10 Books to Read to Your Kids This Year

If your child doesn't seem to enjoy reading or, let's be honest, if reading isn't your favorite thing, here are some ways for mama and kiddo to get excited about books...

Books are splendid at any time of year. You can cozy up on a winter’s day and read with your children, go to the park on a sunny day and read under a tree, or spend the day at the library with your child. If you are looking for some books to read to your kids this year, check out the list below.

How Does Reading Aloud Help Kids?

Before we dive into our reading list, though, it's important to understand why reading is important for our children. Reading helps kids in many ways other than spending quality time with you (though that's an incredible thing). Some benefits include:

-Expanding vocabulary.
-Boosts listening comprehension.
-Develops syntax skills.
-Bolsters the recognition of words.
-Helps with social bonding and emotional growth
-Inspires a desire for literacy.
-Improves phonological awareness.
-Fosters multifaceted language development.
-Navigates detextualized language.
-Encourages imagination and creativity.

Now, let's look at that reading list:

1. Savannah Elementary: First Day of Pre-K

By Madison Nichole Cashdollar, Ages 3-5
Sam is a little elephant feeling anxious about her first day of pre-k. However, she gets to see her new classroom, meet friends, and navigate unique challenges throughout her day. Soon, she meets a new friend and learns that it’s normal to feel nervous. This story helps kids learn about new beginnings, empathy, and emotional awareness.

2. Good Manners Boy

By Elizabeth and Daniel Cartwright, Ages 4-8
Daniel struggles with frustration and has to decide whether he is going to give in or handle his emotions and become a hero.

3. My Miles and Me

By Carrie Lowrance, Ages 3-8

This story is told from Creeper, the vacuum cleaner’s point of view. Miles, the baby boy that lives in the house, is terrified of Creeper, but then one day he comes closer. Then one day Miles put stickers on Creeper and soon after, they became best friends. Then Creeper gets sick. Will their friendship survive?

4. This Book Is Perfect!

By Ron Keres, Ages 3-6

Finn, the frog likes things clean, especially the pages of his book. He likes them pristine and perfect, but then one day a mess oozes onto the pages. Wanting to restore order, Finn tries to fix the mess but soon learns that not all messes need to be fixed.

5. Worst Valentine’s Day Ever: a Brad Finckley Book (Brad Finckley Series 3)

By Jennifer Waddle, Ages 9-12
Brad Finkely is desperate to find the locket that he bought for the class princess. Will it show up on time or will she choose someone else?

6. Gus Gets Adopted and Saves the Day

By Alisa Guttadauro, Ages 0-9

Gus is always getting overlooked at the shelter for the cute kittens. Then one day, a lady named Anna comes in and adopts him. He is anxious about his new home but soon meets a new friend, gets involved in an adventure, and winds up saving the day.

7. Will The Pigeon Graduate?

By Mo Williams, Ages 3-5 (releases March 4, 2025)
I’ve been a fan of these books since reading them to my kids in daycare. The pigeon books are hilarious and a fun read for both kids and adults. This time, the pigeon is on track to graduate. He put in the time and did the work, but is graduation in his future?

8. The Day the Crayons Made Friends

By Drew Daywaltm Ages 4-8 (releases June 8, 2025)

The crayon books have been a hit ever since The Day the Crayons Quit. This time, the crayons are leaving the crayon box to explore Duncan’s room, the boy they live with. After meeting new friends and having adventures, will they want to go back to the box?

9. I Am Rebel

By Ross Montgomery, Ages 9-12 (releases May 6, 2025)
Rebel loves his human, Tom, and the peaceful life he lives on the farm. Then one day the Civil War comes too close and Tom decides he wants to join the rebellion. Rebel knows this is dangerous and won’t stop until he saves his human. Will he and Tom return home before it's too late?

10. Growing Home

By Beth Ferry, Ages 6-9 (releases May 27, 2025)
This book tells the story of Toasty the goldfish and his rivalry with the beloved houseplant, Ivy. Toasty thinks he should receive the most love. Then a series of events changes Toasty’s life forever. A spider with a broken leg named Arthur shows up. Jillian, Toasty’s owner, then brings home Ollie, the class houseplant who wants to sing and make friends. When Toasty splashes water out of his fish tank and it lands on his friends, they learn something magical is going on. His fish tank has special powers and if it winds up in the wrong hands, it can disrupt their lives forever. Can they all make friends and save their family?

Ways to Make Reading Fun

If your child doesn't seem to enjoy reading or, let's be honest, if reading isn't your favorite thing, here are some ways for mama and kiddo to get excited about books:

-Read with snacks. Think of apples and peanut butter, popcorn, vegetables and dip, or even hummus and crackers.
-Go outside to read. You can settle under the tree in your backyard or go to the park and find a shady spot to read there.

-Read a book based on a movie. When you finish the book, watch the movie together and discuss the differences between the two.
-Read together at the library.
-Teenagers can create a book club with friends and discuss the books they read.
-Cook meals and make snacks that are mentioned in books. For example, the book Thunder Cake includes a recipe to make thunder cake.
-Read books aloud that have words that are difficult for you. This will show your children that reading isn’t about being perfect.
-Bring characters to life. As you face different situations, ask your kids how their favorite book character would handle things.
-Plan a field trip or excursion that correlates with the book you are reading. You could visit the aquarium after reading a book about fish and the ocean. Or visit a bakery after reading "Pinkalicious." Pinkalicious is about a little girl who eats too many pink cupcakes and then turns pink. You could also visit a museum that relates to the topic you are reading about.
-Let kids voice their opinion. Ask them to give a thumbs up or down, what they liked or didn’t like about the story, or if there is anything they would change.
-Let other adults read to your children. Because people read differently, children will hear various voices and speech patterns.
-Read nonfiction. There are lots of books for kids about all kinds of themes, from history to pets to cooking and baking. Get a book about cooking or baking and then whip up a recipe or two. You could even get a book of science experiments and do a few of those.
-Expose them to audiobooks but make sure you have the paperback version when you get to where you are going.
-Let them read to their stuffed animals or pets. Everyone loves a captive audience.
-Reward your kids with books. Instead of candy on Valentine’s Day or Easter, give them books.
-Have a sweet treat while you read.

Reading with kids has so many benefits, from expanding their vocabulary to encouraging imagination and creativity. I hope the titles above and the fun suggestions spark an afternoon of bonding and learning with your children to last a lifetime and beyond.

Related Resource: 12 Ways To Build a Stronger Connection with Your Kids This Year

How can you eat better, sleep better, exercise better, work better, play better, spend better, save better, serve better, worship better, and pray better? Those are very good questions to ask at the beginning of a new year.

But how can you improve your relationship with your kids this year?

Now that’s a question to put at the top of the list.

In this special New Year’s episode, Catherine offers 12 practical ways to improve your relationships with your kids this year. If this episode helps you be a more thoughtful parent, be sure to subscribe to Christian Parent, Crazy World on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!