10 Books to Read Before Turning 10

As a teacher and a mum, I'm always looking for engaging books that will excite children's imaginations.

I can spend hours in book shops and libraries pouring over beautiful stories that have the potential to delight children of all ages...

And yet, the books that I choose for my child are often of no interest to him whatsoever!

Late last year, the Sydney Morning Herald's Angie Schiavone compiled a list of '10 books to read before turning 10', in which she highlighted just some of the children’s books (both classic and new) that are popular with children today.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, many children struggle to engage with reading until they find a book that captures their imagination:

‘Like adults, kids make judgements about books that are often instinctive and never objective. It's natural: they'll hate some books and love others, just because. But if a child proclaims to hate reading altogether, chances are they just haven’t discovered the right book yet.’

The books that made the Sydney Morning Herald top ten are:

1. Animalia by Graeme Base
2. The Very Hungry Caterpillarby Eric Carle
3. Matildaby Roald Dahl
4. Tashi by Anna and Barbara Fienberg
5. Possum Magicby Mem Fox and Julie Vivas
6. Miraculous Journey Of Edward Tulaneby Kate DiCamillo
7. The Lorax by Dr Seuss
8. The Bugalugs BumThief by Tim Winton
9. Where The Wild Things Areby Maurice Sendak
10. Charlotte's Web by E. B. White

If you've had the pleasure of reading these wonderful stories with your children, you'll know that they are indeed classics.

Yet, kids sometimes have different ideas and what interests us doesn't always interest them!

The current favourites in our household are any story that deals with bodily functions  (eg the Captain Underpants series, Farticus Maximus, The Day My Bum Went Psycho and the Walter the Farting Dog series)

Yes, you guessed it, I have an eight year old son, and his tastes are far from refined - yet, at least he's reading, and for many kids that's half the battle.

If you're struggling to get your kids interested in reading, this 'Top Ten' list is a good place to start.

And if I might be so bold, there is one other title I would add to this selection...

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Affirming, positive and unconditional in its message of love, if you've read this book with your child, you'll know why it's one of my all time favourites.

Do you have others to add to the list?

Please feel free to share!!

PS: Angie Sciavone's article is worth a read. If you're interested, click here