• Home »
  • Lists »
  • Great Family Read-Alouds: Shorter Stories to Share

List

Great Family Read-Alouds: Shorter Stories to Share

By Skokie Staff Youth Services

Even when the kids are older and ready for chapter books, reading aloud together is still a great way to share stories--whether it's at the end of the day, on vacation, on a rainy day, on a snowy day, whenever! These titles are long enough to enjoy in one sitting or a few sittings for families with kids in early elementary grades.

  • Anna Hibiscus

    2010 by Atinuke

    This is a fun book to read about a family living in Africa. As much as Anna Hibiscus loves her home, she also dreams of snow. Each chapter is its own little story, making it a fantastic read aloud.

    Get this item

  • Mercy Watson to the Rescue

    2005 by DiCamillo, Kate

    Who can resist a pig full of personality? This early chapter book series is filled with adventure, humor, and full-color pictures, making it a fun read-aloud for families looking for something longer than picture books.

    Get this item

  • Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face and the Badness of Badgers

    2017 by Dougherty, John

    Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face is filled with jokes and songs and extremely silly characters. It's the perfect read-aloud for comedy lovers, made even better because you're laughing together.

    Get this item

  • Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices

    1988 by Fleischman, Paul

    This is a different kind of read-aloud: one that is meant for two voices. Each poem in this collection weaves voices together, creating interpretations of sounds and patterns made by insects. It's so much fun!

    Get this item

  • Kondo & Kezumi Visit Giant Island

    2020 by Goodner, David

    This is a fun story of friendship and adventure that's filled with lots of great color illustrations. If you like this one, there are more Kondo & Kezumi stories!

    Get this item

  • Words with Wings

    2013 by Grimes, Nikki

    Nikki Grimes writes poems like thoughts appearing in your head. It's beautiful to experience them as they're written on the page and another joyful experience to read them out loud, each word honest and true.

    Get this item

  • The Brambly Hedge Complete Collection

    2018 by Barklem, Jill

    The mice of Brambly Hedge have a strong, thriving community filled with love and adventure. Told as seasonal stories, Brambly Hedge can be enjoyed together as a collection or as separate stories--perfect to wind down from a busy day.

    Get this item

  • Space, Humans, and Farts

    2017 by Gutman, Dan

    Here's a great opportunity for learning and laughter. Filled with fascinating facts and plenty of ridiculous jokes, this is a great book to enjoy with a very silly person who likes to learn.

    Get this item

  • You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Fairy Tales to Read Together

    2004 by Hoberman, Mary Ann

    This is a fun series to try reading together to help kids build confidence while enjoying familiar tales told in two voices. Also in the series: Mother Goose rhymes, scary stories, and more.

    Get this item

  • The Book with No Pictures

    2014 by Novak, B. J.

    This is a quick read and the perfect book to pick up after a long, hard day to get everyone laughing!

    Get this item

  • The Storm

    2002 by Rylant, Cynthia

    Pandora the cat becomes a lighthouse keeper and saves the life of Seabold the dog, and together the two of them create a family with three young mice rescued from the sea. A series of eight wonderful stories, perfect for curling up with.

    Get this item

  • Higglety Pigglety Pop! or, There Must Be More to Life

    2001 by Sendak, Maurice

    A quirky and creative long-form picture book with adventure, theater, and larger than life characters? This book has it all. You won't find a better or more fun read-aloud.

    Get this item

  • Skunk and Badger

    2020 by Timberlake, Amy

    This is a funny story about a pair of unlikely roommates. Can a Badger learn to tolerate a Skunk? And, wait... what about the chickens?! This is a fun read and also fabulous to share as an audiobook!

    Get this item

  • Lulu and the Brontosaurus

    2010 by Viorst, Judith

    Lulu really wants a brontosaurus and is determined to find one. But what does the brontosaurus want? This funny book is great for sharing!

    Get this item