Giving a child the space, time, and opportunity to discover reading on his own will achieve that life long love of stories and story telling. Making books and book reading meaningful is part of creating an environment that will ultimately grow life long lovers of reading.
Are you wondering how you can raise a rock star reader? Learn ideas on how to create an environment for your little readers including my picks for must read children’s books for the holiday season.
We discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being. ~ Dr. Maria Montessori
My talented friends, Allison and Amy, wrote an amazing book called Raising a Rock Star Reader that I can’t stop referencing since day I received it. This book is filled with 75 accessible tips for parents to help guide their children to becoming lifelong lovers of reading.
Inspired by this book, I wrote this post including few of my own tips for raising a rock star reader and my top must read children’s books for the holiday season.
5 Tips for Raising a Rock Star Reader
- Make it meaningful by having a “go to” set of three or five books to read at bedtime, especially
- Less is more as mentioned above…don’t clutter your child’s bookshelves. Choose a few books an stick to them for tradition and
- Read out loud even when your child is reading on his own
- Listen to books in theme, in the car, in a tent, you name it…
- Oral storytelling is a lost art. Children are born story tellers. We should do all we can to nurture that art.
12 Absolute Must Read Children’s Books for the Holiday Season
One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey
This book is a classic that only brings warmth to a home and to hearts. I fell in love with this book as a young child.
Twas the Night Before Christmas by Charles Santore
Memories are built upon this tale. I can still hear my aunt’s voice reading this story to us, the excitement of Christmas morning bubbling in my belly.
A Chair for My Mother by Vera Williams
A lovely story about a young girl, her mother, and her grandmother. The author draws upon her childhood during the depression. The story she tells is raw and sweet delivering a heart felt life lesson.
Gratitude Soup by Olivia Rosewood
One of my favorite newer reads. This book is magical and will warm your heart. The main character, a young girl, makes a gratitude soup and learns quickly that gratitude is exponential.
d’Aulaire’s book of Greek myths by Ingri d’Aulaire and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire
My husband introduced my sons to Greek Myths and they were hooked on them. This book is perfect for young children telling the story in an engaging, yet simply way.
Frog & Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel
Such warm and fond memories of listening to these stories on road trips and on our commute. I enjoy Arnold Lobel’s warm voice telling the tale of these two friends, sharing a unique friendship and every day antics.
Toot & Puddle – I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Hollie Hobbie
What can I say? I am a sucker for these two soul mates. Hollie Hobbie does a fantastic job of taking the reader through many adventures of travel and friendship. Great examples for kids!
Pete & Pickles by Berkeley Breathed
Would you think differently of me if I told you I weep when I read this story to my boys. Such a sweet, raw, endearing, honest story of two unlikely friends.
Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Maybe the perfect holiday movie to share with your kids. Full of suspense and excitement, this story is sure to warm your hearts and get you ready for the holiday season!
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
I find this whole series adorable, especially this Christmas story. A story of unlikely friends caring immensely for one another, the author does a terrific job at making the reader see the love these friends have for one another.
The Mitten by Jan Brett
Oh, I love this story! Such a sweet tale that draws the young and old into the journey of a lost mitten providing loads of love and warmth to forest animals.
Zen Shorts by Jon Muth
This book is my go to for birthday presents and special gifts. Such beautiful stories delivering important life messages to our little spirits.
Related Read: Personalized Children's Book: Perfect Christmas Gift