10 Fun Books Your Kids Will Want To Read Again and Again
A bedtime story isn't just a great way to get your kids to calm down so they can sleep through the night, it's also an opportunity to spend quality time with your children, pass on valuable morals, and inspire an interest in books that just might last a lifetime. The wonderful works listed here are sure to draw you and your little ones in with colorful illustrations, memorable characters, and fun, witty writing. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Children's Books: Our 10 Picks
| Title | Author(s) | Illustrator(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Giraffes Ruin Everything | Heidi Schulz | Chris Robertson |
| 2. | While You Were Napping | Jenny Offill | Barry Blitt |
| 3. | I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! | Karen Beaumont | David Catrow |
| 4. | Walter the Farting Dog: Banned From the Beach | William Kotzwinkle, Glenn Murray, & Elizabeth Gundy | Audrey Colman |
| 5. | The Cow Who Clucked | Denise Fleming | Denise Fleming |
| 6. | Silly Kitty & Funny Hunny: The Ninja Pup | Rebecca Lynn Morales & Gabriel Morales | Rebecca Lynn Morales & Gabriel Morales |
| 7. | If Your Monster Won’t Go to Bed | Denise Vega | Zachariah OHora |
| 8. | Baby Brains and RoboMom | Simon James | Simon James |
| 9. | Mouse Was Mad | Linda Urban | Henry Cole |
| 10. | Dumpy La Rue | Elizabeth Winthrop | Betsy Lewin |
How to Encourage Kids to Read
A great way to start is to get a bookshelf for your child's room. If they have access to their own collection of books, it'll be easy for them to read at their own pace. And if they're looking at the shelf everyday, reading will always be on their mind. It's also important to give your kids a comfortable place to sit. This can be anything from a rocking chair to a couch to a dedicated reading nook. If they have a space that's just for them, it makes reading time all the more special. As they grow, your young ones will start to read more challenging books with words they don't know. Encourage them to look up unfamiliar terms in the dictionary so they can expand their vocabulary. Finally, if you're having trouble getting your kid interested in books in the first place, try bridging the gap between visual media and literature with graphic novels.
Literary Charities
If you want to spread your love of literature with those in need, then you should consider looking into these non-profit organizations that help kids and teens get access to books and high-quality education.
Why We Should Read Aloud to Children
In Depth
Reading out loud to your child is one of the best gifts you can give them. A good book can spark a child's imagination with quirky characters, colorful illustrations, and hilarious circumstances. In no particular order, here are 10 fun books to add to your home library that your kids will ask for over and over.
At #1 is "Giraffes Ruin Everything," written by Heidi Schulz and illustrated by Chris Robertson. Being friends with a giraffe is rough. They have a habit of ruining everything from birthday parties to going to the movies. But as the narrator gets into some sticky situations, we learn that giraffes can be helpful after all. Pastel cartoons accentuate this heartwarming tale about accepting friends as they are.
For #2 we have "While You Were Napping," written by Jenny Offill and illustrated by Barry Blitt. In this hilarious story we meet a big sister who is delighted to tell her brother about all the fun he's missed while napping. The neighborhood kids come over for a nonstop party complete with pirates, robots, dinosaur bones, and french fry sandwiches. Minimal words and watercolor illustrations bring this big sister's wild imagination to life.
Minimal words and watercolor illustrations bring this big sister's wild imagination to life.
Coming in at #3 is "I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!" written by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by David Catrow. After catching her son painting all over the house, Mama sends him to the bathtub with strict orders to "paint no more." What's a boy to do? Paint all over his body, of course. Based on the song "It Ain't Gonna Rain No More," this rhythmic story is filled with vibrant images that complement the book's silly tone.
#4 is "Walter the Farting Dog: Banned From the Beach," written by William Kotzwinkle, Glenn Murray, and Elizabeth Gundy, with illustrations by Audrey Colman. After blowing away a beach umbrella with a gigantic fart, Walter the dog has to spend his vacation stuck inside the beach house. Meanwhile, Walter's family is whisked out to sea at high tide while hunting for treasures. Can Walter redeem himself and save the family with his flatulence?
At #5 is "The Cow Who Clucked," written and illustrated by Denise Fleming. Cow has lost her moo and is stuck clucking instead. She enlists all her barnyard friends on a quest to find her moo. After searching the countryside, Cow returns to the barn to discover Hen is the culprit. The story's simple repetition and colorful Van Gogh-inspired visuals will appeal to preschoolers.
Cow has lost her moo and is stuck clucking instead.
For #6 we have "Silly Kitty and Funny Hunny: The Ninja Pup" by Rebecca Morales and Gabriel Morales. Join Miss Kitty as she helps train Hunny Pup for a karate tournament. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons in self-confidence, determination, and self-control. The fun characters and the presence of ninjas will be sure to garner your kids' interest.
#7 is "If Your Monster Won't Go to Bed," written by Denise Vega and illustrated by Zachariah OHora. Winner of the Crystal Kite Award, this humorous story gives step-by-step instructions for putting your monster to bed. According to the narrator, parents may know a thing or two about putting kids to bed, but they are no help when it comes to monsters. The characters are inviting and likable, making this a rewarding bedtime story.
Coming in at #8 is "Baby Brains and RoboMom" by Simon James. On a mission to help his worn-out parents, Baby Brains spends all night building "RoboMom" to handle the household chores. When RoboMom takes on too much, she malfunctions and makes a series of hilarious mistakes. You might find yourself giggling along with the kids at the misadventures of this intelligent baby.
You might find yourself giggling along with the kids at the misadventures of this intelligent baby.
At #9 is "Mouse Was Mad," written by Linda Urban and illustrated by Henry Cole. With a little help from his friends, Mouse discovers being still and quiet when angry might be the best course of action. Ideal for young children, this gentle tale about anger management and being true to yourself has playful language and expressive pictures.
Finally, at #10 is "Dumpy La Rue," written by Elizabeth Winthrop and illustrated by Betsy Lewin. Dumpy knows in his heart he was born to be a dancer, and he won't let anything stop him. In this uplifting tale, readers join Dumpy and his barnyard friends as they journey from farm to fame. With catchy rhymes and a charming protagonist with a silly name, the story brings home the message of being yourself and following your dreams.
