As educators and parents, we should encourage and celebrate reading and literature. Reading is an imperative skill for kids to have. It helps them understand the world around them and ultimately leads to academic success. Trying to figure out which books are ideal for your child may be slightly daunting. Here’s a list of a few books we think are not only educational and, or entertaining, but age appropriate.
Age Group: 2-6
Kantiga Finds the Perfect Name
by Mabel Mnesa
Illustrations by Chantelle & Burgen Thorne
What’s it about?
There was once a beautiful little girl with a heart as big as her name, Kantiga. But Kantiga did not like her name. Hearing this, her gogo tells her a family tale of the magical clay pot. Follow this beautiful tale, full of colour and folklore, as Kantiga tries to find the perfect name and on the journey learns a bit more about who she is and where she is from.
Why we love it?
It encourages children to accept who they are from a young age.
Where to find it:
Jacana
Takealot
Exclusive Books
Rooster Wore Skinny Jeans
by Jessie Miller & Barbara Bakos
What’s it about?
Rooster is so excited when his new skinny jeans come in the post: the sparkling stitching, a striking gold hue, and the indigo denim, a dazzling blue! But what will the other animals think of his stunning new style? The use of rhyming couplets and cheeky fun language adds to its humour. The message that we can be ourselves is clearly and humorously made.
Why we love it:
Our uniqueness is to be celebrated! And it does so in a humourous and entertaining way that younger age groups are guaranteed to enjoy.
Where to find it:
Takealot
Exclusive Books
Poems out Loud
Illustrated by Laurie Stansfield
What’s it about?
Elephants in classrooms, Drums on legs and a Big fat budgie. Find all these and more in this diverse and exciting new anthology of poetry. Featuring award-winning poets, brand new voices, hip-hop artists and spoken-word performers.
Why we love it:
It gets children laughing, thinking, sharing and performing!
Where to find it:
Makro
Age Group: 7-9
Paris Cat
by Dianne Hofmeyr
What’s it about?
A sassy cat from the back alleys of Paris leaves her cat family behind and sets off to explore Paris. Cat meets legendary singer Edith Piaf, creates her own stunning designs at a high-fashion atelier and dances with the infamous dancer Josephine Baker and her cheetah. But soon she misses the back alleys, her friends and family.
Why we love it:
It shows us that adventures are important, but that family and friends are the most valuable.
Where to find it:
Makro
Exclusive Books
The Boy Who Grew Dragons
by Andy Shepherd
What’s it about:
When Tomas discovers a strange old tree at the bottom of his grandad’s garden, he doesn’t think much of it. But he takes the funny fruit from the tree back into the house – and gets the shock, and delight, of his life when a tiny dragon hatches!
Why we love it:
It’s an enchanting story, who wouldn’t want a pet dragon?
Where to find it:
Makro
The Ugly Five
by Julia Donaldson
What’s it about?
Meet the ugliest animals in the savannah. They’re gangly, warty, bumpy, bristly, spotty, stinky, and totally irresistible. They’re the ugly five! Everyone flees when they see them arrive. Do you know who they are?
Why we love it:
It’s a beautiful picture book celebrating animals who are often overlooked and unloved, but who are happy with who they are.
Where to find it:
Reader’s Warehouse
Exclusive Books
Makro
Age Group: 10-13
The Elephant Whisperer (Young Reader’s Edition)
by Lawrence Anthony / Thea Feldman
What’s it about?
When South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a herd of “rogue” wild elephants on his Thula Thula game reserve in Zululand, his common sense told him to refuse. But he was the herd’s last chance of survival. Dangerous and unpredictable, they would be killed if he wouldn’t take them in. Their bond taught him about love, loyalty and freedom.
Why we love it:
It’s a book that will appeal to animal lovers and adventurists everywhere!
Where to find it:
Exclusive Books
Makro
Reader’s Warehouse
Kids Fight Plastic
by Martin Dorey
What’s it about?
Have you got 2 minutes? That’s all the time it takes to become a superhero. Plastic is everywhere. It is in the rivers, and it is in the sea. We need superheroes to fight plastic and help save our oceans. Do you know the difference between Good and Bad plastic? Find out how you can become a #2minutesuperhero.
Why We Love it:
It teaches kids the importance of plastic pollution reduction in a relatable and entertaining way.
Where to find it:
Makro
Reader’s Warehouse
The Haven
by Simon Lelic
What’s it about?
Snatched from his bed in the middle of the night, Ollie Turner is thrust into a world of danger and excitement. Below the streets of London, he discovers a secret city: a network of tunnels that lead him to the Haven, a sanctuary for kids run by kids, and the headquarters of an organisation that fights for justice everywhere. Soon Ollie is caught up in the Haven’s battle: a quest to stop ‘Mad Maddy’ Sikes from destroying the city. But time is running out for Ollie and his new friends. Will they manage to stop Sikes before it is too late? And who is the traitor in their midst?
Why We Love it:
It’s thrilling, wildly entertaining and facilitates imagination.
Where to find it:
Reader’s Warehouse
Exclusive Books
For anyone who may not be able to afford the investment of purchasing new books, check out your local second-hand bookstore or library. Speak to the sales assistants or librarian for age-specific book recommendations.
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