Preschool readalouds are such a wonderful time for kids and a great way to nurture a love for reading. For this list, we focused on books that are enjoyable to read out loud. Think books with silly plots, delightful rhyming, and fit for a wide audience range. If you’ve been looking for preschool readaloud picture books, you’re welcome!
40 Best Preschool Readaloud Picture Books to Try
Here are 40 of the best preschool readaloud picture books for your class:
Rhyming Dust Bunnies
Published: January 6, 2009
Bug! Rug! Mug! Hug! These dust bunnies love to rhyme. Well, except for Bob. Much to the other bunnies’ frustration, Bob can never get the rhythm right. Then he saves everyone from a big, scary monster wielding—gasp!—a broom, and they all breathe a sigh of relief. But can Bob save them from the big, scary monster’s next attack? Vrrrrrroooommm . . .
Pig the Slob
Published: November 10, 2020
Pug was a Pug,and I’m sorry to say,he was shockingly lazy.Such a shameful display…Pig, the world’s greediest pug, is back — and he won’t get off the couch! Pig spends all day, every day lounging around, binging snacks and TV. Trevor tries to convince him to come out and play, but Pig won’t budge! Until one day, something happens to get Pig up off the couch once and for all…Rich with author-illustrator Aaron Blabey’s signature rhyming text and unforgettable illustrations, Pig the Slob is a laugh-out-loud story that follows the seven previous books in the series (Pig the Pug, Pig the Winner, Pig the Elf, Pig the Star, Pig the Fibber, Pig the Stinker, and Pig the Tourist).
Dandy
Published: April 2, 2019
When Daddy spots a solitary weed in his lawn, he’s appalled (along with all of his neighborhood friends). But his daughter Sweetie has fallen in love with the beautiful flower, even going so far as to name it Charlotte. Racing against time and the mockery of his friends, Daddy has to find a way to get rid of the errant dandelion without breaking his little girl’s heart.
Chez Bob
Published: September 28, 2021
Welcome to Chez Bob, which seems like a real restaurant…until you realize…it’s on an alligator’s NOSE! Bob’s got a hidden plan for his customers: “Birds will come to eat, but I will eat the birds!” As they fly in from all over the world to dine on Bob’s face, something starts to happen that takes the lazy, hungry reptile by surprise — the birds stay. “More yummy birds!” he rejoices — he’ll want for nothing! But when the time is right, will Bob make the right choice?
Chairs on Strike
Published: July 28, 2021
The classroom chairs have had enough!
You know, sitting’s not the only thing
That happens in our seats.
Sometimes, a kid sits pretzel-style,
And we have to smell their feet!
They All Saw A Cat
Published: August 30, 2016
The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws . . . In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see?
Super Rooster Saves the Day
Published: October 6, 2020
Ralph the rooster has big dreams of becoming a superhero. But the other farm animals aren’t so sure―except for Rosie the pig, that is. She’s Ralph’s best friend, and she believes in him. As Ralph and Rosie hang around the farm, there are just no opportunities to be a superhero and save the day…until the farmer turns on the radio, and the “Chicken Dance” song starts playing. POW-WOW! Suddenly it seems that Ralph may have some super powers after all…or does he? Join Ralph and Rosie as they prove that believing in yourself and being a good friend is what makes a true superhero.
Kindness Rocks
Published: September 25, 2019
Little Clara enjoys painting cute messages on rocks and leaving them for people to read. One day a turtle feeling down and out passes by Clara’s house. Upon seeing the messages on the rocks he is rejuvenated and rushes home to share the messages with his friends.
The Worrysaurus
Published: November 14, 2019
A fun and reassuring tale about dealing with worries from the author of the bestselling The Lion Inside. It’s a beautiful day and Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic. But it isn’t long before a small butterfly of worry starts fluttering in his tummy…
What if he hasn’t brought enough to eat?What if he gets lost in the jungle?What if he trips and falls?What if it rains?! Can Worrysaurus find a way to chase his fears away and have fun? The perfect book to help every anxious little dinosaur let go of their fears and feel happy in the moment.
Scooper and Dumper and Pink Is Not a Color
Published: January 1, 2021
The best of friends, Scooper the front loader and Dumper the snowplow take care of their town in all kinds of weather. One day a snowstorm hits, and the big city needs their help to clear the roads. Each of them must be brave in their own way to get the job done.
