This list of stories to read from the best children’s books for kids will help you enjoy the benefits of reading for kids and create a lifetime of memories.
When you buy these read-aloud picture books for kids and storybooks online in the SHOPonSHEROES marketplace, you support a woman entrepreneur in India.
10 Benefits Of Reading For Kids
The smartest people in the world are readers and reading is one of the best habits to cultivate in kids. According to Healthline, reading to your child at any age can boost their brain development, your bond with them, and so much more.
Reading to kids also provides a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to connect and create fond and loving memories that last a lifetime.
Here are some of the benefits of reading for kids:
- Bond & connect with your kids
- Improve listening skills
- Develop thinking & language skills
- Increases creative thinking
- Expand their vocabulary
- Build attention span
- Teach life lessons
- Improve social & emotional development
- Limit screen time
- Improve motor skills & coordination
In a world that is slowly but surely turning away from books and getting glued to monitors or television screens, the importance of developing a passion for reading cannot be overlooked. Reading is a habit that should be established when the child is relatively young.
So what can you do to foster this habit in a fun and exciting way? For young children, reading can be made enjoyable and fun with illustrated picture books, rhymes, silly songs and pretend stories that use creativity to capture their vivid imaginations.
If your child has a favourite character, pick a series of books that features this character, whether it’s Elsa from Frozen or Iron Man from Marvel. Although you can download eBooks on the internet, they just don’t have the tactile quality of the pages of a real book.
Opening the flaps of a pop-up book or running their tiny fingertips over the pages of a board book for kids engages all of a child’s senses and adds to the experience of reading as a multi-sensory activity that builds fine motor skills.
You can buy storybooks online that you think your child will like and new stories to read too. You never know which ones will capture their imagination!
Stories To Read From The Best Children’s Books For Kids
These children’s books are filled with stories and characters that will spark a young child’s imagination and make you want to become a kid again or have a little kid to read to.
Buy these pre-loved storybooks for your own kids in India or ship them as a gift to your friend’s or relative’s kids in India for a child’s birthday or any other celebration. They’ll think of you every time they open these stories to read to their kids.
You’ll find many storybooks for toddlers, books for preschoolers, and books for kindergarteners by the best children’s authors among these titles.
1. Christmas In The Manger
This classic Christmas story for kids up to 2 years is available as a brand new padded board book storybook with a soft, padded cover and rounded edges that’s perfect to share with the smallest readers.
With a simple, lyrical text and radiant artwork, this book is the best way to introduce your young child to the wonder of the Nativity. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers have all embraced this gentle telling in this beautiful book from the acclaimed team of Nola Buck and Felicia Bond.
2. Grumpy Goat
Poppy and Sam have lots of clever ideas, but they can’t coax Gertie out of her pen until Rusty comes to the rescue in this storybook for preschoolers by Heather Amery. The Farmyard Tales are gently humorous stories of the people and animals on Apple Tree Farm.
3. Rosie’s Hat
Will poor Rosie will ever find her hat again? Find out in this picture story for kids about one little girl, one smart hat, a sudden gust of wind, and a whole hatful of adventures.
Written by Julia Donaldson and Anna Currey, Rosie’s Hat isn’t just any old hat. It can also be a toy for a dog, a hiding-place for a mouse, a frisbee for some children and a nest for some birds.
4. The Gruffalo’s Child
The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood. But one wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child disobeys her father’s warnings and ventures out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist . . . does he?
The Gruffalo’s Child is the Number One best-selling, much-loved sequel to the worldwide picture-book phenomenon that is The Gruffalo. Julia Donaldson’s trademark rhyming text and Axel Scheffler’s brilliant, characterful illustrations ensure that this story is one that children will ask for again, and again… and again!
5. I Love You As Big As The World
Big Bear and Little Bear share a very special kind of love, very much like the love you have for your child. It stretches as high as the mountain tops and to the very bottom of the sea.
This children’s storybook was written by David Van Buren and Tim Warnes and will show your kids that your love for them is big enough to fill the whole world.
6. Alien Tea on Planet Zum-Zee
Join the space party on Planet Zum-Zee in this fun-filled, read-aloud story from the ever-popular author-illustrator team of Tony Mitton and Guy Parker-Rees. If you take your rocket to the outer edge of space, you’ll come across a funny little alien place.
