We just had World Read Aloud Day on February 24 and today, March 2, is Read Across America Day! Our family is currently taking on a 20 for 20 Family Reading Challenge. I encourage you to read all about it (see what I did there?) and join us!

In honor of Read Across America Day, I wanted to share some chapter books that are perfect to read aloud to preschoolers!

The Mouse and the Motorcycle – Ralph, a young mouse, spots a toy motorcycle owned by a new guest at the Mountain View Inn and goes on an adventure!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Charlie Bucket goes inside Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory! 

The Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark – Two siblings, Jack and Annie find a magic tree house in their back yard. They’re taken back to the time of dinosaurs and have to figure out how to get home. 

Toys Go Out – Three best friends: Lumphy the buffalo, plush StingRay, and Plastic (who just happen to be toys), share their secret life and their experiences.

Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny – Isabel is the best bunjitsu artist in her school, and she can throw farther, kick higher, and hit harder than anyone else! 

Space Taxi: Archie Takes Flight – Archie is finally allowed to ride in his dad’s taxi cab, but he learns a big family secret! 

Henry Huggins – Henry Huggins is a boy that complains nothing exciting ever happens to him… until it does. 

My Father’s Dragon – Elmer Elevator, a young boy, runs away to Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon.

Geronimo Stilton: Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye – When Geronimo’s sister, Thea, discovers an old, mysterious map, they set out on a treasure hunt. 

Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week – It’s Jasper John Dooley’s turn to be Star of the Week at school, but nothing goes as planned. 

The BFG – Sophie is in for quite an adventure when she meets the Big Friendly Giant. Although scared at first, she realizes he is gentle. 

Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Takes Off – A boy receives a package that contains new sneakers that give him special powers! Who wouldn’t want super powers? 

A Bear Called Paddington – Paddington Bear changed the Browns life when he met them at Paddington Station. 

Kids, especially preschoolers, love to laugh. Some of our favorite books are ones that just bring out the giggles. And there’s nothing better than belly laughs from our little ones!

Tips for Reading Aloud

• Read to your child every day.
• Make it a regular thing: same time, same place.
• Turn off other distractions, like phones, tablets, and television.
• Encourage your children to ask questions along the way.
• Read with excitement!
• Ready slowly, you want your child to be able to take it in and look at the pictures.
• Explain unfamiliar words as they come up.
• Create different voices for different characters.
• Talk about the story after each chapter.

What are some of your favorite books to read aloud to your preschooler?