If you’re studying the Middle Ages and Renaissance with your kids, this booklist is for you. It’s a short list of delightful picture book read-alouds for the whole family.

At Read-Aloud Revival, we believe that picture books are worthwhile for everyone. They’re an art gallery in your lap, paired with exquisite text that leaves you richer for the reading experience. That’s why this entire list is comprised of picture books!

Another benefit:

if you happen to be short on time, committing to reading aloud from a picture book is less of a commitment than a novel or chapter book.

Your older kids are likely to enjoy these books every bit as much as your younger ones. And I bet you’ll learn a thing or two, as you’re reading along!

If you have older kids…

you’ll especially enjoy the books on this list written by Diane Stanley:

Diane Stanley’s picture books contain longer, more detailed text, making them excellent choices for older listeners.

Got friends who are studying this time period with their kids? Send them this list via email

(All links are affiliate links.)

Castle
Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction
William Shakespeare and the Globe
Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare
The Clown of God
Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland
Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci
A Medieval Feast
Brother Hugo and the Bear
The Knight and the Dragon
Chanticleer and the Fox
Joan of Arc
Saint Francis of Assisi
The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane
Francis Woke Up Early
The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica
The Hawk of the Castle: A Story of Medieval Falconry
Joan of Arc
Pippo the Fool
I, Galileo
Marguerite Makes a Book
Michelangelo
St. Conrad and the Wildfire
Stories of the Saints: Bold and Inspiring Tales of Adventure, Grace, and Courage
D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths
Will’s Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk
The Kingfisher Atlas of the Medieval World
The Canterbury Tales
Favorite Medieval Tales
Hildegard of Bingen: Scientist, Composer, Healer, and Saint
Bravo, Mr William Shakespeare
Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo Da Vinci
Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei
Saint George and the Dragon
The Kitchen Knight

Get the printable booklist right here.