Inculcating a reading habit early is a great way to improve a child’s cognitive development. Additionally, reading improves their language skills, imagination, and creativity. However, the books and the stories we come across as a child stay with us for a long time. This is why is essential to introduce children to books that feature amazing stories and offer valuable insights about life, friendship, and more.
On this note, here are the 5 must-have books that should be in your child’s library:
1. Amar Chitra Katha
Amar Chitra Kathas are touted as a history, mythology, culture, and religion storehouse and have more than 100 million copies sold in 20 languages. These books are great at telling interesting mythologies, fables, folklore, biographies, epics, etc., in a unique and fun way. Over the years, Amar Chitra Katha has been an absolute favourite of kids who love to read.
2. Malgudi Days
Typically, a collection of 32 short stories by R.K. Narayan, Malgudi Days, was published in 1943. These well-written stories capture the essence of the rural life of a fictional village, Malgudi, from a much simpler time. Several stories surprise readers with the antics of recurring characters in different situations – for instance, Swami, the little Boy from second grade revolving around his friends, family, and school life.
3. Panchtantra
Complete with 5 books featuring adorable animals with human personalities and intelligence, Panchtantra is a great way of infusing reading and learning at the same time. Each story ends with a moral that offers meaningful insight into life and its complexities. Younger children love to read the Panchtantra stories because the stories explore unique character traits.
4. Rusty the Boy from the hills
Ruskin Bond and his stories are an excellent gift for children who love to read, and one of such stories is Rusty – the Boy from the hills. A story about a shy teenage boy, Rusty, who lives with his grandfather and all the adventure he has in the hills. Through his antics, Rusty will become a close friend of your child for sure and teach memorable lessons.
5. Blue Umbrella
Another exceptional book from Ruskin Bond, this one will be great in your child’s library. Blue Umbrella is a story about Biniya, who lives in a small village in the hills with her mother and brother. The story unfolds with her giving her lucky pendant to a tourist in exchange for a blue umbrella that quickly turns into her most loved possession and becomes the envy of others. This book offers a great lesson about hope, sacrifice, and what’s essential in life.
As for those with little kids, The Velveteen Rabbit should be one of the books you add to your toddler’s library. Published in 1922, this book narrates the charming tale of a stuffed rabbit coming to life through the magic of love. Besides these, you can get Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton books and enrich your child’s library with literary gems.