Every parent on the planet likely knows the importance of reading as it relates to their kids' future literacy. You probably also know that when very young children are read to their vocabulary increases and their language development blossoms. Reading with your kids is also quality time that ultimately strengthens the parent/child bond.
And it's not just a cliche that reading opens kids' minds to new worlds and new perspectives. Books and conversations about books have the power to deepen relationships between kids and their grown-ups. While it's still cold outside, why not use the opportunity to help keep your child's excitement about reading alive and to ultimately deepen your bond? Check out some of these book and television/movie pairings, perfect for enjoying together as a family.
For the emerging pre-reader
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson is an enchanting story that tells the tale of a mouse that goes off in search of a nut. The television pairing clocks in under 30 minutes. Have more time? Check out the sequel, The Gruffalo's Child.
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs is a wordless picture book that will engage your child's imagination. The show is similarly captivating and lasts about 30 minutes.
Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats tells the story of Peter as he explores his neighborhood during winter's first snow. This was a favorite in our house, and the short film version lasts about 40 minutes.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss is an evergreen classic, and the 2018 film The Grinch is a great modern-day update.
Clifford the Big, Red Dog by Norman Bridwell is another beloved children's classic about the adventures of a girl and her giant, red-furred dog. There are numerous Clifford books with themes to match any child's interest and plenty of television and movie pairings to boot.
For novice and decoding readers
Pete the Cat by James Dean is a popular kids' series that follows the groovy adventures of a cat named Pete. It comes as a picture book, board book or a decodable reader. The accompanying television series on Amazon Prime narrates the books well.
Moby Shinobi by Luke Flowers and Hello Ninja by Nate Wilson, illustrated by Forest Dickison, are great book series for lovers of excitement and silly adventure. The Moby Shinobi books are solid leveled readers. Netflix's TV series, Hello Ninja, is also very cute.
Llama Llama by Anna Dewedny is another solid series about growing up and facing challenges like the first day of school, a sick day or running errands. You can find this one in picture book, board book or reader form, and the accompanying Netflix series is short and sweet.
Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey has a lot of potty humor, but if your child is really starting to gain some steam with independent reading, graphic novels like this one can be pretty engaging. The Netflix series also features some sass and potty language aimed at the early elementary set.
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series by Jeff Kinney has a good mix of text and pictures for early elementary readers, even though the main character, Greg Heffley, is in middle school. Its chapter book qualities also make it seem like a big kid book. Disney+ recently released a holiday special to accompany one of the books that is enjoyable for the whole family.
For fluent and comprehending readers
Ramona by Beverly Cleary is a classic. As a child, I loved these funny novels about Ramona Quimby and her friends and family. My son likes them, too, and there is a 2010 movie adaptation we are looking forward to checking out.
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh is a book series about precocious 11-year-old Harriet who plans to become a spy and a writer when she grows up. Apple+ recently adapted the book into a relaxing and clever television series.
The How to Train Your Dragon series by Cressida Cowell follows Viking protagonist Hiccup as he interacts with dragons and learns to become a hero. This series does have a lot of absurd name-calling – words like "snotface" and "baggybum" – which can be a pro for kids and annoying for parents. There are several movie adaptations and a series on Peacock Kids.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan is a seven-book fantasy series about a demigod living in the 21st century alongside other Greek deities and villains. Disney+ is currently streaming an eight-episode season based on the first book.
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling has seven books in total. These books do get thematically more mature and intense for young readers, so it might be one worth reading alongside your child. And it can be fun to watch the movie when you finish the book together!
Pamela Savage is a freelance writer living in Springfield. She has spent her cold weekends of late reading (and watching) children's stories.
