25+ Fantastic Family Read Alouds
Are you on the hunt for some new family read alouds? If so, grab a cup of coffee and let me give you a list of our top favorite family read alouds that you can add to your book list today!
We are a family of readers. I usually read to the kids during our homeschool day, but we also enjoy reading all together as a family in the evenings. With that being said, reading out loud has been a great way for us to connect as a family and learn together.
We choose books from all different genres and take turns choosing literature that appeals to the younger and older audiences. Here are 25+ Family read alouds that we’ve enjoyed and recommend for you try as well.
Let’s dive in!
25+ Fantastic Family Read Alouds
This list has amazon affiliate links for books. I may earn a commission form sales. Thank you!
Family read alouds for younger kids (5-8yrs):
Charlotte’s Web by E.B.White
Who doesn’t love the little pig on the Zuckerman farm? While most kids have seen the movie, the book is an absolute delight to read.
The Moffat’s by Eleanor Estes
The Moffat family (a poor widow and her four spunky kids) live in the yellow house on New Dollar Street. Each chapter is a simple, heartwarming adventure for the whole family. For example, who spends the entire day in a breadbox? (Our younger kids really enjoyed this family read aloud.)
Trumpet of the Swan by E.B.White
Louis is a Trumpeter Swan but he can’t trumpet at all. My kids were engrossed in the main character’s creative and outrageous ways Louis found to communicate and eventually win the affections of his beloved. This one was definitely a family read aloud favorite!
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by E.B.White
Mr. Popper, a painter, is just an average man but he’s fascinated with people who explore the South Pole so he decides to write. Before long, there is a penguin on his doorstep and ten more to follow! Our kids enjoyed the hilarity and mischief that the penguins brought to Mr. Poppers ordinary life.
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lingren
This book is about an eccentric girl who lives without parents and keeps a horse on her front porch. Her crazy ideas tend to lead to a host of unexpected adventures. (I remember reading this when I was a kid, and its so fun to see my kids enjoy it years later.)
The Mouse and The Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
When a young mouse named Ralph stumbles upon a kid and his toy motorcycle Ralph is never the same. He climbs on the motorcycle and the adventures (and obstacles) begin! (This is a super-fun family read aloud for kids!)
James and the Giant Peach by Ronald Dahl
James is orphaned and living with his two not-so-nice aunts. After James drops some magic crystals by a peach tree, he is swept into a world with a massive peach, and life-size bugs. But the problem only gets bigger as the peach begins to roll…
The Boxcar Children Series by Gertrude Chandler Warner
There are multiple books in the Boxcar Children series. Each one is a mystery or adventure that the four Alden Children encounter and have to navigate their way through. Our family found the books from this series thrilling and fun to read.
This list has amazon affiliate links for books. I may earn a commission form sales. Thank you!
Family read alouds for older kids (8-12yrs):
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
Esperanza was born into a privileged life in Mexico, but everything changed when her Papa died. She and Her mother were forced to flee to California where they would live and work on a Mexican labor farm. It’s a story an eye-opening story about perseverance, hard work, determination, and love.
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus
During WW2 three siblings find themselves orphaned. Their solicitor sends them out to the countryside with the other evacuee children of the war. But instead of looking for a temporary family, they are on a mission to find a forever family. Hardship, war, love, family, and kindness, are all exemplified in this tale. (Family favorite)
Heidi by Johanna Spyri
Heidi lives in the rugged Alps with her rugged and rough grandfather. She loves him dearly and brings them together with her cheery disposition. But before long, they are separated and Heidi is in the city and is homesick. Follow along to find out if they are reunited.. (This is one of our favorite read aloud classics.)
The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
You’ve probably seen the movie, but have you read the book? The Lion Witch and the wardrobe is the second in the Chronicles on Narnia series and is packed with adventure, heroism, courage, and other-worldly creatures. This book is quickly becoming a classic and is a read aloud that your family will surely enjoy!
Toliver’s Secret by Esther Wood Brady
Set in the time of the Revolutionary War, Toliver (disguised as a boy) is on a secret mission (sent by her grandfather) to get a message to George Washington. Adventure, courage, bravery, and kindness are also elements you will find in this book.
The Sign of the Beaver by Esther Wood Brady
Thirteen year old Matt is left alone to guard their family’s new cabin in the woods of Maine. He struggles to survive until he meets a native boy who teaches him all about hunting for food, protection, and caring for the land. A Heart-warming story about friendship and yet very informative! (Family favorite)
The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
Armand lives homeless on the streets of Paris and is content with his life. But one day he finds three kids under a bridge and his world changes. From that moment on, he cares for them and does everything he can to make sure they get to a safe and loving home. This book was simple and sweet and gave our family some great opportunities for conversation.
The Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Discover the adventure, hardships, and the importance family, as Laura tells her story of growing up in their little cabin in the woods of Kansas. Learn about hunting for food, gardening, seasonal challenges, and tons of other aspects of learning survive off the land. (There are lots of fantastic family read alouds in this series.)
Nory Ryan’s Song by Patricia Reilly Giff
Nory Ryan’s family lived on the west coast of Ireland during the potato famine of 1845. At age 12, Nory does everything she can to help her family survive. While this book is a little heavier feeling, it made for some wonderful conversations about the hardships about starvation around the world.
Family Read Alouds for Preschoolers
Looking for some family read alouds for preschoolers? Here are some of our families favorites. These easy family read alouds are not quite as long as average chapter books but they are longer than a picture books.
(Note: The books in this list are linked to thriftbooks.com which is one of my favorite discount book sites.)
Family Read Alouds for Preschoolers
- James Herriot’s Treasury for Children by James Herriot
- Frog and Toad books by Arnold Lobel
- Brambly Hedge books by Jill Barlem
- Winnie the Pooh (Complete collection) by A.A.Milne
Family Read Alouds for Kindergarten
How about some family read alouds for kindgergarten? (I’ve also linked these titles to thriftbooks.com and abebooks.com if you are looking for discounted prices)
Family Read Alouds for Kindergarten:
- Nate the Great books by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
- Amelia Bedelia Books by Peggy Parish
- Sarah Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
- The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh
Family Read Alouds Q & A
1. What are family read alouds?
Family read alouds are simply books that are read out loud for the whole family there hear and enjoy.
2. What books are enjoyed by both adults and children?
Books that have a strong plot, interesting characters, and good family-friendly messages are books that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
3. Why is family reading important?
Aside from building a relational bond, reading out loud as a family can also build attention skills, language and intonation, vocabulary, empathy, and overall conversation and communication skills.
More Great Book Ideas for Kids and Families
- 50+ Best Books for 2 Year Olds
- Free Picture Book List
- 10 Books to Get You Started on Nature Study
- 10 Best Picture Book Treasuries
- Picture Books About Rocks
