readers, there is still something special and incredibly valuable about hearing a story read aloud.

Benefits of Reading to your Kids:

• One of the great advantages of reading aloud is that you can read books that are well above your child’s independent reading level. A six- or seven-year-old may be able to read only simple sentences and early chapter books by themselves, but they can listen to and enjoy stories with longer chapters, richer vocabulary, more complex plots and beautiful language.

• Reading aloud helps develop listening comprehension and vocabulary, strengthens attention and imagination, and allows children to become familiar with language structures and words that they may not yet be able to decode themselves. It also gives them the opportunity to experience wonderful stories that might otherwise be out of reach for a beginning reader.

• And then there is the simple joy of it. Reading together gives you time to laugh, wonder, ask questions, talk about characters and enjoy a story without worrying about whether your child can sound out every word.

So while my [Grade 1 Independent Reading list] focuses on books that beginning readers can tackle themselves, this list is specifically for books to read aloud to your Grade 1 child.

Tips for Reading Aloud to 1st Graders

Choose books slightly above their reading level

Reading aloud is an important part of literacy development, and when choosing a read-aloud, don’t feel that you need to stay within your child’s independent reading level. In fact, you can choose books that are slightly above it. Listening comprehension often develops ahead of independent reading ability, allowing children to enjoy richer vocabulary, more complex stories and ideas than they may yet be able to read for themselves. Listening comprehension is also an important component of reading comprehension. This article from Listenwise explains the connection between listening and reading.

Look for stories with rich language and plenty of fun

First graders often enjoy read-alouds with rich vocabulary, humour, friendship, animals and family, along with plenty of surprises and adventure. Don’t overlook beautifully illustrated books, either. Illustrations can add another dimension to a read-aloud and give children something to look at and talk about as you read.

Read a Little Every Day

You don’t have to read an entire chapter book in one sitting. Start small and make it a daily habit. One chapter, or even just a few pages may be enough in the beginning, depending on your child. As your child gets used to listening to longer portions of a story, you can gradually increase the amount you read. The goal isn’t to get through a book quickly, but to build the habit of enjoying longer stories together.

Try a series

Choosing a book that is part of a series can be a wonderful way to encourage independent reading. If your child becomes attached to the characters in the first book, they may be motivated to head to the bookshelf and discover the rest of the series for themselves.

Let them keep their hands busy

Not every child needs to sit completely still and look at you while you read. In fact, I’ve found that my girls often listen very well when their hands are busy. Some things my children enjoy doing while I read aloud include colouring, building with LEGO, playing with Play-Doh or modelling clay, and making bead bracelets.

20 Grade 1 Read-Aloud Books

1. A Bear Called Paddington — Michael Bond

The story of the polite little bear from Darkest Peru who arrives at Paddington Station is a wonderful introduction to chapter-book read-alouds. Paddington’s innocent nature and the mishaps that follow him make these stories funny and engaging for young children. They are also lovely books to read a chapter at a time.

2. Homer Price — Robert McCloskey

Full of quirky characters and wonderfully funny situations, Homer Price is a collection of humorous stories about a young boy living in a small American town. Robert McCloskey’s storytelling makes these stories especially enjoyable when read aloud, and children will delight in the increasingly ridiculous situations Homer finds himself in.

3. Bears on Hemlock Mountain — Alice Dalgliesh

Jonathan is sent over Hemlock Mountain to fetch a big iron pot for his mother, but what should be an ordinary errand becomes a rather frightening adventure. This short chapter book has just enough suspense to keep young listeners engaged without being overwhelming. It makes a great introduction to longer stories.

4. Make Way for Ducklings — Robert McCloskey

This beloved classic follows Mrs. Mallard as she searches for the perfect place to raise her ducklings in Boston. The story is gentle, charming and filled with wonderful illustrations. It is a lovely choice for younger children and can also be a fun opportunity to talk about animals, families and even a little bit of geography.

5. The Storm (Lighthouse Family) — Cynthia Rylant

The Storm is a gentle story about a stray dog who finds a home and the family that comes to love him. Cynthia Rylant’s warm storytelling makes this a particularly tender read-aloud. It is a wonderful book for talking about friendship, belonging and what it means to care for another creature.

6. The Velveteen Rabbit — Margery Williams

This timeless story of a stuffed rabbit who longs to become real is a beautiful read-aloud. Its language is much richer than that found in most beginner readers, making it a wonderful opportunity for children to hear beautiful writing. Some of its deeper themes may need a little explanation for younger children, but it can lead to meaningful conversations about love and what it means to become “real.”

7. Adventures with Waffles — Maria Parr

This lively story introduces Lena and her best friend Trille and their many adventures in a small Norwegian community. It is funny, energetic and full of the joys and complications of childhood friendship. It also gives children a glimpse into life in another country and culture.

