We love books around here. Reading chapter books together at night time can be such a special tradition. I listed 10 great read-alouds in this post, a few of which are included below. However, each child is different! Some kids want big adventure and intrigue, while other kids want something a little more gentle and easygoing.
The last thing more sensitive readers want before the lights go out and their parents leave is to get all riled up and worried about the dangerous predicament their favorite character may be in!
My kids go through phases, and generally are OK with a decent amount of excitement… but we also all enjoy a story that isn’t as scary now and then, too!
Disclaimer: In order to craft a story of any kind, you do need SOME character conflict and dramatic suspense. Generally, though, the ones listed below have fewer scary plots, violent actions, or excessively mean characters & dialogue. Checking out Common Sense Media is a great tool to use if you are wary of a very specific theme or topic or are curious what ages other parents recommend for a given book.
Here are 6 chapter books (and book series) I’ve read aloud with my children that felt very gentle and heartwarming:
1. Winnie the Pooh
This is my top recommendation from this list. You will not find a more gentle story out there. The characters and mishaps are beautifully simple and yet so profound. It’s a classic for a reason.
The sequel, House at Pooh Corner, is just as wonderful. There is a subtle humor in these books that my son and I found very delightful. Go read them now!
2. The Very Very Far North
This is a story that features Duane — a polar bear that lives in the Arctic. Each chapter you meet a new Arctic friend. Each friend introduced is memorable and distinct.
Something about this story has stayed with me for a very long time! And the pace is perfect for bedtime — enough to keep us wanting to read the next night, but nothing too action-packed.
Don’t miss the sequel too, Just Beyond the Very Very Far North! We are currently loving that one.
3. Little House on the Prairie
This famous series by Laura Ingalls Wilder is a great one for kids that are interested in history. It’s a slow-paced, deep look into pioneer times in the middle of America. It’s hard not to root for Laura, a curious and capable girl helping her family through all of their struggles and triumphs.
Our very favorite books in the series were: Little House in the Big Woods, Farmer Boy, and On the Banks of Plum Creek.
A few potential scary things to watch for across this series (according to my 8 year old who has read them): there are wolves, conflicts with Native Americans, and a black panther mentioned near their home.
4. Charlotte’s Web
I’ll be the first to admit that this may be a controversial book to add to this list. Charlotte’s Web is infamous for the sad ending and the death of a beloved character — which is rare in children’s books.
However, nothing about the way it is handled feels sensationalized. It’s beautiful in its truth to life, and also ends on a hopeful note. And the pacing and action throughout is accessible- not too stressful.
Note: some sensitive readers may (correctly) find Templeton the rat to be mean and rude.
5. The Trumpet of the Swan
Another E.B. White novel, The Trumpet of the Swan is a still-famous-but-slightly-less-so children’s book.
It’s a coming of age story… for a swan. Watch as this sweet trumpet-less swan tries to find a voice, overcome hardships, and find his way home.
I loved reading this book with my son. Afterwards we got very excited to see the trumpeter swans at our Kansas City Zoo (one of our favorite things to do in Kansas City).
Note: My son says the only potentially scary part in this book is an intruiging character in the Philadelphia chapter(s).
6. A Bear Called Paddington
It’s impossible not to love Paddington Bear in this series by Michael Bond. He is the earnest epitome of innocence, much like a few other bears up on this list…
You definitely need to start with the 1958 original, A Bear Called Paddington. But don’t stop there! Travel on with this marmalade-loving bear through his next adventures, too.
Watch as Paddington gets used to life in England with the Brown family, and watch as he endears himself into your heart. One mishap at a time.
That’s it!
This concludes our list of 6 great chapter books to read aloud for sensitive children! I hope you enjoy these gentle stories as much as we did.
Let me know what other books you would add to this list in the comments below!
Want more reading suggestions for kids?
Check out these posts, too!
10 Great Chapter Books to Read Aloud
4 Great and Doable Easy Reader Series (Do These After Bob Books!)
Our Favorite Children’s Podcasts!
Cover photo by pexels at pixabay.com
