5 Great Read-Out-Loud Books

warning: this picture is deceiving and is not an 

accurate representation of the books listed below.

I am always, ALWAYS on the look out for great children's books. 

For several years now our local library has had a summer, adult-reading-kids-stuff program. I look forward to it every summer. It boils down to this, I get prizes for reading children's literature. I love reading kids books anyway, so to get prizes for doing it is an added bonus. 

While I read, I often stumble upon great stories to share with my kids. Sometimes, though, I get lost in the huge amount of choices and have a hard time deciphering which books are worth my time.

Which leads me to the point of this post (and hopefully posts to come)...

I gotta imagine I am not alone in the never-ending hunt to find great books to share with my kids. SO...

I thought I'd share 5 great read-aloud books that I have discovered, just in case you are looking for suggestions. If you are wanting an age range, I am guestimating ages 6+. My four-year olds typically listen along too, but they are easily distracted.

Here we go:

1.  Charlotte's Web by E.B. White. I know, I know, this is an obvious choice, but it is such a great story. It was the first chapter-book I ever received as a gift and I have never stopped loving it. It was also my first read-aloud choice to my own kids. They were young then; we may have to reread it together soon.

2. The Moffats by Eleanor Estes. I only recently discovered this little treasure. It had me hooked from the first line, "The way Momma could peel apples! A few turns of the knife and there the apple was, all skinned!" The book shares the adventures of the Moffat family, specifically through the eyes of Jane and Rufus. The stories are sweet, funny and full of adventure. I haven't actually read this out loud yet, but Mya and I have both read it and loved it!

3. Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater. We read this book over the winter and my kids loved it. It had them laughing out loud throughout the story. It was recently made into a movie with Jim Carrey, which I have not seen and therefore cannot recommend. BUT, I can recommend the book which was, to borrow a somewhat cliche review word, delightful!

4. Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink. Caddie Woodlawn takes place in Wisconsin back in the pioneering days. It is along the lines of Little House in the Big Woods, but with a better story. The book is actually based on the life of the author's grandmother which gives it extra charm. Even though this is somewhat a "coming of age" story, boys and girls alike will love the adventures Caddie and her brothers find themselves in. 

5. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien. I LOVED this book as a kid. I know I read it several times. I loved this book as an adult too. This is another one I have not actually read out loud to my kids yet, but plan to soon. The story is one that awakens the imagination. It is full of adventure, suspense and will not disappoint. 

There you have it, the first of many book lists I hope to share with you over the summer. 

I would love to hear your suggestions for great read-out-loud books in the comments. 

As mentioned previously, I am always on the hunt for good ones!