Books Every Child Should Read
In a world filled with screens and digital distractions, the value of instilling a love for reading from an early age can’t be overstated. Childhood reading has proven educational benefits, including extensive vocabulary, advanced critical thinking, fluent verbal communication and memory improvement.
Books have the power to transport young minds to magical realms, teach important life lessons, and spark creativity.
We asked Carl Zwart, the Executive Service Manager from Nido Early School QV1 in Perth, about books children love to read at his service. This is a curated list of some timeless classics and some newer books that have already become loved by children across Australia and beyond.
Nursery (0-12 Months)
1. “That’s not my…” series of books by Fiona Watts : These feel-good award-winning books are loved by babies. Bold illustrations, patches to stroke, and a mouse to spot on every page provide necessary sensory stimulation and development of language from an early age. Parents can currently choose from 79 different books. Each book provides a different story and focuses on a different subject, which have included animals, vehicles, and people.
Toddler (12-24 Months)
1. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle : This classic children’s story has been loved by many. The story incorporates educational elements such as counting, the days of the week, food, and a butterfly’s life cycle. Beautifully illustrated with water colours and concluding with a moral ending, this book is a must-read for children in the toddler’s age.
2. “Photicular” books by Dan Kainen : These moving picture-type books have been admired by children for many years. The books provide a close look at different animals in motion, making the reading experience even more authentic and exciting. The author has created Safari, Ocean, Polar, Jungle, Wild, and Dinosaur series, but the Outback is the most popular at Nido Early School QV1 (WA).
Kinder (3-5 Years)
1. “It Might Be An Apple” by Shinsuke Yoshitake : This book is interactive, funny, and silly. Amazon books describe the story as huge fun, but it also encourages a questioning, challenging approach to the world around us. The story follows a child’s hilarious, wildly inventive train of thought through all the things an apple might be if it is not, in fact, an apple.
2. The “Do Not Open the Book” series by Andy Lee : A series of books that dare children to not open the book. These stories have quickly become loved not only by children, but by parents and teachers too. The stories are not only funny, but they teach children the importance of trying new things and letting go of fears.
3. “This is a Ball” by Beck & Matt Stanton : “Books That Drive Kids Crazy” is a subtitle of this book- quite literally. Kirkus Reviews describe this publication as: ‘Witty, silly, and interactive … A rollicking read for children and adults alike.’
These carefully selected books are more than just stories; they are gateways to new worlds, opportunities for personal growth, and companions in the journey of childhood. Here at Nido Early School, we believe in supporting young minds and providing meaningful experiences during these formative foundation years, so we can cultivate a love for lifelong learning, with reading being a part of it.
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