World Read Aloud Day, observed on February 7th, is a time to strengthen community through the art of storytelling.
Reading aloud transcends the solitary act of reading, creating a shared experience that can ignite joy, foster empathy, and deepen understanding. A shared story often gives rise to wonderful discussions and connections in the classroom and at home.
Looking for book suggestions? Here are a few wonderful books for World Read Aloud Day, and don’t miss your chance to sign up for Fiction February!
Where We Come From
Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 4
In this unique collaboration, four authors lyrically explore where they each come from—literally and metaphorically—as well as what unites all of us as humans.
“Outstanding in all ways, this title deserves a place in most collections and adds a wonderful opportunity for upper elementary students (and higher!) to unpack our complicated histories.” — starred, School Library Journal
Rajiv’s Starry Feelings
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 3
“Did you know that constellations are ancient maps that help adventurers find their way?”
Rajiv has feelings for everything. He can feel confident. He can feel happy. He can feel silly. But today, he feels angry, and he doesn’t know why. With the help of his father, he sets out on a journey to make sense of his feelings. It is a journey that will take him to a park, then up into the branches of a tree, and from there all the way to the stars . . .
Beautifully told and stunningly illustrated, this extraordinary story will help children everywhere explore the complex emotions we all feel but cannot always name.
“[A]n inspiring story that links astral wonders to everyday emotions. . . . A meditative, moving tale that will spur readers to make sense of their own feelings.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
To the Ice
Interest Level: Grade 1 – Grade 3
Three children go on a polar expedition in this thrilling adventure story for newly independent readers that blurs realism and imagination.
Ida, Max, and Jack go to the creek one winter’s day. They play on an ice floe then find themselves floating away—all the way to the polar ice, with just a box, a branch and some sandwiches.
“[T]he story rings with industrious optimism and emotional truth. . . . Adventure-seeking readers will delight in this dramatic escapade that’s sure to spark imaginative exploration, fish balls optional.” — starred, Booklist
On a Flake-Flying Day: Watching Winter’s Wonders
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 3
On a feather-fluffing, seed-stuffing, cloud-puffing day . . .
From Buffy Silverman, author of On a Gold-Blooming Day and On a Snow-Melting Day, comes the third installment of a seasonal celebration. With winter’s arrival, plants and animals hunker down for the cold season. Rhyming text and eye-catching photos sparkle in this wonderful read-aloud that encourages kids to closely observe the natural world. Back matter offers more information on the featured animals, plants, and weather conditions.
“Ultimately, the incredible photography makes this book worthy of a spot on readers’ shelves, but the rhyming text and end notes certainly bolster its value. Breathtaking images and lively text.” – Kirkus Reviews
Finding Family: The Duckling Raised by Loons
Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 4
Discover the true story of an orphaned mallard duckling being raised by a pair of loons.
On a lake in northern Wisconsin in 2019, loon researchers were surprised to discover a mother and father loon caring for a mallard duckling. Normally loons and mallards live very different lives and do not get along. Follow along as the duckling grows and displays a mix of both loon behaviors and mallard behaviors. Intriguing verse and striking illustrations combine in this heartwarming tale of unexpected animal cooperation.
“An entertaining and informative story that will find a home in many collections.” — School Library Journal
Be a Maker
Interest Level: PreK- Grade 2
How many things can you make in a day? A tower, a friend, a change?
Rhyme, repetition, and a few seemingly straightforward questions engage young readers in a discussion about the many things we make—and the ways we can make a difference in the world. This simple, layered story celebrates creativity through beautiful rhyming verse and vibrant illustrations with a timely message.
“While the idea of children creating is not new, this book stands out. With the subtle odes to famous makers and innovators in the illustrations, and the rhythm of the words, this book is an inspiring choice for story time or one-on-one sharing.” — School Library Journal
The Grizzled Grist Does Not Exist!
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 2
An exuberant read aloud story about a school trip outdoors with rhyming word play and madcap energy, set against the quiet observant Liam. From the award-winning creators of That’s Not a Hippopotamus.
