Five tips for sharing your love of reading with your grandchildren and five books to get you started
Published on: 18 May 2022 Author: Susannah Shane
Author of the stunning When I Became Your Grandad and When I Became Your Granny, Susannah Shane shares five tips for getting your grandchildren into reading as well as her top five books for getting them started on their reading journey.
1. Read whenever you can
Reading aloud to children is the best way to foster a love of books that will last a lifetime. Fit reading around your busy days by bringing a book along wherever you go.
2. Let them choose
It’s wonderful to share classics from your childhood with a new generation, but don’t forget to let grandchildren share their favourites with you! You might just discover a new classic.
3. Get some help from technology
Reading together can still be a joy even if we’re far apart. Sharing a story over FaceTime can be just as special, and a brilliant way to bond with grandchildren who live far away.
4. Go back to old favourites
Little ones will love to hear their favourite stories over and over (and over) again. This will help build their reading confidence and improve their vocabulary. Keep it interesting by finding new things to spot in the illustrations.
5. Make the most of your library
A trip to your local library is a great way to spend the day with a grandchild. Make the most of it by joining in with story times, asking the librarian for recommendations and borrowing lots of different books.
Top 5 books to share with your grandchild
1. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Some stories stand the test of time. This timeless book is the perfect way to share something you remember from your childhood with your grandchildren.
2. When I Was a Pirate by Tom Silson, illustrated by Ewa Poklewska-Koziello
A grandpa tells his grandchildren tales of his wild adventures on the high seas in this swashbuckling story about the surprising lives of those you love.
3. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
This moving story about a grandmother and grandson will help you see the beauty – and the fun – in everything.
4. Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush by Patrice Lawrence, illustrated by Camilla Sucre
Share a piece of history with your grandchildren with this heart-warming intergenerational story about the Windrush experience.
5. How to Babysit a Grandad by Jean Reagan, illustrated by Lee Wildish
This silly story is the perfect thing to prepare children for a visit from Grandad. Full of humour, warmth and fun.
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Topics: Grandparents, Features
