Top 15 Books for the Kids to Read in 2020

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Top 15 Books for the Kids to Read in 2020

Reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.  Not only does it help expand their language skills but also opens up their imagination and creativity.  As an added bonus the books will weave in an important life and/or social message in a fun and engaging way.  

As we head into a new school year, there is a plethora of new books coming out to tick all the boxes of keeping your children quietly occupied sans screen!

Here are our top picks for the year ahead.

TOP 5 BOOKS FOR AGES 3-7

1. JUST LIKE ME

By Vanessa Newton

This collection of mini-stories celebrate all kinds of girls - girls with goals, girls who feel powerful, girls who give back, and girls who love. From the country to the city, girls from all backgrounds share their thoughts and dreams. Written by the author of Grandma’s Purse, this book will warm the hearts of everyone who reads it.

2. THE BOX TURTLE

By Vanessa Roeder

Get ready for cute overload! Terrance was born without a shell, so his parents gave him a cardboard box instead. Terrence loves his box shell until another turtle makes fun of it, prompting him to go off in search of a new shell. Along the way, he learns a lesson in loving yourself, embracing your weirdness, and forming lifelong friendships.

3. THE SEED OF COMPASSION

By His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Few people have made as lasting an impression on the world as His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In his first ever picture book, this Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and world-renowned speaker shares special moments from his childhood to teach kids lessons in compassion and kindness. Inspirational and moving, this gift-worthy book is a must-read.

4. HOW TO READ TO A GRANDMA OR GRANDPA

By Jean Reagan

From babysitting grandparents to catching Santa and scaring ghosts, Reagan and Wildish's "how-to" picture books have become household favourites. In their latest book, kids teach grandparents how to orchestrate the perfect story time. Your kids will giggle their way through this humorous story that flips traditional roles and puts them in charge.

5. THE SERIOUS GOOSE

By Jimmy Kimmel

Meet a very Serious Goose. There is nothing silly about this goose. You CANNOT make her laugh, so DON'T EVEN TRY!  Goose reminds us to be silly in a serious way. Put your little comedians in front of a mylar mirror and challenge them to make this no-nonsense goose smile. This delightful book is guaranteed to create gaggles of giggles time and time again!

TOP 5 BOOKS FOR AGES 7-10

1. ANGEL ON THE ROOF

By Shirley Hughes

When Lewis finds an angel living on the roof of his house, they form a quick friendship. Soon, the people living under the angel feel the effect of its goodness in their lives. An atmospheric and timeless story, full of Shirley Hughes' trademark warmth.

2. CYBORG CAT AND THE NIGHT SPIDER

By Ade Adepitan

Ade gets mysterious messages from the Night Spider – is he really in danger, and is he a superhero? Ade is a bright, active, positive, exciting character who drives a thrilling plot. The book also shows that there's no reason why a superhero can't use a wheelchair.

3. KAI AND THE MONKEY KING 

Professor Brownston recounts the story of two ancestors, whose quest to observe and document mythical phenomena leads them across ancient China. A compelling picture book, sure to captivate young readers who enjoy fantasy adventure tales.

4. LEVEL UP! BLOCK AND ROLL 

By Tom Nicoll

Best friends Max and Flo find themselves trapped inside Max’s favourite construction video game, Blocktopia. How will they leave? This accessible science fiction adventure series is funny, fast-paced and ideal for those who enjoy gaming.

5. WHAT SHOULD DARLA DO?

By Adir Levy

Darla is a young and spunky astronaut-in-training. She wants to go to Mars one day, just like her favorite doll, Astronautica. But, to do so, she'll need to practice using her Power to Choose wisely.  Written in a "Choose Your Own Story" format, your kids can help Darla through her day by making choices for her! 

TOP 5 BOOKS FOR AGES 10-14

1. DOG MAN: FETCH 22 

By Dav Pilkey

Petey the Cat is out of jail, and he has a brand-new lease on life. While Petey's re-evaluates what matters most, Li'l Petey is struggling to find the good in the world. Can Petey and Dog Man stop fighting like cats and dogs long enough to put their paws together and work as a team? They need each other now more than ever -- Li'l Petey (and the world) is counting on them!

2. ALI CROSS     

By James Patterson

Ali Cross has always looked up to his father, former detective and FBI agent Alex Cross. While solving some of the nation's most challenging crimes, his father always kept his head and did the right thing. Can Ali have the same strength and resolve? When Ali's best friend Abraham is reported missing, Ali is desperate to find him.

3. THE ONE & ONLY BOB     

By Katherine Applegate

Set as a sequel to the bestselling novel The One and Only Ivan, this one stars Ivan's friend Bob. Bob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister with the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had and learns the true meaning of friendship and family.

4. MAJOR IMPOSSIBLE  

By Nathan Hale

The ninth book in the bestselling series tells the story of John Wesley Powell, the one-armed geologist who explored the Grand Canyon.  The story follows the John Wesley Powell through his adventures of war and explorations. Equal parts gruesome and hilarious, this latest installment in the bestselling series takes readers on an action-packed adventure.

5. FGTEEV PRESENTS: INTO THE GAME  

By FGTeev

It’s game time! The FGTeeV family gamers have played hundreds of games together. Which is why Moomy decides to make a new game called My Pet Fish. Just one problem: the game is SUPER boring. And one other problem: Moomy and Duddy accidentally got sucked into it—and now they’re trapped! Game like never before in this exhilarating graphic novel adventure from YouTube sensation FGTeeV, with more than 11 million subscribers and over 11 billion views!

We'd love to know your feedback on any of these books or other books your kids have just devoured and loved!  Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

For more blogs like this, head to Beyond the Bounce for articles on activities for the kids, Back to School advice and so much more.

By Joe Todd-Stanton By Tom Nicoll

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