Books To Spark Conversation With Your Kids
If you’ve ever read a book to or with your child, you’ll know you often need to factor in some chatting time. Those mid-book conversations can be absolute magic; low-pressure, intimate opportunities to talk things through, to teach, to learn together, and to examine thoughts and feelings that we - as adults - often don’t give ourselves the time or opportunity to examine. Whether you’re in the snuggly, sitting on lap and sharing a picture book phase or the ‘pass them the book and watch as the bedroom door closes in your face’ era, we’ve gathered together some of our favourite titles to share with your child which may open up some interesting and valuable conversations. I haven’t included age recommendations, as actually these titles are suitable for adults just as much as they are suitable for children; you’re never too old to have a chat with your inner child (and there’s no shame in enjoying some beautiful illustrations at the same time!)
Me and My Dysphoria Monster by Laura Kate Dale, illustrated by Hui Qing Ang
Nisha's monster follows her everywhere. It used to be small, but recently her monster has begun to grow. And as her monster gets bigger and bigger, Nisha feels more and more unlike herself.
When people refer to her as a boy, or when she tries to hide her true gender identity, Nisha's dysphoria monster grows larger and larger. Until, one day, Nisha meets Jack - a trans man - who shows Nisha how she can shrink her dysphoria monster back down to size.
This touching story is the perfect book for discussing gender dysphoria with children, explaining what it is and how they and their families can deal with it. It also includes an accompanying guide for parents with further information about gender dysphoria, terminology, and first-hand examples of the author's own experiences.
Out Of The Blue by Robert Tregoning, illustrated by Stef Murphy
Only blue allowed, by Blue government demand.
Anything that isn't blue, by colour law, is banned.
In a very blue house on a very blue street, sits a little boy who feels as blue as the world around him. For this little boy has a big secret: he loves the colour yellow. In a world where only one colour is allowed, will he be brave enough to tell his dad? And will they be able to defy the rules and create a world where every colour is welcome? One boy and his dad are about to come Out of the blue and into life in technicolour! A stunning celebration of being yourself and living in all the colours of the rainbow, from debut author Robert Tregoning and rising star illustrator Stef Murphy.
Jamie by L.D. Lapinski
A beautiful and uplifting story from L.D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency, about how to make your own place when the world doesn't think you fit anywhere. For fans of Me, My Dad and The End of The Rainbow.
Jamie Rambeau is a happy 11-year-old non-binary kid who likes nothing better than hanging out with their two best friends Daisy and Ash. But when the trio find out that in Year Seven they will be separated into one school for boys and another for girls, their friendship suddenly seems at risk. And when Jamie realises no one has thought about where theyare going to go, they decide to take matters into their own hands, and sort it all out once and for all.
As the friends' efforts to raise awareness eventually become a rooftop protest against the binary rules for the local schools, Jamie realises that if they don't figure out a way forwards, they might be at risk of losing both their friends forever...
Vlad and the Great Fire of London by Kate and Sam Cunningham
This is the second edition of Vlad and the Great Fire of London, with exciting new illustrations to accompany the bestselling story.
It is 1666 and Vlad the flea and his friend Boxton the rat, love eating and biting their way around London.
But one night, in Pudding Lane, they are caught up in a fire that threatens to destroy them, along with most of the City of London.
With a fact file and 32 pages of colour illustrations this book tells the story of the Great Fire of London in a way that shares the information in fun and memorable way.
The detailed illustrations show how the fire started, how the Londoners reacted to it and the aftermath for those who escaped.
The Reading Riddle website has lots of free resources to get the most from this book and find out more about the subject with young readers.
The World’s Most Atrocious Animals by Philip Bunting
This witty, quirky, colourfully illustrated and fact-filled book features some of the most terrifying and shocking animals on the planet!
The third title in the series from the hilarious Philip Bunting is filled with facts about some of the scariest creatures in the natural world.
Meet the enormous murder hornets of east and southeast Asia, the poisonous blue-ringed octopus, Africa's hungry but deadly hippos and some truly shocking electric eels, among many more truly scary creatures!
The antagonist voice (speaking though cheeky annotations) points out the most frightening aspects of each creature's characteristics, while the narrator's voice describes engaging, factual information about each animal's seemingly scary characteristics. Are they really as scary as they seem?
With hilarious text throughout and bright, contemporary illustrations, this guide to terrifying animals contains funny labelled diagrams and fabulous facts. It will help teach kids about the animals we fear and whether their gruesome reputation is deserved!
Art Makes People Powerful by Bob and Roberta Smith
This is an amazing art activity book for kids made by celebrated British artist and Royal Academician Bob and Roberta Smith, which explores how art makes people powerful.
Through his original artworks, discover just how art helps people to learn, through beautifully painted artworks that double as prompts for us to create beautiful art of our own.
Completing activities on and off the page, young readers can't help but to be creative all while using with very few materials, and employing methods based in art historical principles to grow and reflect on themselves as well as their creative journey.
Prompts are painted in Bob and Roberta Smith's unique and distinctive style, in bright and bold colours which will stimulate children's visual imaginations, making this a beautiful object of art as well as a brilliant collection of creative prompts.
From painting the big bang and the universe expanding, to drawing ourselves as well as our ideas, this beautiful book will show us the power inherent in artistic acts, and that we can unlock in ourselves.
Where Grandad Lives by Guvna B and Emma Borquaye, illustrated by Aaron Cushley
In 2019, Guvna B and Emma Borquaye had their first child, Ezra. As they began to navigate the word of parenthood, they soon realised the challenge of having to explain the concept of loss to their young son. After the award-winning rapper Guvna B lost his dad unexpectedly in 2017, Guvna B wanted Ezra to know about his grandad, even though he was no longer with them.
Where Grandad Lives answers the call to help parents and children discuss grief and loss together. Featuring characters based on Ezra and his friends, Ezra shares that his Grandad lives somewhere really special. When his friend Zadie is unsure she knows where - and when all her ideas of special homes are exhausted - she has to ask Ezra to show her... And Ezra shares what it's like when someone you love lives in your heart: the good, the bad and the hard to explain.
Where Grandad Lives is a powerful and important book about losing someone you love.
The Destiny of Minou Moonshine by Gita Ralleigh
The story of a Queendom set in an alternate colonial India, blending Frances Hardinge with Kipling's Kim. A debut rich in fantasy, friendship and faith, and an original adventure that sparkles with storytelling magic.
Fierce orphan girl, Minou Moonshine, lives with her grandmother on a makeshift barge in the shadow of the General's palace. Under the tyrant's rule, life in Moonlally is hard: the monsoons have failed and worship of their goddess, the Dark Lady, is forbidden.
When Minou's beloved Dima is murdered, she joins the secretive Green Orchids, rebels plotting to overthrow the General.
Amid the lush jungles, mountain villages and treetop temples of Indica, Minou begins a winding journey with her two friends and a mechanical elephant, on the adventure of a lifetime.
Can Minou bring back the floods and the ancient power of the Dark Lady, as well as finding the Queen and her own place in the future of Moonlally?