With kids going back to school, we are starting a new series on books for every age group of elementary school kids. I realize this is just one opinion and there is a vast sea of great books out there, but at least consider this a pointer on some of the Classics K5 believes your kids should read.
Reading books should not have to be a struggle. And it’s not a race to who has learned to read first. We believe spending time with your kids enjoying books together helps them to love reading. Books that take kids on wild journeys and that offer the visual stimulus will make them laugh and learn more about the world around them. So read to your child and have them read to you when they are ready.
Today, we’re tackling the top 10 books for your four-year-old, basically your Junior Kindergarten child.
The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss
This one is a no-brainer for us. With its fun, rhythmic language that takes you through the naughty behavior of the cat, it’s makes kids and adults laugh out loud, whilst learning to read through the repetition of rhyming words.
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
For kids anxious about learning to read, why not pick up the completely wordless The Snowman. A completely pictorial book, Raymond Briggs takes us through the wonderful relationship between a boy and his snowman. Definitely a great book for Christmas.
The Owl and the Pussycat by Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear
This classic story is beautifully illustrated by Nicki Palin and full of nonsense rhymes for the early reader.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Classics stand the test of time, and one that stands up there with the best of them is The Tale of Peter Rabbit. One look at the illustrations make any of us recognize this great classic. Find a large-format version for your young reader that takes you through the disobedient little rabbit in Mr. McGregor’s garden.
Not Now, Bernard by David McKee
OK, so you might not necessarily put this book in the same club as Beatrix Potter or Dr. Seuss, but it has been considered a classic in our household. We read this over and over again with our daughter when she was four and she still talks about it. Bernard would like a little attention by his busy parents, but they are so busy that they don’t even notice that he has been eaten and replaced by a monster.
Winnie the Pooh by AA Milne
Another very recognizable classic. We all have our favorite characters – be it Eeyore, Piglet, Roo, Tigger, Rabbit, Kanga or Pooh himself. This classic collection is full of great adventures and mishaps that have families chuckle.
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Margery Williams really understands the bond between toys and children – how toys become real through wisdom and experiencing love. This is a must-read on any 4 year old reading list. Our daughter received her first copy when she was an infant. Now she has three copies and we’ll still find her reading it in bed at night.
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
Little Nutbrown Hare show his daddy how much he loves him and Bug Nutbrown Hare loves him back even more. This is a great early reader and with such a great theme. Perfect for that nighttime story.
The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
Set in the African Serengeti, this is a beautifully illustrated picture book retelling the classic fable of the lion and the mouse.
Olivia by Ian Falconer
Let‘s call this book a new classic. Olivia is a mischievous little pig who loves to sign, dance, paint walls and dressing up. Every kid recognizes a part of themselves in Olivia.
