February 4, 2026 is World Read Aloud Day. Organized by LitWorld, World Read Aloud Day celebrates how reading aloud to children strengthens emotional well-being, social connection, and academic success. This year, the QUALITYstarsNY joined in the global celebration by sharing their favorite children’s books and why they love them. We hope educators and families find some new favorite books to pick up and read aloud with their young ones to unlock the power of the shared experience of reading aloud together.
The Monster at the End of This Book
By Jon Stone
“How can you not love Grover?! This was always my favorite because of the story of sweet Grover, trying everything he can to prevent you from turning the pages, only to find out there was nothing to be afraid of as there is actually no monster at the end of the book. More so, I loved it because of the way my parents would read it to me. They read in the most animated ways, keeping me interested and anticipating what was to come on the next page, and instilled a love of reading in me at a very young age. For that I am forever grateful, and this book will always hold the top spot on my favorites list. <3”
– Sara Brydges, Quality Improvement Specialist, Finger Lakes
“I don’t remember exactly why this was my favorite book as a child—just the feeling that comes over me when I see it. I remember giggling as the pages turned, the anticipation building, and the moment Grover realizes he is the ‘scary monster’ at the end of the book. That playful suspense stayed with me, and now suspense and thrillers are my favorite kinds of books to read. Looking back, I think my love for the thrill of the unknown started right there, turning those pages.”
– Lisa Roberts, Quality Improvement Specialist, Western New York
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
By Eric Carle
“One of my favorite children’s books is The Very Hungry Caterpillar written by Eric Carle. I love the book for its striking bold colors and inviting pictures that offers visual appeal along with a multitude of concepts children can learn in a fun and engaging way.”
– Simone Taylor
Quality Improvement Specialist, New York City
My Many-Colored Days
By Dr. Seuss
“It is a beautifully illustrated board book to introduce to babies and help toddlers express how they feel by exploring moods and emotions through colors and animals. It provides children a language to express their feelings and to show that it’s normal to have different moods. “
– Carmelita Ozoa-Bota
Quality Improvement Specialist, Mid-Hudson
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
By Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault
“I love the book for its Rhythmic rhyme, the vibrant illustrations, and the way it can engage any child with a simple inflection of one’s voice. I love the undertones of social emotional interaction of teamwork and what working together can accomplish!”
– NiKki Regis
Quality Improvement Specialist, Long Island
Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
By Dr. Seuss
“I love ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’ because it feels like a warm hand on your back, gently reminding you that even when life gets hard, you still have everything inside of you to keep going. Every time I read it, I’m comforted by its honesty about the ups and downs of life, while also feeling inspired by its unwavering belief in our potential. Sharing this book with my two sons and now my grandson makes it even more special, it feels like passing along a piece of hope (no pun intended), courage, and belief that their journey matters and that they are capable of amazing things.”
– Hope Cannady
Quality Improvement Specialist, New York City
Breathe Like a Bear
By Kira Willey
“I love that this book teaches children simple mindfulness practices through breathing exercises with animals as inspiration. This book is a great tool to help children feel calm & grounded.”
– Rachel Zielinski
Quality Improvement Specialist, Finger Lakes
The Day the Crayons Quit (and the full series)
By Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
“This book (and the other two in the series) are soooo creative . . . telling stories from the perspective of everyday, ubiquitous, childhood objects. The books are laugh-out-loud funny through the distinct voices and personalities of each crayon. They achieve the unique feat of being both entirely entertaining and full of meaty content that’s worth discussing (e.g., character traits, feelings, problem-solution, point of view, etc.).”
– Erica Doherty
QUALITYstarsNY Senior Director
Fox in Socks
By Dr. Seuss
“Early in my preschool teaching career, this was the first book a student—who joined my class speaking only Japanese—was able to read aloud to me by the end of the school year. It holds additional personal significance as it was also the first book my daughter read to me independently.”