Published: July 1, 2022
Pink loves her rosy world, from her pink toy dinosaur to her pet flamingo, Phil. But when she sees the Primaries and Secondaries getting ready for the Rainbow Extravaganza, she begins to wonder why she isn’t in the rainbow…and if that means she’s not really a color. Then she meets the Tints, and she’s even more confused. Luckily, a friend shows her the many ways she spreads joy―reminding Pink that she is truly one of a kind, rainbow or not.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Published: September 22, 2009
A told B,
and B told C,
“I’ll meet you at the
top of the coconut tree”
It Is (Not) Perfect
Published: May 12, 2020
Two fuzzy creatures are happily putting the finishing touches on their sandcastle when each of them thinks of something that would make it even better. As they work furiously to incorporate each new change, their tiny sandcastle becomes an over-the-top palace…but is it really perfect?
Crunch, the Shy Dinosaur
Published: May 29, 2018
Crunch is a lovely and quiet brontosaurus who has hidden himself in some shubbery and is rather shy. He would like to play, but it will require some gentle coaxing from you! If you are patient and encouraging, you will find yourself with a new friend!
Off-Limits
Published: November 4, 2021
Dad’s office is “off-limits” – which only makes it more intriguing to his curious young daughter. As soon as she sees an opening, she sneaks in to have a look around. After all, there’s no harm in just looking, right? What she discovers is a magical wonderland of sticky tape, paper clips that make glorious strands, and a kaleidoscopic array of sticky notes. Who could possibly resist playing with those? In a joyful ode to office supplies, Helen Yoon leads a celebration of just-for-once breaking the rules – and offers a final, funny nod to adults who harbour a similar urge.
The Button Book
Published: January 14, 2020
Here’s a button. I wonder what happens when you press it?
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Published: October 6, 2015
If a hungry little mouse shows up on your doorstep, you might want to give him a cookie. And if you give him a cookie, he’ll ask for a glass of milk. He’ll want to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn’t have a milk mustache, and then he’ll ask for a pair of scissors to give himself a trim….
Ice Cream Soup
Published: May 16, 2013
What happens when you try to make an ice cream cake but add too many delicious toppings? You end up with ice cream soup!
I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More!
Published: April 1, 2005
When the child gets caught painting everything from the ceiling to the floor, Mama says “Ya ain’t a-gonna paint no more!” But nothing will keep this artist from painting! Written to the familiar tune “It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More,” the text bounces alongside vibrant stylized pen-and-ink drawings, while page-turns offer up a fun read-aloud guessing game in which kids will delightfully participate. What will the child paint next? “So I take some red and I paint my . . . HEAD!” Silliness paired with the ruckus read-aloud appeal will have every reader begging for repeat reads.
Little Blue Truck
Published: May 1, 2008
A muddy country road is no match for this little pick-up—that is, until he gets stuck while pushing a dump truck out of the muck.
Luckily, Blue has made a pack of farm animal friends along his route. And they’re willing to whatever it takes to get their pal back on the road.
Little Blue Truck is a joyful cacophony of animal and truck sounds that will have youngsters beeping and quacking—and begging for one more go-round!
Along the way, readers see that it pays to be kind to our animal friends. If we show a friendly respect to others, we’re more likely to get help when we’re, say, stuck in the muck in a truck!
Bathe the Cat
Published: February 8, 2022
Cats + water: What could go wrong? This riotous romp of a picture book follows a frantic family as they try to get some chores done—with no help from the family cat, who keeps scrambling the list of chores to hilarious effect. Get ready for a rollicking read-aloud with a truly purrfect ending.
It’s cleaning day, but the family cat will do anything to avoid getting a bath. So instead of mopping the floor or feeding the fish, the family is soon busy rocking the rug, vacuuming the lawn, and sweeping the dishes. Bouncy rhyme carries the story headlong into the growing hilarity, until finally Dad restores some kind of order—but will the cat avoid getting his whiskers wet?
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors
Published: April 4, 2017
You’ve played the game. Now read the legend of how it all began…
Long ago, in an ancient and distant realm called the Kingdom of Backyard, there lived a warrior named ROCK.
Meanwhile in the Empire of Mom’s Home Office, a second great warrior sought the glory of battle. And his name was PAPER.
