Kinder- and prep-aged children are often ready for longer story times, as long as you have the right book on hand. Lengthy picture books, highly illustrated chapter books and simple treasuries are perfect for this phase. Here are eight of our best picks for read alouds with ages 3-7.

Wild Honey from the Moon by Kenneth Kraegel

On a cold winter’s eve, deep in the woods, a mother shrew frets about her sick young son. His head is cold and his feet are hot, and there is only one thing that can cure him: wild honey from the moon. So, trusty red umbrella in hand, Mother Shrew sets out into the unknown. This is an utterly delightful and incredibly comforting tale of the limitlessness of a parent’s love for their child.

For ages 5+

The Day No One was Angry by Toon Tellegen & Marc Boutavant (translated by Bill Nagelkerke)

Over twelve chapters, this unique book depicts different animals in various states of anger. Toon Tellegen’s narratives are funny and wry, while also offering a gently profound reflection of the nature of human emotions, while Marc Boutavant’s illustrations bring the endearingly grumpy animals to vibrant life.

For ages 5+

How Winston Delivered Christmas by Alex T. Smith

We couldn’t resist including ONE Christmas-themed story at this time of year… When Winston the mouse finds a lost letter to Father Christmas on Christmas Eve there’s no time to lose! He sets out to deliver it himself in time for Christmas Day. Every chapter of this book features a festive activity for all the family to enjoy together – including writing a letter to Father Christmas, making mince pies and more.

For ages 5+

Bruno by Catharina Valckx & Nicolas Hubesch (translated by Antony Shugaar)

Bruno the cat takes life as it comes. When its too rainy to go outside, he rustles up an inside picnic with his friends. When he meets a fish swimming in the air, he follows it – why not!? When the canary forgets how to sing, Bruno helps out. This charming and surreal book sees Bruno shares accounts of six days in his life, so far, and demonstrates why it’s the little moments that make life so good.

For ages 5+

Madame Badobedah by Sophie Dahl & Lauren O'Hara

Mabel lives with her parents in The Mermaid Hotel, by the sea, and she likes to keep an eye on the comings and goings of all the guests. Then one day a particularly interesting old lady comes to stay… Is she a SUPERVILLAIN like Mable suspects? Probably! This is a gorgeous story about an unlikely friendship between two unforgettable eccentrics.

For ages 4+

Stories of the Night by Kitty Crowther

Stories of the Night is a sweet and offbeat collection of illustrated stories from the recipient of the 2010 Astrid Lindgren Award. Little Bear begs his Mother Bear for goodnight stories, who then tells of creatures living in an enchanted forest world. These are gentle and soothing tales about friendship and kindness, with a lovely surprise at the end.

For ages 3+

The Cat with the Coloured Tail by Gillian Mears & Dinalie Dabarera

Mr Hooper and the Cat with the Coloured Tail travel through the countryside in their ice-cream van, making people happy with their delicious moon-creams. But when their van enters the forest, they realise the heart of the world is in danger. Will they be able to save it? Featuring illustrations from Dinalie Dabarera, this heartfelt fable is the only children’s book to have ever been published by beloved Australian author Gillian Mears.

For ages 5+

Good Night Sleep Tight by Kristina Andres

Fox and Rabbit live quite far away, in a bright little house beyond the mole hills, and when they wish each other a good night, the rustling pear tree, the raspberries and the stars join in. Each of these eleven (and a half!) stories lovingly follow the shenanigans of the two furry friends, whether they’re sleeping atop a wardrobe or swinging from the lightshades.

For ages 4+