It’s World Book Day this week, which is arguably the perfect day for any bookworm. Whilst we live in the age of the internet, tablets, and smartphones, you still can’t beat a good book, nor can you beat reading a bedtime story to the little ones. We may only sell home accessories, but we do know a thing or two about sleep and how to unwind before going to bed. This is why we’ve created an updated list of great books you can read to your little one in the evening, as well as some books that we recommend for you adults!
The Incredible Book Eating Boy: by Oliver Jeffers
fThis exciting story follows the trials and tribulations of a boy with an uncontrollable appetite for books. Henry discovers his unusual taste by mistake one day and is soon swept up in his new-found passion – gorging on every book in sight! The illustrations in this book are amazing; not only will they be enjoyed by kids, but we reckon parents will equally enjoy them.
Silly Billy: By Anthony Browne
fBilly worries about clouds and rain and giant birds. Most of all, he worries about staying at other people’s houses. His mum and dad try to help, but still Billy worries… until a visit to his grandma’s shows him how to overcome his fears with the aid of his imagination – and some tiny worry dolls. This simple, yet beautifully told, story will be enjoyed by children aged 3+ and adults alike. By broaching the subject of children and their worries, this book helps to normalise feelings of anxiety and provides some great coping methods.
Yours Sincerely, Giraffe: by Megumi Iwasa
fThis wonderfully endearing story is about an African giraffe and his pen pal, a penguin. Giraffe is bored, as usual. He’d love a friend to share things with. So he writes a letter and sends it as far as possible across the other side of the horizon, landing in the hands of a penguin. Penguin has never met a giraffe, and Giraffe has never met a penguin, so they both try to imagine what the other creature might look and be like.This book is such a lovely read for any kids aged 6+. The witty illustrations accentuate the humour and highlight the difficulty of trying to imagine things they haven’t actually seen, whilst also being a great story about making new friends.
Only One You: by Linda Kranz
fLinda Kranz’s “Only One You” is a powerful and uplifting story that you and the kids will love. It focuses on the theme of uniqueness through the eyes of Adri, a rockfish. Adri’s mum and dad share some of the wisdom they have gained through the years with their eager son. Their words are meant to comfort him as he goes about exploring the world, meeting other characters. This colorfully illustrated book will be enjoyed by a child aged 4+. The uniquely drawn “rockfish” will leave a lasting impression as well as the inspiring messaging of the story. f
Look Up: by Nathan Bryon
fThis is a story of a child named Young Rocket, an admirer of the astronaut Mae Jemison, who never stops telling others to “look up!”. Named after a rocket that blasted into space on the day she was born, Rocket is preparing herself to be the “greatest astronaut, star catcher, space walker who has ever lived”. This book, appropriate for kids ages 4+, is packed with fun facts about meteors and space to satisfy curious minds. Its gorgeous illustrations will convince most kids to get excited about the natural world as well as challenging traditional gender norms.
Adult Books
Girl, Women, Other: by Bernardine Evaristo
dWe thought we’d start with the Booker Prize winner of 2019: Girl, Woman, Other. It’s told from the point of view of 12 British women of color who range in age from 19 to 93. The women represent a diversity of classes, cultures and sexual identities. This critically acclaimed novel is fantastically witty and filled with emotion, centering around voices that are often unheard.
Happy: Finding Joy in Every Day and Letting Go of Perfect: by Fearne Cotton
fDrawing on her own experiences and including expert advice, this book offers practical ways of finding joy in each and every day. As described in the book, happiness isn’t a mountain to climb, it’s just one foot in front of the other on the path of life – and here you’ll find little steps that will help make the differences that count. This novel is a beautiful and inspiring guide to feeling good. It blends Cotton’s personal experiences with practical support in a way that is both informative and accessible.
The Midnight Library: by Matt Haig
fWritten by the best-selling author, Matt Haig, this book tells the story of a woman in her thirties who, after suffering an overwhelming attack of hopelessness, embarks on a journey to rediscover the meaning of life. The novel follows Nora’s journey, whereby she discovers a library that contains an infinite number of books, each one the story of another reality. She finds one telling the story of her life as it is, along with another, which tells of the life that could have been lived had different choices been made. We thought we’d end with a book that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse: by Charlie Mackesy
1In summary this beautifully illustrated book is about a boy, mole, a fox and a horse and how they work together to tell a story about friendship and acceptance. They share truths about life as they search for home. However, the boy begins to learn that home is not always a place… If you read any of these books, we’d love to know, so do drop us a message on any of our social media platforms. @happylinenco. Love, Rhiannon and the team.
