Top Picks for Some Fun Reading at Home

Reading is an important life skill for kids of all ages. It expands the learning horizons of kids, sparks their imagination and stimulates curiosity. Further, stories can help improve a child's social, communication skills and strengthen his/her attention and focus capability, something which is amiss in the current times. Often, we see our kids are surrounded by digital gadgets and it is of course hard for parents and caregivers to completely shut these gadgets out of their lives. Books can provide the much-needed respite, especially in the current times when Hong Kong and neighboring countries are enveloped with a fog of uncertainty owing to the coronavirus crisis. Our children are stuck indoors with limited opportunities to keep them busy and engaged. The social gatherings are restricted, the clubhouses and libraries are shut, but thanks to the digital world, we can still download books and have our kids read them by themselves or with parental support.

The Whizpa team has picked a few books for different age groups that promise fun, delight, and can help your kids develop intrinsic love for reading. Let’s dive in, shall we!
 

Books for 2-5 Years Old

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty with David Roberts

This book is about a scientist named Ada, who has a wild imagination and is always curious about things. She is never afraid of failure and goes on to explore the world around her. A book such as this which is about a girl who is so passionate about the world of science is just what we need for our young ones.
 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by  Eric Carle

This is an all-time classic story book. Eric Carle dramatizes the story of a regular caterpillar and shows the young audience how it magically transforms into an attractive butterfly. It’s a delight for kids to shuffle through some lovely illustrations, touch the unique designing of the book, and enjoy the quirky personality of the caterpillar.
 

Books for 5-8 Years Old

Rabbit’s Bad Habits by Julian Gough

You don’t want to miss out on this Rabbit and Bear series. They are fun and humorous. Do pick a copy, if you haven’t read one so far. The book weaves around the themes of friendship, truth, and the quest for knowledge. Rabbit is a not-so-happy creature who spends his days eating and pooing. The bear is a complete opposite of the grouchy rabbit. He is generous, happy and loves to give. The book beautifully describes how their friendship grows over the course of one snowy day. The balance of text and illustrations is perfectly done so that young children will be kept engaged and interested throughout.
 

Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World by Kate Pankhurst

Kate Pankhurst helps young minds discover fascinating facts about the most amazing women who changed the world we live in. With this book, children can explore the skies with incredible explorer Amelia Earhart or know how Maria Sibylla Merian became fascinated by insects and went on to make some huge discoveries that helped transform our understanding of nature. It is a beautifully illustrated book which also has highly informative and meaningful text.
 

Books for 8-10 Years Old

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

This is a series of 12 books, written by British author Cressida Cowell.  The background of this book series is a fictional Viking world wherein the main protagonist Hiccup has to overcome big obstacles on his journey of becoming a Hero. The film delves into the struggle of a regular boy who is thought to be weak and useless by his fellow men. He is picked on by the bullies as he is ‘different’ from the rest. The book shows how he overcomes all odds, recognizes his strengths, and eventually becomes a capable leader. 
 

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda is a book written by British writer, Roald Dahl. Time, an American weekly news magazine included Matilda in its list of the 100 Best Young Adult books of all time. The main lead, Matilda in the book is a clever girl who has to bear the brunt of her parents’ disdain. She struggles to find her own way to teach herself to read and go to school. The special bond she shares with her teacher, Miss Honey, is endearing and heart-warming. The book showcases how she charms everyone around her and triumphs over life against all odds.
 

Books for 11-15 Years Old

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

The book was published in the UK in early 2006, where it received much positive reviews and soon became a hit with not just teens but also hit a chord with adults.

John Boyne shares the story of a 9-year-old boy Bruno who lives in Berlin in 1943 and finds his luxurious life upside down when his father is transferred to another location for a new job. At the new location, Bruno meets a similar aged boy named Shmuel who wears striped pyjamas and lives on the other side of the fence. Amidst the backdrop of the Holocaust, the book shows how a friendship grows in such difficult times is sustained by the boys’ mutual love and naivety. It serves as a mirror of the horror of holocaust and educates young readers why division and racism should be avoided at all costs.
 

The Fellowship of The Ring by JRR Tolkein

This book is the first part of J R R Tolkien's epic story The Lord of the Rings. The book details the journey of a young hobbit Frodo Baggins (a fascinating fictional character), who finds himself tasked with a hugely challenging duty. The story is set in a richly-detailed fantasy world inspired by legend and Tolkien's captivating tale will make children want to pick the rest of the books that are part of the series.

Hopefully, the above list will fill your kids’ lives with some excitement and they will look forward to read these up soon. And if there are some books that your kids have loved to read, do write in to us. We would love to include those in our next recommended reading list.