Top 10 Books to Inspire a Love of Reading in Young Learners

When it comes to introducing young children to the world of reading, a carefully chosen book can make all the difference. Books that are colourful, interactive, and filled with engaging characters can inspire a lifelong love of reading and set the foundation for literacy skills. Here are 10 beloved books that are ideal for young readers—and some tips on how to make story time a special part of your day.

1. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle

This classic book with rhythmic, repetitive text and vibrant illustrations is perfect for capturing a young child’s attention. Children love predicting what animal comes next, and the pattern encourages them to “read along” by memorization and sight.

Story Time Tip: After reading, ask your child to retell the story by naming animals and colours they remember. This helps reinforce both vocabulary and comprehension.

2. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

This timeless bedtime story is calming, gentle, and has a beautiful rhythm. The simple language and soothing illustrations make it a go-to for winding down and preparing for sleep.

Story Time Tip: Let your child say “goodnight” to objects in their own room after reading to extend the story beyond the book.

3. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

With colourful illustrations and a playful story about a caterpillar’s transformation, this book teaches counting, days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly in an engaging way.

Story Time Tip: Use props like a small caterpillar toy or real fruit to act out the story, bringing it to life for your child and making it a sensory experience.

4. We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury

This adventurous story is perfect for young readers, with an exciting storyline and repetitive, chant-like text that makes it fun to “act out” together. Kids love joining in with the sound effects and motions.

Story Time Tip: Encourage your child to act out each part of the journey (e.g., wading through “swishy swashy” grass) to turn story time into a mini adventure.

5. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

This fun, rhythmic alphabet book tells the story of letters racing to the top of a coconut tree. It’s a great choice for helping children recognize letter shapes and sounds.

Story Time Tip: Sing or chant the text to create a fun rhythm, and use magnetic letters or alphabet toys to reenact the story, reinforcing letter recognition.

6. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

This sweet tale of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare shows children the concept of measuring love. It’s a gentle, comforting book that children often enjoy hearing again and again.

Story Time Tip: Talk to your child about all the people and things they love, helping them make personal connections with the story.

7. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin and James Dean

Pete the Cat’s story is one of resilience and positivity, showing kids how to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. The colourful illustrations and catchy refrain make this book a hit with young readers.

Story Time Tip: Sing along with Pete’s catchy “I love my…” refrain, encouraging your child to make up their own verses with favourite colours or things they wear.

8. Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

This relatable story about bedtime anxieties reassures children in a playful way. The rhyming text and expressive illustrations make it fun to read, especially before bed.

Story Time Tip: Use dramatic voices to bring Llama Llama’s emotions to life and ask your child how they feel at bedtime, helping them relate to the character.

9. Press Here by Hervé Tullet

This interactive book invites children to press, shake, and tilt the book to see what happens to the colourful dots. It’s a wonderful way to involve young children actively in the story.

Story Time Tip: Let your child lead the way, pressing and shaking as they like—this encourages them to engage physically and mentally with the book.

10. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

This imaginative classic tells the story of Max, who sails to an island of wild creatures and becomes their king. It’s a bit more advanced, making it perfect for children who are ready for a longer story.

Story Time Tip: Encourage your child to roar, jump, and play along with the “wild rumpus” part of the story. Acting out scenes can make it even more memorable.

Tips for Choosing Books Your Child Will Love

When choosing books for young children, it’s a great idea to mix things up. Look for books that reflect your child’s interests, from animals to outer space, as well as books that help build core literacy skills like letter recognition and rhyming. Introducing a mix of educational books, interactive reads, and stories that encourage creativity will keep your child engaged and motivated.

Making Story Time Special

Reading doesn’t have to be a long, formal activity. Sometimes, just a few minutes of reading together can be incredibly valuable. Here are a few ways to make story time enjoyable for both you and your child:

• Keep it cozy: Find a comfortable spot to read, such as a cozy chair or a blanket fort, to make story time feel like a special treat.

• Read expressively: Use different voices, facial expressions, and tones to make characters come to life. It helps keep kids engaged and builds their interest.

• Encourage participation: Invite your child to turn pages, point to pictures, or say repeated phrases along with you. Active engagement supports their comprehension and memory.

Final Thoughts

Choosing books that captivate your child’s imagination is a wonderful way to build their love for reading. A strong foundation in reading skills opens up a world of opportunities, and these small moments you share today will help your child build confidence and curiosity as they grow.

And let's not forget: Reading together is a magical and beautiful memory.

Happy reading!