25 Horror Books for Kids Age 9-12 Years

These creepy horror chapter books are filled with ghosts, zombies, haunted houses, and more, perfect for scaring the socks off 9-12 year olds and keeping them turning the pages late into the night!

As with all of the lists in our Best Chapter Books for Kids collection, each title in this list links to an Amazon page (these are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no cost to you) where you can find more information and reviews for titles you might not be personally familiar with.

Dust & Grim by Chuck Wendig
When her father passes away, 13 year old Molly discovers an older brother she never knew existed. And now that they’ve both been orphaned, Molly moves in with Dustin so they can figure out the details for managing the funeral home they’ve inherited from their mother. A magical funeral home with a peculiar clientele…it’s a mortuary for monsters!

Molly is really not sure how she will ever deal with talking wolves, their vampire accountant, the secrets hiding behind strange and mysterious doors, and a secret cemetery in this perfect middle grade mix of silly, gross, and scary! Age 9+ years.

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Spirit Hunters (book 1 of the series) by Ellen Oh
Harper’s family has just moved from an air conditioned apartment in New York to a stuffy old house in Washington D.C. Harper knows the move has something to do with a fire at school and a serious accident that put her in hospital, but she has no memories of the incident. Harper is wary of her new home and when her new friend, Dayo, tells her the rumors that her new house has a terrible history of hauntings and evil deeds, she fears that the source of her memory loss may have been caused by a malevolent spirit.

When her little brother, Michael, begins to exhibit signs of plotting something terrible, Harper’s blocked memories begin to resurface. The accident she caused and the change in Michael both seem to have connections to supernatural beings. Harper has no choice but to engage with the spirit world in an attempt to stop another tragedy from tearing her family apart. Age 9+ years.

There are three books in the scary Spirit Hunters series.

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Ghost Girl by Ally Malinenko
Ghost Girl explores the power of friendship when trio Zee, her best friend Elijah and her arch nemesis, Nellie, are trapped within a spooky, paranormal existence. Following a dark and stormy night, the people of their town have begun mysteriously disappearing, others are acting in strange and dangerous ways. Zee, who has always loved ghost stories suddenly sees all manner of things that frighten her – including… a ghost!

The trio must work together to defeat the evil forces that threaten them, and work together to save their town. Age 9+ years.

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Scritch Scratch: A Ghost Story by Lindsay Currie
Blending Chicago history, a ghostly mystery and a story of friendship, in Scratch Scratch Claire’s start to seventh grade has been a challenge, thanks to her dad’s embarrassing ghost tour business and a new girl moving in to steal her best friend.

Claire doesn’t believe any of the paranormal nonsense her dad is pushing, until one night she’s forced to help him on his ghost tour, and a very troubled spirit follows her home. Now she must overcome a fear of new situations and new people, while using her tried and true love of science to solve the mystery of the ghost boy. Age 10+ years.

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For more kids horror books by Lindsay Currie, check out her other spooky titles;
– The Girl in White
– What Lives in the Woods
– The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street
– It Found Us

The Ghouls of Howlfair by Nick Tomlinson
Serious young historian Molly Thompson suspects that the creepy legends about her tourist town of Howlfair are beginning to come true. But when her mother bans her from doing any further research, bookworm Molly and her friends become covert monster-hunters to keep Howlfair safe. It seems that someone is secretly trying to summon Howlfair’s mythical monsters and to Molly and her friends everything, and everyone, is becoming increasingly suspicious! Age 10+ years.

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Crater Lake: Don’t Ever Fall Asleep by Jennifer Killick
In this horror-sci-fi-humor inspired tale, friends Lance, Chet, Maksym, and Katja have arrived at Crater Lake, with all their year six classmates on a school trip. The new campground is called Crater Lake as is built in a huge crater formed when a meteor that crashed to earth many years prior.

Suddenly, their bus slams to a halt as they come across a strange, blood-covered man in the road. Is he a zombie? Is he an alien? Is he dead? Who is he and what is he trying to tell them? His warnings are garbled and unclear. From that moment on, things don’t seem quite right. Things take an even stranger turn when night falls as the those who have fallen asleep become bug-eyed and brainwashed, and begin heading into the woods on some strange mission – including the teachers. Those who haven’t fallen asleep yet remain still very much human.

The friends must work together in an attempt to stop alien entities from taking control of their classmates and teachers, all while making sure their minds are still functioning and their bodies are still moving, as apparently sleep is not an option! Age 10+ years.

There are two books in the Crater Lake series.

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City of Ghosts (book 1 of the series) by Victoria Schwab
This spooky, atmospheric read follows Cassidy Blake, a young girl who can travel behind “the veil” to see the ghosts within. How is that possible? When Cassidy drowned, her best friend Jacob, himself a ghost saved her, and he now walks within the living realm with her.

When her author parents are presented with an opportunity to host a television show that takes viewers on a tour of the scariest cities in the world, Cassidy finds herself in Scotland. There she begins to feel that the pull on the veil is stronger here, and that the ghosts in Scotland are much more sinister than Cassidy has previously encountered.

With the help of a new friend, Cassidy finds out that there is a reason she can see ghosts, and a job she must do. She needs to help send the ghosts walking within the living realm permanently behind the veil, off to whatever lies beyond. And so beings the Cassidy’s adventure of trying to defeat an evil spirit, and save her own life! Age 10+ years.

There are three horror books in The City of Ghosts series.

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This Appearing House by Ally Malinenko
Jac is getting ready for a series of tests that will hopefully label her as No Evidence of Disease five years post disease. But Jac fears the disease is returning. She’s taken a couple of falls, her hands have started to twitch, and she might be experiencing hallucinations – how else can you explain the house that just appeared at the end of Juniper Drive? She also has to deal with irritating jerks John and Sam, who like to pick on her best friend, Hazel.

When John declares that he’ll leave Hazel alone if Jac goes in to the house, she does. The boys follow her, and then things start to go wrong. The doors lock behind them, every door leads back to the room they were just in, and voices call out to them. But Jac soon realizes that the house is meant for her. She feels that “the only way out is through,” and she and Hazel try to figure out the mysteries of the house as they’re taken on a dark adventure to find the truth. Age 10+ years.

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Serafina and the Black Cloak (book 1 of the series) by Robert Beatty
Serafina lives in the basement of the magnificent Biltmore mansion, the home of the wealthy and influential Vanderbilt family. She’s lived there all of her life with her Pa taking care of her, but the Vanderbilts have no idea she’s even alive.

With the entire estate to roam, she must take care never to be seen by the rich folks upstairs, and never to leave the estate grounds to venture into the forbidden forest nearby. But, when the children of the estate begin to vanish, only Serafina knows the truth. Her life is thrown into turmoil on the night that she witnessed the Man in the Black Cloak vaporize a child into thin air. And now, he wants her. With the help of Braeden Vanderbilt, the young master of Biltmore Estate, they must stop him before he strikes again. Age 10+ years.

There are four books in the Serafina series.

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Doll Bones by Holly Black
Zach, Poppy and Alice have an ongoing pretend game with dolls in which they act out fanstastical stories about pirates, mermaids and thieves. Until one day the dolls are thrown away, and in desperation to continue the game Poppy takes a creepy bone-china doll they call the Great Queen from her mother’s cabinet.

Then Poppy begins having dreams that Great Queen won’t rest until she’s buried in an empty grave! As the children make plans to lay the Queen’s ghost to rest creepy things begin to happen. Is the doll just a doll or something more sinister? Age 10+ years.

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The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
Molly and Kip are two Irish orphans trying to make their own way in Victorian England. Desperate for work and a place to call home, the children take roles as servants to the Windsor family, who live in an isolated place people refer to with a shudder as “the Sourwoods.” When they arrive, they can’t help but notice that the estate is in a state of disrepair. However, what stands out more than anything is the huge tree that grows so close to the house that some of its branches have grown right through the walls.

The longer Molly and Kip stay, the more they realize there is an eerie connection between the tree and all the strange things they observe – the Windsor family’s sickly complexions, the nightmares that plague everyone at bedtime, a mysterious room upstairs that is kept locked at all times, and a mysterious nighttime visitor. But just as Molly and Kip decide they need to leave this dangerous place, the power of the mysterious tree lures them in. Will they be able to save themselves? Age 10+ years.

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The Clackity (book 1 of the series) by Lora Senf
Blight Harbor is the seventh most haunted town in America, and a place where it’s normal to know by name the ghost who haunts your house or the local hardware store! So when things take a sinister turn, and a creature called The Clackity kidnaps the local paranormal expert from the abandoned abattoir at the edge of town, a little girl named Evie knows if she doesn’t go after her, she’ll lose everything. Because that expert is her Aunt and guardian, Desdemona, Evie’s only family.

The Clackity makes a deal with Evie to help get Des back in exchange for the ghost of John Jeffrey Pope, a serial killer who stalked Blight Harbor a hundred years earlier. Evie reluctantly embarks on a journey into a strange otherworld, with her love for her missing aunt propeling her forward through a host of horrors while her ingenuity and pluck allow her to navigate a world where skewed rules and half-truths run the game. Age 11+ years.

There are three books in the scary Blight Harbor book series.

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The Nest by Kenneth Oppel
“We’ve come because of the baby,” she said. “We’ve come to help.” Steve is worried about his newborn brother, born with multiple congenital difficulties and facing surgery, concerned for his parents and their stress at the situation, and anxious about the nest of strange wasps outside his window.

When Steve first dreams about what he believes is an angel with an offer to help the baby, he is eager to accept the plan. But this is no angel. The silvery winged wasps have tricked Steve into a horrible contract that will see him help the queen to take his defective baby brother and replace him with a perfect one that the wasps are manufacturing. When Steve realizes his mistake, he fights to do everything possible to keep the strange wasps away from his baby brother. And all the while, the wasps’ nest is growing, the angel keeps visiting him in the night and the adults can not seem to see the danger all around them, in a horror filled story about the dangers of perfection and wishing things were back to normal at any cost. Age 11+ years..

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Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
11 year old Ollie spots a woman about to throw an old book in the water. As any book lover would do, Ollie snatches the book away. She discovers it is a personal history from the 1800s. Soon after she finds the book, Ollie goes on a field trip to a nearby farm, and begins to draw parallels between the book and the people around her.

The school bus breaks down on the trip home and Ollie and few of her classmates get thrown into a terrifying adventure as the strange bus driver offers them the strangest advice, “Best get moving. At nightfall they’ll come for the rest of you.” Nightfall is, indeed, fast approaching when Ollie’s previously broken digital wristwatch begins a startling countdown and delivers a terrifying message: RUN!!!  As Ollie and two classmates head into the woods that are bordered by a field of scarecrows that seem to be watching them, the bus driver offers one final piece of advice to the trio, “Avoid large places. Keep to small.” Age 11+ years.

There are four scary books in the Small Spaces book series.

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The Keeper by Guardalupe Garcia McCall
James’ family have moved to Oregon from Texas and he is feeling homesick, and still grieving the death of his grandmother. He and his sister, Ava, are in the middle of a prank war that their parents are sick of. When James starts receiving sinister letters from “The Keeper,” warning him that his home is being watched and that someone is looking for “young blood,” his parents think it’s just another prank between James and his sister. But when the siblings find out that the town has a history of missing children, they must work together to figure out who is sending the letters before they become the next victims of The Keeper! Age 11+ years.

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The List of Unspeakable Fears by J Kasper Kramer
In this historical spooky story set in the early 1900s, we meet Essie, a fearful, anxiety-ridden girl who comes home from school to find her mother already packed to leave to a new home with a step-father her daughter has never met. Worse yet, he’s a doctor who lives on North Brother Island where patients with extremely contagious diseases are sent to be quarantined.

The island poses many dark secrets, and there is something terribly unsettling about her new home, and her stepfather, all things that add to Essie’s ever growing list of unspeakable fears. And when she sees the red door from her nightmares just down the hall from the bedroom of her terrifying new home, Essie is sure a true life nightmare is just about to begin! Age 11+ years.

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Nightbooks by J. A. White
Alex loves writing spooky stories but hates being called a weirdo, so late one night he goes out to burn the Nightbooks in which he has long recorded his hair-raising tales. Unfortunately, Alex is captured and imprisoned by a witch and must tell a scary story each night to stay alive. Alex knows that scary stories don’t typically have happy endings and on discovering that there have been other children before him that have now long disappeared, he is desperate for a different ending to the nightmare he now finds himself trapped in! Age 11+ years.

