The habit of reading is one of the finest qualities anyone can develop. It’s a passion that can blossom at will. Yet research shows that during academic breaks, many students experience a decline. For those, and of course, others, holidays mean endless fun, and while that is important, it’s not all there is. Yes, breaks are perfect for sipping lemonade or heading to the beach, but it’s also the ideal season to nurture and sharpen a child’s intellect.
This guide unpacks the importance of holiday reading, shares tips for choosing the perfect books for kids and offers a curated list to make any child’s holiday fun and pleasurable.
Why Holiday Reading Matters
Reading is essential at all times. During holidays, it goes far beyond just books. It can take many forms, from storybooks and magazines to news articles, educational blogs, and even comic strips. The key is keeping the mind active. Statistically, children who read during periods of academic breaks are better prepared to face the hurdles and capitalise on the opportunities in a new academic session.
Primarily, holiday reading ensures that the academic skills acquired during the school term are not lost, keeping knowledge fresh and evergreen. One of its most valuable benefits is phonetic development. Reading lots of different books exposes children to different sounds, patterns, and word structures. This helps them build strong phonics skills and achieve fluency.
Research also shows that children who read extensively become better writers, as they naturally absorb sentence structures, tone, and vocabulary.
Beyond writing, regular reading broadens their awareness of issues, ideas, and facts about the world around them. Reading thus offers countless benefits for the mind, making ‘books’ the perfect holiday companions capable of educating, inspiring, and entertaining all at once.
What Makes a Great Holiday Book for Kids?
There is no better companion than a good book. Choosing the right book for a child can be brain-racking, especially if their preferences vary, but here are six important characteristics to look for:
a. Interest
The interest of a child is key. Children often enjoy books that reflect the world around them. This includes books that tell a story they can connect to.
b. Meaningful Illustrations
Illustrations are also an important aspect. Thoughtfully designed images help capture attention, spark imagination, and bring narratives to life.
c. Rich and Interesting Vocabulary
Great book uses rich and interesting vocabulary that enriches the readers word bank.
d. Presentation of Important and Teachable Lessons
Books provide an opportunity for children to learn and expand their morals and understanding of the world around them. This is an important look-out feature.
e. Captivating Plot
A plot in every story usually has an introduction, conflict, rising action, climax, and resolution. This counts in book selection.
Holiday Reading List: 10 Engaging Books Your Child Will Love
It’s time to make holidays more fun and pleasurable. Here are top picks that will beat boredom, inspire and make the academic break worthwhile for children and without doubt, adults.
Nursery Readers (4 – 5 years)
a. Good Moral Series
One of the qualities of a good book is the ability to teach morals. Good Moral Series, a set of fourteen books, is a perfect choice. Each book touches on morals such as honesty, cleanliness and kindness that can help shape the character of learners.
b. Tade can be neat
This is another great pick. Tade can be neat focuses on addressing common flaws in children. It underscores the importance of parents-teachers partnership in making the best out of every child.
Primary Readers (6 – 8 years)
a. Alli The Obedient Boy
Alli The Obedient Boy comprises four stories. The first reveals the lifestyle of a lad and how he made his parent proud of him. Others, with unique angles, teach morals and social values.
b. Queen Amina of Zaira
This is an interesting one. Queen Amina of Zaira features a collection of stories designed to teach children the values of peace and non-violence. The tales are not only entertaining but also educational and informative.
Junior (9 – 12 years)
a. Diary of Regrets
Published in 2022, Diary of Regrets explores the far-reaching consequences of negative peer influence and underscores the importance of making responsible life choices.
b. Igho Goes to Farm
Igho Goes to Farm is written in simple, easy-to-understand English, and that makes it a great choice. One of its themes is the merits of parental discipline and how it can help shape the future of a child.
Secondary (13 – 16 years)
a. Bravery
This contemporary story follows a brave schoolboy and a determined Honourable Commissioner. Together, they face dangers, relying on courage to triumph.
b. Who Shook the Jar
Peace turns to chaos in Chief Olabiwonninu’s home when trust is broken, and his once-loving household becomes a battleground. Will the Chief and his three wives overcome the storm, or will it destroy them? Find out in this gripping read.
Adults (17, 18+)
a. The Search
The search, as the title reveals, is a quest for the meaning of life. This search takes the youths of the setting of the play to various stakeholders which include religious, political and community leaders. Their findings are revealing and astounding.
b. Path of Lucas
Lucas Clarkson, a humble family man from a small town in Eastern Ontario, seems to live a simple life, but his journey is anything but ordinary. From farm work to becoming a skilled mechanic, Lucas faces tough choices that could make or break his dreams and his family.
Conclusion
These selections are perfect for a fun-filled holiday. Reiterating, while children need time to unwind and relax, studies show that without holiday reading, their skills can decline. This underscores the need to provide them with engaging books that stimulate their minds and ease their transition back to school.
Check out our literature catalogue to discover an array of titles that can help motivate children to keep turning the pages. It’s time to explore and embark on an enriching literary journey.
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