Great stories to read out loud

Ahmed and the Feather Girl

As it's National Story Telling Week this February, here are some of the best stories and poems to read out loud.

Including poems, fairy tales, hilarious stories and epic adventures, these books will keep children engaged throughout.

  • Revolting Rhymes

    Revolting Rhymes

    Author: Roald Dahl Illustrator: Quentin Blake
    Publisher: Penguin
    Interest age: 5+
    Reading age: 7+

    This is an hilarious collection of some well-loved fairy tales, cleverly reinvented by Roald Dahl.

  • Previously

    Previously

    Author: Allan Ahlberg Illustrator: Bruce Ingman
    Publisher: Walker Books
    Interest age: 6+
    Reading age: 6+

    Using just the word 'previously' various fairytales are retold – starting with their endings and working back to their beginnings.

  • The Storyteller's Secrets

    The Storyteller's Secrets

    Author: Tony Mitton Illustrator: Peter Bailey
    Publisher: Picture Corgi
    Interest age: 7+
    Reading age: 7+

    Toby and Tess meet an old man in an old fashioned robe carrying a staff. He gives his name as Teller and he tells the children five traditional tales in rhyming verse.

  • My Favourite Fairy Tales

    My Favourite Fairy Tales

    Author: Tony Ross
    Publisher: Andersen Press
    Interest age: 5-9
    Reading age: 8+

    Tony Ross retells seven fairy tales for a contemporary audience with wit and style.

  • Mr. Aesop's Story Shop

    Mr. Aesop's Story Shop

    Author: Bob Hartman Illustrator: Jago Jago
    Publisher: Lion
    Interest age: 6+
    Reading age: 7+

    Ten of Aesop's fables are here retold within the framework of a storyteller who tells and sells his stories for a living.

  • Breaking the Spell

    Breaking the Spell

    Author: Lari Don Illustrator: Cate James
    Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
    Interest age: 8+
    Reading age: 9+

    A wonderful collection of myths, legends and fairy tales from Scotland.

  • Ahmed and the Feather Girl

    Ahmed and the Feather Girl

    Author: Jane Ray
    Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
    Interest age: 6-9
    Reading age: 7+

    This beautiful fairy tale story of hope and dreams is enchanting. Jane Ray's illustrations are truly magical. A wonderful book to keep and treasure.

  • Once Upon a Wild Wood

    Once Upon a Wild Wood

    Author: Chris Riddell
    Publisher: MacMillan Children’s Books
    Interest age: 4-7
    Reading age: 6+

    A brand-new fairytale character, Little Green Rain Cape, sets off through the wild woods on her way to Rapunzel’s birthday party. On the way, she meets and helps a host of beloved fairytale characters. A delightful picture book that children of all ages will love.

  • The Book with No Pictures

    The Book with No Pictures

    Author: B J Novak
    Publisher: Puffin

    Demanding to be shared, this is a fresh and enormously funny book that children will want to hear time and time again.

  • Nimesh the Adventurer

    Nimesh the Adventurer

    Author: Ranjit Singh Illustrator: Mehrdokht Amini
    Publisher: Lantana Publishing
    Interest age: 4-7
    Reading age: 5+

    This captivating picture book will delight young children, encouraging them to invent their own imaginative adventures. The striking collage illustrations contain vibrancy and depth, drawing the reader into Nimesh’s exciting fantasy world.