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The Screaming Staircase (book 1 of the series) by Jonathan Stroud
In an alternative modern day London, the world is haunted by supernatural beings, and private agencies rely on child operatives to combat the ghosts, as they are the only ones with senses sensitive enough to detect them.

After a horrible accident in her home village, Lucy Carlyle flees to London and joins a small struggling agency, Lockwood & Co. She is soon they are embroiled in a mystery that may cost Lucy and her teammates their lives in this tale of ancient evil, unsolved murders, powerful ghosts and nefarious mortals. Age 12+ years.

There are five books in the Lockwood & Co horror book series.

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The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie
When Sunshine and her adoptive mother move to Washington from Texas, an oppressive, wet cold settles upon Sunshine. Everything is gray and creepy and stale. Almost immediately Sunshine begins to experience mysterious noises, hearing cries, footsteps, and even giggling in the middle of the night.

It quickly becomes clear that someone or something is haunting their home and, even more frightening, it seems that only Sunshine can sense it. What starts off as small shifts, quickly escalates into something else, something much scarier. Sunshine is enthralled by what’s happening, and with the help of a new friend, Nolan, is determined to unravel the mysteries that chill the air of her new home. Age 12+ years.

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Classic Kids Horror Books for 9-12 Year Olds

The Witches by Roald Dahl
They live in ordinary houses, they look and behave like ordinary women. But witches aren’t ordinary at all. They have murderous, bloodthirsty thoughts and they absolutely hate children – and their leader, the Grand High Witch, is hatching a wicked plan to make every child disappear forever! Age 9+ years.

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Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Coraline, feeling ignored by her overworked parents, finds an alternative world behind a previously locked door in her home where an alternative apartment just like hers exists. But in this other apartment she also finds an “other mother”  and “other father” who promise her everything she wants from life as long as she stays with them forever. Could this other life be just too good to be true? A classic horror book for children that will hook readers ages 9+ years.

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See Coraline and other great horror books transformed into graphic novel format in our list of spooky graphic novels for kids!

The Field Guide (book 1 of the series) by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
In book one of The Spiderwick Chronicles, twins Jared and Simon and their sister, Mallory, move into the decrepit Spiderwick Estate and discover a field guide for fantastical faeries (that was never intended for human hands) that leads them into a dangerous parallel world to their own!

Be aware that the first book in the series is milder than the content in the remainder of the series titles. Age 9+ years.

There are five books in The Spiderwick Chronicles spooky book series.

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Goosebumps book series by R.L. Stine
If you grew up in the 90s, you are probably familiar with R.L. Stine’s spooky Goosebumps series! With more than 60 titles in the series, these short, horror books for kids continue to keep children turning the pages, and could just about keep young fans entertained forever!

With collections like the Classic Goosebumps 20 book set containing titles such as Revenge of the Lawn Gnomes, The Haunted Car, The Scarecrow Walks at Night, The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb, The Blob That Ate Everyone, Night of the Living Dummy and The Werewolf of Fever Swamp, you can see that Stine has re-imagined virtually every nightmare scenario into a page-turner for younger horror readers. Age 9+ years.

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The Bad Beginning (book 1 of the series) by Lemony Snicket
Book one of Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events series finds the three very intelligent and lovely but very, very unfortunate Baudelaire children sent to live with their distant cousin, Count Olaf, when they are orphaned. Olaf is despicably evil and who will do absolutely anything to get his hands on the children’s inheritance in this dark comedy that is both terribly hilarious and dreadfully irreverent. Age 10+ years.

There are thirteen books in the complete A Series of Unfortunate Events book series.

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The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Orphaned Nobody Owens, known as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn’t live in a graveyard, being raised by ghosts, with a guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor the dead.

He lives there following the brutal murder of his family. Granted the Privilege of the Graveyard and taught how to fade into the background, Bod spends his entire childhood playing among graves, learning his letters from the gravestones, running into trouble with ghouls, being tutored by a werewolf with a taste for Eastern European food, and dancing with Death.

And all the while the evil that tried to murder him in the first place is still searching for him! A clever story that is both creepy and nostalgic with a bittersweet ending. Age 10+ years.

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More Spooky Books & Resources

For more spooky stories, books and resources, check out these related posts;

15 Teen Murder Mystery Books

21 Halloween Movies for Kids

Free Printable Halloween Games

The post 25 Horror Books for Kids Perfect for Halloween and In Between! appeared first on Childhood101.

Who is in your family? This is a common question explored in the classrooms and homes of preschool and kindergarten children the world over. Fortunately, there are books about families representing a diverse range of families available today (and it grows every day) and this list includes 35 of the best families books to enjoy with children.

This is a very big and diverse list. It includes picture books about families that are suited to reading with toddlers through preschool and kindergarten and all the way through elementary/primary school. It includes books about different families, including multicultural families, books exploring different family structures, blended families, solo parent families, books about adoption for families, and more.

I hope that by offering such a diverse collection of families books I can help parents and teachers find books that offer more children an opportunity to find themselves and their family reflected between the covers of a book.

For those searching for diverse picture books, I suggest also checking out the companion booklist to this one – our best picture books about difference and diversity collection.

35 Best Books About Families

As with all of the lists in our Best Books for Kids collection, each title in this list links to an Amazon (these are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no cost to you) where you can find more information and reviews for titles you might not be personally familiar with.

RELATED: 101 Books To Help Build Friendship, Communication and Social Skills

The Family Book by Todd Parr
In one of our favorite toddler family books, Parr uses hias signature unique and colorful style to celebrate the different family structures and the love we all feel for our families.

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Families, Families, Families! by Suzanne Lang
Dozens of combinations, demonstrating all kinds of nontraditional families, are depicted by fabulous animals in framed portraits in this warm celebration of family love, a perfect books about families for preschoolers.

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An ABC of Families by Abbey Williams
Whether you have two dads, an adopted brother, three stepsisters or divorced parents, every family is the perfect family! With A being for Adoption, B for Blended Families and C for Co-parenting, this important book helps the children explore complicated concepts in an accessible way.

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What Makes a Family? by Hannah Bruner
A gorgeous book sharing the key message that families can all look very different on the outside but what makes them truly a family is the love that they share for each other.

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Who’s In My Family? All About Our Families by Robie H. Harris
Join Nellie and Gus and their family for a day at the zoo in this funny, engaging story that makes it clear that whoever is in your family, it is perfectly normal — and totally wonderful.

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Me and My Family Tree by Joan Sweeney
In Me and My Family Tree a young girl, through simple text and diagrams, how the members of her family are related to each other and to her.

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Families by Shelley Rotner
Celebrate diversity with this great picture book for young children about the many faces (and structures) of contemporary families.

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Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
Love is baking a special cake, lending a helping hand, reading one more book! A sweet book showing different families busy together in happy activities. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple story demonstrates what’s most important in each
family’s life – the love the family members share.

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A Family Is A Family Is A Family by Sara O’Leary
When a teacher asks the children in her class to think about what makes their families special, the answers are all different in many ways — but the same in the one way that matters most of all. One child is worried that her family is just too different to explain, but ultimately realizes that as long as her family is full of caring people, her family is special..

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Remixed: A Blended Family by Arree Chung
A clever book about blended families for school age children, exploring the way families change and reassuring them that love can continue to grow even through change.

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Two is Enough by Janna Matthies
A sweet representation of the love between the members of a family of two. The illustrations depict different combinations of two person families enjoying activities together, transforming through different seasons to different holidays. Includes great diversity.

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In This Family by Shelly Anand
This lyrical story of a biracial family is a beautiful celebration of family, multiculturalism, identity, inclusion, and more.

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For more books exploring themes related to diversity and difference, check out our Best Children’s Books About Diversity collection.

Let Me Fix You a Plate by Elizabeth Lilly
A sweet story about a family who sets off once a year to visit their grandparents. First their white grandparents in West Virginia, and then to Florida to visit their Abuela and Abuelo. The story focuses on the different foods they eat at each grandparents’ home, and compared to their own home. Food is such an important cultural element of families and this celebrates its diversity.

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Just the Way We Are by Claire Robertson
Shares the wonderful message that children of all ages, backgrounds and family situations are normal. Five different children from diverse social and cultural backgrounds explain why each of their families is special. Includes a child who lives with her parents and grandfather, a child with two dads, a child with separated families and two homes, a foster family and a single parent family.

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Family by Aunty Fay Muir
A sweet introduction for younger readers to Indigenous family and philosophy. Combines the importance of caring and sharing for both country and mob to create belonging and connection.

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Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds
A wonderful story about a family who has gotten out of the habit of eating dinner at the table, and how one family member makes it her mission to bring them all back together.

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The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman
A celebration of all kinds of families and their lives together, each spread showcases the diverse customs and traditions of one aspect of home life-from houses and holidays, to schools and pets, to feelings and family trees, featuring families the world over.

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Families Around the World by Margaret Ruurs
Visit with fourteen children, each from a different country, to learn about their families. Based on real children, each one’s story fills a two-page spread and is told in the first person, beginning with a greeting in the child’s native language.

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Home by Tonya Lippertz
This thoughtful story follows siblings as they experience homelessness and uncertain housing – moving from their house, to a motel, to a shelter and finally to a more permanent home. A great addition to your collection of books about different families.

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Still a Family by Brenda Reeves Sturgis
A gentle, respectful tale of a family facing homelessness and dealing with separation when the father must stay in a different shelter than his wife and child.

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Fred Stays With Me by Nancy Coffelt
A beautiful story of the incredible bond between a girl and her dog, Fred, who travels with her between her two homes.

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Two Homes by Claire Masurel
At Mommy’s house, Alex has a soft chair. At Daddy’s house, Alex has a rocking chair. In each home, Alex also has a special bedroom and lots of friends to play with. But whether Alex is with his mother or his father, one thing always stays the same – Alex is loved..

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For more books to help talk with children about divorce and separation, check out our list of Helpful Picture Books about Divorce.

With My Daddy by Jo Witek
A celebration of the time a child spend with their dad – riding bikes or swimming in the pool, and the ways a dad can help their child to feel daring, playful, adventurous, confident and safe.

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Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
Heather’s favorite number is two. She has two arms, two legs, and two pets. And she also has two mommies. When Heather goes to school for the first time, someone asks her about her daddy, but Heather doesn’t have a daddy. When Heather and her classmates all draw pictures of their families, not one drawing is the same.

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Stella Brings the Family by Miriam Schiffer
Stella’s class is having a Mother’s Day celebration, but what’s a girl with two daddies to do? Stella has her Papa and Daddy who take care of her, and a whole gaggle of other loved ones who make her feel special and supported every day. She just doesn’t have a mom to invite to the party.

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In Our Mother’s House by Patricia Polacco
Marmee, Meema, and the kids are just like any other family on the block. They cook dinner together, laugh together and dance together. But some of the other families don’t accept them. How can a family have two moms and no dad? But Marmee and Meema’s house is full of love. And they teach their children that different doesn’t mean wrong.

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My Mummy, My Mama, My Brother, and Me by Natalie Mesner
This simple, lyrical story about a biracial family with two mothers (and two brothers) on an outing to the beach is a great book about family for preschool.

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Dad and Daddy’s Big Big Family by Seamus Kirst
Harper is going with her dads to her first family reunion. It’s a fabulous, fun occasion and a great exploration of extended family as Harper meets (and learns more about) cousins, step children, great aunts and more.

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The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant
This fun, classic families book shares the story of a family road tripping to visit family for an extended vacation stay, capturing the joys of a big family reunion – hugging, talking, eating all together and the change of sleeping arrangements, through to the emptiness of the house when the relatives finally leave!

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A Family Like Ours by Frank Murphy
From big to small, close-knit to spread out, adopted to blended, this celebration of diverse families highlights important messages of family as a place for support, safety and inspiration.

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Books About Adoption for Families

We Belong Together by Todd Parr
We Belong Together is about sharing your home and sharing your heart to make a family that belongs together. With an understanding of how personal and unique each adoption is, and that not everyone comes to it in the same way, Parr’s colorful art explores the true meaning of family.

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Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis
In asking her parents to tell her again about the night of her birth, a girl relives a tale she knows by heart. Focusing on the significance of family and love, this is a beautiful story about adoption and the importance of a loving family.

