Kids reading list - 10 books to read before you’re 12

Reading is great fun for all ages and the perfect holiday activity. So, if you’re jetting away in the near future, click here to check out the latest luxury holiday deals before deciding which of these top ten books to take along with you. Of course, suitcases are only so big, but with a reading list this good you might have to squeeze some stories into your hand luggage.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar


No childhood is complete without reading Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. You won’t believe how much he eats in one week, but it’s all worth it when he transforms into a very beautiful… oh, don’t worry we won’t spoil the surprise!

Green Eggs and Ham


Have you ever tried green eggs and ham? No? Well, you might like it! Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss is a best-selling and critically acclaimed children’s book that’s had youngsters giggling across the globe. It’s one of the most-loved tales of all time, so wherever you are in the world don’t forget to bring Sam-I-Am along with you.


Charlotte’s Web


Charlotte’s Web is a heart-warming story following the blossoming friendship between a pig named Wilbur and Charlotte the spider. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered, Charlotte does all she can to show the farmer he shouldn’t end up on the plate – but do her efforts pay off? Read it for yourself to find out.

One of my favourite books (image)

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe


When a little girl called Lucy Pevensie steps into an old wardrobe her life changes forever when she’s transported to the intriguing world of Narnia. There, she meets all kinds of characters including the Faun Tumnus who tells her an evil witch has caused a spell over Narnia meaning it’s always winter but never Christmas. Can Lucy and her three siblings break the curse and escape unscathed?


Diary of a Wimpy Kid series


If you’ve not yet followed the highs and lows of protagonist Greg Heffley’s struggles through middle school, now’s the perfect time to get your hands on the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. There are eight books in total with the eighth book, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck, topping the fictional category at the Booktrust Best Book Awards with Kindle.


Harry Potter series


Whether you’ve read them once or not at all, why not start from the beginning and work your way through this epic series book by book? Kick things off with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and get lost in the magic and mystery of J.K Rowling’s ever-popular fantasy world. Harry, Hermione, Ron and the crew are always up to something, so don’t miss their Hogwarts adventures.

Goodnight Moon


If you’ve very young children and want to keep them in a bedtime routine while you’re away on your travels, Goodnight Moon could be the book for you. It’s cute, charming and with an array of beautiful pictures that little ones will enjoy looking at time and time again. With the word goodnight repeated often, they should also get the hint that it’s time to rest.


Charlie and the Chocolate Factory


What would a book list be without one or more of Roald Dahl’s classics? He’s written a range of epic children’s stories in his time including The Twits, The Witches and James and the Giant Peach (all of which make fantastic holiday reading) but Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a must-read for anyone who fancies a giggle. It’s very funny in places, but of course, you’ll also find a moral in there somewhere, as with many of Dahl’s stories.


Gangsta Granny


Ben hates going round his granny’s house. All she does is feed him cabbage-based dinners and her television hasn’t been working since the 80s, but everything changes when he finds a biscuit tin full of jewels. What has his Gran been up to? Intrigued? Then check out David Walliams’ hilarious tale.

A Wrinkle in Time


A Wrinkle in Time is a fantastic sci-fi adventure that’ll have you on the edge of your seat as Meg Murry, her young brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin O’Keefe aim to rescue her father, a talented scientist who is being held on a planet far, far away.

Mr A loves reading a good book

Reading is a great way to spend some leisure time, so get hold of one or more of these books and take them with you on your holidays.

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