With playful language, engaging illustrations, and rhythmic text that begs to be shared aloud, these special books are perfect for storytimes at home, in libraries, or in preschool classrooms.
Whether they encourage kids to chime in, move their bodies, or simply snuggle in close, these stories turn reading together into an interactive, joyful experience that builds early literacy skills and a lifelong love of books.
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Oh Dear, Look What I Got! by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, 2025
(Ages 2 and up)
The dynamic duo behind the beloved classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt reunites for another enchanting read-aloud for little ones. When a young boy goes shopping at the market, the vendors mishear his requests and send him home with a comical collection of animals that rhyme with the items he actually needs.
Kids will delight in guessing which animal comes next, chiming in on the playful refrain, and laughing along with each turn of the page. Charming, clever, and irresistibly fun, this joyful story has all the makings of a future classic.
Mister Kitty is Lost by Greg Pizzoli, 2023
(Ages 2 and up)
This clever concept book teaches numbers and colors through a laugh-out-loud interactive story. When a little girl loses her kitty, she turns to readers for help inviting them to follow a trail of clues hidden behind die-cut pages. Each page turn delivers a fresh hint and a comical surprise, making this a joyful, hands-on reading experience kids will want to revisit again and again.
This is the Way in Dog Town by Ya-Link Huang, 2024
(Ages 2 and up)
Readers will love singing along to the tune of “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” as they follow an adorable dog on an action-filled day getting ready in the morning, going to school, and playing.
Let’s Be Bees by Shawn Harris, 2025
(Ages 2 and up)
Pretend along with a father and child in this imaginative story that celebrates make-believe and transforming into all kinds of things and creatures. With engaging illustrations and playful, comical prompts, this book is perfectly suited for an interactive, laugh-filled storytime.
My Dog Smudge by Sujean Rim, 2025
(Ages 3 and up)
This playful lift-the-flap book is perfect for sharing with young children. While most dogs bark, Smudge makes the strangest sounds. Determined to understand her pet, a young girl seeks guidance from various barnyard animals. Based on the silly sounds Smudge makes, children will delight in predicting which farmyard creature will appear next under the flaps. Best of all is the heartwarming ending that shows that true friendship goes far beyond words.
Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
Follow Toad as he spends the day helping everyone else until his own truck breaks down! This playful tale, packed with rhyme and alliteration, delivers a delightful reminder that sometimes we need to ask for help too.
Go and Get With Rex by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
Every Pre-K and Kindergarten teacher is going to want to get their hands on this hysterical book that is perfect for introducing letters. When an unseen narrator challenges two kids and their dog Rex to play a game, they are tasked with retrieving items that begin with certain letters. Each time, Rex brings back a surprise that also shockingly fits the assignment. From the alliterative text highlighting each letter to the comical illustrations and the absolutely perfect ending, there is so much to love about this story.
On Our Way! What a Day! by JaNay Brown-Wood, Tamisha Anthony, 2025
(Ages 3 and up)
Rollicking rhymes tell the story of a group of grandchildren collecting items for a special gift for their Gram. Unsure whether she’ll love each found treasure, the children discover that every item has a meaningful purpose coming together to create the perfect present. A true joy to read aloud, little ones will delight in repeating the playful chant as the children find and keep their surprise prizes.
Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes by Sean Taylor, illustrated by Fiona Woodcock, 2025
A clever collection of rhymes and poems designed to be acted out with your hands, creating an interactive and engaging storytime for little ones. This book is especially perfect as a resource for storytimes at home, in the library, or in a preschool classroom.
Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme by Betsy Bird, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi, 2025
(Ages 2 and up)
When classic nursery rhymes are hilariously interrupted by an energetic weasel, complete chaos breaks loose in this comical tale. Little ones will love chiming in and laughing every time the weasel makes his unexpected (and very funny) appearance.
Old MacDonald Had a Farm E-I-UFO by Zach von Zonk, illustrated by Benjamin Chaud, 2025
(Ages 3 and up)
This humorous play on the classic song, takes new heights as the farm animals are beamed up in a spaceship! With an array of funny sounds to repeat, this book is a fun one to liven up reading at home or a storytime.
Can You Do This? Super Silly Edition! by Megan Roy, 2025
Help Me Find My Hamster by Brooke Hartman, illustrated by Anna Süßbauer, 2025
(Ages 3 and up)
A missing hamster proves tricky to find when an array of look-alike animals keeps popping up. As the narrator searches for their pet, a series of visual clues invites readers to help—but each reveal turns out to be a completely different animal! Kids will love guessing which creature will appear next in this clever, comical book.
Cats in Construction Hats by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Leeza Hernandez, 2025
(Ages 2 and up)
This charming rhyming tale follows a team of hard-working construction cats and doubles as a playful way to explore colors, teamwork, and perseverance. The rhythmic text makes it delightful to read aloud, while the humorous illustrations keep little ones engaged. For an added learning extension, try a sorting activity where children match the cats to their colorful construction hats.
Over in the Meadow by Chandler Strange, 2024
Gorgeous illustrations bring to life the traditional folk song, “Over in the Meadow.” Brimming with charm, this beautiful rendition features an array of animal mothers gently caring for their babies, making this an excellent counting book to use in the spring or to celebrate Mother’s Day.
If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone by Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Emily Hughes, 2025
(Ages 3 and up)
This sweet imaginative story, is such a clever way to guide children through making new friends by listening, asking questions, and sharing about themselves.
Put Your Shoes On by Polly Dunbar, 2025
(Ages 3 and up)
Parents and children alike will relate to this hilarious tale of a mother urging her son to put on his shoes while he drifts off into daydreams. The playful illustrations perfectly capture Josh’s whimsical imagination, while his mother’s mounting frustration adds plenty of laughs. A delightful read-aloud brimming with humor, empathy, and creativity.
Little Freddie Two Pants by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
(Ages 3 and up)
Prepare for giggles in this seriously silly tale about a dog facing a fashion fiasco.
This Book is Dangerous! by Ben Clanton, 2026
(Ages 3 and up)
This interactive gem stars the cautious Jelly from Ben Clanton’s bestselling Narwhal and Jelly series in a whole new way. Readers are invited to help Jelly navigate a series of tricky situations that grow increasingly dangerous, and increasingly funny. Bursting with delightful humor, this book is a fantastic way to entertain kids and spark excitement for diving into the graphic novel series.
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