Get ’em reading! 10 seriously great new kids’ books to pick up now

Reading to your children is one of the most important things you can do for them – on so many levels. Not only does being read to increase the change that your children will enjoy reading books themselves as they get older, it is also proven to have a major impact on their wellbeing in terms of happiness and a sense of comfort, belonging and routine. As well as enhancing a child’s vocabulary, and help them understand how to read and write, reading aloud to children also helps them to understand different topics about the world and every day life. And if you are looking to pick up some great new books to add to your reading rota, we cannot recommend these 10 enough: 1. The Bacteria Book (Steve Mould) Perfect for children interested in how the world around us works, it reveals why bacteria are the most important living organisms on Earth, and how they keep our world and our bodies working, through lots of fun facts that toe the line between "ew!" and "oh!” From the gross and terrifying to the simply amazing, get ready to discover a whole host of mysterious microbes, from bacteria that makes you fart, the mite that lives in your eyelashes to the fungus that turns ants into zombies! 2. My Day (Alice Melvin) My Day traces a day in the life of a family through the routine of its youngest member who sees each activity as an opportunity for fun. Each double-page spread explores the toddler’s day from waking and dressing to sleeping, and all the other daily activities in between. (Age: 0-2) 4. Junkyard Jack (Adrian Edmondson) Jack has to live with his drippy aunt Violet, his smelly uncle Ted, and his evil cousin Kelly. But one day he accidentally runs away, and much to his surprise finds himself on an adventure to free his mum from prison – with the help of rather a lot of talking animals. 5. Claris: The Chicest Mouse in Paris (Megan Hess) 6. I Really Want To See You, Grandma (Taro Gomi) I Really Want to See You, Grandma explores the powerful bond between grandparent and grandchild. Yumi wakes up one morning and really wants to see her grandmother who has the same idea on a mountain the other side of town. They both set off at the same time and end up at each other’s houses. There is confusion and frustration as they crisscross the town before eventually being joyfully reunited. The uncluttered pages allow children to pick out individual details and read the expressions on the faces ranging from perplexed to grimly determined and finally to sheer exuberance. In fact, I have seen this book come to life in the hands of a four-year-old who happily demanded it to be read again and again! (Age: 0-4) 7. Fox & Chick: The Party and other Stories (Sergio Ruzier) Fox and Chick are unlikely friends, but friends they are, having parties and going on trips together. Bright, fun and full of humour, this is a brilliant first read for emergent readers. Highly recommended. (Age: 5-8) 8. 50 Ways To Feel Happy (Vanessa King, Val Payne & Peter Harper) Written in conjunction with non-profit charity ‘Action for Happiness’, this fascinating book presents ten key principles of happiness, complete with experiments and activities that allow children to get actively involved in becoming kind, confident and optimistic people. In a world where young people are feeling increasingly self-conscious and insecure, it’s fantastic to find a book that encourages children to look beyond themselves and understand the important role they can play in society. Tips include helping others, practicing mindful living, appreciating what you have in life, and learning to be comfortable in your own skin. 9. Hello, Hot Dog (Lily Murray) Lounging on a plate between a buttery corncob and crunchy fries, Hot Dog leads a happy life… until lunch time comes around and the truth dawns on him: he is about to be disturbed by a hungry human! Backflips, diversions and other hilarious elaborate plans ensue, as Hot Dog tries to wiggle out of his brioche bun on his way to freedom, all with the help of the friendly narrator. A colourful tale, served with a great slice of humour and seasoned with charm, Hello, Hot Dog! is sure to be joyously consumed by youngest readers and their story-tellers. A warmly recommended addition to the literary diet of any child. (Age: 0-4, 5-7) 10. Planet Stan: My Life in Pie Charts (Elaine Wickson) Packed with sibling survival tips and laugh-out-loud gags, Elaine Wickson’s madcap début Planet Stan is bound to make readers guffaw. Highly-talented illustrator Chris Judge’s amusing comic style illustrations, graphs and charts, including the ‘The Five Levels of Humiliation’, ‘the periodic table of Bruvness’ and the ‘Cross-section of Younger Bruv Brain’ add an extra layer of humour to this lively, rowdy caper. (Age: 8-12)   (Feature image via TheGraceTales.com)