The Books Guaranteed to Get Your Kids Reading (Or To Give As a Perfect Gift)

What are the best books for kids right now? What’s going to hold their attention, keep them happy and keep them off screens for a good while? We’ve found the best of the best for all age groups…

With school holidays just around the corner (WHAT? AGAIN ALREADY?), many of us are again looking for a few good ways to keep the kids entertained – and preferably some that don’t see them parked in front of their screens for a good chunk of time. We’ve road tested a bunch and have found our faves to make it easier – and the good news is it’s easy (and often pretty inexpensive) because there’s a fab selection at The Warehouse. So, powered by our pals at the big red shed here’s our favourite books for kids (and kids at heart):

Capsule x The Warehouse

For the tried, true & tested most loved bestsellers…
If you’re unsure, go with a title that is already loved by millions worldwide. These are the GOATs of the kids publishing world – the ones that already come with a seal of approval from kids the world over.

May we suggest:

• The Harry Potter series, starting with Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling, $22 (Best for kids aged 9 – 12)
• Anything by David Walliams – they’re definitely going to love The World’s Worst Teachers $22, Super Sleuth $18 and Mr Stink $18 (Best suited for kids aged 9 – 12)
• Anything by Jacqueline Wilson, including Star of the Show $26, (kids 7-11)

For the little gamer…
If the kid in your life’s idea of heaven is unlimited screentime to game away to their heart’s content, a book might feel like a hard sell. But, The Warehouse has plenty of titles to bridge the gap between the screen and a book, whether your kid is into Roblox, Minecraft or Pokemon.

May we suggest:

• Minecraft Wolf Diaries series, starting with #1 Player Attack, by Winston Wolf, $11 (best suited for kids aged 5-8)
• Diary of a Minecraft Zombie series, including Super Special #6 Scare, Respawn, Repeat, $16 (best suited for kids aged 5-8)
• Pokemon Sun & Moon The Series, starting with Pokemon #1 Old Buddies New Battles by Jeanette Lane, $5 (best suited for kids aged 9-12)
• Diary of a Roblox Pro series, starting with Super Special #1 Treasure Hunt, by Ari Avatar, $18 (best suited for kids aged 5-8)

For a good school holidays tie-in

Ok, this is just a gentle wee reminder that school holidays are on their way very soon (I know! They were just on holiday what, last week?! How is this possible?!?).

I love a movie-book tie-in as a great way to get kids reading – either before or after the movie comes out and there are of course, some great films coming out in time for the holidays.

I was lucky enough to take our eldest along to see The Wild Robot for a sneak preview, which is one of THE movies to see these school holidays. I definitely recommend it! There’s also Encanto: Reo Māori out.  Unfortunately they’re yet to make te reo tie-in books, but there are English ones available. You’ll also find Inside Out 2 still playing at selected cinemas – or for rent now to watch at home.

May we suggest

• Disney Pixar: Inside Out 2 Movie Collection, $12 (preschool – 6)
• Disney Encanto: 4 Book Storybook Collection, $24 (preschool – 6)
• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, $18 (best suited for 9-12)

For some nostalgia for you…

There is something so lovely and comforting about opening the pages of a book you read as a child. I love doing it with picture books, that take me back to those earliest memories of my life. I was also a massive Baby-sitters Club fan and even though I have boys, I’m still suggesting they read them so I can have some convos with them about Kirsty and Dawn and the crew!

May we suggest:

• The Baby-sitters Club series, including #16 Kirsty and the Walking Disaster by Ann M. Martin, $18 (9-12)
• The Sweet Valley High series, including Teacher’s Pet by Francine Pascal and Nicole Andelfinger, $18 (9-12)

For the littlest ones…

Starting a reading habit with your kids as soon as possible, is a great way to instil a life-long love of books. Plus, having a couple of books in rotation for bedtime is also a great way to create a bedtime routine. Having a few set routines in the evening lets your little one know all the cues that it’s time to wind down and go to sleep – and reading a book together can be a great way to do just that.

May we suggest:

• Disney 100 My First Bedtime Treasury, $18
• We’re Going On a Bear Hunt 35^th Anniversary Edition by Michael Rosen, $22
• Hairy McLary and Friends Meet the Gang: A Board Book by Lynley Dodd, $18