8. Zoey and Sassafras Series — Asia Citro

The Zoey and Sassafras books are a fun choice for children who love animals, science and a little bit of magic. Zoey discovers magical creatures in her backyard and uses science to figure out how to help them. The series combines an engaging story with simple scientific ideas, making it especially appealing to curious children.

9. James Herriot’s Treasury for Children — James Herriot

These warm and humorous stories about animals and their owners are wonderful for reading aloud. James Herriot has a gift for bringing animals to life, and children can enjoy both the humour and tenderness in his writing. This collection is also a lovely way to introduce children to a richer style of storytelling.

10. The Mouse and the Motorcycle — Beverly Cleary

What happens when a little mouse discovers that he can ride a toy motorcycle? This delightful story follows Ralph S. Mouse and his adventures at a hotel. It is funny, imaginative and wonderfully suited to children who are ready to listen to longer chapter books.

11. The Wind in the Willows — Kenneth Grahame

The Wind in the Willows is a classic that can be enjoyed on several levels. Mole, Rat, Badger and the wonderfully eccentric Mr. Toad make for memorable characters and entertaining adventures. Some of the language and descriptions may be challenging for a six- or seven-year-old, which is exactly why it makes such a wonderful read-aloud.

12. The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh — A. A. Milne

The stories of Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and the rest of the Hundred Acre Wood are classics for good reason. They are funny, gentle and full of memorable characters and conversations. A. A. Milne’s playful language makes these stories particularly enjoyable when shared aloud.

13. The Boxcar Children — Gertrude Chandler Warner

Four siblings discover an abandoned boxcar and decide to make it their home. Their independence, resourcefulness and adventures make this an engaging early chapter book. Children often love imagining what it would be like to create a home of their own in a boxcar.

14. My Father’s Dragon — Ruth Stiles Gannett

Elmer Elevator runs away to Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon in this imaginative adventure. With clever problem-solving, talking animals and plenty of adventure, this is a wonderful first chapter book to read aloud. It is short enough to be approachable but has plenty of story to keep young listeners engaged.

15. The Trumpet of the Swan — E. B. White

Louis is a young swan who is born without a voice and learns to communicate with the help of a trumpet. This is a longer story, but E. B. White’s engaging storytelling makes it a wonderful read-aloud. It introduces themes of determination, family, courage and finding ways to overcome difficulties.

16. Pippi Longstocking — Astrid Lindgren

Pippi is unlike any other child your six- or seven-year-old is likely to meet in a book! Strong, independent, imaginative and wonderfully unconventional, she gets into all kinds of adventures. Children will love her outrageous antics, and the stories provide plenty of opportunities for laughter and conversation.

17. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle — Betty MacDonald

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is the sort of neighbour every child would love to have. She lives in an upside-down house and has unusual solutions for all sorts of children’s “problems.” These humorous stories are particularly fun to read aloud, and children will often recognise some of their own habits and behaviours in the stories!

18. Heartwood Hotel — Kallie George

A charming series about Mona the mouse, who finds a new home at the Heartwood Hotel in the forest. With woodland animals, friendship, kindness and gentle adventures, these books make lovely read-alouds for younger children. The illustrations also add to the appeal, making them especially enjoyable to share together.

19. Milly-Molly-Mandy Stories — Joyce Lankester Brisley

Milly-Molly-Mandy lives in a small English village and finds plenty of adventure in ordinary childhood life. These gentle stories are filled with simple pleasures, friendships, family life and everyday adventures. They are a lovely reminder that a good children’s story doesn’t always need a grand adventure—sometimes ordinary life is enough.

20. Ginger Pye — Eleanor Estes

Ginger Pye tells the story of a brother and sister searching for their beloved dog after he goes missing. Eleanor Estes creates a warm, engaging story filled with family life, friendship, mystery and suspense. It is a longer book that works particularly well as a read-aloud, giving children the pleasure of following a story and its characters over many chapters.

Shop the List

This is, of course, not an exhaustive list. There are so many wonderful books that could be included in a Grade 1 read-aloud collection, and every child will have different interests and preferences.

Also, don’t worry if your child isn’t ready for every book on this list. Some six-year-olds will happily listen to longer chapter books, while others may prefer shorter stories for a little longer. Choose books that interest your child, start with a few pages and see how they respond.

And remember, a read-aloud is not a reading-level test. Your child doesn’t have to understand every word or be able to retell every detail. You are giving them the opportunity to hear beautiful language, follow a story, meet memorable characters and discover the joy of books.

So keep reading aloud—even after your child learns to read independently. There is something very special about sitting together with a book and sharing a story, and I hope this list gives you some new books to enjoy together.