This Winter, if you feel like your family is stuck in a reading rut, it's time to add some fresh titles to your child's bookshelf. To help, we asked moms who have also been teachers to share some of their favorite children's stories [1]. Whether you have a color-loving toddler, a beginning reader needing practice, or a preteen looking for an exciting plot, there's something in here for kids of all ages.
Source: Shutterstock [2]
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
"[I] believe this book [3] is great for children from birth to about 8 years old as it is simple, has many concepts young children need to learn, and is an interesting story that can hold older children's interest." — Learning to Play and Playing to Learn [4]
Little Blue Truck
"For the under-2 crowd, I really enjoy the Little Blue Truck [5] by Alice Schertle. My two young sons love it and it's so fun to read. It also has a great message about helping others." — Growing Book by Book [6]
Dear Zoo
"Dear Zoo [7] — a very simple repeating story about different animals with flaps to lift, to help keep young children between the ages of 3 and 5 engaged." — Love, Laugh, and Learn [8]
The Animal Bop Won't Stop
"[The Animal Bop Won't Stop [9]] introduces children aged 3-7 to a variety of different animals and the movements and actions that they all make. A great starter for a dance or outdoor activity." — Love, Laugh, and Learn [10]
Elephant & Piggie Series
"This is a fabulous series for beginning readers. Kids really enjoy the characters' antics and it gives them a sense of confidence to be able to read the books independently. Any books by Mo Willems are favorites in our house, especially the Pigeon [11] series." — Mom to 2 Posh Little Divas [12]
Not a Box
"For preschoolers and kindergarteners, I love the story Not a Box [13] by Antoinette Portis. It's a simple book that inspires children to turn ordinary boxes into extraordinary rocket ships, boats, and more." — Playdough to Plato [14]
Chrysanthemum
"Chrysanthemum [15], by Kevin Henkes is an endearing story about our names and what makes us special. It is perfect for demonstrating empathy for children ages 4-8 and we adore sharing it with our class at the beginning of the school year." — Fluttering Through First Grade [16]
The Gruffalo
"The Gruffalo [17] [is] a lovely story especially suited to 3 to 7-year-olds with a repetitive pattern that children can join in with, and opportunities for lots of 'funny voices' when speaking as the different animals!" — Love, Laugh, and Learn [18]
Skippyjon Jones
"Another of my favorite series are the Skippyjon Jones [19] books for preschool [through] early elementary. My students and my girls really enjoy these books and they literally laugh out loud at all of Skippyjon Jones's antics." — Mom to 2 Posh Little Divas [20]
Mercy Watson
"The series Mercy Watson [21] by Kate DiCamillo is a guaranteed favorite for kindergarteners and first graders. Mercy is a most lovable pig who finds herself in the most entertaining and humorous adventures. It's a fun read for young and old alike." — Playdough to Plato [22]
Tops and Bottoms
"Tops and Bottoms [23], by Janet Stevens, is a great story about hard work and perseverance for ages 5-8." — Fluttering Through First Grade [24]
I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!
"Our all time favorite picture book is I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! [25] by Karen Beaumont. It is hilarious, and super-fun to read aloud with a strong southern accent. My kids laugh out loud at this book every single time." — Learning Table [26]
Geronimo Stilton
"Geronimo Stilton [27] is a great series for first through third graders. Geronimo is a playful mouse who enjoys solving mysteries, hunting for treasures and more." — Playdough to Plato [28]
Thunder Cake
"For ages 5 and up, I love anything by Patricia Polacco. One of my favorites is Thunder Cake [29]. It even has a recipe for making a tomato cake at the end." — Growing Book by Book [30]
Dancing in the Wings
"My favorite book to read to first graders was Dancing in the Wings [31] by Debbie Allen. It's about a tall, gangly girl named Sassy, who lives up to her name. She struggles to find where she fits in, and realizes that to fit in, she just needs to be herself." — My Flipped Classroom [32]
Because of Winn Dixie
"My favorite book to read to my third graders was Because of Winn Dixie [33], by Kate DiCamillo. I love this story because the characters are easy to relate to and it is very easy to get into character when reading it out loud." — My Flipped Classroom [34]
The Giving Tree
"The Giving Tree [35], by Shel Silverstein is a timeless classic that we adore sharing with kids of all ages. It is an amazing story about unconditional love, caring, and giving. We are never too old to learn how great it feels to give to others." — Fluttering Through First Grade [36]
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
"My oldest son is in elementary school. My favorite book for his reading level, and one of my all time favorites, period, is The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe [37] by C.S. Lewis. I loved reading this book to my fourth graders each year. I always cried, and so did most of my class. It has adventure, friendship, humor, loyalty, and sacrifice. My students enjoyed this book and always listed it as their favorite read-a-loud on our end-of-year survey." — Mommy and Me Bookclub [38]
The Cricket in Times Square
"For the 10 and up crowd, The Cricket in Times Square [39] by George Selden is one of my childhood favorites." — Growing Book by Book [40]