Here are some tips on how to encourage children to read: Read to your child every day. This is one of the best ways to help your child develop a love of reading. Make it a special time for you and your child to bond and enjoy a good story together. Make reading a part of your daily routine. Take your child to the library or bookstore regularly, and let them choose books that they are interested in. Keep a variety of books at home so that your child always has something to read. Talk about books with your child. Ask them what they liked about the book, and what they learned from it. This will help them to think critically about what they are reading. Make reading fun. Let your child read in comfortable surroundings, and don’t force them to read if they’re not interested. You can also make reading more fun by creating a reading nook or playing reading games. Set a good example. Show your child that you enjoy reading by reading yourself. Let them see you reading books for pleasure, and talk to them about the books you’re reading. Encourage your child to read for different reasons. Reading can be a great way to learn new things, relax, and escape into another world. Encourage your child to read for different reasons, and help them to find books that they enjoy. Be patient. It takes time for children to develop a love of reading. Don’t get discouraged if your child doesn’t seem interested in reading right away. Just keep reading to them and talking about books, and eventually they will come around. Reading is a lifelong skill that can open up a world of possibilities for your child. By following these tips, you can help your child develop a love of reading that will last a lifetime.
- Children’s Book Advent Calendar
Like your own little book advent calendar, we have a read through our selection of fantastic fiction and chosen 25 books to get your children’s bells jingling and to warm your heart this Christmas: Board books You’re My Little Christmas Cookie – Natalie Marshall (illustrator), Little Tiger (publisher) Colourful cookies and sweetness abound in this fun and festive board book. With its joyful rhyming text, you and your young one can celebrate the fun and cosiness of the season with this sturdy board book. There are unique festive cut out shapes for little fingers to … Read more - Seasonal Spooky Books for KidsOctober is such a wonderful month in the bookish world… not only can you cosy up with an amazing autumnal story but it’s also the time to settle down with a wonderfully witchy read or a fang-tastically fun adventure in the run up to Halloween. So, sit yourself down with a mug of something warm and take a look at our top spooktacularly seasonal books we’ve picked for you this month… Board books Fingerwiggly Ghosts – Usborne Publishing Limited (publisher) WOOOO WOOOOO (best ghost impression!)! This board book is just the definition of sweet spook … Read more
- Summer Reading List
Every year I ask my friends on my Facebook page for their recommended Summer Reads, their favourite books to read on the beach for this year. Here are some recommendations from previous years. Summer Reads 2017 Summer Reads 2018. Summer Reads 2020 Previous Posts It’s not scientific. I don’t know what they are basing their decisions on. In some case it might be a good cover, in others it’s a favourite author, but almost always the books ideas turn out to be brilliant and I am grateful for their ideas. So here are the Summer … Read more - Fabulous new Children’s Books
Well, hasn’t this been nice?! The weather in the UK has been glorious for a change and it has provided plenty of gorgeous opportunity to have a sit outside in the sunshine and catch up on your favourite book. Whether it be board books or middle grade, non-fiction or chapter books that piques your interest, we have looked through a whole host of glorious, sunshine-filled pages to bring you reviews for some of the newest and most fabulous books on the market at the moment. Take a look and see what takes your fancy …. … Read more - Be a Beach Bookworm: The Best Beach Reads for Summer
All reading is escapist, but there’s nothing quite as simply delectable and satisfying as a summer read. Though we may not all be able to spend our summers laying on a towel by some Mediterranean beach with a novel in hand, there is, without a doubt, a universal specialness – a vibe, if you will – about summer reading. Captivating summer reads enhance any sun-kissed setting, whether in the sweltering heat on a backyard porch or under the lazy rays of a coastal sun. What Makes It a Summer Read There’s probably an essay or … Read more - Children’s Books for SpringtimeWe love this time of year: Spring has well and truly sprung, the promise of summer is in the air with the days lengthening and a warmth on the breeze. It’s definitely the time to get outside and do a bit of alfresco reading. If you are looking for some new books to take on your half term travels, or just looking for something to entertain the children, then we have some superb books Springtime: Board Books: Five Little Speckled Frogs – Yu- hsuan Huang (illustrator), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher) Who doesn’t love a cute … Read more