The alien people call it Planet Zum-Zee, and they’re meeting here today for a special picnic tea. Meet the crazy creatures and share their deliciously funny food in this read-aloud storybook for kids.
7. Ready, Steady, Hop!
How many hops does it take? See how to build a simple equation to find out who’s the better hopper, in this storybook for preschoolers by Stuart J. Murphy and Jon Buller. Cheer for two frog friends as they compete to see who needs to take fewer hops to win.
8. My Monster Smells Gross
My monster loves to play with slugs and bugs and his best meal is maggots on toast. Sometimes he flicks his ear wax and he loves to make big, sloppy cakes. He is the grossest monster you will ever meet! Your little ones will love this pre-loved story book for kids from 3 to 5 years.
9. Fairy Frolics
Follow the fairies in their adventures as they create amazing magical transformations. This book for preschoolers and kindergarteners from Igloo books will help you and your child discover how all things are possible in Fairy World, where even the darkest corner can shine brighter than the biggest star.
10. A Year Full of Stories – 366 Stories and Poems
In the tradition of Richard Scarry, this is a fabulous treasure trove of 366 original stories, pictures and rhymes – something for every day of the year and for every child’s birthday. Buy this pre-loved storybook for kids from 6 to 8 years.
11. Mrs Armitage And The Big Wave
Surf’s up and Mrs Armitage and her dog, Breakspear, paddle out to surf the Big Wave in this children’s book by Quentin Blake. Soon this silly pair is loaded down with flags, a horn, megaphones, and lots of other gear. What will they do when the Big Wave finally arrives?
12. Mrs Armitage On Wheels
Mrs Armitage sets off for a quiet cycle with her faithful dog, Breakspear, but she just can’t help thinking of ways to improve her bicycle. Before very long she is riding a very eye-catching contraption.
But it is when she finally adds the mast and sail that Mrs Armitage really runs into trouble. What happens next? Find out in this storybook by Quentin Blake.
13. Paddington In The Garden
Kids who loved the movie will enjoy reading Michael Bond’s classic story of the bear from Darkest Peru who arrived at Paddington Station with nothing but a suitcase, a half-empty jar of marmalade and a label that read, “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” Mr and Mrs Brown discovered him, named him Paddington and welcomed him into their home, where he has lived ever since.
14. Waiting For Santa
Will Santa really come? The animals are waiting to find out in Steve Metzger’s Christmas storybook for kindergartners. It’s Christmas Eve. ‘We’ve got to get ready for Santa Claus!’ Bear tells his friends.
While the other animals are excited, Badger isn’t convinced. Badger grumbles that Santa’s not coming. But Bear tells Badger and his friends that they must believe! So Bear organizes his friends to help get ready for Santa’s visit.
15. The Polar Bear And The Snow Cloud
Jane Cabrera’s lush, broad style sets the pitch-perfect stage for this wintery tale of a lonely Polar bear. Snow animals meant to keep him company melt away at the end of the day. And they can’t swim and splash or play hide-and-seek as a real friend can. A real friend . . . that’s just what he needs! You’ll enjoy reading this pre-loved storybook for kids of 3 to 5 years.
16. What Small Rabbit Heard
Small Rabbit just doesn’t want to go for a walk and he comes up with all sorts of excuses to stay indoors in this endearing story by Sheryl Webster. But Big Rabbit is having none of it. She bundles him into his coat and out they go, with Small Rabbit shivering and grumbling as he shuffles along.
Thanks to the wind, everything Big Rabbit says turns from a rather humdrum instruction into something more exciting and Small Rabbit finds himself having a really wild time, becoming muddier by the moment, and causing more and more mayhem.
17. But Excuse Me, That Is My Book!
Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies is Lola’s absolute favourite book ever in the whole wide world. So naturally, she’s distraught when it’s not at the library. Someone else has borrowed it!
Charlie tries everything he can think of to placate her but nothing is ever going to beat Beetles, Bugs and Butterflies. That is until Charlie finds Chimps and Chimpanzees and then Lola has a new best book ever!
