A single story can spark a lifelong love for reading let’s light that spark together.
Reading is one of the most powerful tools in a child’s development. It lights up a child’s imagination, grows their words, strengthens their heart, and sets the stage for a lifetime of learning. But with so many books out there, where do you begin?
We asked educators and literacy experts to share their top picks and here are 10 standout titles that continue to capture young hearts and minds
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“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
Age Group: 3–8 years
A beloved story about Max, a spirited boy whose imagination whisks him away to an island full of wild, wonderful creatures
Educator Insight: Teaches children about emotional regulation and creative expression
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“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle
Age Group: 2–5 years
A little caterpillar takes a delicious journey through the week, growing and changing with every bite, leading to something truly magical.
Educator Insight: Introduces early concepts like counting, days of the week, and life cycles
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“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
Age Group: 2–6 years
A rhythmic, repetitive read that builds confidence in early readers
Educator Insight: Great for developing pattern recognition, colors, and memory skills
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“The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats
Age Group: 3–7 years
A sweet story of a young boy marvelling at the snowy world around him, finding magic in the soft hush of winter and the simple pleasures it hold
Educator Insight: Celebrates everyday wonder and is among the first picture books to feature an African-American protagonist
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“Chalk” by Bill Thomson
Age Group: 4–8 years
A magical, wordless adventure where children’s chalk drawings spring to life right before their eyes
Educator Insight: Encourages storytelling, critical thinking, and creative writing prompts
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“Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña
Age Group: 5–8 years
A thoughtful ride through the city as a young boy learns to appreciate the beauty in his surroundings
Educator Insight: Promotes gratitude, diversity, and community values
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“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems
Age Group: 3–6 years
This mischievous pigeon’s over-the-top antics never fail to leave little ones giggling and asking for one more read
Educator Insight: Teaches boundaries, humor, and interactive storytelling
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“Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty
Age Group: 5–9 years
Ada’s curiosity knows no bounds—she’s always full of questions and big ideas, finding her answers through the magic of science
Educator Insight: Empowers girls in STEM, fosters curiosity and resilience
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“We’re All Wonders” by R.J. Palacio
Age Group: 4–8 years
A powerful picture book adaptation of Wonder, this story helps young children understand empathy and kindness
Educator Insight: A great conversation starter about inclusion and seeing others through kind eyes
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“Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin
Age Group: 3–7 years
What happens when dragons throw a taco party and someone accidentally adds spicy salsa? Chaos and laughs!
Educator Insight: Perfect for shared reading and building imagination and vocabulary
How to Use These Books at Home:
- Read aloud daily even if your child can read independently
- Get them thinking and dreaming by asking, “What do you think might come next in the story?”
- Encourage drawing or writing inspired by the book
- Relate the story to real-life experiences
More About Apples & Bananas
Apples & Bananas is an interactive learning app where kids can enjoy a variety of exciting games, engaging videos, nursery rhymes, songs, soothing lullabies, and much more. Every feature is thoughtfully created by experts to help children adapt to the ever-changing world, while having fun. We are COPPA compliant, ensuring a safe and secure environment where your child can learn and grow with confidence.
Download the app now and unlock a world where learning meets imagination.
