Trying to narrow down the list of my favorite books to read aloud has been an incredibly difficult endeavor.  There are so many wonderful examples of books with great rhythm, beautiful illustrations, and entertaining plot lines that choosing just a few seems impossible.  Though this list is far from complete, what follows is an account of some of the books that I have loved. To get your copies, click on the photo to go to our affiliate link at Amazon.

Because of the illustrations and the surprise ending…

How Loud is a Lion? by Clare Beaton is one of my favorites for reading aloud with young children.  The book is full of animals to imitate; the illustrations, which are sewn together with fabrics of various colors and textures, are novel and engaging; and the end of the book has an unexpected and exciting surprise which might startle some little ones and leave others begging for more.

Because of the rhyme and rhythm…

Piggy Pie Po by Audrey & Don Wood is written in three short parts that can be read in one setting and that are perfect for toddlers.  It rhymes.  It flows like a poem or like a song.  Parts of it races, and then, it leaves the reader with bated breath until the very satisfying and entertaining conclusion.

Because you can sing it to your little son…

Boy of Mine by Jabari Asim is a perfect bedtime story to read aloud.  In particular, I recommend it to mothers of young sons.  I like books that rhyme and this is one of my favorite.  It’s sweet without being saccharine and it has the added bonus of including a well-known lullaby that you can sing to your son as you snuggle and gently rock him to bed.