18. Little Duck’s First Christmas
It’s Little Duck’s first-ever Christmas, and she’s desperate for the Christmas Bear to visit with his sack of presents. But he only comes when you’ve been good, and Little Duck isn’t sure she has.
Follow her on her journey to do a good deed in this charming book for preschoolers written by Dawn Richards.
19. The Dinosaur That Pooped The Bed
Dinosaurs and poop make for a hilarious combination in this children’s storybook for preschoolers by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter. Danny and Dinosaur want to watch the telly but Mum won’t let them until they’ve tidied their room.
So Danny gets Dino to eat it all up. Just when they think they can get away with it, there’s a rumble in Dino’s tummy and another explosive adventure is about to begin.
20. Beware Of The Storybook Wolves
Does your preschooler love a good scary stories book? For a real thrill, try reading Beware of the Storybook Wolves by Lauren Child. It will scare your socks off and tell you exactly what to do if the wolves ever escape from your storybook.
21. Birthday Bear
Woolly Bear can’t wait to open her birthday presents, but none of them pleases her. She decides to throw them away but has a change of heart after meeting a lonely mouse who has no one to remember his birthday.
Your preschooler will enjoy lifting the flaps to find out what’s inside Woolly’s cards and packages in this hardcover storybook for kids by Candy Wallace. This charming children’s storybook also makes a wonderful Birthday gift for kids.
22. The Puffin Baby & Toddler Treasury
Looking for storybooks for toddlers? The Puffin Baby and Toddler Treasury is a timeless collection of favourite nursery rhymes, lullabies, poems and stories to read aloud to your little ones.
It features well-loved characters such as Eric Hill’s Spot, Raymond Briggs’s The Snowman, and Beatrix Potter’s Tom Kitten. Your toddlers will love the experience of having you read these stories aloud to them.
23. A Quiet Night In
It’s Mr Large’s birthday and Mrs Large has prepared him a meal, as they’re going to celebrate with a quiet night in. But as usual in the Large household, things don’t go to plan, and Mr and Mrs Large fall asleep on the sofa!
So the little Larges sneak off to bed with all the lovingly prepared food. Buy this pre-loved storybook for kids from 6 to 8 years.
24. 50 Monster Stories
Want Halloween books for kids? Prepare to enter the monster’s lair with this fiercely entertaining collection of monster stories by Belinda Gallagher. Suitable for kids of ages 6 to 8 years, it includes tales gripping illustrations that bring dragons and goblins to life.
25. Historical Heroes
Author Belinda Gallagher lifts the lid on the lives and times of seven historical figures, including Julius Caesar, Joan of Arc and Charles Darwin, in this history book for kids from 9 to 12 that provides an alternative look at history.
26. 50 Utterly Silly Stories
Written by Belinda Gallagher, your kids from 6 to 8 will enjoy this collection of nonsensical tales that contains a feast of silly shenanigans, mischievous tomfoolery and hilarious goings-on.
27. 50 Princess Stories
Dive into this fantastic selection of charming tales of romance, enchantment and daring deeds with your little Princess. The 50 princess stories are divided into 5 themed sections, giving you an amazing choice of adventures for delving into.
28. Children’s Bedtime Treasury
You don’t have to be a child to enjoy these bedtime stories for children. Featuring nearly 60 traditional and new stories to read to kids, this beautifully illustrated book of bedtime stories to read will delight young readers aged 6 to 8 years.
Faraway castles, enchanted forests, misty mountains, and magical sandy beaches play host to a wealth of exciting and endearing characters including giants, wizards, dragons, pirates, singing bears, and runaway toys.
From well-loved classic tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, The Sleeping Beauty and Puss in Boots, to new stories introducing the reader to invisible imps, chocolate soldiers and lonely mermaids, your kids will enter a rich and varied story land designed to stimulate their imagination and hold them spellbound.
29. Disney Pixar – Monsters, Inc.
Did your kids enjoy the charming tale of Sulley and Mike and their adventures in Monsters, Inc? Then they’ll love it when you read the story of monsters who need to scare children, collect their screams and turn them into electricity for the city of Monstropolis, where the monsters live.
30. Kitchen Disco
Looking for fun read-aloud books for kindergarten? Kitchen Disco is a zany and hilarious rhyming picture book for young children from 3 to 5 years. It featuring a stunning holographic foil spread in the middle of the book.