- New Books for Children this AprilSpring has sprung, the Easter holidays are upon us, there is plenty of time to immerse yourselves in the wonder of a book or two. There are SO many fantastic books out this month ….Take a look at my choices for this month and see if there is anything that catches your eye …. Board Books Fingerwiggly Easter Bunnies – Usborne Publishing Limited (publisher) OH MY GOODNESS! This board book is just the definition of Easter and springtime cuteness. I can’t cope with how adorable it is. Little children, or big children (aka adults!!) can … Read more
- Children’s Books Recommendation for SpringWith World Book Day falling in March, it is always a marvellous month for brilliant books being published and Spring is in the air so there are lots of books encouraging us to get outside and love the nature around us. Take a look at my book choices for this month and see if there is anything that catches your eye …. Board Books Babies Laugh at Peekaboo – Dr Caspar Addyman (author), Campbell Books (imprint of Pan Macmillan) (publisher) What baby doesn’t love a game of “peekaboo”, I ask you?! In fact, what adult … Read more
- Fab February Books for Kids
Get ready to fall in love with the fabulous books I have picked for you this February. Read on to find out more … Picture Books Are you a Monster? Guilherme Karsten (author and illustrator), Happy Yak (imprint of Quarto) (publisher) Monster is a monster and he is looking for a friend. Are you a monster too?! If your little ones are anything like mine, they will adore this brilliantly interactive picture book. They will giggle away when you ask them to show you their long, pointy tail, or their big yellow eyes, or even … Read more - 30 Sensational Stocker Fillers – brilliant book gifts for kids this festive periodIf you are anything like me, you might still be scrabbling around for Christmas present ideas (or even only starting to turn your thoughts towards giving gifts (like me!!)). If so, in my opinion, books are a gorgeous gift for children at any time of the year, but particularly over the festive period when there is so much stimulation and a calming bit of quiet reading can be just what a child needs. I have reviewed an assortment of books, from puzzle books to poetry books, maths to middle grade, so do take a look … Read more
- Brilliant Books for Kids this ChristmasThere are so many gorgeous books out around this time of year. I have gathered together some of the most festive new releases for the Christmas period which you can use as ideas for books to read in the run-up to the Christmas holidays or give as the perfect seasonal presents. Board Books Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush – Yu-hsuan Huang (illustrator), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher) What a gorgeously festive board book for your little ones. Sing along to the tune of ‘Here we go round the Mulberry Bush’ and take your little … Read more
- 20 of the best non-fiction children’s books in NovemberWhen I was younger, non-fiction books used to be, well, rather dull! Long gone are those days. Non-fiction books now are some of the most fun, interactive and down-right fascinating books around. It’s non-fiction November (yes, ALL month!) so I thought I would showcase some of the most fantastic factual books around right now, you know, in case you might be looking for any gift ideas of birthdays or Christmas. Am I Made of Stardust? Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock (author), Chelen Ecija (illustrator), Buster Books (publisher) Blow your little one’s mind with stellar facts from this … Read more
- Spooktacular Reading for Kids with Seasonally Spooky BooksOctober is such a great month – the leaves are falling off the trees, the weather is crisp and the nights are drawing in, which means it is the perfect time to snuggle up with your children and read some seasonally spooky books. I’ve reviewed some of the best around for you …. Board Books Peekaboo Pumpkin – Camilla Reid (author), Ingela P Arrhenius (illustrator), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher) Every child (and, let’s face it, adult!) loves a game of peekaboo and this Halloween-inspired first board book is a gorgeous gift for this time of … Read more