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Yes, I’m Adopted! by Sharlie Zinger
An adoption story shared from start to finish as a journey of love, told from the child’s point of view.

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I Wished for You: An Adoption Story by Marianne Richmond
A beautiful conversation between a little bear and his mama as they talk about how God chose them to become a family. The little bear asks many of the questions adopted children have, and his mama lovingly answers them all.

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A is for Always: An Adoption Alphabet
With thoughtful alphabet style prose and tender illustrations, A is for Always reflects upon many aspects of the adoption process.

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More Social Emotional Learning Books for kids

For more social emotional learning books and resources, check out these related posts;

Picture Books About Friendship

15 Books About Siblings

Printable Breathing Exercise Cards

The post 35 Best Picture Books About Families appeared first on Childhood101.

Teaching children to recognize and celebrate diversity and accept differences is essential to healthy development – it not only helps children be more inclusive of others, but to also accept themselves and their own strengths and weaknesses. This collection of picture books about diversity is about identifying what makes you special, celebrating who you are, and better understanding the uniqueness of those around you – family, friends, and those in the wider community, with the hope of creating a tolerant, inclusive society.

This is a big and diverse list. It includes picture books that are suited to reading with toddlers right through to older elementary/primary school, even middle school, students. It includes books about accepting differences in gender, race, religion, culture, family structure, appearance and abilities.

I think this might just be one of my all-time favorite booklists in our Best Books for Kids collection!

65 Picture Books About Diversity & Accepting Difference

If you are unfamiliar with a particular title, or would like more information, each book listed includes links to an Amazon page (these are affiliate links) where you can find further information and age recommendations.

Diverse Picture Books

The following diverse picture books are important for generating discussion about the importance of diversity within our communities. These are big conversations and a well constructed picture book is the perfect tool for helping children to begin understand complex issues, such as racism and inclusion.

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
Follow a group of children through a day in their school, a place where everyone is welcome and kids in patkas, hijabs, and yarmulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other’s traditions and the whole community gathers together to celebrate.

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The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates
This simple, stunningly shared story about an umbrella with room to shelter all provides a beautiful conversation starter for important topics including inclusion, diversity and tolerance.

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An ABC of Equality by Chana Ewing
A is for ability, b is for belief, c is for class. All people have the right to be treated fairly, no matter who they are, what they look like or where they come from and An ABC of Equality introduces social justice issues through simple, thoughtful definitions children can understand.

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Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung
A story set in the fabulous world of colors provides a relatable and valuable basis for examining prejudice and the importance of diversity with children – not only on the basis of color, but also culture, ability, faith, gender, etc.

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All the Ways to Be Smart by Davina Bell
A sweet, rhyming ode to all of the different ways a person can be smart – not just book smart but clever at making crafts or drawing pictures, or dancing, or even being brave.

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The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
“There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you.” This award winning, positive and affirming book about the many reasons you might feel different, and starting in a new place when you know no one, and so much more. A great picture book for kids right up into middle grades.

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We Are Together by Britta Teckentrup
“On our own, we’re special, and we can chase our dream. But when we join up, hand in hand, together, we’re a team.” A beautiful book exploring themes of teamwork and friendship with children of many races represented in the illustrations.

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Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
All around the world children are laughing, playing and living,though their lives may be quite different, inside they are all alike and in this book both similarities and differences are recognized and celebrated.

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The Capybaras by Alfredo Soderguit
At first glance this is a simple, heartwarming animal tale but it is also perfect for reflecting with children upon the importance of accepting others even when they are different to what we are used to, overcoming prejudice and creating community.

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Neither by Airlie Anderson
A curious green creature is born in the Land of This and That, but as it is neither a blue bunny nor a yellow bird, it finds it difficult to fit in. Eventually driven away by unkindness, Neither finds the Land of All, where everyone is welcome. Shares the important message that it’s much more fun to be inclusive of everyone, not just those who are like you.

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The Smeds and the Smoos by Julia Donaldson
Alien Smeds and Smoos are absolutely not allowed to play with each other, but Janet, the Smed, and Bill, the Smoo, meet and fall in love! A wonderful story exploring important topics such as unknown ‘others’, differences, empathy, acceptance, friendship and teamwork.

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A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory
This book takes a complicated topic and makes it accessible to children. A great resource for facilitating conversations about race and racism.

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Children In Our World: Racism and Intolerance by Louise Spilsbury
A sensitive introduction to racism and intolerance are and how they affect children all over the world.

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Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds
Say Something is a wonderful conversation starter for children in elementary and middle school, encouraging children to be unafraid to stand up and speak out, to express themselves and all of their unique qualities.

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Books About Differences

The books in this section feature a range of diverse characters – differences may be related to appearance, race, culture, family structure, gender identity or disability.

Reading books that feature a diverse range of characters that look or behave differently allows children both the opportunity to see themselves represented in a story, and encourages empathy and inclusivity as their view of the world expands to consider the experience of others. These children’s books about accepting differences are wonderful for sparking conversations about the self love, being inclusive of others and the importance of diversity in our communities.

What If We Were All the Same by C.M. Harris
How boring the world would be if we were all the same! From our skin color, interests, hair type and abilities, our differences make life interesting and unique. A celebration of our unique characteristics and abilities alongside acceptance and inclusivity for all people.

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The Colors of Us by Karen Katz
A celebration of the many different colors of skin from an artist’s perspective – Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades.

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Same Difference by Calida Garcia Rawles
Lida and Lisa are first cousins who love the same things and look the same…until one day they notice they don’t! With the help of their wise grandmother, the girls learn that their bond is deeper than what they see, and that it is our differences that make us both beautiful and unique.

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Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
Grace loves to play pretend and act our stories, so when her school is putting on a performance of Peter Pan, Grace longs to play the part of Peter. But Peter was a boy. And he wasn’t black. A beautiful story about being true to yourself and not letting anyone hold you back.

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Under My Hijab by Hena Khan
Grandma wears it clasped under her chin. Aunty pins hers up with a beautiful brooch. Zara styles hers to match her outfit. A young girl celebrates the differences between how each of the important women in her life wears their hijab, and how it reflects the unique person they are.

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The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
A younger sister watches with pride as her older sister wears her hijab to school for the first time. She becomes horrified and confused when her sister is bullied by other children, resolving to stand tall with her sister and refusing to be diminished by the nastiness of others in a beautiful story of bravery and strength with important anti-bullying messages.

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Laxmi’s Mooch by Shelley Anand
A sweet addition to your body positivity book collection. Laxmi is playing with friends when one suggests she could be a cat because she has whiskers above her top lip. When Laxmi rushes to the mirror she spots a black fuzz. She shares her concerns with her parents, who are wonderfully supportive, explaining that everyone has hair everywhere and listing wonderful role models who also have ‘mooches’.

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The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story by Aya Khalil
When Kanzi is teased by a classmate at her new school for her mother’s use of an Arabic term of endearment she returns home, wraps herself in the beautiful quilt her grandmother made her and writes a poem all about it. When her teacher reads the poem she asks Kanzi to share the quilt with the class. Kanzi and her mother show the class, and show each child how to write their own name in Arabic. These decorated names are used to create a beautiful artwork for the school. A wonderful book about inclusion.

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My Two Blankets by Irena Kobald
An award winning story sharing how people can live together despite coming from the most diverse backgrounds: one of hardship, deprivation and want, the other a place of peace, abundance and prosperity, with important messages of hope, acceptance and friendship.

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The Sandwich Swap by Rania Al Abdullah
Will these two best friends ever make up after an epic falling out over the differences in their lunch boxes? A wonderful children’s book about cultural diversity.

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Spaghetti In A Hot Dog Bun: Having The Courage to Be Who You Are by Maria Dismondy
A fabulous story about being different, standing up for yourself and being proud of who you are.

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Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
“Alma Sofia Esparanza Jose Pura Candela had a long name- too long if you asked her.” But when Alma learns where each of the pieces of her name come from, and the traits she shares with her ancestors, she is proud to carry their name.

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The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
Being the new child at school is hard enough. But what if no one could pronounce your name? Unhei is worried the American children will not like her because of her Korean name and so begins the hunt for a new name that will help her to fit in.

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The Boy Who Tried to Shrink His Name by Sandhya Parappukkaranand
A young boy shortens his name to make it easier for his classmates to say. When he makes a new friend, she takes the time to teach him to skateboard as he slowly teaches her how to say his full name.

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Respect by Aunty Fay Muir & Sue Lawson
Respect reflects a deep concern for taking care of each other, and acknowledging cultural heritage and traditions. It beautifully shares a deeply important part of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with the wider community. The words are simple and sparse but carefully chosen and perfect for fostering deep thinking and conversation with children of all ages.

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Say My Name by Joanna Ho
A delightful reflection on the important of names and their connection to our own history and culture, portrayed through the experiences of six children from different cultures – Chinese, Tongan, Persian, Navajo, Mexican and Ghanaian.

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Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied Mendez
Her abuelo gives a young multicultural girl a beautiful series of answers to the question, “Where are you from?” That draw from the past and the heart. An important story to share with students at the beginning of the school year to build unity in the classroom.

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Islandborn by Junot Diaz
Lola’s school is multicultural so when Lola’s teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited. Except Lola. She can’t remember The Island as she left when she was just a baby. But with the help of her family, Lola’s imagination takes her on an extraordinary journey back!

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RELATED: For more stories featuring children from countries all around the world, be sure to check out our collection of 75 Picture Books From Around the World.

We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palaccio
I know I can’t change the way I look. But maybe, just maybe, people can change the way they see…a wonderful picture book sharing the remarkable story of Auggie – a boy who feels like any other kids but is not always seen that way.

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Abdul’s Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Abdul loves to tell stories, but his problem is in writing them down. His letters get all mixed up and he keep erasing until the paper rips. And whats the point of trying when there aren’t any stories about people that look like him anyways? When an author comes to visit his class, he shows Abdul his messy notebook, telling him that writers try again and again until they find the story hidden within the mess.

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The Dot by Peter H Reynolds
Vashti thinks she can’t draw. But her teacher is sure that she can. She knows that there’s creative spirit in everyone and her encouragement helps Vashti look differently at herself and her abilities.

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My Brain is a Race Car by Nell Harris
A wonderful explanation of the various, common ways a neurodivergent brain works, and the tools it might need for a ND person to make it through the race track of a day.

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Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds
Nerdy Birdy likes reading, video games, and reading about video games, which immediately disqualifies him for membership in the cool crowd. One thing is clear: being a nerdy birdy is a lonely lifestyle. Or is it?

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My Shadow Is Pink by Scott Stuart
Touching on gender identity, self acceptance, equality and diversity, My Shadow is Pink introduces a boy who struggles with his preferences for princesses and fairies and things ‘not for boys.’

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My Shadow is Purple by Scott Stuart
A heartwarming and inspiring book about gender diversity, being free to express yourself in whatever way you want, and that it is okay to be different and not to fit in with what others are choosing.

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Molly’s Tuxedo by Vicki Johnson
A wonderful book for celebrating individual difference, body autonomy and self acceptance. Molly has lots of sensible reasons for not wanting to wear the fancy dress her mother has bought for school picture day – not least because she wants to look like someone going on an adventure, not someone going to a tea party! However will Molly convince her mother that she be allowed to wear her brother’s tuxedo? And how will her school mates react?

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Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
When Julian sees three women dressed spectacularly as mermaids he dreams of making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will his abuela think of his transformation? A beautiful celebration of creativity, individuality and self love.

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Big by Vashti Harrison
An award winning, emotional story exploring being a bigger person in a world that prizes being small, with themes of self love and the power of words to hurt and heal.

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Mirror by Jeannie Baker
All of Jeannie Baker’s wordless picture books, featuring her creative collage illustrations are spectacular. Mirror compares the lives and stories of two families who are a world apart – one in Sydney, Australia, the other in a small village in Morocco.

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Home by Tonya Lippert
This thoughtful story follows siblings as they experience homelessness and uncertain housing – moving from their house, to a motel, to a shelter and finally to a more permanent home. A great addition to your collection of books about different families.

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Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
Stellaluna is a young fruit bat who is separated from her mother and adopted by a family of birds, and along the way learns that although we may be very different, we are also very much the same.

