Reading out loud to your kids has so many benefits. It not only helps them improve their own reading skills, but it’s also a really great bonding time.

If you’re going to take the time to read to your kids, you may as well enjoy the content yourself, no? Here are 20 fantastic books that can be enjoyable for both you and your kids as you read together.

1. The Chronicles of Narnia Series by C.S. Lewis

I love this series because each book is great as a stand-alone story, but they all fit well together in the overarching themes and plot of the series. A truly fun read that our kids love.

2. The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne

This series isn’t my favorite as an adult, but I do love that it helps our kids learn so much about so many different things. These books are a very simple read, which can also be nice before bed because you can read and turn your brain off if needed.

3. Harry Potter Series Books 1-3 by J. K. Rowling

How could this list be complete without Harry Potter? Our kids love these books. I love reading them because the magic is fun, and there are so many good themes about the power of friendship, love, and being a kind person under pressure. I only include the first three books here because I think the next four in the series are more appropriate for an older audience. By the way, if you haven’t listened to these, the two audio options in English (Jim Dale or Stephen Fry) are excellent. 

4. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Not only is this story fun and engaging for kids of many ages, but the art draws one in too. Maurice Sendak is a fun author and kids love this story.

6. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; Matilda; The Witches; James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl’s stories are whimsical, interesting, entertaining, and fun without being too didactic. We listened to these audiobooks one summer and it was a great way to pass the time in the car.

8. A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek

This is a really fun book that kids love which can also help them learn how to express their feelings in a healthy way. Sometimes the most effective way to handle emotions positively is “name to tame” them (you’ll learn more about this in our Parenting With Peace course!). Many kids simply don’t have the vocabulary for certain feelings and this is a great way to help them develop those tools.

9. The Captain Underpants Series by Dav Pilkey

What kid doesn’t love silly stories, kid-led adventures, and the occasional toilet joke? The art is also really fun and enjoyable for kids. Books like these with lots of words and lots of pictures are great transitions to bigger chapter books with less pictures.

10. The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne

These are fun, innocent, and sweet stories. Our kids love the characters of Winnie-the-Pooh and have often pretended to be in the Hundred-Acre Wood after we’ve read these stories.

11. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

This is a classic but I’ll share my unpopular opinion — it’s not my favorite! However, I included it on the list because our kids enjoyed it and because it’s a classic.

12. My Father’s Dragon Triology by Ruth Stiles Gannett

When I was a kid, I absolutely loved this series! The story mesmerized me and the illustrations were interesting. What more could a kid want?

13. No Means No! by Jayneen Sanders

This is such a great book for teaching kids about body safety and having autonomy for their own body. I wish this book had been around when I was a kid! Hopefully, we teach our kids that they can choose whom they hug and kiss but it’s always helpful to have these concepts in written and picture form to solidify them.

14. The Berestain Bears Series by Mike Berenstain

These are fun books. I enjoyed reading them as a kid and they are fun to read to my kids now. They are entertaining and also teach great concepts.

15. My Body! What I Say Goes! by Jayneen Sanders

This book is a great way to help kids learn about body safety. I also love that it emphasizes having a safety network, or a list of 3-5 trusted adults that kids can talk to. It’s always helpful to have these concepts reiterated more than once and reading a fun book like this is an easy and fun way to do that.

16. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault

This is a catchy and simple book but addictive to kids! It’s clever and an easy read so it might be better for the younger end of 4-5 year olds.

17. Let’s talk about Body Boundaries, Consent, & Respect by Jayneen Sanders

If you can’t tell yet, I’m a big fan of Jayneen Sanders’ work! Consent is something we expect out of teens and adults but in my opinion, we don’t practice it enough with our little ones. This book educated me just as much, if not more, as our children.

18. Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. by Kristen A Jenson, MA

In our digital age, I believe books like this are crucial! Pornography and other inappropriate media are harmful for young minds. I love that this book teaches what to do when someone comes across it. It’s also fun as you read it again and again to look for the camera on each page.

19. Press Here by Hervé Tullet

This is a fun book that invites as much interaction as it does provide fun images. It’s very unique and a fun read. I adore it and love reading it to our kids.

20. Wayside School Series by Louis Sachar

This is one of my favorite series! It’s hilarious, the stories are silly, and it’s just interesting. Books like this help me have a little more humor and lightheartedness.

Well that’s a wrap! I hope you enjoy these books. What are your favorite books to read to your kids? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments!