When it comes to fun read-alouds, circle stories often top the list, as they lead readers on a journey with a satisfying ending– right back where they started! Conducive to all sorts of narrative styles, circle stories range from lyrical and poetic to whimsical and comedic—and our Top Ten list includes all of these! Check out one of our favorites for your next read-aloud book!
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
When Peter wakes up, the world is covered in snow! He makes tracks, builds a snowman, and enjoys plenty of adventures before packing a snowball into his pocket. But at bedtime, the snowball is gone! Thankfully, when Peter wakes up, the world is snowy once again. With its classic illustrations, this story reminds readers of the simple gift of childhood joy.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond
If you give a mouse a cookie… he’ll definitely want some milk. And when you give him milk, he’ll want a straw—and then a napkin—and on and on! That cookie will lead a mouse to do all sorts of things, like drawing pictures, sweeping floors, and eventually… wanting another cookie, of course! This series of circular stories will definitely leave you giggling!
There’s a Bear on My Chair by Ross Collins
When Mouse notices a bear on his chair, he is not happy. How can he get him out? Despite all sorts of antics, Mouse just can’t seem to get rid of this pesky bear! With fun closed rhyming patterns, this delightful story ends with a surprising circular ending that will make you laugh!
You Matter by Christian Robinson
From the smallest stuff to the biggest stuff, the first to the last, and everything in between, you matter. With colorful illustrations that match varying kinds of situations, including losing someone you love and living close or far from home, this book uses simple language as an important reminder of one’s intrinsic and constant worth.
I Don’t Like Koala by Sean Ferrell, illustrated by Charles Santoso
Adam does not like his stuffed toy Koala. But no matter how many times he tries to get rid of Koala, the toy always ends up right back on Adam’s bed! Will he ever learn to love his terrible toy?
Bob, Not Bob! by Audrey Vernick and Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Matthew Cordell
When Little Louie feels sick, all he wants is Mom! But when he calls for her with his stuffed-up nose, his dog, Bob, comes running instead! How can Louie help everyone understand that he needs Mom (not Bob!) to feel loved and safe? This circular story should be read as if the reader has a cold, which makes it an extra-fun read-aloud!
I Am a Story by Dan Yaccarino
Written on cave walls and printed in books, woven into tapestries and told around a campfire, the history of story is both simple and universal. Stories make us feel, inspire us, and empower us. With beautiful text and illustrations, this book reminds readers of the enduring and connective value of story.
Bike on, Bear! by Cynthea Liu, illustrated by Kristyna Litten
Bear is smart and capable and good at lots of things… but he can’t figure out how to ride a bike! When a nearby bike park opens, Bear heads to the library to learn everything he can about riding. Yet nothing seems to work! When a friend needs help, Bear is forced to put his knowledge to the ultimate test. This fun story encourages readers to “Bike on!” even when their attempts seem discouraging.
Swallow the Leader by Danna Smith, illustrated by Kevin Sherry
In this counting book, one fish invites more and more fish to follow its lead, creating a long line of multicolored counting fish! But then…the fish begin to swallow each other! Will any of the fish survive until the last page?
The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Beth Krommes
Beginning with a key to the house, this lyrical book’s narration moves to a light, a book, and even the moon and sun, before returning back to the same key– all while a child prepares to sleep. With detailed scratchboard illustrations and the use of intentional color, this book offers a peaceful sense of calm and connectedness, particularly at bedtime.