There’s nothing more relaxing than laying in the sun with a great and exciting book in your hands! Beyond the joy of reading, it offers tons of benefits, especially for young readers. We can’t miss out on that!
That’s why it’s so important to introduce books to children at an early age. Books ignite curiosity, stimulate imagination, and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. But with that many books available, how do you choose the right one for your child’s age? In this guide, we’ll explore the best starter books for kids of every age, from newborns to elementary school children, ensuring your little one has the perfect start in their reading journey.
Reading books isn’t just beneficial for many other things, it’s also a great activity on a daily basis to keep the boredom away or get your kids off the screens ;). If your kids start reading early it can help them so much with starting school with things like writing and reading.
So that’s why I created the following Ultimate Reading List:Best Books for every Age
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1. Books for Newborns and Infants (0-12 Months)
Why Reading Matters at This Age
Even from birth, babies gain from hearing their parents’ voices, and books are a great way to connect. Though infants might not understand the words, the flow of language, the sound of voices, and the bonding during reading are crucial for their growth.( At this age, having a couple of books like 1-3 is absolutely enough)
Recommended Books
- “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown: This timeless classic with its soothing rhymes and simple illustrations creates a perfect bedtime ritual.
- “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle: A beautifully illustrated book that introduces basic concepts like counting, days of the week, and healthy eating through a simple, engaging story.
- “Pat the Bunny” by Dorothy Kunhardt: An interactive touch-and-feel book that encourages sensory exploration and bonding between parent and child.
2. Books for Toddlers (1-3 Years)
Building Language Skills and Interactive Reading
Toddlers are at a stage where they begin to associate words with pictures and start to understand simple things. Books with repetitive phrases, rhymes, and interactive elements are very engaging at this age, as they help toddlers learn language while having fun.
Recommended Books
- “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle: A rhythmic and repetitive story that helps toddlers learn colors and animals while developing their listening skills.
- “Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell: A lift-the-flap book that captivates toddlers with its interactive elements and introduces them to a variety of animals.
- “Where’s Spot?” by Eric Hill: This lift-the-flap book is perfect for curious toddlers who enjoy discovering hidden surprises, fostering a love for storytelling and participation.
3. Books for Preschoolers (3-5 Years)
Sparking Imagination and Building Vocabulary
Preschoolers are ready for a bit more complex stories that stimulate their imagination and help build their vocabulary. Books that explore emotions, friendships, and the world around them are perfect for this age group. They also start to enjoy books that they can recite or “read” along with, even if they’re just memorizing the story.
Recommended Books
- “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson: A charming rhyming story about a clever mouse and an imaginary monster, perfect for building vocabulary and understanding story structure.
- “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff: A funny and circular story that helps preschoolers understand cause and effect in a playful way.
- “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson: Another delightful rhyming book by Julia Donaldson, this one about a friendly witch and her animal friends, encouraging kindness and teamwork.
4. Books for Early Elementary (5-7 Years)
Developing Reading Independence
As children begin kindergarten and the early years of elementary school, they’re ready to start reading on their own. Books that are simple enough to be read independently, but still engaging enough to hold their attention, are ideal. Look for books with repetitive patterns, familiar words, and illustrations that support the text.
Recommended Books:
- “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss: A fun and lively book that introduces early readers to rhyming and simple vocabulary, making reading an enjoyable activity.
- “Elephant & Piggie” series by Mo Willems: These books feature simple text and hilarious stories about friendship, perfect for new readers gaining confidence.
- “Frog and Toad Are Friends” by Arnold Lobel: A collection of gentle and humorous stories about friendship that are easy for early readers to enjoy on their own.
5. Books for Older Elementary (7-9 Years)
Expanding Horizons and Reading Skills
By this age, children are becoming more confident readers and are ready to read chapter books. Books that offer great plots, relatable characters, and slightly more complex language will help keep their interest and encourage them to continue developing their reading skills. They’re also old enough to choose the books on their own but here’s some inspiration:
Recommended Books:
- “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White: A classic story about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life, perfect for readers ready for longer, more involved stories.
- “Magic Tree House” series by Mary Pope Osborne: These adventure-filled books introduce children to history, science, and literature in an exciting and accessible way.
- “Judy Moody” series by Megan McDonald: A funny and relatable series that captures the ups and downs of a third-grader’s life, perfect for independent readers.
Reading is a journey that begins at a very young age and continues through a child’s entire life. By selecting the right books for each stage of development, parents can help with building a love for reading that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re sharing a picture book with a toddler or watching your child read their first chapter book, each moment spent reading together builds not only literacy skills but also a deep and lasting bond. So pick up a book, and dive into the magical world of reading with your child!