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A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O’Leary
When a teacher asks the children in her class to think about what makes their families special, the answers are all different in many ways. The class is introduced to interracial couples, adopted and foster children, single parents, two moms/dads, a parent in a wheelchair, families with lots of kids and grandparents raising a grandchild.

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RELATED: For more books about family structures of all different shapes and sizes, check out our collection of 25 Families Books.

Books About Differences for Toddlers & Preschoolers

This series of simple picture books about differences are fabulous for beginning conversation with young children and difference and diversity. Of course, many of these titles are also great books for children in kindergarten and the early grades of elementary or primary school.

Froggy Green by Anna Walker
A fabulous first book for talking about differences with toddlers and preschoolers, Froggy Green was on high rotation with both of my children when they were small.

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We Are All Equal by P. Crumble
A gentle, joyful book about equality to share with your toddler or preschool book lover.

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I Love Me by Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina
“I love my eyes, I love my nose, I love the way my curly hair grows!” A celebration of individuality and joyous self-esteem in bouncy, rhythmic prose and lively color. Perfect for young story lovers.

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It’s Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr
Whatever your shape, size, color, family makeup, likes or dislikes, in classic Todd Parr style young readers are reminded that it’s perfectly okay to be uniquely you!

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The Same But Different Too by Karl Newson
A wonderful book exploring the countless differences, big and small, between us all – with excellent rhyming text and beautifully vibrant illustrations. A great read aloud for younger children.

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The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler
The Skin You Live In presents themes of social harmony such as acceptance, diversity and friendship in a simple manner that is easy for preschool children to relate to.

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Hair Love by Matthew H. Cherry
This picture book is a wonderful celebration of loving your own natural beauty and the hair you have through the gorgeous story of a girl whose Dad is tasked with styling her hair for a special occasion.

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Different: A Great Thing To Be! by Heather Avis
Macy is a young, enthusiastic girl who loves to try new things and investigate the world, often in unconventional ways. When other children view her behavior as different, Macy feels left out in this sweet book encouraging us all to change the way we think and act towards people we perceive as different.

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A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey
A young boy very much wants to find a friend in his class, but is struggling to find someone who might fit with his needs and personality. He knows it can’t be the class goldfish or his teacher, and he carefully considers various children. Just as he’s about to give up, he notices a quiet girl sitting nearby who might just be the right friend for Henry.

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Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
A classic story about learning to love what is uniquely yours, in this case an unusual name, even in the face of teasing by other school students.

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I’m a Girl by Yasmeen Ismail
This girl likes to win, she likes to be spontaneous, fast and strong, and because she also likes to dress in t-shirt and shorts, she is forever getting mistaken for a boy! A great way to challenge gender stereotypes with younger book fans.

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Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman
Pink is for Boys re-frames the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids to express themselves in every color of the rainbow, encouraging both girls and boys to enjoy what they love to do, whether it’s racing cars or playing baseball or loving unicorns or dressing up!

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Lovely by Jess Hong
We are all different and we are all lovely is the premise of this wonderful book that challenges what we see as lovely in the world – with bold, colorful images and pairs of opposites. Lovely really can be different, weird and wonderful!

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You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion by Margaret O’Hair
This ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves–inside and out.

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We All Belong by Nathalie & Alex Goss
A simple, positive, rhyming book about differences that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

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Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
Love is baking a special cake, lending a helping hand, reading one more book! A sweet book showing different families busy together in happy activities. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple story demonstrates what’s most important in each family’s life – the love the family members share.

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I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont
This ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves–inside and out.

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It’s Okay to Make Mistakes by Todd Parr
With Todd Parr’s unmistakable and colorful signature style, we learn that mistakes happen and that they’re not all bad.

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Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
Gerald the tall giraffe would love to join in with the other animals at the Jungle Dance, but everyone knows that giraffes can’t dance…or can they?

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Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey
Thelma dreams of being a unicorn but when her dream unexpectedly comes true she learns a lesson in loving yourself…even without sparkles.

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Even at 65 books, this list of diverse picture books only scratches the surface of titles now available for children to learn more about diversity and differences. Feel free to add to our list with your suggestions in the comments below so we can continue to grow this great books on diversity booklist.

More Social Emotional Books for Kids

For even more great books for kids supporting the development of social emotional skills, check out these related posts;

101 Books That Develop Social Skills

25+ Growth Mindset Books for Kids

15 Books About Siblings

The post 65 Picture Books About Diversity & Difference appeared first on Childhood101.

As there are many different considerations for different children (and families) as they start school for the year, I’ve divided the books into a number of different sections, including books on starting school for kindergarteners and first graders, books for children feeling worried or anxious (including separation anxiety), and more! See each section below for further explanation.

21 Best Picture Books About Starting School

Each title is linked to Amazon (these are affiliate links) where you will find reviews and more information about each book.

For those with children starting preschool, daycare or another early education service, check out our list of 10 Books About Starting Preschool.

Children’s Books on Starting School

Stories can provide a positive, low stress way of introducing information about the new experience of going to school to children. The following children’s books on starting school are great for those moving into school for the first time.

First Day by Andrew Daddo
We love this book! The first day can be challenging for children…and for parents! The book explores all of the things children need to do each day to get ready for school and reinforces the message that Mum or Dad will be back – “the best bit about waving goodbye is the next wave will be hello” – with a fun twist..

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The Wild Guide to Starting School by Laura Bunting
The most lighthearted, fun starting school book to help prepare children for a move into kindergarten or first grade. You’ll not find better advice for starting school (for both children and adults!) than the very funny suggestions offered by a group of Australian animals!

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The Pigeon HAS to Go to School by Mo Willems
Fans of Pigeon and anyone looking for a new addition to their books on starting school will love this hilarious take on the genre. Pigeon absolutely does not want to go to school – after all, he already know everything! And it is hard to read with one big eye! This one will have children laughing out loud.

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The Things I Love About School by Trace Moroney
In The Things I Love About School, Trace Moroney focuses on the interesting aspects of being at school  including learning lots of new things and trying new things, as well as playing and making new friends. I love that it ends, “I wonder what I will learn tomorrow. I love school!”

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Chu’s First Day of School by Neil Gaiman
Chu, the panda with the big sneeze, is heading off to school for the first time. He hopes the other boys and girls will be nice. Will they like him? What will happen at this strange new place called school? And what will happen if Chu sneezes?

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I Am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child
We are long time Charlie and Lola fans. With Lola (or rather her imaginary friend, Soren Lorenson) feeling nervous about starting school – after all, why does one even need to know how to count to 100 when one never eats more than 10 biscuits at a time? –  Charlie does his best to reassure her that it will be lots of fun and she will make friends. And on her very first day she does indeed make a very special friend.

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Going to School by Anna Civardi
Percy and Polly Peach are starting school and we get to spend the first day with them. A simple story, this book walks children through many of the experiences they will enjoy in a play-based, first years program – with the story taking us from the time the twins are getting up and getting ready, through to meeting the teacher and having a parent stay for a little while, with lots of play, making things, music and story time before it’s time to head home again.

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Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
My girls have both loved the audio version of this story and I am pretty sure it is because of the lovely rhythm of the text. As Miss Bindergarten gets ready for her children to come to class, the kindergarten students are also preparing for their big first day.

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Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee
There are lots of rules in school. But what if you can’t tie your shoelaces? Because that’s a rule too. Countdown to Kindergarten explores the anxieties of a little girl who is about to start kindergarten in the ten days before class starts. Will she be the only one who can’t tie her shoes?

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Books for Kids Feeling Worried or Anxious

The thought of starting school can be very exciting for both child and family but for many children there is a fine line between excited and over-excited or anxious. These starting school books are great for children who are feeling worried or anxious.

The Color Monster Goes to School by Anna Llenas
The Color Monster is feeling nervous – it’s his first day of school and he does not know what to expect! A great starting school book for fans of The Color Monster who are feeling nervous about their first day.

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RELATED: If you are a fan of The Color Monster be sure to check out our Color Monster Emotions Jar Activity.

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Wemberly has many worries – big and small! But her very biggest worries are about starting school. With the help of her family, new teacher and a new friend, Wemberly manages to make it through her very first day.

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Butterflies on the First Day of School by Annie Silvestro
Rosie’s been excited about starting school but on the morning of the first day she’s feeling unwell. ‘You have butterflies in your belly,’ her mama tells her. Rosie is startled when a butterfly flies out of her mouth whilst talking to a new friend on the school bus! As the day goes on, Rosie frees all her butterflies and even helps another shy student let go of hers.

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Back to School Books

This collection of books offers a fun, often amusing look at being back at school for a new year.

Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube
As Mae’s first day of school approaches she declares that she is NOT going! A reassuring, gentle and amusing story for children who are nervous about school starting.

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First Day Jitters by Julie Danneburg
A super fun story about Sarah Jane Hartwell who doesn’t want to get out of bed for school on the first day. In a fun twist, it turns out Sarah Jane is the teacher! A wonderful way to connect the feelings of students and teachers alike as a new school year begins on the very first day.

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Chairs On Strike by Jennifer Jones
A fun rhyming story about a set of school chairs in despair of how they are treated going on strike! Great back to school book as setting behavioral expectations.

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This Is a School by John Schu
A joyful celebration of the nurturing, inclusive community a school can be.

Buy : Amazon

Books About Being Yourself

Doubts about school can come in many forms, including worries about the ways a child might be different from, or less able than, their classmates. Parents and teachers can support children experiencing these feelings with a story (or two!) about learning to be yourself.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Penelope Rex the dinosaur is about to start her first day of school. The problem is Penelope is a carnivorous dinosaur, and her classmates are all children! The book humorously addresses Penelope’s struggle to resist the urge to eat her classmates, as well as the challenges she faces in making friends and fitting in.

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The Smart Cookie by Jory John
Cookie never feels as smart as her friends, no matter how hard she tries! A lovely story exploring the different ways in which children learn, a great choice for children who feel a little nervous about not being as smart as the other children at school.

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Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Chrysanthemum, adores her name. Why wouldn’t she? Her parents chose it especially for her. When she finally gets to go to school though, the experience isn’t all that she’d hoped for. Her peers tease Chrysanthemum because of her beautiful and unique name. How will she handle this unexpected problem?

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RELATED: For more books that help children to both accept themselves and learn to respect differences in others, check out our collection of Books About Diversity and Difference.

Books for Children With Separation Anxiety

The following books offer extra support for children experiencing separation anxiety from a primary caregiver.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Chester Racoon is sad about starting school, worried that he will miss his Mummy and his toys and all of the things he loves to do at home.  His mother reassures him that he will love school once he starts and it is not so strange and scary any more, and then she shares a secret with him – the secret of The Kissing Hand. I think this book is just as much for those mamas who are worried about being sad at missing their child as it is for the little ones.

Buy : Amazon

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
This simple, novel idea for helping children overcome separation anxiety from family members is perfect for children worried about missing a caregiver as they start school.

Buy : Amazon

RELATED: For more books that help children face their fears, check out our big list of books about being afraid.

More Starting School Resources

For more handy starting school resources, check out these related posts;

50 Lunch Box Snack Ideas: Printable List

Morning Time Management Tips for Families

Daily Routine Picture Cards

The post 21 Starting School Books to Help Ease the Transition appeared first on Childhood101.

30 Children’s Books About Birthdays

Each book on our Books about Birthdays list is linked to an Amazon page for more information and reviews (these are affiliate links).

I Love Birthdays by Anna Walker: A sweet book for preschoolers and kindergarteners (and a favourite in our house) – join Ollie in celebrating everything that is fabulous about birthdays.

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I Am Invited To A Party by Mo Willems: While maybe not exactly a birthday book, we love this wonderful Elephant & Piggie book about parties. A long time hit in our house.

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It’s My Birthday by Helen Oxenbury: Unlike the poor Little Red Hen, this youngster’s animal friends are delighted to help her make a cake to celebrate her birthday. A lovely birthday story about helping and sharing with friends.

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Birthday Monsters by Sandra Boynton: “You hear your door come crashing down—those birthday monsters are in town!” Boynton’s fabulously popular rhyming text and wonderfully simple illustrations turn to the topic of birthdays in our favorite book about birthdays for toddlers.

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The Princess and the Presents by Caryl Hart: Will the world’s most spoiled princess ever learn that birthdays are about so much more than presents!

