If you’re reading this blog, chances are you enjoy reading aloud to your kids. We do too, of course, but sometimes it’s nice to have a change of pace and do a more interactive read-aloud. We compiled a list of 10 books that are more than just a story — they invite the reader to be an active participant in some unique way.
The Monster At the End of This Book
This has been a favorite for all of our toddlers and preschoolers! Grover is scared of the monster that’s he thinks is at end of the book. He pleads with the reader to pleaaaase not turn the page because the monster will get him. It always had our kids laughing, and the twist ending is sweet, too.
Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus
A bus driver begins this story by imploring the reader to NOT let the pigeon drive his bus. The pigeon then spends the remainder of the book hilariously pleading with the reader to let him drive the bus. I always thought this gave my preschoolers a lighthearted taste of their own medicine when they ask for a snack or treat over and over and over again and don’t accept no the first time they’re told. Most of the time my kids ended up breaking down and letting the pigeon drive the bus after all of his pleading!
When…
This book is part of the “Record-A-Story” series where you can record yourself (or someone else) reading the book. The child can simply press play and have it read back to them whenever they want to hear it. My parents bought this for my kids several years back since we don’t live in the same state, and it has always been special to let my kids hear their Mimi and Poppy read to them, even when they’re far away.
We Are In a Book
At the beginning of this story, Piggie realizes, “Someone is looking at us! A reader… a reader is reading us!” Elephant and Piggie laugh at some of the silly things they make the reader say, and my children always laugh and want to read it again by the end.
Abe Lincoln Crosses A Creek
This was a Half-Price Books clearance find for us a few years ago, and it is based on the true (and lesser known) story of when Abraham Lincoln’s friend heroically saved him from falling in a raging creek when they were young. The reader participates in the story by clapping, giving various opinions, and even helping to rewrite part of the narrative.
Press Here
This interactive story gives instructions to the reader to do all sorts of things to the pages of the book that seem to have magical effects. As the reader shakes the book, for example, the following page shows that the dots they shook have moved all around the page. This has long been a favorite of our kids!
Interactive read-aloud books aren’t just for younger kids! Here are some of our favorites for slightly older children:
Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective
I used to love these books when I was growing up because the reader must solve each mystery along with Encyclopedia Brown. At the end of each chapter, a question is asked of the reader, who must use his deductive skills to figure out what happened. Solutions are given at the end of the book.
Joyful Noise: Poem For Two Voices
This is such a unique book that would be perfect for reading aloud outdoors on a beatiful day. Each poem is made to be read by two readers in a variety of different ways. Sometimes the readers switch lines back and forth, sometimes they read together, and other times they read different words simultaneously. It could be fun for nature study or just for a little something different.
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!
This book is a series of monologues from 19 members of a medieval English village. We listened to the audio book (which I highly recommend!) because each character in the book is voiced by a different reader. If you have a theatrical background or enjoy doing different voices, this could be a fun opportunity to show them off as you give voice and personality to each character.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
At more than 500 pages, I am positive this is the longest Caldecott-winning book there is! This story blends elements of literature and cinema as it includes 284+ pages of illustrations that make you feel like you’re simultaneously reading and “watching” the events of the book unfold. We also listened to the audio book as we followed along in the hard copy, and the sound effects added quite a bit, as well.
Do you have any more favorite interactive read-aloud books? I’d love for you to share your recommendations in the comments below!