With our country’s alarming illiteracy rates, it’s more important than ever to inspire our children to love reading—from an early age through the teen years. Summer is a great time to visit the library or your local bookstore to stock up on books. Great for everything from road trips to afternoon quiet time, our top reads for each age category will help spur your child on to new levels of love for reading!
Board Books (Baby-Age 2)
1. Goodnight Moon
, by Margaret Wise Brown. This classic bedtime story is easily recognized by its hallmark green and orange illustrations—and don’t forget to look for the mouse on every page!
2. Pat the Bunny (Touch and Feel Book)
, by Dorothy Kunhardt. When first published in 1940, Dorothy’s book was one of the first of its kind. With sweet rhythm and touch and feel pages, it’s a must-have for every baby’s bookshelf.
3. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
(and others like it), by Bill Martin Junior. Simple illustrations, lots of repetition, and animals—what more could we ask for?
4. Ten Little Ladybugs
, by Melanie Gerth. My own daughter’s absolute favorite, this board book has simple counting, bright colors, and 3-D ladybugs.
5. Touch and Feel Series
by DK Publishing. With lots of animals to see and stroke, this series may not be considered a "classic" but I guarantee your baby will LOVE it!
6. Barnyard Dance!
(or any other book by Sandra Boyton). A rompin’ good time, you won’t mind reading this Boyton book over and over!
Pre-School (Age 2-5)
1. The Grouchy Ladybug
(or any other book by Eric Carl). Classic Carl, this book teaches time, animals, and even manners.
2. Corduroy
by Don Freeman. Our favorite teddy bear with green overalls, Corduroy is the essence of childhood.
3. Go, Dog. Go!
(or any P.D. Eastman) A Seuss-style classic, Go, Dog, Go offers a silly phrases that begin teaching the association between letters and sounds.
4. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
(and others like it…by Laura Joffe Numeroff). A bossy little rodent asks for way too much in this cute, simple read that teaches cause-and-effect.
5. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, by John Archambault and Bill Martin Jr. With bold illustrations and a rthymic chant, this alphabet book introduces letters in a refreshing way.
6. Olivia
, by Ian Falconer. Olivia is good at lots of things—especially wearing people out. Your children (daughters especially) will fall in love with this spirited little pig.
Early Reader (Ages 5-8)
1. Where the Sidewalk Ends
, by Shel Silverstein. A perfect introduction to poetry for kids who’ve outgrown nursery rhymes, this collection of humorous poetry and illustrations is lots of fun to read together!
2. The Cat in the Hat
(or any other by Dr. Seuss). The sing-songy rhythms, the fantastical illustrations—everything about Seuss is magical!
3. The Velveteen Rabbit: Or How Toys Became Real
, by Margery Williams. The timeless tale of love between children and their toys, this book is perfect for snuggling up and reading together before bed!
4. Amelia Bedelia
, by Peggy Paris. As America’s favorite house-keeper, Amelia’s silly mix-ups will keep your kids giggling as they read her adventures all by themselves!
5. The Complete Tales of Winnie-The-Pooh
by A. A. Milne Our favorite "tubby ole’ bear all stuffed with fluff," Winnie the Pooh has been delighting children for generations! Read this collection together then go see the movie that’s out in theaters July 15th!
6. Madeline
series, by Ludwig Bemelmans. "In an old house in Paris all covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines…" This beautiful series is as appealing today as it was when it was first published in 1940.
7. Berenstain Bears
series, by Stan and Jan Berenstain. Parents and children everywhere love this bear family, their adventures, and the lessons they learn along the way (and even younger children enjoy this series being read to them.)
8. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst. Poor Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair then trips over his skateboard and drops his sweater in the sink while the water was running—and that’s only the beginning of his rotten day.
9. Make Way for Ducklings
, by Robert McCloskey. Mr. And Mrs. Mallard are looking for a home to raise their eight little ducklings and with the help of a friendly police officer, they do just that!
Intermediate Reader
(Ages 8-12)
1. Charlotte's Web
, by E.B. White. This beautiful tale of friendship delicately introduces themes that will encourage kids to empathize and relate to characters, important elements of reading at this stage.
2. Ramona the Pest
, by Beverly Cleary. Ramona and her family remind us of ourselves, but with perhaps a few more hysterical mishaps!
3. The BFG
, by Ronald Dahl. All of Dahl’s books (think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, James and the Giant Peach) are full of memorable characters and plots, which really hold kids’ attention and keep them coming back for more!
4. Where the Red Fern Grows
, by Wilson Rawls. The sentimental story of Billy and his two coonhound pups as they grow up together in the Ozarks of Oklahoma.
5. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
, by C. S. Lewis. Lucy hids in the wardrobe and discovers the magical land of Narnia.
Other great reads for this age group:
6. The Boxcar Children
by Gertrude Chandler Warner
7. Sarah, Plain and Tall
by Patricia MacLachlan
8. The Indian in the Cupboard
by Lynne Reid Banks
9. The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
10. Harriet the Spy
by Louise Fitzhugh
11. Sideways Stories from Wayside School
by Louis Sachar
12. Heidi
by Johanna Spyri.
Young Adult (Ages 12-15)
1. Little Women
, by Louisa May Alcott. The story of the March Sister’s journey into womanhood reminds us of our own trials, glories, and heartaches.
2. The Sign of the Beaver
, by Elizabeth George Speare When his father returns East to collect the rest of the family, 13-year-old Matt is left alone to guard his family's newly built homestead. His unlikely friendship with Native American Attean proves that friendship transcends prejudice.
3. Anne of Green Gables
series by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Red-headed and feisty, orphan Anne Shirley comes to live at Green Gables, and makes her way into the heart of her foster parents and the entire town.
4. My Brother Sam Is Dead
, by James Lincoln Collier. Set during the American Revolution, Tim is forced to make a choice between his father (who supports the British) and his brother (who supports the Revolutionaries).
5. Hatchet
, by Gary Paulsen. Perfect for middle school boys, Paulsen’s books are full of exciting plot and suspense and will have even the most reluctant reader begging for more!
6. White Fang, by Jack London. London’s 1906 novel tells the story of a wolf-dog who endures great cruelty before he comes to know human kindness.