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Happy Birthday, Cupcake by Terry Border: As Cupcake and her best friend, Blueberry Muffin, try to plan her birthday party, there is lots to consider. What is the perfect birthday party idea for a group of foods?

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Rude Cakes by Rowboat Watkins: Who knew cakes could be so rude! These cakes certainly do NOT have the sweet disposition of their flavoring! A rather ridiculously wonderful story that proves even the rudest cake can learn to change its behavior.

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The Birthday Book by Todd Parr: A celebration of every type of birthday shared in Todd Parr’s colorful, signature style. Great birthday story for toddlers and preschoolers.

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Happy Birthday Wombat by Jackie French: It’s Mothball, the hilarious wombat’s birthday and you’ll never guess what a birthday is like through the eyes of one very funny wombat!

Buy : Amazon

RELATED: For more like Happy Birthday Wombat, check out this list of 35 Fun Books About Australian Animals.

Scaredy Squirrel Has a Birthday Party by Melanie Watt: Scaredy Squirrel is planning his birthday party – for one! The perfect party for a worrywart! But whatever will happen when the other party animals arrive uninvited?

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Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes by James Dean: Pete the Cat and his friends are busy as can be baking cupcakes for a party, and Pete can’t wait to perform with his groovy band. But some of the cupcakes have gone missing! Who could have taken them?

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This Is Actually My Party (Charlie and Lola) by Lauren Child: It’s Charlie’s birthday but Lola is so excited that she opens all of Charlie’s birthday cards and even blows out his birthday candles! What will happen when Lola is banned from the party?!

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The Night Before My Birthday by Natasha Wing: Part of the popular, ‘The Night Before…’ series, this birthday story book captures all the excitement of an upcoming birthday. But when everything is ready for the special day, what happens when an ice cream emergency occurs?!!

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Happy Birthday Mouse by Laura Numeroff: It’s Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie’s birthday and he needs to choose a birthday treat to eat! A simple birthday story board book for toddler and preschooler fans of the picture book series.

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Grug Has a Birthday by Ted Prior: No one knows how old Grug is. Not even Grug. So when he learns about birthday parties, Grug decides to throw a birthday party, with cake and party hats…but something important is missing??!

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Fancy Nancy Puppy Party by Jane O’Connor: When Fancy Nancy decides to give her puppy, Frenchy, the most glamorous, fabulous birthday party ever, she is not sure that her puppy know how to behave at such an elegant event!

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Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells: It’s Grandma’s birthday and Max wants to make her an icky, worm-infested cake. But Ruby intends to make an angel surprise cake with raspberry-fluff icing. Will they both become bunnies who bake?

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Grumpy Monkey Party Time by Suzanne Lang: Jim feels a little anxious about Porcupine’s upcoming party – especially when he finds out there will be dancing involved! A great party story teaching kids that it is okay to go against the flow and to speak up when you are not okay.

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The Perfect Birthday Recipe by Katy Hudson: Beaver is a perfectionist. His latest project is his birthday cake. Not content with anything less, this will be a PERFECT birthday cake! When Beaver’s friends, Tortoise, Rabbit, Bird and Squirrel, decide to help, a Beaver sized temper tantrum ensues. And Beaver must decide what is more important – his friends or his cake?

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Cake by Sue Handra: In this hilarious birthday story book, Cake has been invited to a party. He’s very excited as he’s never been to a birthday party before. But as the candles on his party hat begin to burn and the other party guests start to sing, Cake starts to think that this is one party he’d rather not be at..!

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Ollie’s Birthday Surprise by Nicola Killen: It is Ollie’s birthday, and she is feeling excited! So when a bunch of colorful balloons float past her window and into the magical woods, Ollie can’t help but follow. But where could they be headed and what magical surprise could be in store?

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Box of Tricks by Katie Cleminson: Eva is given a very special birthday present – a box of tricks! She soon discovers that she is a master magician and she conjures up a rather magical party. What happens when it is time for the party to end?!

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Fortunately by Remy Charlip: “Fortunately, Ned was invited to a surprise party…Unfortunately, the party was a thousand miles away…Fortunately, a friend loaned Ned an airplane.” Join Ned on his rather wacky adventure to a surprise party. But will he actually make it???

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Jimmy’s Boa and the Big Bash Birthday Splash by Trinka Hakes Noble: A clever, classic birthday story! When Jimmy’s mother gives him a goldfish, she never imagines the chaos that will ensue when he takes the fish AND his boa to his party at SeaLand!

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A Dinosaur Came To My Birthday Party! by Frances Mackay: A fun birthday party story for preschool dinosaur lovers! Which dino would you invite to your birthday party?

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Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish by Beth Ferry: A ten step guide book to making a successful birthday wish that is perfect for talking about what children enjoy about their own birthday celebrations.

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Bear Can’t Wait by Karma Wilson: Another fun installment for fans of Wilson’s Bear series, Bear is having a hard time waiting for the wonderful surprise party he and the other animals are planning!

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If You Give a Pig a Party by Laura Numeroff: If you give a pig a party – with balloons, a party dress, and guests. The search for guests might just lead to a street fair, a game of hide and seek, a sleepover, and more! Great for fans of this popular picture book series.

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A Birthday for Frances by Russell Hoban: In this hilarious, heartfelt classic happy birthday story, Frances is not sure whether to give her annoying little sister a birthday present.

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RELATED: For more wonderful book classics to share, be sure to check out our collection of 50 Classic Children’s Books.

Starla Jean Takes the Cake by Elana K. Arnold: Starla Jean is sure that her chicken, Opal Egg, will lay an egg in time for her to bake a cake for her little sister’s first birthday! As the day draws near, Starla Jean does find something in Opal Egg’s nest – but it’s not an egg! A great picture book to chapter book transition.

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RELATED: For more book suggestions for children making the move from picture books to chapter books, be sure to check out our collection of Illustrated Chapter Books for 7-12 Year Olds.

Book Activities for Kids

For more great books and book activities for preschool and kindergarten, check out these related posts;

The Secret Birthday Message Book Activities

Herve Tullet Book Activities

Three Little Pigs Puppets

The post 30 Best Children’s Books About Birthdays appeared first on Childhood101.

This list was developed from the responses of over 500 parents and teachers in response to the question, “What is your all-time favorite picture book to read aloud to your children?”

As I compiled this HUGE list of awesome picture books from the responses I was excited to find lots of new-to-us kids story books – books that I haven’t read before – as a teacher or a mum. Which is quite a novelty for a picture book addict like me!

Of course, many of our tried and true favorites made the list too! There are so many of the all-time best books for kids on this list that you are sure to find books to read aloud to children at preschool, kindergarten or home.

The Very Best Read Aloud Picture Books for Kids

So what makes a great read aloud book for children? While there is no one magic formula, I think great picture books that engage children will include;

1. Captivating illustrations: It is no surprise that the pictures inform a child’s first impression of a book, so choosing books with wonderful illustrations is a great start.
2. Engaging storyline: Nobody enjoys a boring book! Be sure to also check that the amount of text per page corresponds with your child’s attention span.
3. Themes that the child can relate to: Moving house? Awaiting the arrival of a new sibling? Whatever life experiences your child is learning to cope with right now, chances are that there is a great book (or ten!) exploring that same theme.
4. Books exploring universally important topics: Books exploring themes such as friendship, individuality or creativity, help our children to learn about human emotions and relationships.
5. A surprise for the reader: Stories with unexpected endings or with interesting physical features, such as textures or last page pop-ups reward the reader’s interest and work especially well with younger children.
6. Books that make them laugh: Humor in books provides a fabulous way to engage children of all ages.
7. Books that have fun with words: Read aloud children’s books that play around with rhythm, rhyme or repetition, or that have fun with vocabulary can be particularly engaging for young readers.

And remember, just because a book doesn’t capture the interest of your child right now, doesn’t mean that they won’t return to it in six months, a year, or even five years with a renew interest and motivation to read and enjoy it!

RELATED: See our big list of read aloud chapter books as voted by parents too!

Now on to the list…Each title includes linked to Amazon (these are affiliate links) where you can find reviews and age recommendations for those you are not personally familiar with.

150+ Best Read Aloud Picture Books

Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger is an African American folktale about a boy and his father who are outcasts from their village, until the villagers need their help to stop the terrible giant, Abiyoyo.

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Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst is a true childhood classic and the story of Alexander who is having the very worst day…so bad in fact, that maybe he should just move to Australia!

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The Alfie and Annie Rose Storybook by Shirley Hughes is a lovely compilation of stories and poems about siblings Alfie and Annie Rose depicting everyday family life in a simple, reassuring style that young children can relate so well to.

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Alice the Fairy by David Shannon is a sweet story about Alice, the temporary (and very imaginative) fairy in training to become a permanent fairy!

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Aliens Love Underpants by Ben Cort is a delightfully silly, rhyming story about aliens visiting Earth for one purpose…to steal underpants!

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For more fun rhyming books to read aloud with children, check out our list of the Best Rhyming Picture Books for Kids.

The Book With No Pictures by BJ Novak. You might think a book with no pictures seems boring and serious. But this is a great children’s book to read aloud! With this book everything written on the page has to be said by the person reading it aloud..even words like bloop and bluurf!

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All the Ways to Be Smart by Davina Bell is a joyful ode to all the unique and wonderful qualities that make children who they are. A must read aloud picture book for every child.

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Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman is the fabulous story of a newly hatched baby bird searching for his mother – which is kind of difficult if you don’t yet know what your mother looks like!

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Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr features familiar animals, bold colors and a rhyming question-and-response text to delight young readers.

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Burglar Bill by Janet & Allan Ahlberg is the story of a burglar who accidentally steals a baby – an event that leads him to reform to live an honest life.

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Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina is a delightful story about a peddler and his efforts to outwit a band of mischievous monkeys.

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The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss is the hilarious story of what Dick and Sally expect to be an ordinary day, until an unexpected guest in a red and white arrives – it is, of course, the Cat in the Hat!

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Charlie the Caterpillar by Dom De Luise is a story of finding true friendship, no matter what one looks like.

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Charlie the Ranch Dog by Ree Drummond is the story of life in the country on a ranch, as shared by a fabulous bassett hound, Charlie the Ranch Dog.

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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr is a fun alphabet rhyme about the letters of the alphabet racing to the top of a coconut tree.

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For more fun alphabet books for children, check out our list of the Best Alphabet Books for Kids.

The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions by Anna Llenas. Color Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place; he feels angry, happy, calm, sad, and scared all at once! To help him, a clever child shows him what each feeling means through color.

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For more children’s books about emotions for kids, check out our big list of Books About Feelings & Emotions.

Corduroy by Don Freedman shares the adventures of a small, soft toy bear named Corduroy who, after being left on the shelf by a discerning buyer, decides to search the store to find his missing button.

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The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt is about the day Duncan goes to colour only to discover letters from all of his crayons saying the same thing – they’ve had enough and they quit!

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Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell is a fun, interactive book exploring which animal will make the ideal family pet!

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Did you Take the B From My _ook? by Beck & Matt Stanton makes for a very funny read aloud as all the bs are missing. Now, the _eetle wearing _lue _oots is _ouncing on the _ed – oh no!

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The Digging-est Dog by Al Perkins is a funny story about a dog who just can’t stop digging holes! He digs up gardens, road and buildings, and finally digs himself into a hole he can’t get out of.

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Dinosaur Roar by Henrietta Strickland is a fun, rhyming tale of dinosaur opposites, the perfect read aloud for preschoolers.

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The Disgusting Sandwich by Gareth Edwards tells the story of a sandwich that is dropped in the dirt and the race is on amongst the animals to see who will get the sandwich…but will they want it when they get it?

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Dogger by Shirley Hughes tells the story of Dave losing his favourite soft toy – Dogger. But then Dogger turns up for sale at a neighbourhood fair and someone else buys him before Dave can get the money! How will Dave get Dogger back?

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Do Not Open This Book and Do Not Open This Book Again by Andy Lee feature a fun, blue monster who insists you do not open, or turn the pages, of his book. Will you be brave enough to discover his secret?

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For more very funny books for kids, check out our list of 30 Funny Books for Kids.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems sees the very funny, extremely persistent Pigeon try to get into the driver’s seat. Whatever you do, don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!

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Don’t Push the Button by Bill Cotter is a book with just one rule – don’t push the button…even if it does look kind of nice. You never know what could happen.

