Is one your or your children’s New Year’s resolutions to read more? Or is it to spend more time with your family?
Well if so, we have got some great suggestions for books we think you will love to read with your children this year. We also have some ideas for some books that we think children and teenagers would like to read for themselves too.
Let’s not waste any more time, so in the words of the great Dr. Suess; “Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!”.
Top 10 Children’s books
10. Blue by Sarah Christou
If you are looking for an engaging children’s books with fun illustrations that will get you and your children talking about the difficulty in sharing feelings, Blue is a great choice. The young narrator is carrying around a secret that no one else sees which is a blue and furry monster. Blue makes her worry about everything until she starts to talk about her feelings with friends.
This book is great for encouraging children to talk about their feelings with you and their friends so they are less stressed and can help to improve your child’s mental health.
9. Mouse’s Wood by Alice Melvin
Mouse’ Wood is a story about a mouse that heads out on January day to meet his friends Squirrel. He then moves on to see his friends Hedgehog and Fox throughout the rest of the seasons in the woods. This is a beautifully illustrated children’s picture book which shows the wonder of slow living in nature and the change of seasons.
8. The Other Edie Trimmer by Jacqueline Wilson
The legendary children’s author is back with another gripping story about a young girl who obsesses over everything Victorian. In The Other Edie Trimmer, Edie is given a real Victorian notebook. When she starts to write in it though, something strange happens and she finds herself in Victorian London. She soon realises that she is living the life of another Edie Trimmer and is in danger of being sent to a real Victorian workhouse.
This adventure story about friendship and family will be loved by children of all ages.
7. The Twits by Roald Dahl
We couldn’t have a top ten list of children’s books and not mention the great Roald Dahl now, could we? The Twits has been a family favourite for many years and it is easy to see why. Mr. and Mrs. Twit are always playing mean practical jokes on each other and being cruel to their monkey Muggle-Wump. With the help of local birds, Muggle-Wump and family plan their escape and revenge on the Twits.
Also characteristically illustrated by Quentin Blake, you and your children will love reading the twisting and melodic lines and looking at the legendary and funny illustrations.
6. The Zebra’s Great Escape by Katherine Rundell
Mink is a rule breaker so when she finds a zebra in a square where she lives, she has to team up with him. In The Zebra’s Great Escape, Mink finds out that the zebra’s parent have been taken by evil Mr. Spit, she helps him to rescue them and whole other zoo of animals.
This is a great book which is beautifully illustrated that can help to teach children about bravery, kindness, friendship and taking action. We think you will really enjoy this fun adventure!
5. Where in the World Are You? By Marie G. Rhode
We are halfway through our list of our favourite books that we think you and your children would love to read. At number five on our list, we have Where in the World Are You?
The idea of this book through the main character of a cute black cat introduces children to the idea that there is more than what lies in their immediate environment. The colourful and bold illustrations will take you and your children on a step-by-step journey through the universe with the cute black cat.
4. Saving Neverland by Abi Elphinstone
A fantastic reimagining of the much-loved classic of Peter Pan. Martha must team up with Peter Pan to stop Captain Hook from destroying childhood forever whilst saving her brother Scruff from the dangers of icesharks, snowtigers and winterbeasts.
Saving Neverland is a brilliant modernisation of the classic Peter Pan story which brings it effortlessly into the modern era.
3. The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck by Beatrix Potter
At number three on our list, we have chosen The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck. This much loved classic book is still as enjoyable to read now as we can imagine it was in 1908 when it was written.
The adventure will see you join Jemima in unwitting the wily farmyard fox at Hill Top Farm as she tries to lay her eggs in peace. Little does she know that someone on the farm is planning a dinner or roast duck!
2. I am Oliver the Otter by Pam Ayres
Our penultimate choice is I am Oliver the Otter. This is a rhythmically poetic picture book that follows Oliver the Otter as he scampers down to the river where he meets another otter called Ottilie who changes his life forever.
This book is perfect for nature lovers as this beautifully illustrated book combines a heart-warming story with details of nature and the natural world that your children will love learning about.
1. Winnie-The-Pooh by A. A. Milne
Taking the top spot on our top 10 children’s books is Winnie-The-Pooh. This fun loving, chuckling bear has been delighting children and adults for nearly the last 100 years.
Join Pooh Bear and his friends in Hundred Acre Woods and read about their adventures, friendship, fun and pure children’s imagination. Inspire your child’s imagination with this classic story and introduce a whole new series of books that we know your child will love reading with you.
So there we are, our top children’s books to kick start your year. Give them all a go and let us know what your favourite one is. Spend time away from the screens more this year and inspire your children to read more. This list is a great start with a good mix of contemporary and classic which we think you will love reading together.
