If your child is in Years 4 or 5, you may be looking for some nice books to share with them over the summer break. Here are six books that will provide innumerate adventures for both of you, helping your child develop vocabulary and understanding and giving you some really top notch quality time together. If you live in Urmston, I recommend Urmston Bookshop as the best place to go for these books. It really is a lovely little treasure trove of beautiful books, designed to turn the most reluctant reader into an enthusiastic bookworm.
1. Peter Pan by JM Barrie
Wild orphans flying over strange lands, danger and dastardly pirates: a classic adventure story like no other. We have a beautifully illustrated version which my son loves.
2. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Follow the eccentric Toad of Toad Hall around the countryside with Mole, Badger and a host of other creatures. The language used in this book is so wonderfully evocative and keenly chosen it’s almost musical. You may think of this book as a nursery school classic but you’ll probably be needing a dictionary (Did you know that a halberd is a combined spear and battleaxe? Me neither).
3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling
If you haven’t read this series yourself you are in for a real treat! Forget the films; they cannot hold a candle to Rowling’s densely-woven plot and finely fashioned characters.
4. The Iron Man by Ted Hughes
A conveniently short book by the late Poet Laureate. Superb introduction to environmental awareness and excellent for improving vocabulary.
5. The Iron Woman by Ted Hughes
Sequel (of a sort) to the Iron Woman and included on this list for the same reasons.
6. The Jungle Book
These tales of Mowgli, Baloo and Bagheera are so utterly charming you will find yourself reading on long after your child has fallen asleep. Lots of thees and thous; I tend to change these as I am reading, but it’s up to you.
Nothing has a greater impact on your child’s academic progress than his/ her ability to read, so whether you read the suggested books or some other books instead, the main thing is to read lots and read often. Let your child see that you enjoy reading and encourage him or her to choose reading material they will enjoy.
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