Four Fab Books Every Child Should Read

It's so important for children to read and be read to. It encourages bonding with their parents, inspires their imaginations and teaches them basic linguistic skills. But what children's books should they be reading? Well, here are four fabulous books that every kid should read at least once.

The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien

The Hobbit is a children’s fantasy novel. It was published in1937, has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal and awarded a prize from the New York Herald Tribune for the best juvenile fiction. This book still remains popular and it's recognized as a classic children’s literature.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, by J.K. Rowling

It’s one of the all-time famous books. We all know the story, some us know the films. When a letter arrives for unhappy but ordinary Harry Potter, a decade-old secret is revealed to him that apparently, he's the last to know. His parents were wizards, killed by a Dark Lord's curse when Harry was just a baby, and which he somehow survived. Leaving his unsympathetic aunt and uncle for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry discovers that not only is he famous, he also fits (finally) has people who care about him, including the headmaster (Dumbledore), a kind grounds-keeper (Hagrid) and two brilliant friends (Ron and Hermione). But not everything is so easy, even with magic. Harry stumbles upon a sinister mystery when he finds a three-headed dog guarding a room on the third floor. Then he hears of a missing stone with astonishing powers, which could be valuable, dangerous or both. An incredible adventure is about to begin!

The Adventures of Arrek the Dragon by R.J. Barnes

Alex is one day given a magical lamp by her father. Unbeknown to Alex and her parents, the beautiful marbled lamp is really an egg, and one day it hatches and reveals a baby dragon called Arrek. Arrek is not just any dragon but a descendant from a long line of dragon nobility in Poland, where he originally comes from. Alex has been specially chosen as Dragon Keeper, and it is now up to her to ensure that Arrek grows up a happy and contented dragon. Although an adorable little charmer, Arrek has - like all toddlers - a tendency to get up to all kinds of mischief as he explores the world around him, such as getting in to the washing machine on laundry day. A delightful and charming children’s story that follows one cute reptile and all the mischief he can get up to!

The Gruffalo, by Julia Donaldson

The Gruffalo was published in 1999. This book has sold over 13 million copies and has won several prizes for children’s literature; it has had been developed into plays on both the West End and Broadway. This is a rhyming story of a mouse and a monster. Little mouse goes for a walk in a dangerous forest. To scare off his enemies, he invents tales of a fantastical creature called the Gruffalo. So, imagine his surprise when he meets the real Gruffalo.

Honourable Mention Goes To:

The Foundling Fairy, by Flick Jones

Have You Seen Joe?, by R.T.J. Hockin and Joe Mason

Molly Warner: School Reporter, by Dan Kilday

Camu the Camel, by Lea Koivisto

Donna and Dermot on the Move, by Hilda Kalap

The Bag, by D.J. Cattrell

Kingfisher’s Banquet, by Alan Beale and Steven Wisken