Books have become such a big part of the rhythm of our family life, and over the years we’ve collected plenty of favourites along the way. So this is a little round-up of the chapter books and great stories we’ve loved most so far, being read to two children starting at around 2 years old. I began with Pippa first and then Bobby joined in and began paying attention around 2 years old. I do adjust the language, or pause to explain something whenever I feel it’s needed or one of them ask.
I’ve haven’t listed them all, just the ones I’d wholeheartedly recommend, and then also those waiting patiently on our list to-read next (many of which were suggested by some of you over on Instagram).
If you have very small children and haven’t started chapter books yet, start with Esla Beskow.
Elsa Beskow- any of her books.
Perfect for ages 1 - 4. Elsa Beskow books are such a beautiful bridge into longer stories. Gentle, wholesome and gorgeously illustrated, they invite little children to linger over each page, follow a story with a bit more depth, and let their imaginations do some of the work. A lovely stepping stone before chapter books.
These books are perfect for children 2 - 10, and so enjoyable to read! I had a lot of fun with the voices (Saucepan Man is Irish when I’m reading haha). Since reading them in novel form to the kids, I have also collected a few of the vintage illustrated editions which are just gorgeous.
The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe
This was my favourite book growing up, I have such vivid memories of this being read to me and my brother, I can still hear my Dad doing Aslan’s voice.
It was just as magical reading it to my kids as it was having it read to me. They both were utterly riveted, couldn’t wait for every read. I was worried it was too soon, but they’d seen me give this as a gift to a few other (older) children and were desperate to read it, so I gave it a go and they both loved it. A few scary bits, but I paused and let them ask questions whenever needed. The conversations that followed were quite incredible too. Pippa in particular really wanted to unpack the sacrifice made at the end, and wanted to understand what I meant when I explained that what Aslan did for Edmund was an act unconditional love. She talked about it for days and days, and the metaphors this story holds really sunk into their hearts.
This was a given as a gift to the kids, and I’m so glad because I probably wouldn’t have picked it up otherwise. Such a fun, gorgeous story and so many giggles. Both kids adored it.
This was Pip’s FIRST novel. Gosh we had a ball reading it. She was 2, and she just loved it. I do find with ALL Roald Dahl books that a little improvisation is necessary as he uses some language I wasn’t wanting to introduce, it’s very easy to soften a word or sentence as you read without losing the humour or magic. I would swap out anything about people being “stupid” with “silly”, skip over commentary about people’s appearance (he gets quite gleeful and awfully descriptive about people being unattractive, so I would change this to something else or just skip). I have heard that there are new censored editions? I’m not sure if that is just a rumor though.
Another novel I had to censor quite a bit, and skip a couple of scary bits / descriptions but it was worth it! They loved this book. Another story I have vivid memories of my year two teacher reading to the class every morning, she would do one chapter every morning. It made me so excited to get to school and hear the next chapter.
We have just started reading this after it being recommended by so many people, this one feels wholesome, filled with childhood adventure, family, courage and kindness. It is slow and steady but the kids are really loving it. I’ve linked the pretty edition I purchased, but there also a cheaper paperback version on this site too :)
We’re just beginning the Little House on the Prairie series, and I have a feeling it will become a treasured part of our family reading over the next year or two. Stories of simple living, family, resilience and finding joy in the everyday, with so much history woven in along the way. I’ve linked book one above.
We read Annie when Pippa was three, before taking her to see the theatre production in Sydney, and it began a very enduring love affair. She absolutely adores Annie, the songs, the story, the characters, all of it. Such a lovely one to read before seeing it come alive on stage. And this one of the only novels we have also watched the movie of, which goes without saying - was LOVED. We chose the 1999 adaption as it’s so close to the theatre production. I have been hesitant with the others as I don’t want to spoilt the imaginary worlds their minds have created (I think I’ll wait until 8 - 10 before we pop the Magic Faraway Tree bubble in their minds with the new movie).
The novel Annie has far more to it than the movies, and we adored reading this.
We read our first three Famous Five books about a year ago when we were in Greece & Austria, the kids were 2 and 4, and absolutely loved them. Full of old-fashioned childhood adventure, secret passages, mysteries, and enormous amounts of freedom, the kind of stories that make the world feel wonderfully big and full of possibility. When we found our little piece of land where will will build our forever home, the kids were over the moon to discover some old ruins of a historic house nearby, they instantly called it their castle (because of these books) and have had lots of adventures there already.
This was given to Pippa for her 2nd birthday by a beautiful friend, and we have read it over, and over again. Both kids adore it. This isn’t a novel, but quite like Elsa Beskow it has longer stories that encourage imagination. Other great bridging option for kids just beginning chapter books. The sweetest little world of seasons, friendship, feasts and cosy mouse homes, with illustrations they can pore over forever.
Children of The Lamp - I’ve already purchased this but will wait a year or two I think. I actually bought it because Luke Bateman said it was his favourite childhood novel. It sounds WONDERFUL, but the way it is written I think will work around 7 - 12.
Cherry Tree Farm by Enid Blyton - just ordered one :)
Harry Potter - you’re not going to believe this, but I haven’t read Harry Potter yet, and will be doing so for the first time with my kids! I wasn’t allowed to read them growing up (ahem… my Mum has now and loved them haha), but I’m kind of a little bit, a lot, excited to experience it alongside the kids for the first time.
The Lighthouse Family books
Hazel’s Treehouse (described to me as an Australian' Winnie The Pooh, but with more story).
Heidi - The kids absolutely loved the black and white Shirley Temple Heidi movie, and then going to the European mountains shortly after felt so special. We can’t wait to dive into this book.
And now… I know there’s plenty I need to add to this list, so leave them for us all in the comments below :)
An except from my last article…
Why is reading so wonderful for kid’s minds?
It’s slow. There’s anticipation. It can take a week, or even a month to finish a big book. There’s character and plot development. It develops delayed gratification, imagination, storytelling, concentration, emotional connection and the ability to sit inside a world for a while. They have to imagine the house, the forest, the face of the character, the feeling of the moment. Their minds become active participants in the story rather than passive receivers of it.
And maybe most importantly, reading together feels connective. I can still remember the absolute joy of being read to as a child, there is such deep connection in those moments.
More than anything, I hope these stories become part of the fabric of their childhood. Books they remember being curled up together reading, worlds we disappeared into, and characters that feel a bit like old friends. There are few things lovelier than giving a child a lifelong love of books.
My parents gave me that gift. Thank you Mum and Dad.
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