5 books every child should read
Bookstores are crowded with various titles but the common problem every parent has when they go book shopping is how to choose the right book for their child? How to choose a book that will not only entertain the child but also help him grow intellectually? We will try to answer these questions by offering you a list of the books that every child should read. Please let us know what you think of them.
Reading books to or with your child is essential in their formative years because it helps develop their brain, their intelligence, spoken and written language, imagination, creative thinking; improves their conversational skills and offers an ideal opportunity for you, as a parent or caregiver, to engage fully with your children. More so, by spending time reading with your child, you are instilling in them a lifelong love of learning and reading — a key factor to their success later in life.
Here is the list of five books every child should read:
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter appeals to all ages, making the series of seven books an ideal family sharing experience. The unique aspect of this book is its copious illustrations, which capture the mood, magical moments, unique characters and above all a sense of other-worldliness. This illustrated edition is the perfect opportunity for families to share a reading-aloud experience with bonus images.
2. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
A highly original, quirky and funny story for sophisticated readers. Duncan reaches for his crayons, but instead finds they have left him handwritten letters. They have quit their jobs as crayons and complain bitterly. Purple laments Duncan coloring outside the lines. Grey is tired of coloring large objects like elephants. Black wants to be more than an outline. But Duncan finds a clever solution to remain friends with all his crayons. Find out how.
3. Over the Hills and Far Away: A Treasure of Nursery Rhymes from Around The World by Elizabeth Hammill
This collection of nursery rhymes should be in everyone’s home. They are perfect for dipping into from birth and throughout the preschool years. This one features a multitude of enticing brief stories from different cultures, rhymes honed to perfection, and rich illustrations by 77 of the world’s best illustrators.
4. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
Ferdinand is the world’s most peaceful and beloved little bull. While all of the other bulls’ snort, leap, and butt their heads, Ferdinand is content to just sit and smell the flowers under his favorite cork tree. Leaf’s simple storytelling paired with Lawson’s pen-and-ink drawings make The Story of Ferdinand a true classic.
5. The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey
This classic tale by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey is a story of a rabbit who longs to have beautiful red wings. But when the rabbit finally gets what he wants, he realizes that no one recognizes him anymore, including his own mother. This wonderful story imparts an important life lesson for a child: be yourself.
If you and your children have already read these books, let us know in the comments below how you liked them. If you have other books you’ve read and would like to recommend, please let us know below.