These storybooks for kids are read in classrooms around the world. Not only are they fun and loved by kids everywhere, but they also support social and emotional development, maths skills and communication and language development in young children.
How can I read children's books online for free?
The stories in this list are all available for free online in video format, so if you can't get out to buy the book in print form, don't worry!
How do I help my child read better?
Tips for viewing/reading stories online:
You can watch the story more than once if your child is interested
Use the pause button to slow the pace or to talk about what’s happening
Try muting the video and tell the story yourself or let your child tell it
Don’t worry if your child doesn’t fully understand the story the first time
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
A tiny egg turns into a caterpillar who tries lots of different fruits and less healthy options before finding a delicious leaf. Caterpillar then builds himself a cocoon and emerges two weeks later as a beautiful butterfly. Children love this colourful story which sparks conversation about growth and changes over time as well as healthy eating habits, with a little bit of counting practise and some days of the week thrown in.
Questions to ask your 3-5-year-old:
How many ___ did the caterpillar eat?
Why do you think his tummy is hurting?
What happened at the end of the story?
Giraffes Can’t Dance By Gile Andreae and Guy Parker-Reese
Rhythmic, rhyming and entertaining, Giraffes Can’t Dance tells the story of Gerald the giraffe and how he is taunted for his clumsiness only to later find the courage to try and realise that he is a good dancer after all. Gerald demonstrates some powerful learning characteristics like the ability to be brave and have a go as well as the power of recognising what is good about yourself.
Questions to ask your 3-5 year old:
How do you think Gerald is feeling in this picture?
What are you good at?
What do you love to do?
The Hueys in the New Jumper by Oliver Jeffers
A story about making your own choices rather than doing the same as everyone else that might also promote self-esteem through a discussion about ways your child is different or special and ways that they are the same as their friends or others.
Questions to ask your 3-5-year-old:
Do they look the same or do they look different?
What has happened now?
Does he still look different?
The Gruffalo by Axel Scheffler
Another rhyming book that also contains a repeated refrain. A repeated refrain is a line or lines that are said over and over throughout a story. Eventually, your child can join in with these parts. This story is also brilliant for learning to describe characters and settings.
Questions to ask your 3-5-year-old:
What kind of setting (place) is this?
What does the Gruffalo look like?
Were the animals really scared of mouse?
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
This glittering underwater tale promotes sharing and being kind and touches on feelings of sadness and loneliness. Encourage your child to consider the other little fishes points of view and how they might feel if the Rainbow Fish was mean to them. Maybe point out times when you share or when they could share in daily life and draw comparisons with the story.
Questions to ask your 3-5-year-old:
How do you think Rainbow Fish is feeling here?
Why is he sad/lonely?
What do you think he should do?
What can you share with your friends?
Remember to ask questions casually and conversationally instead of putting your child on the spot. If they don’t feel like answering questions and just want to listen then focus on using storytime to bond and foster a love of books ❤️
More stories read aloud on Youtube for 3-5-year-olds:
Related pages:
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What are your kids' favourite storybooks? Let me know or send me any other suggestions, comments or questions that you have here.
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