Gems for your Children’s Library
October 30th, 2011 | 
Author: by Annie Sullivan
We all have favourite stories from our childhood. From the books our parents read to us as toddlers tucked up in bed, to the first books we read and fell in love with in a quiet corner of the house, children’s literature plays a crucial role in our development.
Not only are they great books to help your child’s developed but they are also a great way to help you and your child pass the time on your travels. Everyone remembers their favourite book that went with them everywhere. Below is a selection of books for every age range.
0 to 4 Years
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, By Eric Carle
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Image Source
A true classic for toddlers, the Very Hungry Caterpillar has an innovative cut out design that lets children feel their way around the story as the caterpillar gobbles his way across the pages.
Where’s Spot? By Eric Hill
Another huge hit with young children, the large flip up flaps enable toddlers to giggle their way through their search for the mischievous little dog Spot.
Where the Wild Things Are, By Maurice Sendak
Where the Wild Things Are Image Source
With its beautifully illustrated monsters and dreamy stream of consciousness narrative flow, Where the Wild Things Are will leave your children spellbound and has a curious psychological depth to it.
4 to 8 Years
The Iron Man, By Ted Hughes
The Iron Man, By Ted Hughes Image Source
An enduring children’s classic from the pen of one of Britain’s greatest poets, The Iron Man has a magnificent story relating to humanity’s capacity for destructiveness which will introduce your child to some deep and potent themes.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Image Source
Don’t just settle for the film, have your child twist their minds and tongues around Dahl’s wonderfully playful prose. Willy Wonka is an unforgettable character and your children will be begging to visit his imaginary factory.
The Sheep-pig, by Dick King Smith
The timeless tale of a young pig adopted by a sheep-dog who sets himself to learn all the tricks from his new foster parent, becoming the world’s first and finest sheep-pig. Filmed as Babe, the book deserves to be in your children’s library.
8 to 12 Years
Stig of the Dump, By Clive King
The fantastic adventures of eight year old Barney and the cave-boy named Stig he finds living in a chalk pit continue to win the hearts of young readers everywhere. It also highlights the importance of recycling in a very quirky manner!
Charlotte’s Web, By E.B. White
A moving story of how a little girl named Fern befriends a spider named Charlotte and how they work together to save piglet Wilbur’s bacon. The story has a lot of depth and enables the child reading and their parents to discuss the issue of death, handled with great sensitivity in the book.
The Chronicles of Narnia, By C.S. Lewis
The Chronicles of Narnia Image Source
The sheer sense of wonder, of imagination unbound, contained within the pages of C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia make reading them a life changing experience. Introducing themes of good and evil, the transition from childhood to adulthood and some strong religious allegories, the Chronicles are ingenious children’s fiction.
Gem’s for Your Children’s Library was written on behalf of Hotel Club; helping families find perfect accommodation in Dubai to share a bedtime story or two in.
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