The ability to read is one of the cornerstones of education, which is why we believe it is so important to encourage children to develop a love of books from a young age. Get your kids started with the age-appropriate suggestions below.
2+
Goodnight Baby Moon
Teach your little one all about the Moon with this tale about a family of rabbits taking a nighttime stroll in the forest. The text is simple and kids will love looking at the pictures, including the LED Moon on the book cover.
3–6
Peppa Pig: Peppa Goes to the Cinema
Peppa Pig remains a firm favourite with the kids and she even has her own app now, called World of Peppa Pig! In this story, Peppa Pig and her friends visit the cinema for the first time.
6+
A Wishing-Chair Adventure: The Witch's Lost Cat
Can you believe Enid Blyton first wrote Adventures of the Wishing-Chair in 1937? Since then, the series has expanded to include a range of full-colour short stories. In the latest book in the series, Mollie and Peter call upon the Wishing-Chair when their cat, Whiskers, goes missing.
7+
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
This funny story turns the classic fairtytale on its head. Was the Big Bad Wolf really trying to blow down the house of the poor little pigs? Or was he just relying on friendly neighbours for a cup of sugar? Jon Scieszka says all is not as it seems...
8+
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Children will find it easy to relate to the adventures of Greg Heffley as he reveals in his diary, which is mom suggested he start. While she may think it's a good idea to get some of his feelings off his chest, Greg is adamant that his journal is solely to document his life so he can make big money one day when he's rich and famous.
9+
The Little Town of Marrowville by John Robertson
Welcome to a very strange town where two children are very happy to be orphaned after their bully of a father is turned into mince by the mysterious Grinders. This dark comedy-fantasy will delight readers with its world of secrets, myths and monsters.
10+
Wonder by RJ Palacio
This tale will definitely tug at the heartstrings, but it's also filled with life lessons for both young and old. The story follows Auggie Pullman, who has a facial deformation and has always been home-schooled – until his parents decide to enrol him in middle school.
12+
The Blood of Stars: Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
This magical fantasy will transport young readers to a new world. Maia Tamarin really wants to be a tailor, but that is forbidden in her country. So she decides to pose as a boy to compete for the job of imperial tailor.
We strongly believe in the benefits of reading and education. Find out how Vodacom is doing our bit for the children in South Africa.
Cover images from Penguin Random House. Header photo by Robyn Budlender on Unsplash.
