Encouraging a lifelong love of reading starts with the right stories. These ten books have captured the hearts and minds of generations of children—and they’ll spark your child’s imagination, too.

1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

A simple story, exquisitely illustrated. Young readers delight in following the caterpillar’s munching spree as numbers and days of the week sneak in unnoticed. That satisfying transformation at the end? Pure magic.

2. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Max’s mischievous adventure to the island of Wild Things taps straight into childhood. The sparse text and richly detailed pictures let children fill in the blanks themselves—perfect practice for imaginative storytelling.

3. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

This classic’s playful wordplay and nonsensical world show readers that language can be fun, elastic and wildly inventive. It’s a world where logic twists into delight—and that sense of surprise keeps them turning pages.

4. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

With its clever rhyme scheme and a hero mouse who outwits a fearsome creature, The Gruffalo is as much fun to read aloud as it is to listen to. Kids learn to anticipate language patterns, and their predictions build confidence.

5. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Dahl’s exuberant inventiveness—the lickable wallpaper, the river of chocolate—invites children to think big and dream bold. Plus, the story’s moral undercurrents about kindness and humility make every read meaningful.

6. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Few stories transport a reader as completely as Harry’s first year at Hogwarts. Rowling’s richly detailed world inspires questions—What house would I be in? What creature would I keep as a pet?—and a hunger for more.

7. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Potter’s gentle prose and delicate watercolours capture the thrill of a garden adventure. Young readers learn that even small “naughty” actions have consequences, and they relish the cosy ending.

8. Matilda by Roald Dahl

Another Dahl masterpiece, Matilda champions curiosity, intelligence and standing up for what’s right. Children see a heroine just like them—small but powerful—and feel empowered to explore words and ideas.

9. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

A warm, rhyming tale of friendship and generosity, this book’s playful text and charming artwork keep little ones engaged. The repeating refrains encourage participation, and the story’s gentle humour sparks giggles.

10. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

This rollicking adventure, told in rhythmic verse, turns every household into a story stage. As you “swish through the grass” and “splash through the river,” children practise sequencing, vocabulary and expressive reading.

Making the Most of Storytime

Read Together: Your voice brings characters to life. Pause to ask “What do you think happens next?”
Act It Out: Use simple props or costumes. Hunting for a “bear” in the living room adds excitement.
Draw and Talk: After reading, invite your child to draw a scene or invent an extra page for the story.

By sharing these books and weaving them into play, you’ll fuel your child’s creativity and build habits that last a lifetime.

10 books to encourage a lifelong love for reading!