“MacIver creates a bouncy read-aloud that will tickle children and adults alike. . . . Brave—and not so brave—hikers will giggle at this class’s brush with peril.” — Kirkus Reviews
Rise to the Sky: How the World’s Tallest Trees Grow Up
Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 4
What is the tallest living thing? It’s not an elephant, or a giraffe, or even a blue whale. It’s a tree!
Trees are the tallest living things on Earth. But how do they grow to be so tall? Science writer Rebecca E. Hirsch presents a poetic introduction to the tree life cycle in Rise to the Sky. Accompanied by Mia Posada’s detailed collage illustrations, this book features the tallest tree species from around the world, including the coast redwood, the Sitka spruce, and the giant sequoia.
“This charming story is a love letter to the tenacity of trees to grow for hundreds or even thousands of years and become the highest they can be.” —starred, School Library Journal
Not Done Yet: Shirley Chisholm’s Fight for Change
- Interest Level: K-Grade 4
Shirley Chisholm was a natural-born fighter. She didn’t like to be bossed and she wanted things to be fair.
“The tone of the book is inspiring, but Brown doesn’t shy away from the mistreatment Chisholm encountered . . . Crews’ vividly textured illustrations positively sing, enhancing the text and making for a perfect introduction for young readers everywhere. As powerful as the woman it profiles.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
From the Tops of the Trees
Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 3
Winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature in the Picture Book Category
Young Kalia has never known life beyond the fences of the Ban Vinai Refugee Camp. The Thai camp holds many thousands of Hmong families who fled in the aftermath of the little-known Secret War in Laos that was waged during America’s Vietnam War. For Kalia and her cousins, life isn’t always easy, but they still find ways to play, racing with chickens and riding a beloved pet dog.
In My Skin
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 2
In this poem, children find creative ways to embrace the world around them.
In my skin, I move. I spin like crinkly leaves on a windy day. I dance to my very own rhythm.
In my skin, I hope. I dust myself off so I can take on tomorrow. I chase the rainbow that shines after the storm.
Told by many different children as they sing, rise, reach, move, learn, hope, laugh, rest, remember, and love, this gorgeous poem shows us that when you embrace the skin you’re in, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities.
Sasquatch and Squirrel
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 2
Strawberry the Sasquatch lives alone deep in the forest.
Most animals are afraid of her, but she doesn’t mind. She’s happy doing all the alone things a sasquatch does—things like hiking and foraging as well as dance moves and logger pranks. Then one day, an extremely friendly squirrel named Nutty shows up. After a series of hilarious mishaps, Strawberry isn’t sure she and Nutty can get along. But thanks to some cloud watching, seed portraits, and stale marshmallows, the two find a way to be friends.
“Plainly the beginning of a beautiful, if ouchy, friendship.” — Kirkus Reviews
The Bookshop Mice
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 3
Pirates, monkeys, galleons and treasure! Isn’t it amazing where books can take you?
Astrid is a bookshop mouse, but when she tells her new classmates about her astromouse mom and the incredible adventures she has with her dad, they don’t believe her. Only a visit to The Book Nook will show them what they’re missing!
“Spreading the love and magic of books and friendship, one mouse at a time. . . A delightful homage to the inspirational power of books that also asks readers to be kind to new friends.” — Kirkus Reviews
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Interest Level: Grade 7 – Grade 12
You can read one chapter at a time making it a wonderful, shared experience. Drawing from her experiences as an Indigenous scientist, botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer demonstrated how all living things—from strawberries and witch hazel to water lilies and lichen—provide us with gifts and lessons every day in her best-selling book Braiding Sweetgrass. Adapted for young adults by Monique Gray Smith, this new edition reinforces how wider ecological understanding stems from listening to the earth’s oldest teachers: the plants around us.
“Both an urgent, essential call to action and an uplifting love letter.” –starred, Kirkus Reviews
We’re Celebrating Fiction with Read-Aloud Videos Every Day in February
What Is Fiction February?
Throughout the month of February we’ll be sharing read-aloud videos of fiction picture books! The videos are yours to share with students and readers, whether you’re watching them in your classroom or library or using them for hybrid and distance learning.
What Will I Get?
Participants will receive an email every Sunday beginning in February with links to read-aloud videos and other resources.