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Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin shares the secret to a dragon’s heart…tacos! But watch the salsa. Dragons plus salsa = spicy trouble!

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Dr Seuss’s Sleep Book by Dr Seuss is a sleepy tale filled with sleepy, yawning animals.

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Duck on a Bike by David Shannon is the hilarious story of a duck who decides it could be fun to ride a bike. The other farm animals think it is the funniest thing they have ever seen – a duck on a bike! But maybe, just maybe they would like to try too!

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Duck on a Tractor by David Shannon is the very funny follow up to Duck on a Bike and this time Duck is behind the wheel of Farmer O’Dell’s tractor!

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Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg is a lovely tale of familiar fairy tale characters, told in rhyme, with an eye spy twist.

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Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clement is a lovely story of learning to be who you are.

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Fox in Socks by Dr Seuss features some of the slickest, quickest tongue-twisters in town, as told by the Fox to Mr Knox!

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Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel is the first in the series of books about a lovely friendship – from writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other.

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The Giant Jumperee by Julia Donaldson. Rabbit and his friends hear a mysterious voice saying, “I’m the giant jumperee and I’m scary as can be!” Who can it be?!

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Giraffe and a Half by Shel Silverstein is the fun and crazy cumulative story of a boy and a giraffe.

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Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae is the story of Gerald, the giraffe would love to join in the Jungle Dance but everyone knows that giraffes can’t dance…or can they?

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Go Away Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley is a wonderful, interactive book for helping children face that all too common childhood fear – monsters!

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Go Dog Go by PD Eastman features all sorts of dogs! Red dogs, blue dogs, big dogs, little dogs-all kinds of wonderful dogs.

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Good Boy Fergus by David Shannon is the story of a rather mischievous but lovable dog on an ordinary day.

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Good Night Gorilla by Peggy Rathman shares the story of a gorilla in the zoo who is not ready to sleep. Instead he lets the other animals out of their cages for a nighttime adventure.

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Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is the classic goodnight story of a little bunny saying goodnight.

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Good Night Owl by Greg Pizzoli is a wonderful story about an owl preparing for bed who hears a strange noise and decides to investigate.

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Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss is the hilarious tale of Sam-I-Am and his green eggs and ham. Would you dare to try them?

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The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson sees a clever mouse outwit a series of forest animals who rather fancy him for their tea, with the story of a terrible gruffalo. A longstanding favorite in our house.

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The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson tells the story of the Gruffalo’s child on a hunt for the big bad mouse she has heard so much about. Instead she finds a tiny mouse in the woods and decides to eat it…or will she!

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Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney is a beautiful story of the love between a parent and child, delightful for parents to read to their children.

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Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd (in fact, the entire Hairy Maclary series) was loved by both my kids when they were preschool/kindergarten age. The cumulative rhyming prose is perfect for inviting pre-readers to join in and who wouldn’t love such a fabulous bunch of puppies!

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Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack by Lynley Dodd is the story of a small and determined duckling who sets out to play with a reluctant Hairy Maclary.

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Have Fun Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell is a wonderful story about the power of imagination and being creative with what you have.

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Hello My Name is Octicorn by Kevin Diller. Meet Octicorn – half octopus, half unicorn, half confused … which sometimes makes it a rather hard to fit in!

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The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson. “Quick! Hide all your goodies! The Highway Rat’s coming, and he’s going to steal your snacks.” Will our lovable villain, Highway Rat, finally meet his match?

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For more fun with Julia Donaldson, check out our list of Short Movies from Children’s Books featuring a number of Donaldson’s great book to movie adaptations.

Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester is the story of Rodney Rat who cannot pronounce his Rs. His classmates tease him mercilessly until one day he saves the whole class from a big, bad bully.

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Hop on Pop by Dr Seuss has to be the ultimate Seuss rhyme! Loved by toddlers and preschoolers, it’s also a great book to share with early readers.

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A House is a House for Me by Mary Ann Hoberman is a fabulous story told in rhyme about the homes that we all live in – all sorts of different creatures and even some non-creatures!

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Hubble Bubble Granny Trouble by Tracey Corderoy is the story of a little girl with a granny who is a little bit different than all the other grannies – she’s a witch!

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I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley celebrates the beauty of African American hair.

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I Wish That I Had Duck Feet by Dr Seuss. What would life be like with duck feet or horns like a deer or a whale spout on your head?

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If I Built A House by Chris Van Dusen is about building the house of your dreams. Would you include a race track, a gigantic slide or a flying room?

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I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm is the touching story of Elfie, a dachshund, and her special boy. They live happily together until one morning Elfie does not wake up.

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I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa Mccourt is the story of a mother’s unconditional love and affection for her child.

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In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek is a beautiful book that describes a range of emotions and how they make you feel physically through simple language that children can easily relate to.

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Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber is the story of Ira who is excited to sleep at his friend’s house, until his sister questions whether he should take his teddy.

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It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler is the humorous tale of PJ Funnybunny and his quest to be more than just a bunny.

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Jack and the Flum Flum Tree by Julia Donaldson. When Jack’s granny is ill with a case of the moozles, Jack sets out on a perilous journey to source the only cure – the fruit of the flum flum tree!

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The Jolly Postman by Janet & Allan Ahlberg provides a fun follow up to beloved fairy tales as the classic characters write letters to each other, each delivered by a very jolly postman. There’s a letter of apology from Goldilocks to the bears, a postcard for the giant from Jack and more.

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Katie Morag Delivers the Mail by Mairi Hedderwick is the first in the Katie Morag series of stories about village life on a Scottish island.

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For more read aloud children’s books exploring life all over the world, check out our list of 75 Picture Books from All Around the World.

Katy No-Pocket by Emmy Payne is a classic tale of a kangaroo without a pouch.

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King Bidgood’s In The Bathtub by Don and Audrey Wood is a humorous tale of a King who refuses to get out of the bath to rule his kingdom.

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The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a reassuring story about starting school (or being away from parents) for young children. Chester Raccoon does not want to start school until his mother introduces him to the Kissing Hand to reassure him of her love.

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Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems is the story of Trixie and Knuffle Bunny’s trip to the laundromat with Dad that goes terribly wrong when Trixie realizes some bunny’s been left behind!

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Leap Back Home to Me by Lauren Thompson sees a frog taking his first leap out into the world, and his mama who is always waiting back home for his return.

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Little Blue and Little Yellow by Leo Lionni is the amazing story of being friends and also being yourself.

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The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood shares the antics of little mouse who will do anything to save his strawberry from the big, hungry bear. It brings a smile to the face of my preschooler every single time we read it.

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Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney sees Llama heading off excitedly for his first day of preschool but when it comes time for mama to leave, Llama is not so sure about school any more.

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Llama Llama Red Pyjama by Anna Dewdney is a comforting night time read for young children who find separation at bedtime difficult.

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Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers tells the story of a boy who discovers a penguin on his doorstep, and figuring the penguin must be lost sets out to find the penguin’s home, in what culminates in a journey of friendship.

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Magic Beach by Alison Lester is the place where adventure begins! Swimming, surfing, splashing, sand castles and more.

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The Magic Hat by Mem Fox is the story of a hat that appears in a town, making magic wherever it lands. The townspeople are transformed into playful animals and then the wizard appears.

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Marvin Gets Mad! by Joseph Theobold is a cautionary tale about anger and calming down from big emotions.

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For more books about feeling angry, check out our list of 25 Books about Anger.

Meg and Mog by Helen Nicoll and Jan Pienkowski is the first in the classic series of books featuring the kind hearted witch, Meg, and her faithful companion cat, Mog. These titles have remained popular for over 40 years for a reason!

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Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard is a wonderful story about showing appreciation for others. The misbehaving students in Room 207 take advantage of their teacher’s good nature until she disappears and they are faced with a rather witchy substitute!

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Miss Tizzy by Libba Moore Gray is a lovely story of friendship across generations. Miss Tizzy is beloved by the children in her neighborhood because she makes time to be with them. And when Miss Tizzy becomes ill, the children know just how to return the favor.

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Mog the Forgetful Cat by Judith Kerr. Mog is very forgetful and always in trouble. Until one day her forgetfulness comes in handy.

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The Monster At the End Of This Book by Jon Stone. Sesame Street’s Grover will do anything to stop you turning the pages of this book..after all, there is a monster at the end of the book!

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The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires. A girl has a wonderful idea – she is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and she tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, the girl gets really mad and quits! Will she ever succeed in making her most magnificent thing?

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For more read aloud books about developing a growth mindset, check out our list of 25 Growth Mindset Picture Books.

Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins. A grumpy bear who loves to cook eggs, is mistaken as the mother of goslings who were to be his meal! Bruce tries (in very comical ways) to be rid of the goslings but after several attempts, finally decides to embrace his newly formed family and make the best of it. 

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Mustache Baby by Bridget Heos is the funny story of a baby born with a mustache and the ways the mustache informs his identity – from cowboy to cat burglar!

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My Big Shouting Day by Rebecca Patterson is a book for a bad day or a bad mood, with a reassuring ending.

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My Cat Likes to Hide in Boxes by Eve Sutton is a fun rhyming story about an ordinary house cat and his rather extraordinary counterparts all around the world.

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Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs by Tomie dePaola is a beautiful intergenerational story about Tommy and his relationship with both his grandmother and his great-grandmother.

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Never Tease a Weasel by Jean Condor Soule is a funny, rhyming tale about being kind to animals.

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The Night Pirates by Peter Harris tells the story of Tom when he is awoken by a band of tough girl pirates and decides to join their ranks. Together they set sail in search of treasure but what will happen when they meet a crew of tough grown-up pirates?

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Noni the Pony by Alison Lester. “Noni the Pony is friendly and funny. Her shimmering tail is the color of honey.” A beautiful rhyming tale about friendship.

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Oi Frog by Kes Gray. “It’s very simple, really. Cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs, mules sit on stools, gophers sit on sofas, and frogs sit on logs.” But Frog does not want to sit on a log! This fabulous series by Kes Gray are simply the best books to read aloud to kindergarteners.

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One Button Benny by Alan Windram is the story of Benny, an outcast amongst his fellow robots as he only had one button. But Benny’s button is very important and when he saves the day all of the other robots realise how important a friend Benny actually is.

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One Duck Stuck by Phyllis Root is a one-of-a-kind counting book about a mucky duck stuck in the mud!

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One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr Seuss is a whimsical rhyme about a parade of fascinating imaginary creatures that shows kids that reading can be simply about good, old fashioned fun.

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Owl Babies by Martin Waddell is a lovely story that through the experiences of a sweet trio of owl babies reassures young children that their mama is coming back.

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The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch is a modern day fairytale featuring a brave princess who rescues a very snooty and ungrateful prince.

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The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson is about a string of paper dolls on a fantastical adventure through the house and out into the garden. Can the escape the dangers they encounter along the way?

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Parts, More Parts & Even More Parts by Tedd Arnold is a funny series of stories about the strange things our bodies do – from fuzz in our belly button to loose teeth.

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Peace at Last by Jill Murphy tells the funny story of Mr Bear and the night he could not find anywhere peaceful to sleep.

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Peanut Butter and Cupcake by Terry Border is a wonderful story about friendship and the journey to find a friend that feels just right.

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Mr McGee and the Perfect Nest by Pamela Allen. Lazy Bird wanted a nest. Nothing would do except the best. She tries teapots, dustbins and more until she sees Mr McGee’s umbrella! Has she found the perfect nest

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Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin is the popular story of Pete the Cat out for a walk in his new white shoes.

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Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey. This is one of our favorite kindergarten read aloud books! Children love Pig the rather naughty pug. He’s more than a little greedy and selfish but his naughty plans never quite work out the way Pig hopes they will!

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The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems sees the persuasive Pigeon back and this time he insists that he doesn’t need a bath!

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Pirates Love Underpants by Claire Freedman and they’re on a special quest to find the fabled Pants of Gold for the Captain’s treasure chest!

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Red is Best by Kathy Stinson is a celebration of colour – because red is always best!

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The Rhyming Rabbit by Julia Donaldson is about a rabbit who feels lonely and misunderstood as none of the other animals appreciate his poetry. Until one night he meets someone who shares his enthusiasm.

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Room On the Broom by Julia Donaldson is the story of a friendly witch and her cat companion as they encounter a series of helpful animals that would ask to join them on the broom.

