I think you agree with me when I say reading is rather boring. Well, it turns out that you can help your children to break through this reading boredom. And in today’s post, I am going to show you some interesting and incredible picture books and exactly how you can enjoy them with your children.
Picture books are books that combine both illustrations and words to tell children stories. You might be wondering, how am I so sure and confident that these books would win over your children’s hearts? The answer is as a primary school educator, I have tried reading these books and conducting activities with my pupils. They love it so much that they are now eager to read more and more.
The key to start off reading with your children is to accompany and read to them. Without any delay, let’s venture into the fascinating world of the picture books!
“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child” -Dr Seuss-
The Big List of Interactive Picture Books
1) The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
This picture book depicts a little caterpillar emerges from an egg and starts searching and eating a variety of food that makes him so full. He then becomes big and fat and he builds himself a cocoon. Finally, the caterpillar becomes a beautiful butterfly.
One of the reasons children are captivated by this picture book is that the illustration is vivid and colourful. More surprisingly, it is illustrated with tissue-paper collages by the author himself, Eric Carle. What makes this picture book more interesting is that the book actually features holes on the food eaten by the caterpillar. I am sure your children will feel hungry and excited while reading this picture book.
Through this story, your children can explore familiar topics such as numbers, days of the week and food. On top of this, you can make caterpillars with your children by using egg cartons and paper plates. If you don’t have these materials at home, you can even try using finger print and water colours to create the caterpillar with your children. If your children enjoy this picture book, here’s a list of other picture books by Eric Carle worth exploring.
Other picture books by Eric Carl:
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
- 1,2,3, To The Zoo
- Pancakes, Pancakes
2) We’re Going on A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
Are you ready to go on a bear hunt? Let’s join the family to look for the bear! The picture book exploits the elements of the nature such as wading through the long grass, the deep river and the thick mud along with interesting sound made when they go through these hurdle to get to the cave.
Your children will love to join in the reading with you as the story uses repetitive and predictable text and rhyme. Your children will certainly laugh along at the family’s reaction when they really meet the bear in the cave!
After reading the story, you can ask your children to draw out a bear hunt map or even their own adventure map to look for their favourite wild animals. This will certainly spark their creativity and imagination. Recently, the children in the US even went on an exciting soft toy bear hunt around their neighbourhood during this depressing Coronavirus lockdown in light of this story.
If your children love swishy swashing with this picture book, you can look check out more interesting books by Michael Rosen.
Other picture books by Michael Rosen:
- The Bear in the Cave
- Tiny Little Fly
- The Bus Is For Us!
3) One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
From here to there, Dr Seuss is ever ready to bring you along to discover funny things are everywhere. As one of his classic beginner’s picture books, your children will surely be entertained by the silly rhymes and the fascinating imaginary characters in this picture book.
When I first looked at the book cover, I was expecting a story full of fish. However, even I was surprised at what I discovered as I continued reading the story! I assure you that you and your children will enjoy finding more incredible creatures other than fish in the story.
As suggested in the story, tomorrow is always for another one. Get your children immersed in other Dr. Seuss’s series and we have you covered in the list below.
Other picture books by Dr Seus:
- Green Eggs and Ham
- The Foot Book
- Oh, The Places You’ll Go
4) Give Me a Hug, 8 Life Lessons by Nick Your Kids Cannot Miss
Even adults are moved by this picture book! Being born without legs and arms, Nick Vujijic, the world famous motivational speaker, is here to share his inspiring life experience with your children. Through his little stories presented in eight chapters, I am sure that you are able to explore life lessons with your children more effectively. I believe you will be equally inspired and motivated too as you share your life experience with your children.
Available in both English and Chinese versions, this picture book series will offer your children an eye-opening and optimistic view about making the world a better place to stay.
Other books in the series:
- Believe, Belong, Become, 8 Faith Lessons from Nick’s Life No Child Should Miss
- Dream Big, 8 Life Lessons from Nick’s Adventure ever Child Cannot Miss
5) The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
Can you imagine your crayons writing you letters? Your children will look at each of their crayons differently after reading this picture book. Through the letters from each crayon, Duncan learns that each of them has their own concerns and complaints. Whether they are overly used or neglected, some crayons even argue whether they suit a better colour for each object.
This picture book certainly teaches your children empathy and compassion besides the topics of colours and objects around them. If your children are eager to know more stories about the crayons, you can always look into other picture books by the same author. These cute crayons really have a lot to say!
Other picture books by Drew Daywal:
- The Crayons’ Book of Colours
- The Day the Crayons Came Home
- Love from the Crayons
6) Online Picture Books (Free and Available to All!)
It is understandable that you might not be able to look for printed picture books in the bookstore due to the lockdown. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution for your concern. You can check out websites that offers free online books for children and among all the choices available on the internet, here’s a few that I find very user-friendly and interesting for your children. No log in is required; simply click on the book and you are ready to go.
Free Online Book Websites:
- Storyline Online
- Unite for Literacy
- Global Digital Library
Don’t Miss the Lockdown Opportunity for Your Children!
The lockdown period might stop your children from learning at school, but it doesn’t stop them from learning at home. I assure you that it is during this period you are given a not-to-miss opportunity to explore reading with your children.
Start with these picture books and your children will be a step closer to ever-expanding happiness and knowledge. Stay tuned with Motherhood Story to get more tips on how you can help your children learn right at home.