5 Must-read books for your children

I have always been an avid reader, and am now trying to develop the same habit in my son, who is 5 years old. I strongly believe that one of the best ways of getting children to inculcate the habit of reading is to expose them to some really good, age-appropriate books so that they love reading all the more! Here are 5 must-read books for children between 3 to 7 years of age:

The day the crayons quit

Author: Drew Daywalt

This lovely, colourful book, which is which is loved the world over, is all about a box of crayonsand the issues they have with their young owner Duncan. He just wants to colour, but each of the crayon has complaints that are expressed in a humorous yet respectful way. Pink crayon thinks she is being underused, Blue is becoming short and stubby from overuse, and Orange and Yellow are arguing because they both think they should be the colour of the sun. Ultimately Duncan finds an innovative, artistic way to keep them all happy.

This book is loads of fun for young readers, and although my boy just likes looking at the colours as of now, hopefully very soon he will understand the meaning behind all the text.

Are you my mother?

Author: P.D. Eastman

A baby bird goes in search of his mother in this hilarious board book, which is a classic storyperfect for babies and toddlers. Are you my mother? Follow a confused baby bird who’s been denied the experience of imprinting as he asks cows, dogs, planes and steam shovels the Big Question. In the end, he is happily reunited with his mother in a glorious moment of recognition.

Giraffes can’t dance

Author: Giles Andrea

Giraffes can’t dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it’s harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance on his own when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend. With the light footed rhymes and high stepper illustration, this tale is a gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.

The going to bed book

Author: Sandra Boynton

This classic bedtime story is just right for winding down the day. For a little one who is reluctant to go to bed, sometimes a silly book is just the ticket, and when it comes to silly books, Sandra Boynton is the undisputed queen. In this book, an ark full of animals watches the sun go down and then prepares for bed. They take a bath in one big tub, find pajamas, brush their teeth, do exercises up on deck(imagine an elephant jumping rope, a moose lifting weights, a pig doing headstands) and finally say good night.

The Hug Store

Author: Rick Morrison

The Hug store is inspired by a true story! Visiting her grandparents for Thanksgiving, 5-year-old Shana, when asked for a hug from her grandfather, told him that she was all out of hugs and had to go to the store to get more.

In a world that often neglects the power of touch, The Hug Store provides a powerful lesson for young children. Not only will children enjoy reading this book with their parents, but just as important, it has the potential to lead to important conversations about touch in children’s lives.

Do your kids love to read or is it a challenge to make them read? Do share the books that your children love in the comments below!