- Recommended Childrens Books – August 2022There have been lots of fun, new releases over the month of August, here’s a selection of the fabulous books we have been reading. I do hope you find something you enjoy: Board Books Where’s Frida Kahlo? – Text by Nosy Crow Ltd, Ingela P Arrhenius (illustrator), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher) Bold, vibrant, beautiful, interactive and educational. What more can you and your little one possibly want from a board book?! It’s bright and brilliant and filled with wonderfully tactile felt flaps which will hugely engage your little reader and encourage those fine motor skills. … Read more
- Recommended Books for Kids | June 2022There are so many super books around at the moment, have a scroll through the different sections, split up according to age range, for our top picks: Board Books Touch and Learn: Space – Becky Davies (author), Mei Stoyva (illustrator), text and Illustrations copyright, Little Tiger Press Ltd, Little Tiger Press Ltd (publisher) This is a gorgeous, interactive board book all about space. My twins are fascinated with the planets and our solar system at the moment so this book could not have come at a better time for them. We love how bright and colourful … Read more
- Children’s Book Recommendations for May 2022What a fabulous month May is turning out to be in the bookish world. There are so many wonderful new releases. Here are my top picks: Board Books Tickle! – Amelia Hepworth (author), Jorge Martin (illustrator), Little Tiger Press (publisher) There is a tickling contest in town! Roll up, roll up! Who can make Moose laugh? Will it be team beaver, the strutting peacock, or will Mr gorilla arms make him giggle? Surely the eight arms of the octopus can do it? Or will it be a quiet little boy that finds Moose’s special tickle … Read more
- Childrens Book Recommendations for Spring | Spring is Sprung and Easter VibesSpring is finally here: the birds are singing, the bees are buzzing, the sun is shining (oh no, wait… it’s snowing!)… and it’s time for us to take a look at some of the most fantastic books out there with that in mind. So, here’s a list of our best books about Spring and nature, together with some eggs-cellent Easter books for those that celebrate it: Board Books Let’s Look at Nature – Marion Deuchars (author and illustrator), Laurence King Publishing (imprint of Hachette) What a vibrant, colourful board book to use to explore nature … Read more
- All you need is love – Children’s Book Recommendations February 2022
It’s February, the month of luurve. It’s also the month which shines a light on the importance of children’s mental health. In the main (other than some of the non-fiction), I have therefore chosen books which focus on love in its various guises and strengths and also picked some books which might help children who are struggling with grief or loss by focussing on the love that surrounds them. Do have a scroll through the next twenty or so books and see if anything catches your eye: Board Books The Every Baby Book – Frann … Read more - Top 20 New Releases and Great Reads for JanuaryThere have been some fabulous books released towards the back end of last year and during this month. Here are my twenty great reads and new releases for the New Year: Board Books Dear Zoo – Celebrating 40 years gold edition – Rod Campbell (author and illustrator), Macmillan Children’s Books (publisher) A glorious gold boardbook edition of this much-loved interactive classic has been published this year. This story is an absolute must for any nursery and is one of the best lift the flap books around. It’s a super introduction to various animals and guaranteed … Read more
- 30 Great Christmas book gifts and stocking fillers for KidsIf you are anything like me, you might still be scrabbling around for ideas for Christmas presents for the little loved ones in your life. I am here to help with a list of 30 fantastic books which would make excellent gifts this Christmas. Even if you are supremely organised, do have a read of this great Christmas book gifts and stocking fillers post to see if you can be tempted to squeeze one extra present under the tree…..! NON-FICTION Roar like a Lion – Carlie Sorosiak (author), Katie Walker (illustrator), David Fickling Books (publisher) … Read more
- Mini Travellers Top Ten Children’s non-fiction books Autumn 2021There are so many beautiful, interesting non-fiction books for children being published at the moment. I had a lot of fun reading them all and have picked my favourite eleven for you this autumn because I couldn’t get it down to just ten! Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured. The World Book by Joe Fullman and Rose Blake (Wellbeck Editions) This beautiful book is packed with information and stats about every country in the world. With gorgeous artwork, and fascinating facts, children of … Read more
