• Start Here
  • Home
  • Books
    • Classics
      • 20th Century Classics
    • Early Chapter Books
    • Easy Readers
    • Folktales
    • Holiday Books
    • Middle Grade (8-12 years)
    • Nonfiction
    • Picture Books
    • Read Aloud Chapter Books
  • Games
    • Traditional Games
  • Kids Activities
    • Arts and Crafts
    • Literacy & Writing
    • Math
    • Playful Activities
    • Science
    • Toddler
  • Parenting

What Do We Do All Day

Books and Activities for Kids

You are here: Home / Books / Heartwarming Books to Read Aloud as a Family

Heartwarming Books to Read Aloud as a Family

May 13, 2020

5378shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Family read aloud time is the best time in the world. When you find just the right heartwarming children’s book to share with everyone, you want to jump for joy because family time is that much better.

Heartwarming read aloud books

Always on the hunt for the next great read aloud, I recently asked parents what their current read aloud was. One mom responded,

I’m on the search for a few well-written, light-hearted books. I keep reading wonderful, but emotionally charged, books and I just want to read the equivalent of a big hug.

This got me thinking about our favorite heartwarming read aloud books. Now, some of the books on this list definitely have elements that are “emotionally charged” but even so the overwhelming experience of all these books is that they are a “big hug,” with some life lessons attached. So get out the blankets and cozy up on the couch for some snuggles and a great book.

Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission.

To support your local independent bookstore, view this list on Bookshop.

books on a shelf

16 Heartwarming Family Books


Little Cat's Luck book cover

Little Cat’s Luck 

by Marion Dane Bauer

Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

This is the companion book to the verse novel Little Dog Lost, but you don’t need to read one in order to enjoy the other. A little cat goes in search of a cozy nesting place and much to her surprise, she delivers a few kittens. A neighborhood dog, whom everyone believed was a menace, displays great gentleness and pride when the kittens take over his doghouse. But little cat wants to get back home. Can she do so without losing her kittens? A book you are sure to love.


save me a seat book

Save Me a Seat

by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan

Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

This funny and touching story of Ravi, an Indian immigrant adjusting to middle school and Joe, a boy who recently lost his best friend due to a move, is told in alternating voices. The two boys become friends when they unite again a school bully and one seriously crazy week full of laugh out loud humor ensues.


Gooseberry Park

by Cynthia Rylant

Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

My son’s teachers read this my son’s first grade class and my then-6 year old loved it so much he wanted me to read it at home. So of course I did! This charming story follows the adventures of a bat with a taste for junk food, a kind dog and a wise hermit crab as they try to save their friend Stumpy the Squirrel and her new babies.


More: Top Animal Books Told from the Animal’s Point of View


The Wheel on the School book cover

The Wheel on the School 

by Meindert DeJong

Indiebound | Amazon

In Holland, Lina and her friends wonder why there are no longer any storks in their village. They work together to build a nest for the birds on the school, and in doing so discover their individual and collective strengths. I remember loving it as a kid, for some reason I was expecting my kids to find it boring. Quite the contrary! Even my then-6 year old couldn’t wait to hear more.


The Very Very Far North book

The Very Very Far North

by Dan Bar-El

Bookshop | Amazon | Indiebound

This is my new favorite read aloud, and I don’t say that lightly! Duane the polar bear has a curiosity and sense of adventure that leads him first to a shipwreck where he meets C.C. the Owl. He then encounters even more new friends like Handsome the musk ox, Magic the artic fox, and Major Puffin. Together, they explore the wonders of the northern landscape. The cast of animals is as diverse in their personalities as they are in species and the thread of the story focuses on learning to appreciate one’s friends. An absolute must-read book, and an excellent choice for kids of all ages.


When Mischief Came to Town 

by Katrina Nannestad

Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

In early 20th century Denmark, an orphan girl meets her grandmother for the first time when she goes to live with her after the death of her mother. Inge Maria is a free spirit and even though trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes (hilarious trouble, to be sure) the townspeople and her grandmother can’t help but fall utterly in love with her. I thought Nannestad masterfully handled Inge Maria’s grief over her mother’s death, her joyous attitude towards new experiences, and her headstrong imagination.


