Raising a reader starts from day one. From bump to bedtime, every story shared is a step on a lifelong reading adventure. But helping kids fall in love with reading on their own? That’s a whole new chapter.
Whether you’re just beginning the learn-to-read journey, looking for ways to boost your child’s confidence, or need fresh ideas to reignite their interest, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up 24 of the best books to help kids learn to read; stories that spark joy, build skills, and turn reading into a daily delight.
From snuggly read-aloud picture books for ages 2–5, to phonics-friendly books for ages 5–8, and confidence-building chapter books for ages 6–12, this list grows with your child — helping them read, laugh, and learn every step of the way.
Picture Books (Ages 2-5)
Let's start with bedtime magic.
Before kids learn to read, they learn to love stories, and bedtime is the perfect time to build that bond. Bedtime stories help create calming routines, boost language skills, and spark imagination. But they also lay the foundation for reading confidence later on. That’s why we’ve handpicked a few of our favourite picture books to read together — full of rhythm, repetition, and pure storytelling joy.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
Few stories capture the magic of childhood quite like Michael Rosen’s classic picture book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. With its unforgettable “swishy swashy grass” refrain and Helen Oxenbury’s enchanting illustrations, this timeless tale has been delighting families since 1989. More than just a bedtime favourite, it’s a must-have on every child’s first bookshelf — perfect for sparking imagination, building language skills, and making reading feel like an adventure.
Mr Large In Charge
Jill Murphy
There’s something timeless about Jill Murphy’s bestselling Large Family series — stories that capture the chaos, humour, and love of family life. One of our favourites is the tale of Mr. Large stepping in to take charge while Mrs. Large isn’t feeling well. If you grew up giggling at the antics of these lovable elephants, now’s the perfect time to share them with your own child. With gentle humour and relatable family moments, these classic picture books are as comforting today as they were on your childhood bookshelf, making them a must-have for every little reader’s collection.
The Gruffalo
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Few books have captured children’s imaginations quite like Julia Donaldson’s classic picture book The Gruffalo. With its playful rhymes, clever repetition, and Axel Scheffler’s unforgettable illustrations, this story is a joy to read aloud and easy for little ones to join in. Following the brave mouse who outsmarts predators in the deep dark wood, it’s a tale that builds confidence, sparks giggles, and shows kids that reading is full of adventure. Snuggle up and read aloud to your little one and watch them fall in love with reading.
Love Julia Donaldson as much as we do? Don’t miss our guide to the 10 Best Julia Donaldson Books — perfect for building your child’s reading journey, one magical story at a time.
At Home with Peter Rabbit: Storybook and Play Set
Beatrix Potter
Bring the magic of Beatrix Potter’s world into your home with At Home with Peter Rabbit: Storybook and Play Set. This delightful collection pairs classic tales with an interactive play set, inviting children to step inside Peter Rabbit’s world and create adventures of their own. More than a storybook, it sparks imagination, encourages storytelling, and makes reading feel like play. If Peter Rabbit was part of your childhood, now’s the perfect time to share the joy with your little reader.
First Words & Early Readers (Ages 3-7)
This is the stage where the magic of reading really begins. As children start recognising letters, sounding out words, and spotting familiar phrases, books become more than bedtime stories, they become adventures they can join in themselves. With simple sentences, playful rhymes, and colourful illustrations, these books build confidence and spark imagination — helping children take their very first steps toward a lifelong love of stories.
Isadora Moon
Harriet Muncaster
For children who love a little sparkle, Harriet Muncaster’s Isadora Moon series is a modern favourite. Half‑fairy, half‑vampire, Isadora’s adventures are filled with charm, friendship, and plenty of pink‑and‑black illustrations that make reading feel magical. With accessible language and engaging plots, these books are ideal for early readers who are ready to move beyond picture books but still enjoy plenty of visual storytelling.
If your child is eager to dive into the magical world of Isadora Moon series but you're not sure which book comes first, our helpful guide to the Isadora Moon books in order will show you exactly where to begin.
Winne-the-Pooh
A. A. Milne
Journey into the Hundred Acre Wood with A.A. Milne’s classic tales of Winnie‑the‑Pooh and friends. Filled with gentle humour, timeless lessons, and Ernest Shepard’s beloved illustrations, these stories are perfect for bedtime reading and early independent readers. Whether it’s Pooh’s love of honey or Piglet’s quiet bravery, children will discover friendship and imagination on every page, making this collection a treasured first step into the world of reading.
Chapter Books & Independent Readers (Ages 6-12)
Now the real adventures begin! As kids grow into independent readers, they’re ready for longer stories, deeper characters, and exciting plots. Whether they’re reading solo or teaming up with a grown-up, these chapter books are packed with imagination, humour, and heart — helping kids fall in love with reading, one page at a time.
The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S.Lewis
Step through the wardrobe into C.S. Lewis’s children's fantasy series, The Chronicles of Narnia. Across seven books, children discover Aslan, magical adventures, and timeless lessons of courage and friendship. Perfect for confident readers or family read‑alouds, Narnia encourages imagination and shows how stories can transport us to whole new worlds.
Roald Dahl Story Collection
Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake
No childhood bookshelf feels complete without the Roald Dahl Story Collection. From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Matilda and The BFG, Dahl’s unforgettable stories mix humour, mischief, and a touch of magic that keep children turning the pages. His playful language and larger‑than‑life characters make these chapter books perfect for confident readers ready to dive into longer adventures. If you grew up laughing at Dahl’s quirky tales, now’s the perfect time to pass them on and inspire your own child’s love of reading.
Harry Potter
J. K. Rowling
Every home needs a Harry Potter box set. Now they have discovered the magic of reading it’s time for them to enter the spellbinding world of Harry Potter, one of the most beloved children’s book series of all time. Across seven magical adventures, readers follow Harry, Hermione, and Ron as they discover friendship, bravery, and the power of imagination. Perfect for older children ready for longer chapter books, the series builds reading stamina while keeping kids hooked with unforgettable characters and thrilling plots. If Hogwarts was part of your childhood, now’s the perfect chance to share the magic with your own little reader.
Turn the Page to a Lifetime of Reading Joy
Reading isn’t just a skill — it’s a superpower. With the right book, kids don’t just learn to read… they learn to love reading. Whether your little one is giggling at fishy antics or journeying through magical worlds, these stories are designed to build confidence, spark imagination, and make every page a joy. So snuggle up, turn the page, and let the reading adventures begin!