At the same time, in the Kitchen Realm, in the tiny village of Junk Drawer, lived a third warrior. They called her SCISSORS.
These three were the strongest, smartest, and fastest in all the land. Time and again they beat the most fearsome opponents they could find: an apricot, a computer printer—even frozen, breaded, dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets! But when the warriors finally meet each other, the most epic round of battles begins… and never ends. That is why, to this day, children around the world honor these worthy adversaries by playing ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS!
Dancing Dinos Go to School
Published: April 25, 2012
Dinos dancing in a book.
Dinos leaping, look, look, look!
Dinos pasting red and blue.
Dinos wasting paint and glue!
Pigeon Wants A Puppy and My Friend Is Sad
Published: April 1, 2008
He really, really, REALLY wants one. He’ll take really good care of it! What’s the matter–don’t you want him to be happy?The latest book in the best-selling Pigeon series is the funniest one yet.
Published: April 1, 2007
Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.
Gerald and Piggie are best friends.
In My Friend is Sad, Gerald is sad. How can Piggie be happy if Gerald is sad?
Llama Llama Misses Mama
Published: March 19, 2009
Strange new teacher.
Strange new toys.
Lots of kids and lots of noise!
What would Llama like to do?
Llama Llama feels so new . . .
It’s Llama Llama’s first day of preschool! And Llama Llama’s mama makes sure he’s ready. They meet the teachers. See the other children. Look at all the books and games. But then it’s time for Mama to leave. And suddenly Llama Llama isn’t so excited anymore. Will Mama Llama come back?
Of course she will. But before she does, the other children show Llama Llama how much fun school can be!
The Bad Seed Goes to the Library and The Cool Bean
Published: March 29, 2022
The Bad Seed is in a good mood…for once. That’s because there’s a really cool book at the library available for checkout. The Bad Seed reads, and reads, until the book can’t be read anymore.
But suddenly, he gets bad news: The book must be returned to the library so another seed can enjoy it. Will the bad seed return to his baaaaaad ways and keep the book? Pick up this really cool book to find out!
Published: December 3, 2019
Everyone knows the cool beans. They’re sooooo cool.
And then there’s the uncool has-bean . . .
Always on the sidelines, one bean unsuccessfully tries everything he can to fit in with the crowd—until one day the cool beans show him how it’s done.
Prince and Knight
Published: May 1, 2018
In this modern fairy tale, a noble prince and a brave knight come together to defeat a terrible monster and in the process find true love in a most unexpected place.
“Thank you,” he told his parents.
“I appreciate that you tried,
but I’m looking for something special
in a partner by my side.”
Once upon a time, in a kingdom far from here, there was a prince in line to take the throne, so his parents set out to find him a kind and worthy bride. The three of them traveled the land far and wide, but the prince didn’t quite find what he was looking for in the princesses they met.
While they were away, a terrible dragon threatened their land, and all the soldiers fled. The prince rushed back to save his kingdom from the perilous beast and was met by a brave knight in a suit of brightly shining armor. Together they fought the dragon and discovered that special something the prince was looking for all along. This book is published in partnership with GLAAD to accelerate LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance.
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett
Published: January 17, 2012
A young girl and her box of magical yarn transform a community in this stunning picture book. With spare, gently humorous illustrations and a palette that moves from black-and-white to a range of color, this modern fairy tale has the feel of a new classic.
Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes
Published: July 26, 2011
Pete the Cat is rocking in his school shoes. Pete discovers the library, the lunch room, the playground, and lots of other cool places at school.
And no matter where he goes, Pete never stops moving and grooving and singing his song…because it’s all good.
Stomp, Wiggle, Clap, and Tap
Published: May 31, 2022
Toddlers are natural dancers and they love to move! Channel toddlers’ energy and help them develop balance, coordination, and control with the help of this engaging choice in dance books for toddlers. Moving along with the story will help stimulate little brains and provide a fun, creative way to build spatial awareness. Tons of colorful pictures offer toddlers visual clues for the movements, and rhyming words make reading aloud feel like music!
Elbow Grease
Published: October 9, 2018
Meet Elbow Grease, a little monster truck with a big problem! He’s smaller than his four brothers, but wants to prove that he has the guts and the grit to do big things. He decides that entering the Demolition Derby is the perfect way to show everyone that what he lacks in horsepower he makes up for in gumption. From multi-talented mega celebrity John Cena comes this exciting story about the importance of believing in yourself and never giving up. Full of high-octane illustrations and a new character kids will cheer for, this fun and fast-paced book proves that a little Elbow Grease . . . can go a long way!!