More: Classics You Haven’t Read Aloud Yet!


The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden

by Karina Yan Glaser

Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

The second book in a series detailing the heartwarming adventures of a biracial family who live in Harlem. The first book takes place at Christmas and in this story, the siblings decide to create a healing garden for the benefit of their neighbors.


seven tales of trinket

The Seven Tales of Trinket

by Shelley Moore Thomas

Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

It is your next favorite read aloud.  After the death of her mother and with the company of Thomas the Pig Boy, eleven year old Trinket sets out to find her father, a wandering bard. Trinket has her own gift for storytelling and on her journey she encounters strange and wonderful personalities, some are creatures drawn from Celtic mythology and folklore, like the selkie, banshee and the pooka. Absolutely splendid!


saving winslow book

Saving Winslow 

by Sharon Creech

Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

Young Louie misses his brother Gus, who is in the army. So nursing a small, sickly donkey he names Winslow helps to fill the gap of loneliness. Winslow also helps him befriend Nora, a charming and quirky girl who lives close by who is dealing with a loss of her own. Delightful, heartwarming and will spark lots of conversation.


The Book of Boy

The Book of Boy 

by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

Boy, as he is called, is an outcast in his medieval village. He is able to communicate with animals, is mocked for his misshapen back and treated cruelly by those he works for. One day a pilgrim named Secundus  passes through and engages Boy as his servant on his journey to retrieve the relics of Saint Peter. Along the way, Boy meets fascinating characters, falls into dangerous and mysterious adventures and learns that things, including his own sense of self, are not always as they seem. This is a spellbinding tale which will have you and your kids discussing the nature of goodness and making choices. 


Wishtree

Wishtree 

by Katherine Applegate

Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

Red, the 200-plus year old tree, narrates this tale. From her perspective we learn about a celebration in May in which the town inhabitants come to tie their wishes to the tree. We learn about the animals who take shelter in Red, the past neighbors who have found solace in Red, and we see Samar, a lonely girl who comes to spend time at the tree. When a boy hangs messages of hate about Samar on the tree, Red begins to communicate with the animals to intervene and bring hope back to the community. Wonderful. 


Bud Not Buddy book cover

Bud, Not Buddy

by Christopher Paul Curtis

Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

Curtis is one my favorite middle grade authors and I loved reading this aloud to my 9 year old. 10 year old Buddy runs away from a series of unpleasant foster homes and sets out to find his father, whom he believes to be a jazz musician. Set in the depression, Curtis’ writing is filled with humor as well as serious truths. Ultimately, it’s an optimistic book, full of laughs and one cannot help but fall in love with Buddy.


More: Diverse Historical Fiction


A single Shard

A Single Shard

by Linda Sue Park

Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

In 12th century Korea, Tree-Ear, an orphan, lives under the bridge with the disabled Crane-man. The two survive from day to day but Tree-Ear is fascinated by the local revered potter, Min. Circumstances collide and Tree-Ear becomes Min’s apprentice. Tree-Ear must learn patience, an appreciation for hard work, as well as suffer Min’s bad temper. When Min sets about creating pottery to impress an emissary, Tree-Ear is determined to help him succeed and undergoes an important, life-changing journey. An utterly fantastic book.


Adventures with Waffles

by Maria Parr

Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

Trille and Lena are best friends in this Norwegian import. Or at least Trille thinks Lena is his best friend. He does frequently worry about that. But it doesn’t stop the pair of them from getting into mischief. Lena has her own insecurities, especially her desire for a father. One of the things I especially enjoyed was the emphasis on intergenerational relationships, and–of course –Auntie Granny’s delicious waffles.


The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher 

by Dana Alison Levy

Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

This book made me laugh out loud. A family of 2 dads and 4 adopted sons (all together they span several ethnicities and religions) lead a rather disordered and hilarious lifestyle. The boys all have different personalities, which could lend themselves to stereotypes, but thankfully do not. After finishing this book I wanted to move right in to the Fletcher household, if only to try out their DIY hockey rink. (You’ll have to read it to find out.)


