The summer holidays are just around the corner, which means 6 weeks to
keep the kids brains active and inspired. Reading is one of the easiest
ways to do this and is crucial in order to keep your child’s literacy
skills up. Here at Tutor Doctor we wanted to share with you a few of our
favourite books that are sure to capture your children’s imaginations
and help them kick start their summer reading.
Ages 4-6
Please Mr Panda By Steve Antony
This book is a witty story all about Mr Panda who has a tray of colourful
doughnuts. All the animals tell him which doughnut they want- but it’s
only when Lemur says ‘please’ politely that Mr Panda will
give any out. A great tale with cute illustrations, teaching young readers
that good manners will always get you far in life.
Green Eggs and Ham By Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss’s classics have been delighting kids for years with his
hilarious stories and amazing illustrations- Green Eggs and Ham is no
exception. The story follows Sam-I-am who pesters a grumpy character to
eat green eggs and ham. His perseverance finally pays off, showing that
we can never really know what we like until we have tried it. A must have
for younger readers.
National Geographic Kids: Weather By Kristin Baird Rattin
This National Geographic book for kids is jam packed with colorful photographs
teaching kids everything they need to know about weather. From what causes
thunder and lightening to how clouds are formed, this book is sure to
interest your children as well as educate them. A child friendly science
book at it’s best.
Ages 7-9
Race the Wild #1 (Series) By Kristin Earhart
Race the wild follows the story of Russell who enters a race in the rainforest.
Even though Russell studied everything about life in the Amazon and the
creatures that would be surrounding him, it seems nothing prepares him
for what he will really face. This series is a fantastic mixture of adventure
and education. Each chapter is not only action-packed but filled with
lots of facts about animals, habitats and all things wild. There are also
lots of great words used in this book, which will really help expand your
child’s vocabulary.
The Diary of a Killer Cat by Anne Fine
The diary of a killer cat follows the mischievous but hilarious antics
of Tuffy the cat and his family. After Tuffy keeps dragging dead birds
and mice into the house, his owner Ellie tries to change her pets wild
ways before he ends up in lots of trouble. Told from the cats point of
view, this book is super funny and sure to help make any child enjoy reading.
The Magic Finger By Roald Dahl
This book follows the story of an ordinary little girl with magical powers.
When someone makes her angry she zaps her magic flashing finger, which
in turn causes a punishment. She tells us the story of the Gregg family,
and how her magic finger helped them change their ways. What’s lovely
about this book is that it’s funny, easy to read but also has a
great moral compass for children to follow.
Ages 10-11
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series By Jeff Kinney
The diary of a wimpy kid follows Greg Heffley who finds himself thrust
into a new school where life in the corridors isn’t always easy.
However when his best friend Rowley starts to become popular- Greg tries
to use it to his own advantage. Written in diary style with lots of comic
pictures, this books follows Greg and Rowley’s friendship unfold.
Expect lots of hilarious twists and turns.
Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone By J.K Rowling
The Philosophers Stone follows the magical tale of Harry Potter, whom
on his eleventh birthday, is told by a giant man named Hagrid that he
is in fact a wizard. The first book (out of seven) follows the first of
Harry’s adventures to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Here he encounters friendship, enemies, spells, The Sorting Hat and most
importantly ‘He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.’ The Harry Potter books
are a beautifully written, descriptive series that will most definitely
inspire children over the summer break.
Holes by Louis Sachar
Holes follows Stanley Yelnats who has been sent to Camp Green Lake Juvenile
Detention Centre after another turn of bad luck. Every day he has to dig
a hole, five foot wide and five foot deep and hand in anything that he
finds. However it isn’t long before he discovers that they are digging
holes for a reason. A compelling story that will keep your kids at the
edge of their seats right until the end.