- Top Ten Pictures Books Autumn 2021
There are so many amazing picture books being published at the moment it was hard to pick just ten. So I didn’t! There are actually eleven beautiful, brilliant picture books on this list. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win a copy of one of them. The Dragon Who Didn’t Like Fire by Gemma Merino (Macmillan) My son adores this captivating story about a baby dragon who doesn’t act like all the other baby dragons. It’s a charming story about acceptance and learning to be yourself. I Love My Bike by … Read more - Mini Travellers Children’s Book Reviews for July 2021The summer holidays are almost here which makes it the perfect time to stock up on books for the holidays! There are so many fantastic children’s books publishing at the moment, I was spoilt for choice this month. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured. Picture books Pirate Mums by Jodie Lancet-Grant, illustrated by Lydia Corry (OUP) More than anything Billy wishes his swash-buckling, sea-loving mums would be normal and a bit less piratey. However, when disaster strikes on Billy’s school trip out to … Read more
- Mini Travellers Children’s Book Reviews for June 2021There are so many brilliant children’s books being published this summer and I’ve got a selection here for kids of all ages. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured! Board Books Cat’s Cookbook by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (Macmillan Children’s Books) When Cat goes looking for a cookbook, she discovers lots of other books along the way. Will she find a cookbook and be able to make a delicious meal for her friends? With flaps to lift on every page, this is perfect … Read more
- Mini Travellers Children’s Book Reviews May 2021There are some fantastic children’s books being published at the moment and I’ve chosen a brilliant selection for you in this month’s blog post from picture books right up to teen fiction. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured! Picture Books The Boys by Lauren Ace and Jenny Lovlie (Little Tiger) My boys and I adore The Girls by Lauren Ace and Jenny Lovlie and The Boys is quickly on its way to becoming a family favourite as well. I love that this story … Read more
- Q&A with Polly Dunbar Author of Hello, MumWhen award-winning illustrator Polly Dunbar had her boys, she started to doodle some of the magical, and not so magical, moments. They’ve now been collated into this book which would make a perfect gift or keepsake for any parent. I was thrilled to ask Polly some questions about Hello, Mum. Naomi. I absolutely loved your new book, Hello, Mum. As a mum myself of two boys aged 4 and 6, I can totally relate to it! It perfectly captures the highs and lows of having small children from the all-consuming new-born years to the hilarity, … Read more
- Mini Travellers Children’s Book Reviews for March 2021We’ve got a brilliant selection of books for children and parents this month. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured here. Picture Books Meet The Oceans by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Bethan Woolvin (Bloomsbury Children’s Books) Both the bright, bold artwork, and the rhyming text make this book really fun to read aloud to children. My boys both enjoyed learning more about the world’s oceans in this follow up to Meet The Planets by the same author and illustrator team. https://uk.bookshop.org/books/meet-the-oceans/9781526603630?aid=5045 The Perfect Fit … Read more
- The Travel Bug and The Perfect Fit
I blame my parents. When my mum was twenty two she got on a double decker bus and travelled from the UK to Kathmandu, before travelling throughout Asia and living in Australia. My Dad flew out to join her and proposed in front of Sydney Opera House. Fast forward a few years to when they decided to take a fifteen year old me, along with my thirteen year old sister backpacking for three weeks through Malaysia and Singapore. The following summer we backpacked around Morocco and the year after that it was Thailand. So it … Read more - 15 Books Set in Greece
If you’re missing Greece as much as I am at the moment why not spend some time reading a book set in Greece. There are some lovely ones out there for you to choose from. The Island by Victoria Hislop On the brink of a life-changing decision, Alexis Fielding longs to find out about her mother’s past. But Sofia has never spoken of it. All she admits to is growing up in a small Cretan village before moving to London. When Alexis decides to visit Crete, however, Sofia gives her daughter a letter to take … Read more - Book Review | Can Bears Ski?
