The second Sunday of May marks Mother’s Day for many countries, including the U.S. and Canada. On this day, mothers of all kinds are honored with visits, brunch outings, spa treatments, thoughtful presents and lots and lots of love.
But did you know that May is also an exciting month for bookworms both old and young? Children’s Book Week runs from May 2 to May 8. And with International Harry Potter Day on May 2, Peter Pan Day on May 9 and Walt Whitman’s birthday on May 31, the merry month of May is the perfect time to rekindle or discover a passion for reading.
For mothers with young children, one of the easiest ways to foster and engage early literacy is by making reading a fun family activity. Why not start a new Mother’s Day tradition? It could be that a few hours of shared reading time turns into a lifelong hobby.
And with our most stylish ready-readers, you can look as good as you feel doing it:
Incredible comfort and style with Essex Street in Golden Tortoise, Greys in Violet Rose and Arial in Blue Crystal
Whether you have a little one who needs help managing the more challenging words, or a young preteen ready to embark more independently on a journey of literary classics, our top picks for kid-friendly books are sure to please:
- The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Anderson Vol. 1 is a compilation of the well-known Danish author’s most popular fairy tales—including ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘The Ugly Duckling’ and more.
- The Moomins and the Great Flood, by Tove Jansson, is the first book in the Moomins series, and tells the story of how Moominmamma and Moomintroll go looking for Moominpappa.
- The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein, is a classic American children’s book depicting the lifelong relationship between a boy and an apple tree. Enjoy it on Love a Tree Day on May 16.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: The Illustrated Edition sees the first novel of J.K. Rowling’s beloved series illustrated in lush, full-color detail by award-winning artist Jim Kay.
- Poetry for Kids: Walt Whitman, edited by Karen Karbiener, features excerpts from of Walt Whitman’s best-loved works, illustrated and curated for children.
- Peter Pan, by J.M. Barrie, describes Wendy, Michael and John’s adventures through Neverland with Peter Pan and his ageless band of Lost Boys.
- Holes, by Louis Sachar, is a thought-provoking read perfect for preteens, who will enjoy learning about Stanley Yelnats and his family history through this story of punishment and redemption.
- When You Trap a Tiger, by Tae Keller, is a modern tale of magic, identity and family, rooted in Korean folklore—an excellent pick for AAPI Heritage Month.
Flex your narration skills with your little ones, or share a delightful afternoon re-exploring young adult classics with your preteens and teens for a tradition that will endure all year round.