Best books for reluctant readers
To celebrate Independent Bookshop Week, we asked Jenny McCann, Founder of Bear Bookshop, which books she would recommend for reluctant readers. Take a look below for Jenny’s amazing suggestions:
WHICH PICTURE BOOKS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR YOUNG READERS?
For me, when children get a little older, stories really get magical! Here are some of the favourites that we have enjoyed as family over the years. These are stories that have charmed me and amused my children-so much so that even now, when the older two are very capable of reading for themselves, we will still often revisit these old favourites.
Triangle by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen
We LOVE this book in our house. The illustrations are simple yet so full of character and the storyline is straightforward, yet retains enough complexity to leave unanswered questions and promote discussion with your children. For this reason, it is a great choice for children who love reading and for children who might be a bit disinterested as you can read it through quickly, or take it slowly and take time to discuss the characters (and make the noises) as you go along.
The Book with No Pictures by B.J Novak
This hilarious book came to me highly recommended and I have since read it many times at home and at schools I have visited; it never fails to delight. The absence of pictures is more than made up by the funny things that book forces to reader to say out loud.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE BOOKS FOR EARLY READERS (AGES 5 – 8)?
This can be a really difficult age to find books for as there is such a variation in reading levels and ability at this stage. Often pictures books are dismissed as being too babyish before children are ready or able to read full chapter books and finding something that can bridge that gap can be tricky. A bad experience at this age can be disheartening and discouraging for an emerging reader, but my suggestions here should help you to avoid these pitfalls.
Frozen Mountain/Deadly Jungle by Emily Hawkins and Ruby Fresson
Spin to Survive: Frozen Mountain: Decide your destiny with a pop-out fortune spinner
Spin to Survive: Deadly Jungle: Decide your destiny with a pop-out fortune spinner
These two books offer not only a story but also a game, and are great for the whole family to play together. Your character has crashed in the Jungle/Mountain and you have to read about different survival tips and make choices (and take risks) to ensure your survival. It has a reading age of 7+ but I would absolutely read this with younger children and encourage them to read along, because it is so compelling and interactive.
Little Gems series
A Twist of Tales by Julia Donaldson and Peter Bailey
Grandpa Bert and the Ghost Snatchers by Malorie Blackman and Melanie Demmer
Peggy Little-Legs by Pip Jones and Paula Bowles
These are the books that I always recommend for children who are learning to read independently but don’t yet have the confidence, stamina or ability for full chapter books. They perfectly bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books and are small enough to be carried around so that you can develop a habit of taking a book everywhere you go. Featuring well known authors that your children will already recognise and love, they are enduringly popular and a really great stepping stone on your child’s journey to becoming an independent reader.
Hilda Series (Flying Eye) by Stephen Davies
Hilda is just the kind of heroine I want to have my children exposed to. She is strong, brave and kind and we became absolutely obsessed with her in early 2021 (second lockdown!). There are both chapter and comic versions of the Hilda stories and there’s a Netflix series which can be great for encouraging more reluctant readers. This can also be a good strategy for emerging readers as if they are already familiar with a story, the cognitive demands of reading are reduced as they don’t have to concentrate so hard on the plot of the book, allow their brains to really focus on decoding.
WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR 8 – 12 YEAR OLDS?
This age group can be a tricky one to keep interested in reading for pleasure; yet it’s at this point of childhood that this lifelong habit can really be developed. There are so many competing sources for our children’s attention these days and so many of them…well they just do more than a book does! But the examples I’ve given here are easy to read and should appeal to any child, no matter what their opinions and experiences of reading have been.
Bunny vs Monkey by Jamie Smart
Bunny vs Monkey and the Human Invasion
Bunny vs Monkey: Rise of the Maniacal Badger
This series has been a massive success everywhere and is so easy to read. With just the right kind of silly humour to appeal to this age group, these are books that are unputdownable and will have your children fighting over who gets to read them (trust me, I’m speaking from personal experience!) I’ve not come across a single child yet who doesn’t like them!
Horrible Histories by Terry Deary and Martin Brown
I’m sure this series needs no introduction; they are an enduring favourite with middle readers and are a great choice for children who love to learn about things but don’t necessarily love to sit down and read a book from cover to cover. Funny, accessible and educational, there’s a clear reason why these have been so popular for so long. These are a great choice for reluctant readers because the way they are organised encourages dipping in and out, decreasing the pressure on a child to ‘finish’ their book.
Anisha, Accidental Detective by Serena Patel and Emma McCann
This multi-award-winning detective series is super fun and readable. Anisha accidentally finds herself faced with mysteries and problems to solve-with the help of her good friends and crazy family. With a conversational style, lively illustrations and unpredictable storylines, this series is a great choice for children who need something to read that is easy to finish and enjoy.
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