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Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beatty is a brilliant inventor of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer. Her first task – to make a contraption that will help Great Aunt Rose to fly!

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Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran might not look like much but sand and rocks and some old wooden boxes but it is a special place – a sparkling world of jeweled homes, streets edged with the whitest stones, and two ice cream shops, at least in the imaginations of the children of Roxaboxen.

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The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown is the sweet story of a bunny who keeps running away from his mother in an imaginary game of hide-and-seek. But mother is there for him every time he returns.

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Sadie and the Silver Shoes by Jane Godwin. Sadie has three older brothers to pass along hand-me-downs, so she doesn’t have much say in choosing clothes! But Sadie is allowed to pick her shoes. So one day she buys the most beautiful silver shoes. Sadly, when Sadie and her brothers are adventuring, one shoe falls into the creek and is swept away. Whatever will Sadie do with only one silver shoe?

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The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Anne Hoberman is a funny story about a mother with seven children who are all very fussy eaters. When every child wants to eat different things for every meal, what is a mother to to?!

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The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson is a sweet story about giving selflessly to others in need.

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Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright is a snowman who feels the cold. When he seeks a warm solution, he melts! Fortunately the children know just what to do to build Sneezy up again..

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Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell is about having the confidence to stand tall when when others try to tear you down.

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Steam Train Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker is a bedtime story about the dream train that is loaded with all the ingredients for wonderful dreams.

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Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch is a lighthearted tale about not being afraid to be yourself and the dangers of following others instead of having your own mind.

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Stick Man by Julia Donaldson. One day Stick Man is carried off by a mischievous dog who wants to play and things go from bad to worse as Stick Man is carried farther and farther away from home. How will he ever make it back to his family?

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The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf is the classic 1936 story of a bull who would much rather smell flowers than fight in bullfights.

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For more like classics to read aloud to your children, check out this big list of Classic Picture Books for Kids.

The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew It Was None of His Business by Werner Holzwarth. The hilarous tale of a little mole who wakes up one morning to have one of the other animals ‘do its business’ on his head. The Little Mole sets out to track down the culprit, and to exact his revenge in his own little way!

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Stuck by Oliver Jeffers has to be one of the best children’s stories to read aloud! It shares the story about a time Floyd’s kite got stuck in a tree. When he throws up his shoe to knock it down, that gets stuck too and before long a whole host of funny things end up stuck in the tree! Will Floyd get his kite back?

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Superworm by Julia Donaldson saves the day in all sorts of ways and is loved by his friends. But who will save Superworm when he is captured by a wicked Wizard Lizard?

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Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig is the story of a donkey who accidentally turns himself into a rock with a magic pebble. His family are distraught when they discover him missing and Sylvester desperately tries to find a way back to them.

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Tabby McTat: The Musical Cat by Julia Donaldson. Tabby McTat sings all day long with Fred the busker, until the day they are separated. How will they find each other again?

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Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox shares a simple message of diversity and tolerance with our very youngest citizens.

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Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey is about a horse who dreams of being a unicorn but when her dream unexpectedly comes true she learns a lesson in loving yourself…even without sparkles!

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There’s a Hippopotamus on the Roof Eating Cake by Hazel Edwards. There is an imaginary Hippo who can do whatever he likes up on the roof. In fact, he does all the things a little girl wishes she could, but is not allowed!

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This is a Ball by Beck and Matt Stanton is a fun interactive book that is sure to drive your children crazy! A great picture book to read aloud to preschoolers!

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Thomas’ Snowsuit by Robert Munsch. A hilarious story about Thomas who is not happy with his new snowsuit and despite the pleas of his mother, teacher and even school principal, he refuses to wear it.

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The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr. When the doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea they certainly don’t expect to see a big furry, stripy tiger at the door!

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Time for Bed by Mem Fox is a peaceful rhyme about baby animals going to sleep. A perfect sleepy time read aloud book for toddlers.

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The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle. In autumn, a strong wind blows flower seeds high in the air and carries them far across the land. One by one, many of the seeds are lost until only the tiniest seed remains.

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The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland. Four animal friends take shelter from the rain in a cave, only to find it is already occupied by a very cranky bear. Can the well meaning friends find a way to help the bear feel happier?

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is the beloved tale of a voracious caterpillar who eats his way through the days of the week before changing into a beautiful butterfly.

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We’re Going on A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen deserves a place on every family bookshelf. This classic tale of a family headed off on a bear hunt engages children with it’s engaging chant.

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What the Ladybug Heard by Julia Donaldson is a fabulous romp through a farmyard as the animals band together to stop a team of rascally robbers from stealing the farmer’s fine prize cow.

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Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek is one of the BEST read aloud books for toddlers! This clever story features red sheep and blue sheep, wind sheep and wave sheep, scared sheep and brave sheep, but where is the green sheep?

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Where’s My Teddy? by Jez Alborough. Eddie’s in for the surprise of his life when he discovers that his teddy bear has grown much too big to cuddle… but is this teddy really his???

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Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman. Love is the greatest gift we have to give our children, it’s the one thing they can carry with them each and every day and this book is a celebration of the love a parent has for their child.

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The Wide Mouthed Frog by Keith Faulkner is about a curious frog who questions all of the animals about what they like to eat…until he meets one that likes to eat wide mouthed frogs!

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For more fun books featuring frogs, check out our collection of picture books about frogs.

The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith is a hilarious cumulative song, with each page telling us something new about the donkey until we end up with a spunky, hanky-panky, cranky, stinky, dinky, lanky, honky-tonky, winky, wonky donkey!

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The Worst Princess by Sara Ogilvie is the tale of a feisty princess as she escapes the clutches of a disappointing prince in a funny twist on the traditional princess tale.

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Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. When Max puts on a wolf suit and makes mischief his mother calls him ‘Wild Thing’ and sends him to bed without his supper in this award winning celebration of emotions, imagination and the power of home.

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Whiz Pop! Granny Stop! by Tracey Corderoy. Granny just loves to help- a little magic always speeds things along but her granddaughter wants to have her birthday the “normal” way — no magic!

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Wilfrid Gordon MacDonald Partridge by Mem Fox. Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge lives next door to a nursing home in which resides Miss Nancy, his favorite friend, because she has four names as well. When Miss Nancy “loses” her memory, Wilfrid sets out to find it for her in this book for reading aloud with children of all ages.

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Wolf’s Coming by Joe Kulka. A howl echoes through the forest, animals quickly stop what they’re doing and run for home. Look out–Wolf’s coming! But things are not as they seem in this suspenseful story.

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Wombat Stew by Marcia Vaughan. A dingo catches a wombat and begins to make wombat stew but he receives some rather unusual cooking advice from the other bush animals, unaware that they are protecting their friend, Wombat.

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For more read aloud picture books like Wombat Stew, check out our collection of picture books about Australian animals.

Zog by Julia Donaldson is the keenest dragon in school but he’s also the most accident-prone! Luckily, a mysterious little girl always comes by and patches up his bumps and bruises. But will she be able to help him with his toughest test- capturing a princess?

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Now that you have a heap of great read aloud book suggestions, be sure to check out our read aloud tips and make read aloud time your favorite part of the day!

The post 150+ Best Read Aloud Picture Books for Kids: As Voted by Parents appeared first on Childhood101.

As I shared in our previous list, 150 Best Kids Picture Books to Read Aloud, I recently asked friends of the Childhood 101 community to share their favorite read aloud book titles – both picture books and chapter books or novels.

This post shares 50 best chapter books to read aloud from that same survey, with titles that are suitable for children from kindergarten through middle grades, we suggest ages 6 to 12 years of age. I love that these are books that have been actually recommended by parents and teachers – making them great suggestions as classroom or family read aloud books!

Obviously those of you with children within this age range may have competent, independent readers and it’s possible that reading aloud to your child isn’t something that you spend a lot of time doing any more. With a voracious 10 year old reader in our home I completely understand but I would encourage you to consider continuing to read aloud together when you have the opportunity.

Why read aloud with older children?

Put simply, because books are full of words! Research has demonstrated that a well developed vocabulary has been linked to better school performance.

A child listen and understands at a higher level than they can read independently right up until they reach high school. Reading aloud allows your child to listen to and engage with texts that are beyond their own reading level, and this is great for vocabulary development.

Beyond that, books teach. Books invite conversations with children around important social issues and personal challenges, so when you are reading a book like this together you have a perfect opportunity for talking with your child around what can be tricky topics – like friendship, prejudice, bullying or homelessness.

Reading aloud with your child makes reading, and the relationship your child has with books more enjoyable, which will hopefully help to make books a place they turn to at times when they are in need of rest and relaxation. The magical escape into a great book can be a fabulous stress reliever.

We read with our daughters even once they developed into independent readers,  the way we spend our read aloud time has changed but it’s still an important part of our day.

For me it’s an important time for  connection. Whether I am reading – or she is – spending the time being physically close together – we usually hang out in her bed or mine – is important. It’s an easy way to maintain connection with an older child.

RELATED: Make read aloud time your favorite part of the day with these read aloud tips.

And so onto our list of the best chapter books to read aloud! Obviously the titles in this collection include books suitable for a broad age range and so each title is linked to Amazon (these are affiliate links) where you can find reviews and age recommendations for any you are not personally familiar with.

50 Best Read Aloud Chapter Books for Children Aged 6-12

The Adventures of the Wishing Chair by Enid Blyton
This was our first chapter book to read aloud with our eldest (now 16) fell in love with. It tells the story of Mollie and Peter and their discovery of a magic wishing chair that has the power to grow wings and fly. The chair takes on many fun adventures, introducing them to a host of magical folk along the way.

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The Animals of Farthing Wood by Colin Dann
The story of a group of animals who must band together when bulldozers enter their home, Farthing Wood. Will they all make it to the nature reserve at White Deer Park? A story of strength, endurance, compassion and love for all animals.

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The BFG by Roald Dahl
An orphan named Sophie is snatched from her bedroom one night by The Big Friendly Giant – a giant who likes to collect dreams rather than eating people (which is what all the other giants do!) The BFG and Sophie make a plan to rid the world of the bad giants once and for all.

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory is opening but only five lucky children will be allowed inside! Will the kind and honest Charlie Bucket be one of them? And what wonders will the children discover inside the gates of this wondrous factory?

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Charlotte’s Web by EB White
Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte’s spiderweb as she shares her feelings for a pig named Wilbur. A pig simply looking for a friend and the love of a girl named Fern, who saved his life.

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The Chronicles of Narnia series by CS Lewis
One of our favorite read aloud chapter books for nine year olds and up, Narnia if full of epic battles between good and evil, fantastic creatures, betrayals, heroic deeds, and friendships won and lost in an unforgettable world. The Chronicles of Narnia series of seven books has been enchanting readers of all ages for over sixty years.

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The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh by AA Milne
Meet Christopher Robin, Pooh Bear and their friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. This is a great read aloud for those just starting out with chapter books.

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Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl
Danny thinks his dad is the most wonderful and exciting father any boy ever had but Danny’s dad has a secret. This secret leads them both into the strangest adventure of their lives, and a daring plot that makes Danny the champion of the world.

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The Eighteenth Emergency by Betsy Byars
Benjie likes practical jokes but he’s a good kid who never meant to harm anyone. The same cannot be said for Marv Hammerman – he’s as big as a high schooler with the temper of a 2 year old. And Benjie has upset Marv with is practical jokes!

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Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
A fairy tale like no other, Ella is ‘gifted’ the gift of obedience. Ella must obey any order, whether it’s to hop on one foot or chop off her own head! But strong-willed Ella does not accept her fate and sets off on a quest to change her destiny.

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Escape from Mr Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
This one also tops our best chapter books for 8 year olds! When Kyle learns that the world’s most famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello, has designed the town’s new library and is having an invitation-only lock-in on opening night, he’s determined to be there. But once they are in, the kids have to get out and that is proving harder then they thought!

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Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull
Siblings Kendra and Seth have no idea that their grandfather is the caretaker of Fablehaven – a refuge where mystical creatures gather together to prevent their own extinction. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep the peace between trolls, satyrs,  witches and fairies. However, when the rules get broken powerful forces of evil are unleashed.

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The Fairy Realm by Emily Rodda
The first in a series of ten books following the adventures of Jessie whose grandmother happens to be a fairy queen who ran away to the human world to marry a human. The series chronicles Jessie’s travels into the magical world of the Fairy Realm.

