Cumulative tales make fun read alouds because there is so much repetition. Young listeners love the predictability. Plus, they are great for teaching sequencing. Here are my top 10 books for children full of repetition.
It’s my list for this year’s #pb10for10 . Every August 10th, book lovers share their favorite 10 books of the year or on a particular theme. It’s fun to follow the hashtag on Twitter to find some new books to explore.
11 Cumulative Tales
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#1: Around the Table That Grandad Built
This is my newest favorite cumulative tale. Around the Table That Grandad Built by Melanie Heuiser Hill is a story of family and friendship that develops and is enriched around that table Granddad built. Children and families will be inspired to set the table and enjoy a good meal with families and friends. This is a good pick for a unit on families.
#2: The Apple Pie That Papa Baked
Gather the apples and get ready for a warm sweet apple pie in The Apple Pie That Papa Bakedby Lauren Thompson. Serving apple pie after reading is optional. Of course, if you are doing an apple theme, you’ll want to add this to the read-aloud list.
#3 There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly
This is perhaps the first title that comes to mind when you think of a cumulative tale. And, there are oodles of variations of the classic book from There Was an Old Astronaut Who Swallowed the Moon to There Was an Old Pirate Who Swallowed a Fish.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Pam Adams is my favorite version of the classic to read aloud to whole groups. It has bright bold die-cut pages.
#4: The Little Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything
Speaking of little old ladies… the fall classic The Little Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams is another classic that is fun to act out with the students. It also makes a good book to do a felt retelling with too.
#5: Jack’s House
Jack’s House by Karen Magnuson Beil will delight all little construction lovers. Who has done all the work to build Jack’s house?
#6: The Pinata That the Farm Maiden Hung
The Pinata That the Farm Maiden Hung by Samantha R. Vamos sprinkles in lots of Spanish words as a pinata is prepared for a surprise birthday party. You just might want to make your own pinata with the students after reading it.
#7: Move Over, Rover!
Karen Beaumont books make good read alouds in general and Move Over, Rover!lives up to that statement. It is cumulative, fun & playful, loaded with animals, and full of rhythm. It’s a great pick for your youngest listeners.
#8: The Sandcastle That Lola Built
Head to the beach for some fun in the sand in The Sandcastle That Lola Built by Megan Maynor. It’s spin on [easyazon_link identifier="037583530X" locale="US" tag="groboobyboo-20"]The House That Jack Built.
#9: There’s a Hole in the Log on the Bottom of the Lake
There’s a Hole in the Log on the Bottom of the Lake by Loren Long is also great for a circle time read-along for its call and response format. Plus, you can sing the story. Lyrics are included.
#10: One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree
Last but not least is one more of my favorites on the list- One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree by Daniel Bernstrom. It is full of rhythm making it a great read-aloud to preschoolers. A hungry snake develops an ever-growing body until he gets quite the tummy ache.
Hopefully, you found some new books to add to your list. These are all great additions to the some of the more well-known cumulative tales such as The Napping House, The Jacket I Wear in the Snow, and This is the House That Jack Built.
#11: By the Light of the Moon
By the Light of the Moon by Frann Preston-Gannon is the story of a frog who invites other animals to join him in song. His song just doesn’t feel right until the very last animal friend joins.
Get the Printable Cumulative Book List
I’ve been working to get all the Growing Book by Book lists in printable form for you. Grab this printable list below. Just click “Get Your Printable” button.
More Circle Time Read Alouds
I have even more circle time or whole group read alouds for you. Check out these lists.
Cathy says
Thank you for joining the conversation again this year. I love these titles. Cumulative texts make great read alouds AND are strong mentors for early writers.
Can’t wait to check out some of these titles that are new to me.