I love reading books to my kids and these 5 have become firm favourites. The deeper themes have opened up some really great conversations.
I've highlighted some themes to be aware of, particularly for sensitive kids. Be aware that the age recommendations are for reading together, for solo readers they're more like 9-12 years .
Reading them together, especially for the first time - rather than listening to them via an audiobook - can soften some of the darker themes as we can discuss them at the time (and I can skim over the particularly unpleasant bits if needed!). I tend to use audiobooks for safer options or stories we've already read.
Here are 5 of our most loved stories:
The Animals of Farthing Wood by Colin Dann
Recommended for ages 7 or 8+. There's a fair amount of death in this one so not ideal for sensitive kids.
This was first read to me by my favourite teacher when I was 8 or 9 and I couldn't wait to read it to my two. It follows the adventures of a group of animals escaping the harsh destruction of their land to find a new home. Their risky journey is full of danger and suspense, friendship and kindness, internal tensions, courage and survival.
Considering it was written in the late 70s, it's surprisingly relevant today and is a good jumping off point for further chats about human destruction and its effect on wildlife. It's a hefty book but one to take slowly and stop for discussion, especially around the tough scenes.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Recommended for ages 6+. It might require some explanations of darker parts such as dungeons and revenge.
Kate DiCamillo is a master storyteller and I'll review more of her books in time. This one is the story of Despereaux, a sweet little mouse who's different from other mice. After breaking the rules by speaking to a human princess he's fallen in love with, he's sent to the dungeons where he begins a hero's journey which is intertwined with the lives of others and takes some interesting twists and turns.
It's a story about belonging, forgiveness and redemption, courage and compassion. With a fairytale-like story line, it's sweet, funny and full of adventure and suspense.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Recommended for ages 8+, possibly younger (my 6 year old enjoyed it but I felt it was a bit too dark for her in parts). It's quite harrowing and sad in places but some younger kids might be ok with it.
The story follows Edward, a vain porcelain rabbit, who is separated from his owner, a little girl named Abilene. Over time, he passes through different owners, experiencing love, loss and hardship. These all help him to understand himself, and others, and finally learn to love.
It's an extremely emotional book (expect tears at the end - maybe yours!) that reminds me of The Velveteen Rabbit. It deals with empathy, hope, resilience and transformation. A lovely simple read with short chapters, rich language and beautiful illustrations. Expect some great conversations off the back of this one.
The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B White
Recommended for ages 6+.
This is one of my favourite children's books from the author of Charlotte's Web - another classic. It's slow paced, beautifully written with classic illustrations and full of humour and heart. It reminds me of The Wild Robot.
The story centres around Louis, a trumpeter swan born without a voice, which he needs to overcome in order to find a mate. He does this alongside a boy named Sam Beaver and their relationship throughout the story is what makes it so special. It deals with belonging and identity, disability and self-acceptance, as well as overcoming challenges and the importance of friendship. It's such a lovely book to curl up with, I would wholeheartedly recommend.
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Recommended for ages 7+ (but I read it to my 6 year old who loved it). It does include survival details (like skinning a deer) so you may want to wait a while for more sensitive kids. It might be particularly relevant for 9-year-olds looking for more independence and adventure at this age.
I picked this one up in a charity shop and didn't know what to expect but it was an immediate hit. Written back in the 50s, it follows 12 year old Sam Gribley who runs away from his home in New York to live in the wilderness. He learns how to survive and live in harmony with nature, befriending some animals along the way. It's a warm-hearted story of survival, resourcefulness, independence and friendship. There are also two sequels we're yet to read: On The Far Side of the Mountain and Frightful's Mountain (named after the falcon he trains in the first book).