Hands up if love jetting off on holiday and nose-diving into the next adventure. I’ll be real, I love it too and my favourite way to engross myself on holiday is by reading – after all, it often proves too difficult to cuddle up with a good book on home soil. The same applies to little ones, whether you’re on a family trip or spending half-term right at home, kids of all ages can have a fantastic time with a book in hand. It’s a great way to encourage some time away from screens, fuelling imaginations, and relaxing together.
So if you’re looking to turn some pages on your upcoming holiday, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite books to suit adventurers of all sizes, from tiny to teen (flexible of course):
For Tiny Readers:
Counting Kisses: A Kiss & Read Book by Karen Katz
This book is for the tiniest of read-along-ers to try and count just how many kisses a really sleepy baby needs to go to sleep, from head to toe. (Spoiler alert: ‘ten little kisses on baby’s teeny tiny toes’ is a vital first step.) A cosy and interactive way to make reading fun and hopefully put the little one to sleep.
That’s Not My Teddy by Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells
This little buddy is part of a series of ‘That’s Not My…’-books in which each page features a new texture for your little one to touch and identify in different ways. The best (and fluffiest) is saved for last when little readers finally get to find the teddy they’ve been looking for. Giggles from your kiddos guaranteed!
For Small Readers:
The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack and Kurt Weise
Get ready for a spirited story about a little duck who lives on a riverboat but decides to leave and go on a great adventure on the Yangtze River. A surprisingly beautiful and emotional story about a hero in a distant land learning about the importance of family.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
A wild ride of an adventure story with a heartwarming message: that there’s no place like home. Emotional and imaginative, about a young boy who imagines himself king of a foreign land where the ‘wild things’ live. Stunningly illustrated and as much a favourite for kids as adults.
For Growing Readers:
We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio
This colourful story shows the world through the eyes of a child who’s just like everybody else, but who has to navigate the world looking quite different. A surprisingly relatable tale about wanting to belong, and to be seen for you truly are. Further down on this list you’ll find Palacio’s original novel Wonder, this picture book carries the same message for younger readers.
Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
One hundred bedtimes (or anytime) stories about women who have accomplished extraordinary things, including icons like Elizabeth I and Serena Williams. For girls and boys alike to be inspired by, featuring original artwork by female artists from all over the globe.
For Exploring Readers:
How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
A heart-warming and hilarious story about a young Viking boy who takes his own path toward becoming a hero by remaining a thinker in a world of fighters. You might have seen the DreamWorks flick based on this novel but the original is quite different.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (and Chris Riddell)
Not your average coming of age story… this one is about a boy who grows up among the ghosts and ghouls of the graveyard where has lived all his life. A truly curious and very charming novel that even gets a little emotional toward the end. It’s unpredictable and incredibly engaging from the first and final page.
For Independent Readers:
Wonder by R.J Palacio
Wonder is the story of a boy who looks pretty different from other kids, and what it is like for him and the people closest to him when he enters school for the first time in his life. It’s incredibly heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time, while really getting young readers thinking about empathy, compassion and acceptance.
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
Proof that no one ever really outgrows fairytales, this is the tale of a lonely girl living an ordinary life who steps in to save Fairyland when a mysterious stranger invites her along on an adventure. Guaranteed to leave readers of any age in a state of wonder.
For Teen Readers:
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Follow the story about a teenage girl who witnesses the shooting of her unarmed black friend by a police officer, and who afterwards finds herself at the heart of a social justice movement. A perfect read for teens who are branching out to read about real-world issues and still love an engaging plot and loveable characters.
And that is a wrap! Hopefully, there’s something on this list to inspire your little ones on holiday! Let us know in the comments below which books you would also recommend as a holiday read for kids.
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Travelling with kids? Check out these posts:
Go-To Tips for Travelling with a Baby
Must-Know Packing Tips for Family Travel
How To Ditch Tech Gadgets on Family Holiday
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