A collage of six children's book covers, each featuring colorful illustrations and titles such as "I'll Teach My Dog 100 Words" and "Owl Babies," celebrates the magic of storytelling in schools.

Storytelling in Schools

Wirral SLSAdvice

Subject: Storytelling in Schools

Topic: Favourite read-aloud books and practical tips

Age: This article is most relevant for storytelling with primary-aged children, particularly KS1–KS2.

Synopsis: An experienced Schools’ Library Service librarian shares simple, tried-and-tested tips for reading aloud, alongside a curated list of picture books that work brilliantly for storytelling in schools.

Yellow circular sticker with a black checkmark and text reading "Wirral Schools' Library Service" on a wooden surface.

Catherine McNally
Wirral SLS

Librarian’s view:

Storytelling sits at the heart of reading for pleasure. A well-chosen story, read aloud with confidence and care, can calm a room, spark imagination, build language, and create a shared moment that children remember long after the book is closed.

To help teachers and librarians make the most of story time, Wirral SLS Librarian Catherine – who has been reading stories aloud in libraries and schools for over 30 years – shares her practical tips for storytellers, followed by a curated list of favourite read-aloud books. The full book list is available exclusively to SLS-UK members.

If you are unsure what to choose, your local Schools’ Library Service can always suggest books that work brilliantly aloud and supply them to subscribing schools.

 

Practical tips for reading aloud

Read stories you genuinely enjoy
If you find a story funny, moving or exciting, that feeling carries through to your audience. Children quickly pick up on enthusiasm and engagement.

Know the story before you share it
Read the book through a few times first. Knowing what is coming allows you to focus on your listeners rather than the text, and makes the session feel relaxed and confident.

Pace matters – but so do the pictures
Keep the story moving, but pause to let children explore the illustrations. Point out visual jokes, details, or favourite moments before turning the page.

Use your own storytelling style
Not every storyteller needs voices or big performances. A calm, clear reading with attention to the audience is often just as effective.

Do not be afraid of familiarity
Re-reading a well-loved book is valuable. Familiar stories are comforting, and children enjoy anticipating what comes next.

Stay flexible
If time is short or attention is fading, it is fine to paraphrase sections, skip pages, or choose books that allow you to dip in and out without spoiling the experience.

Book cover for "When a Monster is Born" by Sean Taylor and Nick Sharratt, featuring a green monster baby in a blue stroller on a red patterned background—perfect for schools, encouraging storytelling and early education.

PREVIEW

When a Monster is Born
Written by Sean Taylor & Illustrated by Nick Sharratt

A monster is born in a faraway forest, and storyteller and audience work their way through a series of absurd and funny possibilities before the story comes full circle.

This is a brilliant read-aloud book for any primary age group, from Foundation Stage through to Year 6. It is fast-paced, bold, and almost impossible to read without audience participation. The text invites children to shout suggestions, and the humour builds beautifully with each page turn.

Catherine’s tip – find out the name of the Headteacher before you read. When the children inevitably suggest who the monster should eat, you can have a lot of fun. This story has never failed to engage a group.

A collage of four children's book covers—"What a Wonderful World," "Owl Babies," "Construction," and "The Highway Rat"—showcasing delightful reads perfect for inspiring storytelling in schools.

Download the full reading list for free

Catherine has put together a list of ten go-to picture books that work exceptionally well for reading aloud, covering:

  • quieter stories for settling a group
  • rhythmic and rhyming texts
  • interactive and participatory books
  • stories that work across mixed age ranges

The full list, with detailed notes on why each book works so well in practice, is available exclusively to SLS-UK members.

Access the free resource in our members area

Not a member yet? Register for free

This article was written by
Yellow circular sticker with a black checkmark and text reading "Wirral Schools' Library Service" on a wooden surface.
CONTACT

Wirral Schools' Library Service (SLS) is a council service for maintained primary and special schools in Wirral. In addition, as part of Wirral Traded Services for Schools, Wirral SLS offers the opportunity for local primary academies and independent primary schools to buy into the service. Enquiries are also welcome from schools in the wider area (Merseyside and North Wales border) where local authorities do not provide a local Schools' Library Service.

We also offer a Year 7 Transition Service available for secondary schools.

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