– Vicky Genaro
Quality Improvement Specialist, New York City
A Bad Case of Stripes
By David Shannon
“I used to read this book to my children when they were younger. I also read this book to my preschoolers. The content of this book is helpful when talking to children about acceptance and self-love.”
– Yessenia Rosario Adon
QUALITYstarsNY Director of Quality Improvement
The Giving Tree
By Shel Silverstein
“This book is about unconditional love, selflessness, and sacrifice. Hits harder now that I am a mom. “
– Lila Wong
Quality Improvement Specialist, New York City
Corduroy
By Don Freeman
“I’ve had this book since I was a small child. I love the story of the bear’s longing for a family, and the young girl’s persistence in giving this sweet, slightly worn bear a welcoming new home.”
– Miriam Kerness
Quality Improvement Specialist, Mid-Hudson
Where the Wild Things Are
By Maurice Sendak
“After being sent to his room for being mischievious Max’s imagination takes him on an adventure in a world of wild things. He is in a world where he is king and tries to make everyone happy. Through his journey he realizes that the world he really seeks is in his home.”
– Jill Boeck
Quality Improvement Specialist, Western New York
The Kissing Hand
By Audrey Penn
“The story addresses separation anxiety, a HUGE feeling for young children (and let’s be real, adults feel it too!). It’s a wonderful way to support a family through the many transitions that they can face. It teaches that love is always with them. I read it to my Pre-K class as a teacher, and also to my own daughters when they started child care. It hits me right in the heart!”
– Sara Lamoreaux
Quality Improvement Specialist, Western New York
Jabari Jumps
By Gaia Cornwall
“Jabari works through doing something he finds scary with the support of his father. My daughter and I loved reading this book together, and I quote it all of the time.”
– Sarah Gould-Houde
Quality Improvement Specialist, Capital District
Love You Forever
By Robert Munsch
“I love the book ‘Love you Forever’ because it reflects how love shows up in quiet, everyday ways. It also captures the feeling of being safe and cherished. It reminds me of how powerful consistency and presence are for children, knowing that no matter how big they get or what stage they’re in, there’s someone who sees them, respects them and treats them with care.”
– Kenia Bermudez
Quality Improvement Specialist, New York City
The Little Mouse, The Big Red Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear
By Don and Audrey Wood
“Aside from the beautiful illustrations and humorous storyline, what really makes this story unique is interactive narration. The story is told from a narrator, who is never seen, but interacts through dialogue with the mouse in the story. This adds a fund an playful element. And of course ends with a lesson about sharing.”
– Jenna Pettinicchi
Regional Quality Improvement Coordinator
Caps for Sale
By Esphyr Slobodkina
“I love reading this book to children and watching them smile and laugh when you act out and mimic with sounds and movements of the monkeys.”
– Lisa Kominos
Quality Improvement Specialist, Long Island
Harry the Dirty Dog
By Gene Zion
“This was a book my mom used to read to me. I can remember her excitement when she read it. I loved Harry and his adventures and how dirty he became in the story. I loved the mystery around the family not recognizing Harry until the children bathed him. As a parent and teacher, I loved to read this book to my own children and students.”
– Kathy Siragusa
Quality Improvement Specialist, Western New York
Press Here
By Herve Tullet
“This is an especially fun book to read aloud with young children. Following the directions on every page brings a uniquely interactive and magically fun element to the reading experience. Children always want to read it again!”
– Debra Higginson
Quality Improvement Specialist, North Country
Little Owl’s Night
By Divya Srinivasan
“The simple illustrations provide insight to curious minds about what happens when they close their eyes to go to sleep.”
– Amanda Gould
Quality Improvement Specialist, Finger Lakes
The Doorbell Rang
By Pat Hutchins
“It’s such a fun book about suspense, sharing, math concepts and surprise.”
– Kristin Olsen
Quality Improvement Specialist, Southern Tier
Harold and the Purple Crayon
By Crockett Johnson
“I love how this book invites the children to use their imagination and enjoy following Harold as he uses his.”
– Diane Farley
Quality Improvement Specialist, Long Island
