Books My Kids Loved to Read
This is going to be a story about books. It is a bit long so it’s better to be warned. I have two kids. They are both teenagers now. But when they were young, we encouraged them to read early on. My daughter can read since age 2 and has been interested with books all her life. My son has a different trajectory in learning though but we read to him the same books his sister appreciated and added more. But personally, I advocate encouraging young children to read. I am not a devoted reader myself now that I am a grown up. But you won’t get an aversion from reading. There will be a special book there somewhere that would spark your interest and bring you back to reading again. It is something that is just there in your life. So I think as long as there is encouragement, the kids will catch the love for it.
Let the wild rumpus start.
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE by Maurice Sendak, 1963
The most favourite book in our household is Maurice Sendak’s Where The Wild Things Are. This is pretty special because it is my husband’s favourite when he was a child. So he shared his fondness of the book to his children, being animated all the time when reading to them. My son loved it so much, we had a framed poster in his room. It is still up there. Go figure. I would love to give every new born in my family this book if I have to. It is really a classic. My great nephew has one and we wrote a special note for him. It became his favourite bedtime story too with his dad. Nice. ... and he was still hungry.
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR by Eric Carle, 1969
THE GIVING TREE by Shel Silverstein, 1964
Who would have not recognized Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar? It is a super loved book. And we can’t part with it. I think this is one of the beautifully illustrated books I’ve seen.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a great read too. We read it over and over. The story is so meaningful - how the tree is so versatile and generous all through her life. You get to introspect a little once you read it. I think this book is more for me.
What’s more important is invisible.
THE LITTLE PRINCE by Antoine de Saint Exupery, 1943
THE VELVETEEN RABBIT by Margery Williams, 1922
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery is a classic. Although the story is a bit vague for the child to understand. It is a great book to keep in your collection until your child can read it and understand on his own.
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams is another classic that is more heart warming. There’s one part that reminds me of Woody in Toy Story. But this one is a must-read for families. It is about living a life of meaning and purpose. And having a true connection makes living more real and genuine. I think when you re-read this as an adult, you will appreciate the story more.
SESAME STREET GOODNIGHT STORIES, 1998
Sesame Street Goodnight Stories is the kids’ shared possession. I grew up with Sesame Street. That’s how I learn English before pre-school. I just can’t help not to introduce Sesame Street to my children. They have to know all of the characters - they are iconic. Reading this one is particularly my bonding moment with them. Because I get to sing the old familiar songs. Well, they outgrew my singing now. They always ask me to stop.
Don't give up! I believe in you all. A person's a person, no matter how small!
FOX IN SOCKS, 1965
BOOK OF BEDTIME STORIES, 1998
I think a child should go through all Dr. Seuss’ books in my opinion. We don’t have a lot but the kids have read them mostly during frequent outings to the library. We only kept a few like Fox in Socks and the compilation bedtime stories. Our favourite is Oh, The Places You’ll Go.
Wombat stew! Wombat stew! Gooey, brewy, yummy, chewy, Wombat stew!
We love Australian books too. This time it is for my son who is younger. These books were given to him by his teacher in early primary years - Wombat Stew, Give Me a Home Among the Gum Trees, When Henry Caught Imaginitis, and Possum Magic. I always remember that Wombat Stew has to be read with so much enthusiasm. I told you this is going to be long. Anyway, thank you for staying. Hope this helps in some way if you are looking for children’s book suggestions. Until next time.
Tess xx
P.S. This last bit of books are contributed by my great nephew. They are his favourite Nick Bland series of Bear books.
