Disclosure: I received a product to facilitate this post. All opinions expressed are my own.
I am a self-proclaimed bookworm, I make no apologies. My daughters both also love to read. I have read to all of my children from birth until they were old enough to want to read independently most of the time. However, reading together in the evenings and at bedtime are some of their favorite memories of spending time with me, and they still like to listen to me read aloud from time to time even though they are ages 12 and 22 now. Reading with children is one of the easiest ways to spend time together, in my opinion, and it gives them a mode of entertainment that will engage their minds and imagination which doesn’t require batteries, electronic devices or getting sucked into the vortex that is the internet. I am not anti-internet as it can be a great resource to learn new things and interact with others. However, I do believe a balance between internet time and what I call “real time” (time spent thumbing through books, playing with toys one can hold in their hands, and face-to-face interaction with peers) is important.
Allow me to present what I consider to be some really wonderful books for your consideration.
Age Range: 5 – 9 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten – 4
Series: Encyclopedia Prehistorica (Book 1)
Hardcover: 12 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; Pop edition (July 12, 2005)
Language: English
Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs: The Definitive Pop-Up by Robert Sabuda & Matthew Reinhart is a really fun way to learn all the important facts there are to learn about dinosaurs in a super-fun way. This nice-sized hardback features more than 35 pop-ups containing factual information and beautiful illustrations about many dinosaurs, including some of the lesser-known ones. There is something for everyone to learn from this delightful book. It is recommended for children ages 5-9 years, however both of my daughters and I had a great time thumbing through it.
I love how the pop-ups, some of which are multi-layered make this such a fun activity for young children. It’s as close as you will get to having a book come to life right in front of you!
Age Range: 3 – 7 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 2
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick (September 22, 2015)
Language: English
The Best Parts of Christmas by Bethanie Deeney Murguia is about a boy named Fritz who loves Christmas so much he doesn’t want it to be over. His favorite part about Christmas is the tree full of decorations. After Christmas is over he wants nothing more than to find a way to keep his Christmas tree around all year long.
We’ve all been there, right? When I was a kid, it was always a sad day when the Christmas tree was taken down and all the pretty ornaments put back into their boxes for another year. I always wished we could keep it up longer, too. Will Fritz find a way to get his wish? Read the story and find out!
Age Range: 4 – 6 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 1
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Candlewick (September 29, 2015)
Language: English
Too Many Toys!, written and illustrated by Heidi Deedman, features a little girl named Lulu who has too many toys. They’re taking over her entire bedroom and every birthday and Christmas she just keeps getting more and more.
Lulu comes up with an ingenious way to address this problem, and it’s a huge success. Come and see what her solution was. Do you think your children could do what Lulu did if they have too many toys?
Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Candlewick (February 24, 2015)
Language: English
Home by Carson Ellis explores the many different types of homes inhabited by people all over the Earth, and even beyond. The illustrations are incredibly charming and detailed.
The illustrations range from simple and beautiful to detailed and fanciful. They are so interesting that your little one will want to come back again and again to this engaging picture book.
Age Range: 7 – 10 years
Grade Level: 2 – 5
Hardcover: 64 pages
Publisher: Candlewick (September 22, 2015)
Language: English
The Boy Who Fell Off the Mayflower by P.J. Lynch is great for older kids, especially those who may be learning about the Mayflower in school. It is based on historical facts, but is not dry or boring. Separated into small sections, it is a good book to read at bedtime over several days or a week.
The illustrations are very detailed and masterful, truly beautiful. The main character, John Howland, traveled to the New World in America from London, a servant to a good and kind master. After reaching the new world, his master dies, making him a free man. His plan had been to return to London to live near his family, however young Elizabeth Tilley has by then caught his eye. Will he return to London or stay in America? I will not spoil the ending for you.
These selections are published by Candlewick Press. Visit their website (link below) to see other books available.
Any of these fine books would make a great addition to you home library or gifts for friends or family. Which one do you fancy reading?
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Disclaimer: I received the above mentioned books for free to facilitate review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.