Fostering a love for reading in your children is one of the best gifts you can give them. It is an extremely valuable skill to acquire and is a reliable predictor of academic success. Between primary 1 to 6, the ages of 6 to 12, is a critical window where the habit of reading takes root and sets the stage for more complex books to be enjoyed. For children to read well and enjoy it, they need to comprehend what they read. Nurture the habit of reading and allow it to develop into a lifelong habit.
Why nurture a love for reading?
Immerse your child in the world of fiction and let them experience different worlds and lives. Apart from the ability to comprehend and expand their vocabulary, reading literary fiction also encourages psychosocial development; avid readers are more empathetic and understand different perspectives.
MindChamps has compiled a list of storybooks from different genres including adventure and fantasy for your primary school child, so that they can embark on their reading journey with gusto.
Books for primary 1 to 2 students
I Don’t Want Curly Hair, Laura Ellen Anderson
In this storybook, children learn one of the most fundamental lessons of the grass appearing greener on the other side. Curly Haired Girl longs for silky straight hair, but when she meets a girl with straight hair who wants tight ringlets and voluminous hair, she is forced to relook her appearance. This one’s for the children out there who have trouble loving how they look. Teach your child to embrace themselves and make them see that they are perfect as they are.
The Lazy Hyena (Four Tooth and Friends), J. H. Low
Go on an adventure with Two Tusk, the warthog, and Huang, the rabbit, as they work together to save their swallowed friend, Zhi, the rabbit. This endearing story with lovable characters teaches the importance of loyalty and perseverance. Brought alive with captivating illustrations and packed with nuggets of wisdom, this humorous story is guaranteed to be a favourite bedtime story with your little Champs.
Books for primary 3 to 4 students
The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams Bianco
This 1922 British classic is a beautiful, enchanting tale of how toys become Real through their experiences of love. Skin Horse teaches the Velveteen Rabbit how to open his heart to love each though there’s the risk of getting hurt. Read this timeless tale for your child to teach them love, life, loyalty, authenticity and dealing with being different.
Wolfie & Fly (Wolfie & Fly, Book 1), Cary Fagan
Your child may naturally prefer their own company, but it’s always worth letting them know that sharing moments with a friend can be special. Wolfie does things independently and she thinks friends are bothersome. But when Fly, her kooky neighbour, becomes a regular character in her life, she is opened to a world of different possibilities she never knew existed.
Books for primary 5 to 6 students
Malala’s Magic Pencil, Malala Yousafzai
This children’s book is penned by Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist who was shot by the Taliban for fighting for the rights of women to attend school. She spins a yarn about a girl who dreams of a magic pencil that could make the world a better place. It finally dawns on this little girl that it’s not magic but change that takes away poverty and hunger. This story encourages your child to look beyond themselves and at the world around them, and probes them to think about their place in it.
One Amazing Elephant, Linda Oatman High
Experiencing loss is inevitable. Children would need to learn how to deal with it when the time comes. In this storybook, Pruitt, a 12-year-old girl, avoids her family’s circus and Queenie Grace, the elephant, as much as she can. When she experiences the loss of her grandfather, also Queenie’s caretaker, she needs to learn to deal with her loss. Pruitt and Queenie become unlikely friends as they mourn the loss of someone who meant a lot to them.
Get started on your child’s reading journey
Select a book from our list of curated titles and enjoy the ride of discovering stories and characters with your Champ. Or join us at MindChamps Reading, a programme that will spark a deep love for reading in your child and help them read with understanding.
Raising a child who loves to read can take time, patience and dedication, but reaping the rewards will be really sweet. Begin with your Champ today.