Dear Zoo
Published: December 10, 2019
Young readers will love lifting the flaps to discover the animals the zoo has sent as potential pets—a monkey, a lion, and even an elephant! But will they ever find the perfect fit for the family?
Dragons Love Tacos
Published: June 14, 2012
Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . . oh, boy. You’re in red-hot trouble.
This is a Ball
Published: June 13, 2017
The Books That Drive Kids CRAZY! series offers parents, teachers, and storytellers a hilarious script for fun reading time together. Book 2, This Is a Ball, is a boldly absurd spin-off of concept books, and an audaciously contrarian invitation for readers to practice deadpan delivery: after all, the picture on the cover clearly shows a cube, not a ball. The page that declares a princess is flying a kite at the beach shows an alien holding a balloon in a city…and on and on. What is WRONG with this silly book? Kids will demand to know–and all readers will be howling with laughter all along the way. With strikingly simple text and art, Books That Drive Kids CRAZY! are ideal picks for emergent readers.
Mixed: A Colorful Story
Published: July 3, 2018
In the beginning, there were three colors . . .
Reds,
Yellows,
and Blues.
All special in their own ways, all living in harmony―until one day, a Red says “Reds are the best!” and starts a color kerfuffle. When the colors decide to separate, is there anything that can change their minds?
A Yellow, a Blue, and a never-before-seen color might just save the day in this inspiring book about color, tolerance, and embracing differences.
That Monster on the Block
Published: October 1, 2020
Monster is excited to see what kind of creature will move into Vampire’s old house on the block. He even starts practicing his welcome growl for the new neighbor. But when the moving truck pulls up, it’s not a greedy goblin, an ogre, or a dastardly dragon that steps out. Instead, it’s something even more terrifying than Monster could have imagined! Monster quickly rallies the other neighbors to unite against the new guy on the block. But what if the new neighbor isn’t exactly as bad as Monster thinks? Join Monster as he confronts his fears in this charming and lighthearted look at what it means to accept others who are different from us.
Grumpy Monkey
Published: May 15, 2018
Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can’t understand it–how can he be in a bad mood when it’s SUCH a beautiful day? They have lots of suggestions for how to make him feel better. But Jim can’t take all the advice…and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?
Suzanne and Max Lang bring hilarity and levity to this very important lesson on emotional literacy, demonstrating to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings.
The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions
Published: September 4, 2018
One day, 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 little girl shows him what each feeling means through color. As this adorable monster learns to sort and define his mixed up emotions, he gains self-awareness and peace as a result. Everyone will enjoy sharing this concept book that taps into both socio-emotional growth and color concepts in a simple, friendly way.
Do Not Open This Book
Published: January 1, 2016
Oh! You opened the book. I assume that was an accident? No problem, accidents happen. I’m not even angry. Just please don’t turn the page! Monster will do anything for you to not open this book, but what will happen if you do? Young readers will love doing everything they are asked not to, and turning the pages to discover Monster’s hilarious secret at the end of this funny picture book. Do Not Open This Book is the hilarious, best-selling new book from Australian radio DJ and comedian Andy Lee.
There’s A Monster In Your Book
Published: September 5, 2017
With the irresistible pull of Hervé Tullet’s Press Here and the charm of The Monster at the End of This Book, this inviting and interactive read-aloud will have kids tilting, spinning, and shaking the book to get the adorable little monster out! That’s right! He’s out of the book . . . and in their room somewhere. OH-NO!!
Eek! Halloween!
Published: August 23, 2016
There’s a big round moon in a dark, dark sky. The chickens are nervous. Do you know why?
Strange things are happening. One chicken saw a pumpkin with flickering eyes, another spied a mouse of enormous size. They all saw a wizard and a witch, and a spooky robot. “WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? WHAT DOES IT MEAN? / Relax, silly chickens! It’s HALLOWEEN!”
Eek! Halloween! is a holiday favorite that’s all treat and no tricks. Oversized lap edition also available—perfect for reading aloud!
There they are: 40 of the best preschool readaloud picture books worth trying! Which of these books have you read and loved? Which ones did I miss?
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