Our absolute must-haves for a fun (and educational) read-aloud moment.
There are those moments in the day that as a parent or nanny you really look forward to. Such a cozy fifteen minutes before bedtime, a quiet hour on the couch or just together in a reading corner after a busy morning. What makes those moments extra special? A good reading book!
Because reading aloud is not only fun and cozy – it is also mega valuable for children’s development. Think language, imagination, concentration, emotions … all things you nurture by simply cracking open a book together.
In this article, we share our favorite read-aloud books for children ages 0 to 6. Whether you’re looking for a first cardboard book or a funny story that makes you laugh out loud together – there’s sure to be something among them that will become your (new) favorite.
Why is reading so good?
Briefly, why reading aloud is really worthwhile:
- Language development – Children hear new words, sentence structure and sounds that they will later use themselves.
- Fantasy and creativity – Stories make the world bigger and more magical.
- Emotional growth – Books help children recognize, name and deal with emotions.
- Listening and concentration – Reading aloud trains attention span in a playful way.
- Bonding – Reading together is quality time. A moment offline and truly connected.
And you know the best part? You don’t have to be a “good reader.” With the right books, the fun comes naturally.
Books for babies and toddlers
Babies and young toddlers love rhythm, repetition and clear shapes. They learn about the world through pictures, sounds and the familiar voice of mom, dad or their caregiver. These books are sturdy, colorful and interactive – perfect for exploring together.
Miffy – Dick Bruna
The books about Miffy are true classics, and for good reason. The simple illustrations, bright colors and short, rhyming sentences are perfectly suited to babies and toddlers. The calmness and repetition provide a sense of security, and children quickly recognize their daily routines in Miffy’s adventures.
I see, I see… – Liesbet Slegers
In this cheerful book full of clear pictures children learn step by step to recognize what they see in their own environment. Think of a ball, an apple, a dog … Simple, recognizable and therefore ideal for learning words. Also fun to name together: “What do you see?”
Dikkie Dik – Where is Dikkie Dik? – Jet Boeke
Dikkie Dik has been a familiar face in many a household for years. In this cardboard book, Dikkie Dik goes hide and seek, and children get to look for him behind flaps. The interaction makes it extra fun and good for fine motor skills.
Books for toddlers and young preschoolers
Children at this stage begin to recognize emotions, want to do things themselves and develop a will of their own. They enjoy books in which they recognize themselves – in funny or recognizable situations, with lots of repetition, rhyme and colorful illustrations.
Little Donkey – Rindert Kromhout & Annemarie van Haeringen
Little Donkey is headstrong, curious and wants to do everything himself – just like many toddlers. The stories are funny and sweet, and show in a light-hearted way how to deal with emotions. The illustrations are soft and full of detail, and the storyline is perfect for toddlers who can handle just a little more story.
Krrrr…okodil! – Catherine Rayner
This picture book is a picture to see as well as to read aloud. It is about a big crocodile who is looking for someone to play with, but everyone is afraid of him. A story about friendship, being different, and how sometimes things are not as they seem. Especially fun to read with voices – success guaranteed!
Mommy Lost – Chris Haughton
This book has it all: humor, suspense, love AND a beautiful use of color. The little owl falls out of his nest and goes looking for his mother, with the help of a slightly too enthusiastic squirrel. Children are very sympathetic and love to shout “No, that’s not mommy!”. Wonderfully interactive.
Books for preschoolers
Preschoolers can concentrate longer and love stories with suspense, humor or a moral. They begin to really empathize with characters and love jokes, fantasy and a little adventure. Time for books that stick!
The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler
A brave mouse who invents a monster to scare off other animals … until the monster actually shows up! This clever and funny story in rhyme form is delightful to read aloud. Preschoolers love how the little mouse outsmarts everyone. A modern classic with beautiful illustrations.
Pluk van de Petteflet – Annie M.G. Schmidt
Pluk is the ultimate hero for preschoolers: independent, caring, a touch cocky and with a big heart. The stories are full of fantasy (think a pigeon that can talk or a trailer on an apartment building) and the language is rich, playful and full of humor. Ideal for reading aloud in snippets at bedtime.
About a little mole who wants to know who pooped on his head – Werner Holzwarth
Let’s face it: kids find poop hilarious. This book plays on that perfectly without being flat. The mole goes in search of the culprit of a rather unfortunate incident, asking different animals if it was sometimes them. The book is funny, relatable and often delivers lots of laughs.
The Color Monster – Anna Llenas
A super visual book about emotions, giving each feeling its own color. Perfect for children who struggle with naming what they are feeling. You can easily have a conversation with it: “How does your tummy feel today?” The colorful collage style also makes the book a joy to look at.
Extra tip: alternating works!
Try out different types of books:
- Feel or flap books for toddlers
- Rhyme books for language development
- Picture books with emotions or themes for conversations about what is on your child’s mind
- Humorous books for a good laugh together
- Familiar characters (think Dikkie Dik, Kikker, or Woezel & Pip) provide recognition and reassurance
Reading together = growing together
Reading aloud doesn’t have to be a “task.” It is a gift you can give every day. Even if it’s just five minutes before bedtime. Your child will learn from it, grow from it – and so will you. So grab that book, curl up on the couch together and get lost in a world of stories.
24nannies