When the sun goes down, the Kitchen Disco starts up and all the fruit in the fruit bowl come out to play. There are lemons who break-dance, tangerines who twirl and some very over-excited apples. Buy this pre-loved paperback with a fun story to read to kids below.
31. Peely Wally
Peely Wally was a small bird who lived high up in a tree. One day she laid an egg. Follow the dotted line and see where the egg goes. This storybook for kids by Kali Stileman comes with lots of animals to spot and talk about and a butterfly to find on each page. Don’t miss the special surprise at the end!
32. The Pirate House
In The Pirate House, you never know who might live next door, which makes this a great pirate book for kindergarten kids. So if your kid love pirate stories for toddlers or pirate books for preschoolers, this pre-loved storybook for kids from 3 to 5 years is the perfect pirate book for kids.
33. The Teddy Bear Tales
The Teddy Bear Tales is a great book for preschoolers and even older kids by Malcolm Archer. It’s a collection of delightful short stories about Old Teddy Bears and their great adventures with their friends. This pre-loved hardcover storybook for kids from 3 to 5 years is a delight to read with your child.
34. Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth
Alan is very scary and says things like ‘I’m big, scary Alan! Fear my razor-sharp teeth!’ But all is not as it seems. Alan, you see, has a very BIG (not-so-scary) secret front jacket flap that will make your little ones squeal with delight whenever you read them these pop-up books for kids.
35. The Smartest Giant In Town
All children will love this funny and warm-hearted tale of George the Giant who decided to update his scruffy image with new clothes. But on his way home, he meets various animals that desperately need his help… and his clothes!
But why is he known as the smartest giant in town? Find out in this enjoyable storybook for preschoolers by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
36. Harry And The Dinosaurs United
Harry’s football team is trying their best but they just keep getting in each other’s way. Luckily, Harry soon learns the best trick of all … teamwork! So together Harry, his friends and the mascotauruses win the best prize ever in this storybook by Ian Whybrow.
37. The Snowman
One winter’s night, a snowman comes to life and an unforgettable adventure begins in Raymond Briggs’ beloved classic that captures the wonder and innocence of childhood. This storybook for kids 6 to 8 is a true piece of Christmas magic narrated entirely through pictures.
38. The Giraffe And The Pelly And Me
What else could a giraffe with an extending neck, a pelican with an expanding beak, and an athletic little monkey be, but the Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company?
When the trio are invited to try and clean all 677 windows belonging to His Grace The Duke of Hampshire, it is no wonder they have the most incredible fun. This entertaining tale by Roald Dahl is one of his best stories to read to kids from 3 to 5 years.
39. Marvel Iron Man
If your preschoolers are fans of Marvel movies, they’ll enjoy Marvel books for kids like the story of billionaire inventor Tony Stark, who also happens to be the Avenger known as Ironman.
40. Where’s My Teddy?
This celebrated picture book is the story of Eddy’s, who’s lost his teddy, Freddy, and goes off into the woods to find him. But the woods are dark and horrible and little Eddy is in for a gigantic surprise.
This timeless and well-loved story by Jez Alborough is brought to life in a special Mini Pop-Up Classic edition, making it one of the best bedtime stories for babies or stories to read to preschoolers time and time again.
41. A Moonlight Book: Farm
Shine the magic torches to discover your favourite farm animals and more! There are lots of fascinating facts and hidden surprises to look out for along the way in this hardcover storybook for kids from 6 to 8 years.
42. Peppa’s Christmas Wish
Find out if Peppa’s very special Christmas wish comes true in this wonderful Christmas storybook by Neville Astley and Mark Baker. Your kids will join Peppa Pig and her brother George as they get ready for Christmas, going on to Santa’s grotto and meeting Granny Pig.
43. Don’t Call Me Sweet
This charming story for preschoolers by Smriti Prasadam-Halls tells the tale of a giant monster, with sharp, sharp claws. He’s got big, spiky teeth and loud, loud roars.
Which is why he says, to everyone he meets . . . call me scary . . . don’t call me sweet! Everyone thinks that little monsters are cute and cuddly, but this monster’s grumpy and grouchy. Honest!
