As homeschool parents we spend a lot of time reading aloud to our kids. If you’re anything like me, there comes a point when you’re eager to share longer, more complex stories with your child, but they may not have the attention span or the maturity to listen to a whole chapter from your favorite classic.
Fortunately, there are many excellent books that can help your child make this transition. I’d suggest looking for two things: (1) picture books that pair longer, more substantial texts with a picture on every page and (2) chapter books with short chapters and plentiful illustrations that allow you to get through a whole book quickly. Keep your eye out for living books that engage your child with beautiful writing and excellent stories. Here are several that our family has enjoyed:
- Abraham Lincoln by Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaire
- The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
- The Brambly Hedge Series by Jill Barklem
- The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter
- James Herriot’s Treasury for Children
- Leif the Lucky by Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaire
- Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo
- Minn of the Mississippi by Holling Clancy Holling
- My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
- Nate the Great Series by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
- Paddle-to-the-Sea by Holling Clancy Holling
- Pagoo by Holling Clancy Holling
- Seabird by Holling Clancy Holling
- The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
- Wings for Per by Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaire
Need more book recommendations? You can find more of our booklists here:
- 100 Picture Books Every Homeschool Preschooler Should Know
- Favorite Chapter Book Read-Alouds for Early Elementary Kids
- 50+ Living Books for Late Elementary and Middle School Kids
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