Have you started reading chapter books to your children yet?
I decided to read aloud chapter books to my daughters when they were fairly young, around ages 3 and 4. I had already read numerous picture books to them (Hundreds!) and thought that it was time to introduce them to longer stories so that I could expand their horizons.
Plus, there were some classic chapter books that I was itching to read myself and thought, “Why not kill two birds with one stone by reading them to my kids?” (I’m big on time-savers.)
I knew that I was taking a chance cold reading them to my kids, but, when it comes to good content, I had come to trust the classics.
I thought I’d share with you some of the chapter books I read aloud to my kids and also include other classic chapter books that make good read alouds. I picked my top ten favorite authors and listed some of their works.
Whether your children are preschool age or older, I think they’ll enjoy these books.
*This post contains paid links. I earn a small commission from the sale of products purchased via these links. Please see my disclosure for details.
Top 10 Authors of Classic Chapter Books
L Frank Baum
While Baum is best known for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, he actually authored lots of other books for children. My kids enjoyed them all!
The Surprising Adventures of the Magical Monarch of Mo and His People
C.S. Lewis
No list of read aloud chapter books would be complete without the Chronicles of Narnia. Am I right?
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
J. R. R. Tolkien
The Hobbit is one of our all-time favorite read aloud stories. My youngest loved it SO much that she read Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books when she was in 2nd grade!
Lewis Carroll
I love the logical humor of Lewis Carroll’s books.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass
A.A. Milne
Winnie-the-Pooh. Need I say more?
The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh
Johnny Gruelle
I absolutely LOVE the adorableness of the Raggedy Ann stories.
Raggedy Ann and Andy and the Camel with Wrinkled Knees
Rudyard Kipling
“The Elephant’s Child” is one of my all-time favorite just so stories.
E.B. White
E.B. White, such a talented author.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Being a Midwesterner, I have a special preference for Mrs. Wilder’s books.
Charles Dickens
No list of classic books would be complete without Dickens.
A Christmas Carol
Of course, there are MANY more classics that make good read aloud chapter books. These are just some of my favorites. Which are YOUR favorites?