Library Closed? Here Are Our Most-Loved Read-Alouds
- shelfsafebooks
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Our library is closed this week, so these are the books we find ourselves reaching for again and again at home. Some have been read so often because a child becomes completely attached to them. The first book on this list took me years to track down because I could not remember the title after buying it used when I was pregnant with my first. These are not just good books; they are well-loved stories that have truly stood the test of time in our home.
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Barnaby Frost - Laurel Lee
Trying to escape the noise and fumes of the main road, Barnaby turns onto a quiet path where a vine leads him into a land of abundant flowers and curious animals. Gentle Christian faith themes are woven throughout. This was my favorite book as a child, and I am sharing it in the hope that someone might help bring it back into print, because every library should have it.
Barnaby Frost Plants a Seed - Laurel Lee
When a man finds a seed and plants it in his front yard, it grows into a tall tree bearing many seeds, which he shares with his neighbors. Gentle Christian faith themes are woven throughout. I did not know about this sequel until I was an adult, and for whatever reason, my kids prefer this one to the original, but both are wonderful.
Lets Be Thankful - P. K. Hallinan
A warm, faith-centered picture book encouraging gratitude in everyday life through simple words and gentle illustrations. My oldest and only daughter loved it so much that we wore out our copy and had to buy another.
The Wonky Donkey - Craig Smith
A playful, cumulative rhyme about a donkey with many silly traits, using repetition and rhythm that make it especially fun for read-aloud time. A friend sent this to me because she knows I love creating voices and being loud. There is even a viral video of a grandma reading it, and she said it reminded her of how I read to my kids—so I had to add it to our collection.
The Serious Goose - Jimmy Kimmel
A goose insists on being taken seriously while becoming increasingly silly, inviting readers to laugh along through playful contradiction. My kid’s cousin gave them this book, and the mirror page is probably their favorite.
The Good Egg – Jory John and Pete Oswald
A very responsible egg tries to keep everything in order until the pressure becomes overwhelming. He learns the importance of balance, rest, and letting others make their own choices. My kid's cousin got them this book, and it has become a favorite of every child with a wonderful message.
The Day God Made You for Little Ones - Rory Feek
A simplified version of the original message, celebrating how each child is uniquely made with purpose and love. Gentle rhymes and affirming themes. Makes an awesome baby shower gift.
Tickle Monster -Josie Bissett
A playful, interactive story where a friendly monster brings laughter and connection through tickling fun. Designed for hands-on engagement, I regularly have to pause reading to chase the kids as they anticipate the tickles, and we’re all worn out by the time bedtime rolls around.
How to Catch a Star - Oliver Jeffers
A young boy dreams of having a star of his own and sets out on a whimsical journey to catch one. A quiet, imaginative story about wonder and perseverance. I requested books at all my baby showers, and this was a gift for my second child. He still loves it at age eight. I recently saw him pull it down and read it again.
Alligator Boy - Cynthia Rylant
A young boy imagines life as an alligator, exploring playful creativity and curiosity through simple, gentle storytelling. This was originally a library find, and my third child loved it so much that he received his own copy for his fifth birthday last year.
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