Hands up who loves to read? In my previous post on books for toddlers, i mentioned how important it was to pick books that your child AND you enjoy reading. Especially since you will be reading them over and over again. Sometimes, especially if you are not a big children’s book reader, or if you don’t spend hours at the local bookstore perusing through children’s books (like most parents do, LOL), you probably find that your top recommendations for children’s books will come through birthday gifts, other parents or by looking at a friend’s child’s bookshelf during a playdate. So this post is for most parents…who love reading to their kids and would love a list of recommendations from a like minded parent. Today, I am focusing on books my british authors. There are soo many books honestly, that this really is just a taste…..stay tuned for more books by American authors next and then more classics!
The Gruffalo (Julia Donaldson)
My nephew introduced us to this author. She is truly gifted and you can read her from when your child is two until well we are still reading them, so I am thinking at least 6! But maybe older. I will have to update this post with each birthday. This writer is truly amazing; her story line very original, I love the rhyming in each of her books and she cranks them out. Our favorites include The gruffalo, the snail and the whale, the gruffalo’s child, stick man, room on the broom.
Paddington by Michael Bond– I like Paddington, he is so silly and yet very relatable and loveable. Plus these books also come on CD, so you can listen to the lovely british accent for authenticity!! Note Paddington stories are quite long, so beware the child that does not sit still for too long! I would recommend this from four or five onwards.
Hairy McClary by Lynnley Dodd – The author is actually from New Zealand but I thought I would sneak her in. Who doesn’t love a shaggy dog that has one adventure after the next with his other equally cool with very distinct personality dog-friends? Great for kids from two or three up…
The Lion, the Witch and the Wadrobe by C. S. Lewis – Gosh, this was the first chapter book that I read to my eldest son when he was four (but that really is quite young, i think five or six and up). It took us three or four days coz he was so interested in the story, he kept asking me to keep reading! This is a brilliant book, great story line. I remember reading it when I was little, fabulous.
Famous Five and Secret Seven by Enid Blyton – I know i was reading these books fairly young, say six, but I think that most kids are probably reading quite well at eight, so i would maybe start them then? Your choice. Great adventure books and the intrigue of each one, actually helps to foster reading in kids who can’t put the book down and can’t wait to read the next one…
Beast Quest – these books were recommended by several parents for boys around 5 and older.
Mr. Men and Little Miss Books are a hit from two onwards….Remember reading these when you were little? I think i fit several classifications, its embarassing when I look back….
The tiger who came for tea by Pippa Goodhart
Just so stories by Rudyard Kipling
