Emily Buckley, editor in chief
Reading with your children is a great way to increase their interest in books, foster their imaginations, and create a bonding experience. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, reading aloud daily to children helps build language acquisition and literacy skills. With every passing page, parents can connect with their children through new worlds, interesting characters, and surprising plot twists.
When children progress from picture books to more complex stories, the themes found in literature become even more vital to your kids’ personal development. To ensure an enriching time, choose books that entertain both parent and child; when both reader and listener are fully engaged, then the literature becomes more captivating.
Holes by Louis Sachar: The story of Stanley Yelnats and his experiences at Camp Green Lake will make you laugh, cry, and ponder the concept of destiny with your child. (Appropriate for ages 10 and up.)
The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling: The adventures of a boy wizard and his beloved friends will have you as enchanted as your little ones. (Appropriate for ages 8 and up.)
Matilda by Roald Dahl: This story is packed full of lessons, such as confidence in your own skin, independence, love for reading, and making the best of hard situations. But it is also so fun that your kids may not even realize they are learning about life while they enjoy reading about Matilda’s superhuman abilities. (Appropriate for ages 8 and up.) We think anything by Roald Dahl is a pretty sure bet. Check out James and Giant Peach, The BFG, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Danny, Champion of the World, to name a few.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White: The cast of beloved farm animals in this children’s novel makes for a wonderful read. (Appropriate for ages 6 and up.)
The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh by AA Milne: Perfect for children just beginning to enjoy chapter books, the lovable children’s characters teach many important life lessons on friendship, love, patience, and simple joy. (Appropriate for ages 4 and up.)
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren: Teach your child to believe in themselves, embrace their quirks, and think positively by enjoying this novel about a zany girl named Pippi. (Appropriate for ages 7 and up.)
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder: Transport your kids into pioneer times with this novel about a loving family. (Appropriate for ages 7 and up.)
The Giver by Lois Lowry: This gripping novel can spark conversations about truth, destiny, and the value of history. (Appropriate for ages 8 and up.)
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster: Creative characters and a fun authorial voice are only a few of the reasons why this children’s book is simply magnificent. (Appropriate for ages 8 and up.)
The Janitor Series by Tyler Whitesides: A series that has it all, this series is funny, witty, and has lots of twists and turns in the plot. With characters kids can relate to and parents can laugh at, this is a perfect way to bond with your older elementary child. (Appropriate for ages 8 and up.) Also check out the The Wishmakers by Tyler Whitesides.
