Hi everyone and welcome back to Top 10 Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish! Today’s theme is Summer Reads Freebie. 

Can you believe summer is right around the corner? We can’t wait! Today I decided to share some of my favorite books to read aloud with kids. It’s a mix of picture books and novels, favorites and new reads. It was pretty hard to narrow it down to 10. There are several that deserve to be on such a list. Let me know your favorites in the comments below! Enjoy!

The Tales of Beatrix Potter by Beatrix Potter // Nothing is more classic than Peter Rabbit and his friends. Perfect books to begin your summer reading with the kids.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling // As you know, I’m a big Harry fan. And I was first introduced to these books when an elementary school teacher read the first one out loud to the class. The first three are especially great to read to kids.

Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books by Betty MacDonald // I loved these books as a child about a clever and creative nanny who can solve any problem. We used to read a chapter before bed and loved them!

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett // My favorite book growing up, so I’m told. I love the story and the illustrations. SO much better than the movie.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo // I read this when I was pregnant with my first. I love DiCamillo’s novels for children and this is a classic for me. A darling story about a mouse and a princess and a pot of soup.

Holes by Louis Sacher // I must admit, it’s been years since I read this one. But I love the movie too. A Newbery Honor book, this novel is fun, clever, and will have you routing for the characters from page one.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis // For older kids, I think the Narnia books are fantastic! Beautiful stories with deep allegorical meanings as well. This one is a great place to start.

The One and Only Ivan by Katheryn Applegate // This is a recent read for me and it is just darling. The short chapters make it perfect for reading out loud. And the message is so tender and sweet. My review is coming later this week!

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin // I am about half way through this book and love it. It combines classic Chinese folk stories in a unique tale of one girl’s journey to better her family’s fortune. Short chapters and beautiful color illustrations make it easy to read to kids of all ages.

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak // Another classic picture book about a boy who sails to the land of the wild things and becomes their king.

Bonus reads: the Maurice Sendak board book collection including Chicken Soup with Rice and Pierre. Great rhymes and hilarious stories!

What are your favorite summer reads for kids?