Children’s Book Week – Favourite Reads
A love of reading is a gift that keeps on giving and, with Children’s Book Week just around the corner, now is the perfect time to introduce any child you know to the joy of a great book. Encouraging children to read is more important than ever as games consoles and iPads threaten to take over.
Whether you prefer the traditional paper format or more high-tech e-books, there are books to suit every taste. Old favourites such as the works of Roald Dahl are always sure to delight and picture books such as the Where’s Wally series are great for engaging reluctant readers.
Here are just a few of the most popular children’s books.
YOUNGER READERS
The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson & Axel Schleffer
We have yet to meet a child who doesn’t love the Gruffalo; terrible tusks, knobbly knees and all! Although aimed at younger children, the story of the little mouse whoscares away forest predators remains a firm favourite through many children’s older childhood. Read the book to your children, follow it up with The Gruffalo’s Child and prepare for the inevitable appearance of merchandise on their Christmas lists! If this story proves to be a hit, have a look for some of Julia Donaldson’s other children’s books; they are all fantastic.
Aliens Love Underpants – Claire Freedman & Ben Cort
Anyone who has small children will know that you cannot go wrong with a book about pants. This particular story tells about aliens who arrive on Earth to steal as many pants as they can. Another book which has been developed into a series, Aliens Love Underpants is followed up with Pirates Love Underpants, Dinosaurs Love Underpants, Aliens in Underpants Save The World and Aliens Love Panta Claus.
OLDER CHILDREN
The Hunger Games trilogy – Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games shot to fame earlier this year when the first novel was made into a Hollywood blockbuster. Telling the story of Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl from the future and her experiences in the Hunger Games, the book explores the effect of war and hardship on those entering their adulthood. Aimed at teenagers, the other two books in the trilogy, Mockingjay and Catching Fire, are every bit as gripping as the first. The tie-in with the movie may be a good way to grab the attention of disinterested readers.
The Alex Rider series – Anthony Horowitz
Stormbreaker is the first in this series of nine books, which we have on good authority are very popular with those aged from eleven. In the first book, 14 year old Alex has his whole life changed radically when he discovers that his late uncle was a field agent for MI6, rather than a banker as the family had thought. Readers will be drawn in by the story of how Alex himself gets involved in the shady world of espionage.
Children’s Book Week is an annual event run by The Book Trust. This year, the 80th event, ran from 1st to 7th October, this year’s theme is Heroes and Heroines. The event is aimed at encouraging children of primary school age to enjoy reading. Schools and libraries throughout the UK will be taking part and hosting their own activities. Children’s Book Week is a great time to instil a love of reading in your children by visiting participating venues and showing them that it’s not all about school work.
Last year’s Children’s Book Week events included author and illustrator visits to schools, creative writing activities, book cover design contests and writing and performing activities. Who knows? You may even end up with the next big-selling author on your hands.
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