Read Aloud Choices for Year 3

“All I want is a normal family but no, I’ve ended up with the brother from Weirdsville. Liam is so embarrassing, but Mum and Dad can’t see that and give him all the attention. Leaving me with zero! Zilch! A big fat NOTHING! And I’m not really sure how an enormous, funny, clumsy polar bear is going to help with all this, but he was standing on the doorstep, so I had to invite him to stay, didn’t I?

A priceless golden chalice has been stolen from Fergus McSwaggers, fearsome chief of the squelchy Bog Islands … and he wants it back! Can Flynn and the crew of the Black Hound solve their most dangerous case yet, battling deadly ice pirates, outsmarting squabbling clans, and facing the scariest beast of all the Seven Seas, the monstrous, cat-like MogdrodOur reviewer, Lucy Timmons writes. ‘It is full of silly, fun, stinky humour which will leave this age range both falling off their seats and gripped by the adventurous plot.’

he fascinating true story of the inspiring writer Arthur Conan Doyle, and how he created the world’s most famous detective,

A poetic picture book celebrating the life and scientific discoveries of groundbreaking astronomer Cecilia Payne! Astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne was the first person to discover what burns at the heart of stars. Our reviewer, Tracy Parvin, writes,’The Fire of Stars is a beautifully structured book that could be shared as a read-aloud, or explored as a class text, with KS1 and lower KS2, especially if studying women’s achievements.’

A brave young girl rows out to meet her destiny in a lavishly illustrated original tale steeped in fairy lore, from a traditional Irish storyteller.  Our reviewer writes, ‘An absolute treat for reading aloud to young children and for older readers too who can appreciate the quality of the illustrations and explore these in detail.’

Tyra gets off to a tough start at her new school. She’s loud and different and nobody seems to be particularly friendly. So when her nan gives her a beautiful china snow dragon, Tyra decides to take it to school, hoping that people will think it’s interesting and talk to her. But disaster strikes and the beautiful dragon is smashed.

Our reviewer, Stephen Connor writes, ‘There are many books set in schools that put the protagonist in Tyra’s position, and often a ringleader is pushing back against the newcomer. What I really liked about this book was that this character didn’t exist: instead, children asked questions (why do you live with your nan?), and there are titters when Tyra’s jokes don’t quite work, but there is an absolute absence of cruelty.’ The themes in this book are pertinent to the lives of all children and it’s highly recommended opening for class discussion.

A short rhyming story that works well as a read-aloud in either year 2 or year 3. Our reviewer, Imogen Maund says, ‘It is refreshing to read a book for children with characters who are homeless but are portrayed positively. There is certainly not a victim narrative in this story and it clearly communicates why Pete likes his lifestyle – and that it is a conscious choice. Therefore, it provides an opportunity for discussion with children about homes and how different people may choose to live.

A collection of stories from around the world to promote thought and discussion about peace and kindness. Our reviewer, Kate Hitchings, writes ‘The pacey and dramatic stories are perfect for reading aloud. The Woodcutter and the Lion is perhaps the best of all for a classroom rendition. Children unaccustomed to the diverse conventions of folktales will benefit from hearing them read and discussing the messages and themes of each one. ‘

The first book in Anne Fine’s Killer Cat series has great characterisation. There’s an opportunity here to engage children with an expressive read-aloud with character voices and good pacing to emphasize the humour. There are other books in the series that children can enjoy independently.

Mr Gum is a complete horror who hates children, animals, fun and corn on the cob. This book’s all about him. Anarchic humour that will have children laughing their heads off

A collection of eight literary fairy stories with Jan Pienkowski’s trademark silhouette illustrations. The classic storyteller voice makes this a good collection for reading aloud.