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The Famous Five series by Enid Blyton
This is on of our family’s picks for best read aloud books series! Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog find excitement and adventure wherever they go in this exciting, classic series by Enid Blyton.

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Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl
This classic chapter book shares the story of Mr Fox, his adoring wife and their four small children as they continually outsmart three nasty, not so bright farmers who have teamed up to try to stop them stealing their livestock.

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Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown
Stanley Lambchop is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary problem. One night, a giant pinboard falls on top of him leaving him completely flat.At first it’s fun but then Stanley realises that it’s not always easy being different and he wishes he could be just like everybody else once again.

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Gangsta Granny by David Walliams
Ben’s granny is the boringest granny ever – she just wants to play Scrabble and eat soup. What Ben doesn’t know is that his granny is an international jewel thief and she needs his help!

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Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Harriet is a spy. She writes down everything she knows about (or think she knows) about everyone, even her classmates and her best friends. Then Harriet loses track of her notebook and it ends up in the wrong hands. Now Harriet must find a way to put her life and friendships back together.

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The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
On his eleventh birthday Harry Potter finds out he is a wizard with a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!

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I Am David by Anne Holm
David’s entire life has been spent in a prison camp in Eastern Europe. He knows nothing of the outside world. But when he is given the chance to escape, he seizes it. Does he know enough to survive?

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The Indian in the Cupboard series by Lynne Reid Banks
When Omri receives a plastic Indian figure for his birthday he is disappointed and puts it into a metal cupboard, locking the door with a mysterious key that once belonged to his great-grandmother. The cupboard is magical and transforms his plastic warrior into a real man.

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James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
After James Henry Trotter’s parents are eaten by a rhinoceros he goes to live with his two horrible aunts, Spiker and Sponge. Life there is no fun until James accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree. The peach at the top of the tree grows as big as a house.  Inside James meets a bunch of oversized insects and the great adventure begins!

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The Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer
This fabulous fantasy book series begins with The Wishing Spell and an introduction to Alex and Connor, twins who are about to discover that their grandmother is really the Fairy Godmother in an alternative, fairy tale world called The Land of Stories.

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The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
A classic, autobiographical series of historical stories about the life of a family of five in Pepin, Wisconsin in the 1800s.

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The Magic Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton
Joe, Bess and Fanny move discover an Enchanted Wood on the doorstep of their new home. Within the forest they find the Magic Faraway Tree and their many magical adventures begin!

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The Magic Pudding by Norman Lindsay
The classic Australian story of a magic pudding which, no matter how often it is eaten, always re-forms to be eaten again. It is owned by three companions who must defend it against the Pudding Thieves who want it for themselves!

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The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
This classic chapter book series takes children on an new adventure to an alternative time and place with each book – from prehistoric dinosaur times to ancient Egypt and everywhere in between. Great for children new to chapter books, start with book one, Valley of the Dinosaurs.

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The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo
Orphan Peter must know if his sister is alive and the fortune teller’s mysterious answer – an elephant will lead him there! – sets him off on a remarkable journey.

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Matilda by Roald Dahl
Matilda is an exceptional young girl but her parents think she’s just a nuisance and the kid-hating headmistress at her new school despises her (and all of the children). Matilda discovers her own inner strength with which to fight back and make life much more pleasant for all.

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The Midnight Fox by Betsy Byars
Tom is horrified when his parents tell him he has to stay on Aunt Millie’s farm while they are away. He finds country life every bit as strange as he feared until he discovers a fascinating, rare black fox with green eyes. When her life -and that of her cub- is in danger Tom knows exactly what he must do.

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Milly Molly Mandy by Joyce Lankster Brisley
This simple series of early chapter book stories explores the busy adventures of Milly Molly Mandy’s in a small village in the countryside. Engaging for younger readers.

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The Midnight Gang by David Walliams
Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except for the Midnight Gang! That is when this group of five hospitalised children begin their quest for adventure.

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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
The story of a beloved china rabbit – Edward, the property of a girl named Abilene, who is lost and must find his way home again.

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Mr Stink by David Walliams
When Chloe hears that the local tramp is to be driven out of town she decides to hide him in the garden shed. It’s true, he smells a bit but there might just be more to Mr Stink than people think.

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My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
A young boy, Elmer Elevator, runs away to Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon. This award winning novel is the first in a trilogy – followed by Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland.

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My Naughty Little Sister by Dorothy Edwards
This series of short, beginning chapter books share the trials and tribulations of a mischievous little sister who is always getting into trouble!

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The One and Only Ivan by Kathryn Applegate
The story Ivan is an easy-going gorilla who has spent his life performing for the crowds at a shopping mall. He rarely thinks about life in the jungle until everything changes when a baby elephant called Ruby arrives and Ivan realizes he must find a new life for them both.

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The Pinballs by Betsy Byars
The story of three foster children (pre-teen/early teens), each from difficult circumstances, who learn to work together to solve problems instead of feeling sorry for themselves.

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Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lingren
Tommy and Annika have a new neighbour. Her name is Pippi Longstocking and she has crazy red pigtails, no parents to tell her what to do, a horse that lives on her porch, and a flair for the outrageous that leads them on one adventure after another!

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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Delois Taylor
This is the first in a trilogy about an African American family in Mississippi during the Great Depression. It explore the importance of family ties, prejudice and racism, told through the voice of a nine year old girl.

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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The story of spoiled orphan Mary Lennox who is sent to live in a lonely mansion in Yorkshire where she discovers a magical world on the other side of a locked garden door. Mary decides to bring the abandoned garden she finds there back to life and, in doing so, changes her own forever.

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Tales of Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
The first in the Fudge series of five books, introducing Peter and his annoying little brother, whom everyone calls ‘Fudge.’ Everyone likes Fudge because he’s the cute one but Peter just finds him and his antics downright annoying!

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Tashi by Anna Fienberg, Barbara Fienberg and Kim Gamble
Brave Tashi is Jack’s imaginary friend. Tashi is a gnome and a storyteller – relaying captivating tales of his bold adventures and close escapes from ghosts, giants and other menacing mystical and magical folk.

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The Three Doors trilogy by Emily Rodda
In the walled city of Weld lives Rye and his family. They know well to shelter from the dangerous world outside the wall of the city, until one day a reward is offered to to anyone who will go and defeat an enemy beyond the walls. When Rye’s brothers try and and fail, Rye begins a quest to find his brothers and reunite his family.

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Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
The first in a fantasy adventure series featuring Princess Celie, her family and their rather unusual castle. On Tuesdays, the Castle Glower often adds or re-configures the rooms of the castle and Celie loves the challenge of attempting to map her enchanted home. But when Celie’s parents disappear, Celie’s knowledge of their castle could be what saves the kingdom and her family.

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The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is–but she knows she needs to survive.

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The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
The classic tale of Mole, Ratty, Badger and the lovable rogue, Mr Toad, and their adventures on the riverbank. This is one of our personal favorites.

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Wonder by RJ Palacio
Auggie is starting fifth grade. He has never been to regular school, and he has a facial deformity. Auggie wants to be treated like a normal boy but must constantly deal with the reactions to his unusual appearance – from both peers and adults. Wonder also makes a great family read aloud, providing a wonderful opportunity to discuss empathy, compassion and acceptance together.

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Why the Whales Came by Michael Murpurgo
Living on a remote island during World War I, Gracie and Daniel have always been warned to stay away from the Birdman. But then, they find a message in the sand and discover the Birdman is not who they thought. A story about war and perceptions and prejudice to get children thinking.

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For those who are on the hunt for picture books to read aloud, be sure to check out the picture books version of our list – 150 Best Kids Picture Books to Read Aloud.

More Best Read Aloud Books for Kids

For more like our picks for best read aloud books, check out these related posts;

150+ Read Aloud Picture Books

25 Classic Chapter Books to Read with 5-8 Year Olds

45 Read Aloud Tips

The post 50 Best Read Aloud Chapter Books for Children Ages 6-12 Years appeared first on Childhood101.

However, whatever age or stage your child is in, preparing for this transition is a really important step in this big life change.

For us, it was Immy starting kindergarten. And despite my experiences as an early childhood teacher working in both child care centres and kindergarten, helping hundreds of families with this very transition, I cried buckets! Immy, well, she was just fine!

Many children start at an early learning service with very few experiences of being cared for by anyone other than their parents or other immediate family members and so it is reasonable to expect a degree of separation anxiety as they settle in.

However, every child can experience periods of anxiety around attending care at some stage – it might be on the first day, or some time later. It might be because of a change of service, or changes within the staffing team at your regular center.

Think about the anxiety you feel about starting a new job. In the same way, it takes time for children and families to form bonds and feel comfortable with new adults, with different groups of children, and to adjust to new settings and routines. There are however a number of things you can do to help your child (and family) prepare for this new stage.

9 Tips for Starting Day Care, Preschool or Kindy

1. Choose the right service for your family
The first step in easing your child’s transition is choosing the best care option for your child within your local area – whether that be family day care, center based child care, preschool or kindergarten. You will feel much more comfortable sending them off on this new adventure if you are confident that you have chosen the care option and individual service that best suits your child and family.

2. Spend time getting ready together
Talk gently with your child about the upcoming transition, being mindful that the aim is to prepare your child for what is ahead without making them overly anxious or too excited. Take them shopping for a new backpack or lunch box and drink bottle just for ‘school.’ Read stories about starting child care or kindergarten. These types of interactions will help to create a bridge between home and school.

3. Take advantage of any orientation opportunities offered by the service
The aim of orientation sessions is to provide your child with a chance to become familiar with the physical space, staff, routines and other children. It is a great idea to start visiting the service a few weeks before your child starts care, and multiple visits are very valuable.

4. Work together with your service to provide the best care and education for your child
The importance of positive family-school communication cannot be underestimated when it comes to quality early childhood programs, after all the family is the richest source of information about the individual child and a true learning community welcomes the contributions of all of its members. Both the centre/school and the individual family share responsibility for regular communication about the child.

With regards to children starting in a new program or service, many preschools will provide a survey or questionnaire about your child, their family, interests, development and routines in addition to a regular enrollment form (like the sample shown below). This information is important for helping staff welcome your child into the service and for adjusting routines and programs to incorporate their individual needs for care and the learning program.

This free printable All About Me survey sheet is available as a complimentary download for families and those providing an early education service for children. Download here.

5. Develop a morning routine
Being prepared and organized with a regular morning routine will help you to start the day calmly and without rushing. You can find out more about our morning routine here.

6. When the time comes, send them off with a piece of ‘family’
Taking along a family photo, their regular comforter or a favorite (small) soft toy is a lovely way for your child to take a little piece of familiar home and family with them on their new adventure.

7. Acknowledge your own anxiety privately
It’s important to model a sense of confidence and calm to your child as children are very perceptive and will sense how you feel about the upcoming transition, however it is perfectly understandable if you need to take a private moment to acknowledge your own feelings about the change.

8. Don’t be afraid to check in if you feel you need to
Do not hesitate to call your child’s service if you are worried about how they have settled. When you collect your child, ask staff how the day went and check their daily record sheet or program for further information about your child’s day. These snippets of information will help you to talk with your child about their day.

9. When your child is upset
Some children will get upset when it comes to drop off time. If this happens, try;

• Taking advantage of any opportunity offered to go into the room to settle your child to an activity. Once children are engaged in play, it is often easier for them to separate from you.
• Say goodbye and tell your child in a non-clock way when you will be back to pick him/her up (for example, after you’ve had morning tea or after rest time).
• Resist the urge to hang around after saying goodbye.
• If your child is upset, leave them with a staff member. Experienced staff will have a myriad of techniques for supporting your child through their anxiety once you are gone.
• For children experiencing ongoing tears and anxiety at drop off time, consider if it is a general problem of anxiety about attending care or more a case of difficulty separating from Mum or Dad.  If separation from one parent is the problem then consider making short term arrangements for the other parent or another family member to assume drop off responsibility.  A short period with an alternative drop off person can work to break the anxiety cycle for some children.

More Starting Preschool Tips & Resources

For more tips for starting preschool or daycare, check out these related posts;

10 Books About Starting Preschool

Printable Morning Routine Cards

101 Social Skills Books for Kids

The post 9 Tips for Starting Child Care, Preschool or Kindergarten appeared first on Childhood101.