We are definitely spoiled for choice here. The number of wonderful picture books is huge and growing daily! There are many things that will influence your choice of a read aloud.
The two main factors in this decision are so interrelated as to practically be two sides of the same coin. Both knowing your audience and knowing yourself will be the main drivers of your book choices.
Your audience
This is the biggest factor. Your knowledge of your listener is key to finding books that will be a hit. Picture books vary greatly in length and difficulty. Use your knowledge of the children who will be your listeners to determine what type of book will suit them best. What is their attention span? What level of vocabulary will stretch them without confusing them? The more familiar you are with your listeners, the easier this choice becomes.
Interests of the listener also will be key here. Whenever possible, choose books that follow the current interests of the audience.
Yourself
This is the time to think about what you enjoy reading aloud. There is an element of performance here. A book in which you have zero interest will usually not be well received when you read it. On the other hand, a book that you find compelling will usually go over well even if the audience is lukewarm on the subject. Your attitude is contagious.
You won’t always love every title. There will be titles or even genres you will find tedious. I happen to love Amelia Bedelia. I find her entertaining and charming. One of my friends was a great reader, but privately swore to me one day when our children were young that if she had to say “Amelia Bedelia” one more time she would most likely scream.
Of course, sometimes there is no choice. When the little one slips into your lap again with Amelia Bedelia or your class clamors for that one favorite story for the 30th time that month – your part in the decision is over and you will graciously bow to the will of the audience. Enjoy the lost battle – these days are precious and are over very quickly.