5 inspirational books perfect for reading with your little ones

The books you choose to read with your children have a lifelong effect on them; how the pages look, how the words sounded in the tones of your voice – all those details form ingrained, important memories.  And because the world we know is changing at such a rapid pace, now seems the ideal time to pass on words of kindness and heroic tales to the little people in our lives – and you’ll enjoy helping them discover these, too. Here are five reads to get you started.

Little People, Big Dreams: Frida Kahlo by Isabel Sanchez Vegara 

This is just one story in a series of twelve but I love Frida’s book in particular. The books focus on designers, artists and scientists; all of whom went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. The second book is all about Frida Kahlo, whose desire to study medicine was destroyed by a childhood accident. She began painting from her bedside and produced over 140 works, culminating in a mesmerising solo exhibition in America. It’s an inspiring story, a beautiful book and the entire series is worth buying.

From five to eight years

Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words by Karen Leggett Abouraya

This is a children’s biography of the inspiring, true story of Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani girl who stands up and speaks out for every child’s right to education, even after going through a harrowing, near-fatal attack. This only strengthened her resolve and she’s one of the most inspiring young advocates for women’s rights today. Told in picture-form, this is a beautiful book to have in your little one’s collection.

From four to seven years

My World, Your World by Melanie Walsh

This book is all about acceptance. In My World, Your World this story aims to instil a sense of tolerance and highlights that yes, we are all different, but this shouldn’t be deemed a bad thing. The world is full of all sorts of people, speaking different languages and living different kinds of lives, but its message that we can still be united and love the same things (with gorgeous illustrations) makes this an inspiring read.

From pre-school and up

Hug Machine by Scott Campbell

This endearing story encourages a warm, caring, and buoyantly affectionate approach to life thanks to a little boy who hugs everyone he meets. Author Scott Campbell’s beautiful watercolours exude warmth, emotion and emphasise the importance of showing affection and the healing powers of a hug.

From four to seven years

Be A Friend by Salina Yoon

Dennis is an ordinary boy who expresses himself in extraordinary ways. Some children do show-and-tell. Dennis mimes his. But being a mime can be lonely. It isn’t until Dennis meets a girl named Joy that he discovers the power of friendship. This book is a heartwarming story of self-acceptance, an unbreakable friendship and an unmissable read for anyone who has ever felt “different.”

From three to six years

Main image via Unsplash; Book jackets via Amazon UK.

This article was originally published in January 2022.