Can Bears Ski? By Raymond Antrobus and Polly Dunbar (Published by Walker Books) Little Bear doesn’t always answer when his friends talk to him. He doesn’t understand why his Dad keeps asking him, ‘can bears ski?’ either. But as the story unfolds, Little Bear and the reader gradually understand that what his Dad is actually asking is, ‘Can you hear me?’ Can Bears Ski? is an Amnesty International endorsed children’s book. It’s a really powerful tale about deafness written and illustrated by an author and illustrator who both wear hearing aids themselves. You can buy … Read more - Mini Travellers Children’s Book Reviews February 2021One of my favourite things about stories is that they can transport you to another world, if only for a bit. With that in mind I’ve chosen a brilliant selection of new children’s books to transport young readers away from the tedium of lockdown and into the lives of some fantastic characters; from little bears and magpies to orphaned detectives, from the Great Barrier Reef to dreams and the story of Charles Darwin. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured. Picture Books The Adventures … Read more
- Mini Travellers Children’s Book Recommendations January 2021A brand new year can mean only one thing, new children’s books! We have a brilliant selection this month for readers of all ages. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured. Baby Books Monster Clothes by Daisy Hirst (Walker Books) These cheeky monsters all like wearing different things. With bright artwork and lots of humour, this book is perect for very young readers. https://uk.bookshop.org/books/monster-clothes/9781406389418?aid=5045 Monster Food by Daisy Hirst (Walker Books) Some monsters eat pears, other prefer chairs! A fun rhyming book about cheeky … Read more
- Mini Travellers Children’s Book Recommendations for DecemberWe have got a bumper blog post full of fantastic children’s books for you this month. I think books make the perfect presents and we’ve got a brilliant selection for kids of all ages. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured. Picture Books The Night After Christmas by Kes Gray and Claire Powell (Hodder Children’s Books) It’s the night after Christmas and now that all of the presents have been delivered, it’s time for the celebrations to begin at the North Pole! Written in … Read more
- Children’s Book Reviews for Mini Travellers – November 2020With another National lockdown fast approaching, there’s never been a better time to stock up with the latest children’s books to help keep your little ones entertained. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured. Picture Books I Really Need A Wee by Karl Newson and Duncan Beedie (Little Tiger) Told in rhyming text with bright illustrations, this is a funny story about a bush baby who didn’t need a wee before she left home, but soon finds she needs one when there aren’t any … Read more
- Mini Travellers Children’s Book Reviews for October 2020After a long, hot September, it definitely feels like autumn has now arrived. However the darker, colder nights do provide the perfect opportunity for your children to snuggle up with some brand new books. We’ve got another great selection this month for kids of all ages. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured. Picture Books Yawn by Patricia Hegarty and Teresa Bellon (Little Tiger) Find out what happens when a yawn becomes contagious… With bright, bold artwork, and flaps for little fingers to turn, … Read more
- Create Your Own Calm – Activity book for 6-12 year olds
Create Your Own Calm is a new activity book for 6-12 year olds from parenting author Becky Goddard-Hill who also has a number of blogs Emotionally Healthy Kids being one! Create Your Own Calm contains 50 calming activities for kids to empower them to manage their emotional wellbeing in fun and creative ways. It gives children the tools to cope with life’s stresses, builds their resilience and makes them feel mentally strong. This is such a timely book. Going back to school after a long period at home has caused anxiety for a lot of … Read more - Mini Travellers Children’s Book Reviews for DecemberChristmas is such a magical time of year when you have children. It can also be extremely busy! To make present buying a little easier, we’ve rounded up a selection of brilliant books for children of all ages. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured. Mini Travellers Children’s Book Reviews for December Baby Books This Little Piggy by Jarvis (Walker Books) This is a fun, vibrant take on the classic ‘This Little Piggy’ rhyme. Great to read aloud and with plenty of things to … Read more
- 10 of the best Audio Books for 7 year olds and upwardsWe love audio books here at Mini Travellers but sometimes it is really hard to find audio books that all the family will love and enjoy listening to in the car all together. I’ve tried to include in here links for you to buy these audio books on Amazon and Apple but if you’re a big audio book family (or want to be) then I really suggest signing up to Audible like we do, as it makes listening to new books so much more cost effective. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling Harry … Read more
