I don’t know about you but I just love books! There are so many different ones to choose from that can take you on tonnes of different adventures. In this blog post, I will share with you my top picks for books for children between the ages of 3 and 7. If you’re older, you can still totally enjoy these books too! I think our parents really enjoy reading them, even if they don’t admit it. So, without further ado, here we go!
EACH PEACH PEAR PLUM
by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
First up is a classic children’s story; a real family favourite. Full of interesting rhymes and rhythms, as well as a lot of familiar fairytale characters, children of all ages can enjoy this book, however, it is geared towards younger children. As an added bonus the illustrations are incredible too!
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA
by Judith Kerr
This book is great for both older and younger children. Some of the words are a bit tricky and it has an independent reading age of around 6+ but is a nice book to share with your family. A funny little story and can really get your imagination working. What on earth would you do if a tiger came to tea at your house?
ROOM ON THE BROOM
by Julia Donaldson
Julia Donaldson is one of the most popular children’s authors. You’ve probably read quite a few of her books in school. They never fail to make me laugh and no matter which book you choose to read, you’re in for a treat. A hilarious story with rhythmic writing makes for a fun read!
GORILLA
by Anthony Brown
This is a beautiful story about a little girl who loves (you guessed it) gorillas! The illustrations and magical story make this a book to be read over and over again. Unlike the stories above, this one is a little more serious and sensitive and this makes me love it even more.
WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT
by Michael Rosen
The list could never be complete without this book. It is often a go-to favourite for teachers because there is so much we can learn from this book. But, more importantly, it is just such a fun story to follow and read, whether alone or with your parents. The writing even sounds a bit like a song, that makes reading it aloud really cool!
THE SNOWMAN
by Raymond Briggs
The Snowman isn’t only for Christmas time, it can be enjoyed all year round. This classic book tells such a wonderfully magic story, with the most beautiful illustrations. It is a story all about love and is a great one to share with your family, especially if you have a cosy blanket and some hot cocoa.
THE CAT IN THE HAT
by Dr Seuss
Almost everybody loves The Cat in the Hat. The complicated and quick rhyming style makes it really difficult for parents, or children, to read aloud and this makes it really funny to listen to! Dr Seuss is the king of all rhyming books and this one is a great place to start. Plus, the film is just as good too!
HANDA’S SURPRISE
by Eileen Browne
This story teaches us that there are lots of lives different to our own. We follow Handa, a little girl in an African village, as she takes a basket of fruit to her friends and the naughty animals steal the pieces of fruit. The story has beautiful words and illustrations that make us able to imagine we are right there alongside Handa.
HAIRY MACLARY FROM DONALDSON’S DAIRY
by Lynley Dodd
This book is just so funny! Through the story, you follow little Hairy Maclary as he meets all of his doggy friends. The story is very repetitive which makes it a fun read for both younger and older children. This one is another classic that doesn’t seem to ever get old!
WOULD YOU RATHER…
By John Burningham
This book is a little different from the others. It asks the reader some really weird questions like would you rather eat spider stew or slug dumplings? The story is really funny and you can have a lot of discussions about which choices you would choose too. This book is really hilarious, but also really kind and thoughtful. You’ll be sure to love it!
THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
by John Scieszka
This is one book you won’t be able to stop laughing at! It tells the story of the Three Little Pigs but from the perspective of the wolf, who explains his side of the story. It is told in the format of the newspaper which makes it really fun and interesting. Who knows, you might end up feeling sorry for the Big Bad Wolf?
AMAZING GRACE
By Mary Hoffman
This is an inspiring story that teaches us we can be anything we want to be. It is a beautiful story about following your dreams. It also talks about some very important topics such as race. Grace really wants to play Peter Pan, but her friends tell her she can’t because she isn’t a boy and Peter Pan isn’t black. The story shows Grace’s family telling her she can achieve her dreams!
There are so many other incredible books out there too! My advice to you is to go out to the library and browse for yourself. Of course, read the ones from this list, but read loads more too! Reading helps us to learn about other places, people and even imaginary worlds. So, read as much as you can and ask your parents or older siblings to read to you too, you’re never too old to have a book read to you!
