Is there anything lovelier than snuggling up with the kids and reading chapter books that are as much fun for grown-ups as small bookworms? We think not!
There really is nothing better in life than curling up with a good book on a rainy Singapore day. An epic novel has the power to change your life – we’ve all got that one read that inspired us way beyond the last page of reading. So, the question is, how do we pass on a lifelong passion for reading to our kids? Why, by reading to them of course! Plus, it can’t help but make you a more mindful parent. Who doesn’t love a lovely bonding session with the kiddos over a really great read?
If your kids have devoured all the picture books in the world (so it seems!), and are ready to graduate to some bigger storytelling sessions, what you need is a collection of great chapter books to read aloud to your kids. (Any excuse to go to one of Singapore’s best children’s bookstores!) Get started with our top picks:
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. Just a few of the words spun by loyal barnyard spider Charlotte to save her darling friend Wilbur from his piggy fate. It’s a story of friendship, hope, life, death, and of the power of love. And little farm girl Fern is at once tender and fierce as she refuses to give up on the underdog, her little runt Wilbur. It’s the ultimate tear-jerker. Sniff, pass the tissues…
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
This series of 13 books is one of the hottest reads for kids on the market right now. Penned by American Author Daniel Handler under kid-friendly pseudonym Lemony Snicket, the story follows the lives of sibling orphans Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire. Expect dark humour, misfortune and grand adventure as the kids escape the clutches of evil relative Count Olaf (he’s after their inheritance). It’s now a Netflix series you’ll want to binge-watch with the kids!
Anything and everything by Roald Dahl
Devour any title by the much-loved children’s author Roald Dahl and unlock a world of wild imagination and even wilder plots and characters. Join Sophie as she’s captured by the surprisingly nice bone-crunching giant in The BFG, or climb aboard for a fantastical adventure with James and the Giant Peach. Experience the thrill of winning a golden ticket in the wacky world of Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. And we challenge you not to fall in love with the quick-witted practical joker Matilda. We could go on, but trust us; Roald Dahl always keeps parents and kiddos alike fabulously entertained and guessing until the end.
The 13-Storey Treehouse (Treehouse #1) by Andy Griffiths
Andy and Terry live in a treehouse. But it’s not just any old treehouse, it’s the most amazing treehouse in the world! This treehouse has thirteen storeys, a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a secret underground laboratory, and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and automatically shoots marshmallows into your mouth whenever you are hungry. We not only love this book, but we want to live with Andy and Terry in a treehouse.
The Famous Five by Enid Blyton
Embark on a rollicking adventure with the timeless classic tales The Famous Five by Enid Blyton. The brilliant thing about the books in this series (21 in total) is the simple joy Julian, Dick, Anne, Georgina (George) and dog Timmy find in the old-school outdoor activities typical of the 1940s. We love re-experiencing familiar stories of our childhood with our little people.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
The first in the series of Ralph S. Mouse books, The Mouse and the Motorcycle is a heartwarming tale of Ralph, a mouse who lives in a knothole in a hotel. When Keith and his parents come to stay Ralph takes a liking to Keith’s shiny toy motorcycle. The rascal rodent checks out of the hotel for the first time on his ride and epic adventures ensue. Exciting!
Gangsta Granny by David Walliams
A hilarious and heartfelt story of old age, adventure, stolen jewels and swimming the Thames, David Wailliams is Roald Dahl for a new generation. We’ve picked Gangsta Granny as it’s our own tween’s fave, but all of his rib-tickling reads are worth checking out. You’ll laugh as much as the kids, guaranteed.
The Island in the Caldera by Lin Xueling
Min Rui and Chloe’s only way home is through the dangerous and fantastic Islands in the Caldera. They must face dragons, giants, and wild jungles to survive in a fabulous tale written by a local author. We loved this read when we reviewed it a while back, and we know you will too.
Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
This one is a unanimous favourite of the Honeykids mums (and every child of the 80s). Featuring anything and everything tween and teen girls worry about about including religion, getting a period, growing breasts and kissing boys, this is the must-read book for pre-teen girls and a really nice book to read together with tweens if you’ve just had the ‘puberty talk‘. Judy just gets it!
Who Let the Gods Out? by Maz Evans
A great book for children who aren’t quite ready for Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, this adventure is full of wit where children (and adults!) can learn some quirky facts about Greek Gods.
And because we’re book nerds, we couldn’t possibly stop there – here are a few more that are on our reading list from classic tomes to modern reads:
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Narnia) by CS Lewis
The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
The Wishing Chair by Enid Blyton
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
The Animals of Farthing Wood by Colin Dann