44. Mo In The Snow
When Mo’s Mom takes him on an adventure in the snow, the last thing he expects to find is a big, hairy toe! Discover an ingeniously rhyming story for preschoolers, filled with twists, turns, freezing snowballs, and warm hearts.
45. Boo!
Monster has always been afraid of the dark until Vampire shows him there is nothing to fear on a journey through the night! Join Monster and Vampire in this spooky story of wobbly-eyed fun!
46. Bringing In the New Year
In a brightly coloured board book, perfect for the youngest child, Newbery Honoree Grace Lin tells the tale of a Chinese American family as they prepare for the Lunar New Year. Each family member lends a hand as they sweep out the dust of the old year, hang decorations, and make dumplings.
Then it’s time to celebrate. There will be fireworks and lion dancers, shining lanterns, and a great, long dragon parade at the end! Lin’s bold and gloriously patterned artwork makes for an unforgettable holiday tale.
47. Grandma Loves Me
This adorable storybook for kids tells of the tender, loving moments between grandma and grandchild. Super-sweet and truly poignant, this book is one to share and treasure forever.
48. The Itsy Bitsy Bunny
Little ones will love this fresh springtime spin on a classic nursery rhyme. A fun and playful holiday twist on “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” makes this favourite nursery rhyme perfect for Easter!
The itsy bitsy bunny was hopping up the trail Down fell the baskets past his tiny tail Out came his friends to help him on his way. For the itsy bitsy bunny was planning Easter day. This Itsy Bitsy Bunny must hop at top speed so he can get all of his eggs hidden in time for the big holiday!
49. Disney Frozen Storybook
Read aloud and bring the magic of Disney’s Frozen movie back into your child’s imagination with this beautiful padded storybook! When the majestic kingdom of Arendelle becomes trapped in an eternal winter, it’s up to Anna to save the day.
Can she battle the elements, find her elder sister, Elsa, and put an end to the icy spell? Knowing how the story ends won’t make the discovery any less exciting for your little ones!
50. Quentin Blake Patrick
Welcome to the wonderful world of Patrick! There’s fireworks and fun and colours everywhere when Patrick performs his magical tunes. For when he plays his violin the most extraordinary things start to happen – fish can fly, cows can dance and trees grow cakes instead of apples!
51. 100 Bible Stories
The Children’s Bible Stories Book is a pre-loved hardcover book by Victoria Parker. It has 100 Bible Stories to introduce kids from 6 to 8 years to Biblical history and legends.
52. Something For Daddy
Bing is making something for Daddy. He loves his daddy as much as he loves making shiny, feathery, sparkly things. With short, repetitive texts, bold, bright artwork and appealing characters, Bing offers both parent and child an enjoyable reading experience and a simple, reassuring guiding principle – that, whatever happens, it’s just a Bing thing, a normal occurrence, and nothing to get upset about.
This pre-loved storybook for kids from 3 to 5 years is an exciting new re-launch of Ted Dewan’s Bing books, resized and beautifully produced for the next generation of toddlers. His books focus on the dynamic between toddler and parent, and that speaks to them both equally, about life as a toddler and life with a toddler.
I hope this list of classic children’s books and new storybooks for kids will help you find the best stories to read to your kids. BookZoo sells beautiful pre-loved hardcover books and paperback books for kids.
From older kids to preschoolers from 3 to 5 years, these beautifully illustrated children’s books will keep them fascinated with stories that have enchanted kids all over the world for years.
Buy a Bookpack of the 7 Best Children’s Books
Save yourself the effort of searching for the best storybooks for kids. Book Zoo will choose the 7 best children’s books from a curated and assorted collection of beautifully illustrated books filled with characters that will spark their young imaginations.
Even if you don’t have kids, you can give the gift of reading to your nephews, nieces, or neighbours’ kids with a Bookpack set of classic children’s books. From timeless classics to new releases, Book Zoo offers curated lists of books divided into specific themes for all age groups.
With such charming stories to spark creativity and imagination, these delightful children’s storybooks for kids and board books for babies will give you and your child many hours of reading pleasure and help them develop important skills such as hand control, coordination and concentration.
Whether you read them a classic children’s book or a brand new storybook from these books to read to kids, they’re sure to love these charming and enjoyable stories any time of day or night.
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