- Mini Travellers Children’s Book Ideas for OctoberWith the nights drawing in and the rain hammering down, it’s definitely feeling very autumnal now. We’ve got an excellent selection of children’s books this month, perfect for cosying up with on those dark nights. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win a copy of some of the books featured. Picture books Oh No, Bear! by Joanne Partis (Little Tiger) When Bear wakes up feeling hungry, he follows his nose and discovers all the delicious food his friends have collected for the winter. But can Bear resist the temptation of eating … Read more
- Mini Travellers Children’s Book Recommendations for September 2019It is the time of year for new school uniform, new stationery and of course, new books. We’ve got a fantastic selection this month for children of all ages. Do keep an eye on the Mini Travellers twitter account as there will be a couple of opportunities to win some of the books featured. Picture books The Pigeon HAS To Go To School! By Mo Willems (Walker Books) The Pigeon is pretty sure he definitely doesn’t want to go to school, that is, until he finds out how he’s going to get there. A hilarious … Read more
- Mini Travellers Children’s Book Reviews for August 2019The summer holidays are upon us and we’ve got a fantastic selection of children’s books for you this month to fulfil all your summer reading requirements! Do keep an eye on the Mini Travellers twitter account for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured. Picture Books The Suitcase by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros (Nosy Crow) When a strange animal arrives one day after a long journey, the other animals ask what’s in his suitcase. When the strange animal falls asleep, the others are tempted to check for themselves to see if he’s telling … Read more
- Mini Travellers Children’s Book Recommendations for July 2019It’s almost the summer holidays and the sunshine has finally made an appearance! We have plenty of book recommendations for your children over the holidays, whatever the weather. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured over the next month. Picture books Leap Frog by Jane Clarke and Britta Teckentrup (Nosy Crow) All the loud, scary noises in the jungle make Felix the tiny tree frog a little bit jumpy. It’s up to the reader to help find him somewhere safe to settle down for … Read more
- Mini Travellers Children’s Book Recommendations for June 2019It’s June, the sun is shining and the summer holidays are fast approaching. We’ve got a fantastic selection of books this month whether you’re looking for ways to entertain young readers at home or on holiday. Do keep an eye on the Mini Travellers twitter account for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured. Picture Books Zoology for Babies by Jonathan Litton and Thomas Elliott (Caterpillar Press) With bright, bold artwork and a lift-the-flap ending, this board book is perfect for very young readers who love animals. Zoology for Babies is … Read more
- Mini Travellers Children’s Book Recommendations for May 2019May is here, and with it the promise of two bank holiday weekends and hopefully some sunshine! We have some fantastic book recommendations for you this month. Do keep an eye on the Mini Travellers twitter account for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured. Picture Books We Eat Bananas by Katie Abey (Bloomsbury Children’s Books) Packed full of humour and with plenty of things to spot on each page, this is a great way to explore all the different foods the animals are eating (and their favourite ways of eating … Read more
- Mini Travellers Children’s Books Recommendations for April 2019Spring has finally sprung and with the new season we have plenty of fantastic children’s books to keep readers of all ages entertained. Picture books Circle by Mac Barnett & Jon Klasson (Walker Books) Triangle, Square and Circle are playing hide and seek when they discover another shape lurking in the darkness – but who could it be? The final instalment in the stunning shape trilogy is every bit as funny and stylish as its predecessors. Your Mind Is Like The Sky by Bronwen Ballard and Laura Carlin (Frances Lincon Children’s Books) Sometimes your mind … Read more
- Mini Travellers Children’s Books Recommendations for March 2019With the sun shining, it finally feels like Spring is almost here. With Pancake day, World Book Day, International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day all happening in March, it promises to be a busy month, but no matter how busy, there’s always time for a good book. Picture Books Julian Is A Mermaid by Jessica Love (Walker Books) When Julian sees some beautiful women dressed up on the subway, he starts to daydream. Julian Is A Mermaid has a powerful message, beautiful illustrations full of sass and energy and a sparse text that brilliantly conveys … Read more
