End of classes: Six book recommendations for children

Author: Julia Pérez Crespo |

The end of the school year is just around the corner, and that means summer vacation is finally beginning for the little ones in your family. But that doesn't mean they should put learning on hold. All experts recommend that the educational process continue during the summer months. One of the most recommended activities is reading, as reading can help children maintain their grasp of everything they've learned during the school year. It can also improve academic achievement for the coming school year. Many children may find reading boring because their only experience is the recommended reading material at school, which sometimes doesn't suit their tastes or reality. But below are some recommendations that may delight the little ones and foster future avid readers.

“The Society of Tea Dragons” by Katie O'Neill

Recently awarded two prestigious Eisner Awards, this comic-book story is a captivating work perfect for introducing children ages 4 to 6 to the world of reading. It tells the story of Greta, a blacksmith's apprentice who, after saving a lost dragon, discovers the fabulous world of tea dragons. It's also the first volume in a trilogy, so if your child falls in love with the story, they might continue reading and discover that reading can be just as fun as watching cartoons.

“The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

A classic that never disappoints and has captivated millions of readers of all ages. This short novel written by the Frenchman Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is considered one of the greatest classics of contemporary literature. "The Little Prince" tells the story of a pilot who, while repairing his damaged plane in the Sahara Desert, encounters a little prince from asteroid B 612, who insistently asks him to draw him a lamb. And it is then that the young prince begins to tell his story, his life on an asteroid with three volcanoes, where he amused himself by pulling weeds and watching the sunset.

This classic will captivate little ones, and parents too. It's an ideal read for children ages 6 and 7. This tender story will help them discover the joys of reading.

The books of the Geronimo Stilton universe

What child doesn't know Geronimo Stilton? This little mouse dressed in a green suit has fascinated millions of children, turning them into true bookworms. It all began in 2005, when "Geronimo Stilton in the Kingdom of Fantasy" was published. A book with scents that launched the mouse to fame. Currently, there are hundreds of series, but today I'm going to recommend two. The first is "The Plump Adventures of Geronimo Stilton," which, as its title suggests, tells the different adventures of Geronimo and his friends. This series has more than one hundred titles, and the best thing is that they are independent and don't have to be read in any specific order; children can choose according to the one that most catches their attention.

Another recommended series that will help your son or daughter learn about literary culture are the adaptations of classics by Geronimo Stilton. These are adaptations of the great classics; "Frankenstein," "Sherlock Holmes," "Alice in Wonderland," and "Little Women" are among the titles you can find. They feature simple language and thousands of illustrations of mouse-like characters. The adventures and novels of this little mouse are perfect for children ages 7 and up.

“Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls” by Elena Favilli

"Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls (and Boys)" is a series that compiles the stories of the most famous women throughout history. A book recommended for children between 5 and 12 years old, it offers 100 examples of determination and boldness for those who dream big. Your children will be able to learn about women like Frida Kahlo, the Brontë sisters, the scientist Marie Curie, and Coco Chanel. The book includes a short biography of each woman, as well as illustrations by artists from around the world.

“Harry Potter” by JK Rowling

More than twenty years after its publication, the young wizard with round glasses continues to captivate millions of children around the world and is on its way to becoming a literary classic. This saga tells the story of Harry Potter, a young wizard who, at the age of 11, begins his first year at Hogwarts, the best school of witchcraft and wizardry. Harry is entrusted with an important mission: to destroy Lord Voldemort, the Dark Lord, and save the wizarding world from destruction.

This saga is ideal for children ages 9 and up. And if a book without illustrations is too much for them, I recommend the following two editions: the interactive edition by Minalima, the company responsible for producing replicas and materials for the film adaptations. And the beautiful edition illustrated by Jim Kay.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” by Rick Riordan

With more than 45 million copies sold in 32 countries, "Percy Jackson: The Olympians" is a five-book fantasy adventure series written by Rick Riordan. Set in the modern world, it tells the story of Percy, a true disaster magnet. Percy leads a normal life until he discovers that his father is none other than Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. Furthermore, Zeus has accused him of stealing his lightning bolt, and Percy finds himself embroiled in the most important adventure of his life. He'll have to go to Camp Hybrid, where all the children of the gods go, where he'll train, make friends, and get into tons of trouble.

This series is perfect for children ages 11 and up, who already have a love of reading and want a series that transports them to another world with lots of action and adventure. It's also worth noting that children who delve into this story will learn about the myths of Ancient Greece.

Reading not only helps children stay on track with their educational progress throughout the school year. It also provides many benefits, such as developing creativity and improving their educational level. It can help improve self-esteem and make them more critical and constructive. Reading is positive both intellectually and emotionally.

Finally, in addition to reading, children can always engage in activities to ensure they don't forget what they've learned. And thanks to new technologies, there are millions of apps that children can use to learn math, English, or a language, while playing and having fun at the same time. A great tool for this is smart tablets specially designed for children. These already include these types of apps, in addition to being equipped with tools to ensure your child's internet use is always safe.