A Long Way from CHicago book cover

A Long Way From Chicago 

by Richard Peck

Bookshop | Indiebound | Amazon

In depression-era Illinois, Joey and his younger sister Mary Alice spend 9 summers with their formidable, yet lovable Grandma. Each chapter is a self-contained story of one hilarious summer-time adventure and are perfect for family read alouds. Even though this book was written in 1998, it reads like an old-fashioned children’s novel. There are three books about the same family; this one was awarded a Newbery Honor.


More heartwarming books to share:

  • Gentle Chapter Read Aloud Books
  • 62 Essential Family Read Aloud Books
  • Family Books to Share for Every Season of the Year

Want Your Kids to Love Being Unplugged?
Subscribe to our newsletter and as a thank you, receive 10 waiting games kids can play anytime anywhere.
Your email will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Click here to view our privacy policy.
5378shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

by: Erica posted in: Books 4 Comments

« Trominoes: Mathematical Puzzles for Kids
Best Books on Epic! Reading App »

Comments

  1. kt says

    May 18, 2020 at 12:47 pm

    LOVE this list. We picked up the Very Very Far North at your recommendation and all three of my kids (4-8) are in love. Me too. It’s just sweet and nice to read. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Erica says

      May 27, 2020 at 11:18 am

      So glad you enjoyed the book!

      Reply
  2. Amy says

    May 24, 2020 at 9:47 am

    This is an amazing list of books! In my 24 years of teaching, it gives me a whole new set of stories to capture the hearts of my students! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Erica says

      May 27, 2020 at 11:15 am

      Happy reading!

      Reply

Feed My Comment Addiction Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

STOP THE WHINING!

SAY, "YES I WANT TO UNPLUG MY KIDS." JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER LIST AND GET 10 WAITING GAMES YOUR KIDS CAN PLAY ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.

Join over 12,000 parents who subscribe to the most useful newsletter on the planet. 

    We won't send you spam (yuck). Unsubscribe at any time.

    Search

    What Have We Done Lately?

    Best Games for Small Families (2-4 Players)

    Picture Books for Older Children

    Indoor Nature Activities for Winter that Kids Love

    Winter Bookmark Coloring Page

    Martin Luther King, Jr. Books for Kids

    A Year of Family Audiobooks

    Favorite Winter Craft: Ice Wreaths


    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
    Copyright 2007-2020 What Do We Do All Day? All rights reserved.

    EXPLORE MORE:

    Awesome Newsletter
    Favorite Resources for Parents
    100s of Book Lists
    Gigantic List of Indoor Activities
    Best Games on the Planet
    Stay At Home Parent Resources


    Privacy, disclosure and copyright policy

    Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro Theme Description: This is the Foodie Pro child theme created for the Genesis Framework. Author: Shay Bocks Author URI: http://shaybocks.com/ Version: 2.0.5 Tags: black, orange, white, one-column, two-columns, three-columns, fixed-width, custom-menu, full-width-template, sticky-post, theme-options, threaded-comments, translation-ready Template: genesis Template Version: 2.0.1 License: GPL-2.0+ License URI: http://www.opensource.org/licenses/gpl-license.php by Shay Bocks

    Want Your Kids to Love Being Unplugged?
    Subscribe to our newsletter and as a thank you, receive 10 waiting games kids can play anytime anywhere.
    Your email will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Click here to view our privacy policy.
    Want More Free Activity Ideas?
    Join our email list and as a thank you gift I'll send you a list of 10 waiting games that will make your kids smarter.
    Your email will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Click here to view our privacy policy.
    Want your kids to love being unplugged?
    Join our newsletter and as a thank you, I'll send you a list of 10 waiting games.
    Your email will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Click here to view our privacy policy.
    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you keep using this website we will assume you are OK with that. Read our privacy policy for more.OKRead more