
Spread the joy of reading with our selection of best books to read with kids! These books are a hit with the little ones, some are regular reads at our homes!
In this office, we all love to read. When we were children, we have spent hours lost in the pages of a novel and that (possibly) shaped the people we have become and the careers we’ve chosen. From books we used to read ourselves as children to new and wonderful discoveries that we’ve come to love while reading out to our own children, we have compiled our favourite children’s books – so next time you’re at the bookstore or library, you know what to grab from the shelves!
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The Malory Towers Series By Enid Blyton
Another major throwback some parents might recognise! The Malory Towers follows Darrell and her friends in their adventures at a boarding school – based on the experiences of the author’s daughter! Touching upon the importance of friendship and loyalty through challenges faced in school life, tweens will not only find The Malory Towers Series relatable but also entertaining.
Best for: Tweens
Available on Amazon and BuyBookBook.
The Harry Potter Series By J. K. Rowling
A classic that many millennials grew up with, it’s not surprising to know kids these days still enjoy letting their imagination run wild in this fantasy series. All the books in the series are suitable for tweens and teens. Be prepared to take them to Harry Potter exhibitions (there’s one in Macau) and theme parks because they will be hooked! You can also do a Harry Potter movie marathon at home when it’s pouring – always a hit!
Best for: Tweens and teens
Available on Amazon, BuyBookBook and Bookazine.
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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
The first (to be published, though not in chronological order of the stories) of the Chronicle of Narnia series, this one got multiple votes from the team and for good reason! It’s been over seventy years since it was first published and this tale still hasn’t lost its powerful appeal.
Best for: Tweens and teens
Available on Amazon and Bookazine.
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My Forest Is Green By Darren Lebeuf
If you’re looking for something simple that’ll still hold the kids’ attention as you read the storybook out loud, My Forest Is Green is great for toddlers. The illustrations are fabulous and enhances kids’ understanding of the story. Another family favourite form the series is My Ocean Is Blue where the protagonist has crutches to help her walk, but instead of focusing on that, you’re simply reading about a girl who loves the ocean.
Best for: Toddlers
Available on Amazon
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Anne of Green Gables By Lucy Maud Montgomery
Set in the 19th century, Anne of Green Gables recounts the adventures of an 11-year-old orphan girl Anne Shirley. The Cuthberts adopted a boy to help around their farm but we accidentally sent a girl (Anne)! The story unfolds as Anne tries to fit in with her adoptive family, a brother-sister duo. Sounds familiar? You may have watched Netflix’s Anne with an E!
Best for: Tweens and teens
Available at Bookazine
The Skandar Series By A. F. Steadman
For something a bit more recent and trendy, try the Skander series starting with Skandar and the Unicorn Thief and the soon-to-be-released Skandar and the Skeleton Curse. This adventurous, magical and mythical fantasy will keep the tweens on their toes as they follow Skandar Smith on his epic battles.
Best for: Tweens
Available at Bookazine
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The Percy Jackson Series By Rick Riordan
The series has a great blend of humour, adventure and history (Greek mythology) along with fabulous character development. Apart from that, the book series also sends kids an important message — that one doesn’t have to be perfect to be a hero. The author originally wrote the first book, which features a protagonist with ADHD and dyslexia for his son (who was also diagnosed with the same) because he wanted to let him know that one’s learning disabilities shouldn’t define the person.
Best for: Tweens and teens
Available on BuyBookBook
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The Little Engine That Could By Watty Piper
An oldie but goldie, The Little Engine That Could has been a household staple for generations. Other than the nostalgia, parents love reading this book to the little ones for the message of believing in oneself and having determination. Plus, the story’s signature phrases make for great affirmations for kids, like “I think I can”.
Best for: Toddlers
Available on Amazon and Bookazine.
A Monster Calls By Patrick Ness
13-year-old Conor O’Malley awakens from the same nightmare every night and he meets a monster who tells him tales, in exchange for Conor to tell it his story. As the story unfolds, we learn that Conor’s mother is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and how it’s been affecting Conor’s mental health. A gripping story that beautifully puts hard-to-swallow emotions into eloquent words, this is a must read for everyone.
Best for: Teens and young adults
Available on Amazon and Bookazine.
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Editor’s Note: “Our Favourite Books For Kids Of All Ages” was originally written by Anita Balagopalan and most recently updated in September 2024 by Fashila Kanakka.