Reading is one of my biggest loves, and I am rarely to be found without a crumpled paperback nearby, ready to snatch it up for a few minutes of escapism whenever I can.
Passing this love onto my children is really important to me, and our house is overflowing with children’s books, bolstered by weekly visits to the library for something fresh. (Although of course the toddler likes the same book over and over again…I could read ‘What the ladybird heard’ blindfolded!)
My Littlest Book Worm
When they are little it is easy to engage them in books, but it can sometimes be more of a struggle as they get a bit older. I have hit bumps in the reading road with both my older two.
My daughter struggled to make the leap between picture books and chapter books, the key for us in the end was finding books that offered both. In our case it was the Clarice Bean books, fab stories with lovely illustrations crawling throughout the text.
With my elder son, who is now ten, the path to chapter books was smoothed by the lucky discovery of a series of Super Mario adventure books that I managed to acquire second-hand. They were the ones where each page ended with a choice of action which determined where you went next, and he loved them.
My second bump with the ten year old chap came a few months ago. We had finished our latest novel together, and he just couldn’t get interested in fiction anymore, a common thing in boys by all accounts. We are now ploughing our way through the Science Museum books, currently learning about the universe – and it is educational for both of us. I really do think that with the right encouragement and the right book, there is a reader lurking inside all of us, sometimes you just need a little inspiration to get you started!
I love the work The Scottish Book Trust are doing to encourage a love of literature in children. They are Scotland’s leading agency for the promotion of literature, reading and writing. The organisation works with writers, children, teachers, librarians and readers from all backgrounds to spread a love of books and reading.
They have been assisted in this aim for the last 14 years by Scottish Friendly (find them on Twitter here), who have been running a book tour that takes the very best UK and international authors directly into schools across Scotland and England to inspire a love of reading, writing and illustration and reaches on average 6,000 children every year. For more information about upcoming tours as well as videos of past events check out the following pages:
· Scottish Friendly Children’s Book Tour
· Scottish Friendly Children’s Literacy
This years authors include Malorie Blackman – an author my now teenage daughter adores, Chae Strathie – best known in our house as the illustrator of Aliens Love Underpants, but also the author of his own books as well as an incredible artist, and Nicola Davies – former presenter of the Really Wild Show and zoologist who has written a variety of fiction and non-fiction books for children.
In my past career as a bookseller, I was lucky enough to attend Author events regularly, and the ones with children’s authors were always brilliant and a really great way to engage your children with books, so I really believe that tours like this offer substantial benefit.
Right, am off to read Dinosaurs Love Underpants for the fourth time so far today, what are your favourite children’s reads?
Love Miss Cisco XXX
Disclosure; This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.
I am really lucky that both of mine love books although a bit of encouragement is needed at times! My daughter is a little obsessed with her Peppa Pig books at the moment!
Mummy of Two recently posted…All aboard the Dinosaur Train with TOMY
I’m lucky in that my son (now 15) still enjoys reading – it’s so important and you get so much from them. That said, I should lead by example – I’ve not read a book in forever -_-
Michelle recently posted…My Beach Bag Essentials
My boys loved all the underpants books. Currently we are on chapter books. Mini is obsessed with the diary of a wimpy kid books
Jen aka The Mad House recently posted…A spring collection with the Cricut Explore
Excellent post. My boys find starting a new book the biggest challenge, here’s something slightly stressful about starting a new relationship with another book I think!
Kate Thompson recently posted…The Guinea Pig That Waited – A Reunion
We are still at the chewing books stage and ripping given half a chance. So my favourite is Plip Pop Pond as it is indestructible paper! x
You Baby Me Mummy recently posted…The Alphabet Project {A is for….}
We enjoy reading books every night before bed. I find it extremely important to get children reading. I used to love reading and still do!
Helen Dickinson recently posted…A Week Of Learning And New Experiences
My daughter is turning into a proper little book worm and I love it. Books teach you so much! Just wish I had the time to get my nose stuck in one more often!
Donna @OrdCyclingGirl recently posted…Next stop, a yellow jersey?
A lovely post and a great picture, I love that, clutching a toy whilst getting engrossed!
there and back again recently posted…Button Craft Tutorial Mumslist
reading is so important, all three of mine love to read thankfully
Polly recently posted…52 Weeks of Gratitude – Week Two
I used to love the Rhold Dhal books for the same reason. They were proper chapter books, but with those marvelous Quentin Blake illustrations. The Twits and Matilda were my introduction to ‘big girl books’ and I’ve never looked back.
Vicky (@aroundandupsidedown) recently posted…Flash giveaway: $50 – £30 in Amazon Vouchers or Paypal Cash #freebiefriday #competition #win #International
My boys are 4 and 2 (and one on the way) and they love reading with Daddy especially at night. The favourites at the moment are anything by Dr. Seuss, Beatrix Potter or books with hand puppets in them!
Sara-Jayne recently posted…Praying the Contractions Stay Away… Britmums 2014.
It’s so important for kids to read and I’m really pleased mine all do. The boys have hit a slight bump at the moment, having devoured all the Alex Rider books they’re not sure where to go next, so I’m hoping they’ll find something new soon!
Sarah MumofThree World recently posted…Skate Shop UK
Wilf is really into the hairy mclarey books at the moment! x
Fritha Strickland recently posted…Doing my bit for national sandwich week
I think I must know nearly all of the Julia Donaldson books off by heart now as they’ve been favourites of both my girls for the past few years!
Shell Louise recently posted…Photo challenge – May 17th
It is so nice when kids reach for a book instead of a game-boy or a DS
agatapokutycka recently posted…The main reason why you can’t ride a dog
My children are both bookworms! My son is reading Hugo Cabret and Tom Gates at the moment and my daughter loves Pete the Cat loves his white shoes!
Bek recently posted…Magic Belles CD Review
I am so lucky that most of my kids love to read. Eldest teen boy was our reluctant reader until we introduced him to Anthony Horowitz
Kara recently posted…Spring Tide Festival