Raring2go! PLACES TO GO 24 raring2go.co.uk Raring2go! READING 25 2 THINGS TO DO Parents and carers play a vital role in nurturing this habit. It doesn’t require expensive resources - just access to books that reflect your child’s interests and a little time to read together. Visiting your local library, sharing bedtime stories, or simply talking about books can spark a lifelong love of reading. Louisa Ackling, Service Development and Engagement Manager for Worcestershire Libraries, states: “When children discover the magic of reading for themselves, it opens doors to lifelong learning and confidence. It’s not just about literacy - it’s about giving every child the chance to imagine, explore, and grow.” So, next time your child picks up a book, celebrate it. Reading for pleasure is one of the simplest, most powerful gifts you can give - and it starts with just one story. Why Reading for Pleasure Matters More Than Ever! In today’s fast-moving digital world, encouraging children to read for pleasure might seem like a small act - but it’s one with lifelong impact. More than just a way to boost literacy, reading for enjoyment helps children develop imagination, empathy, and emotional wellbeing. Children who read regularly for fun tend to perform better academically, but the benefits go far beyond school. Stories allow young readers to explore different cultures, ideas, and emotions, helping them understand the world - and themselves - in deeper ways. Whether it’s a magical adventure or a story about everyday life, books offer a safe space for children to reflect, dream, and grow. And it’s not just books that count! Comics, magazines and graphic novels are all a great way to engage your child with reading. Reading also supports mental health. It provides a calming escape from daily pressures and helps children build resilience by seeing characters overcome challenges. In a time when children face increasing stress, reading can be a powerful tool for emotional support. 4 9 Raring2go! CLUBS AND CLASSES Ages 9 - 11 years Malamander by Thomas Taylor Twelve-year-old Herbert Lemon lives and works in the Grand Nautilus Hotel. The hotel’s ‘lost and founder’, he’s tasked with cataloguing lost things and trying to find their owners. But his newest ‘lost’ item is rather different: an enigmatic girl called Violet Parma. Supernatural elements and a steampunk feel combine to make this a fun, mystery-filled adventure with lots of spine-tingling twists and turns. The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q. Rauf Hector is a bully who doesn’t really care about anyone and thinks his cringey parents don’t care about him. His teachers don’t seem to like him (he certainly hates them), he particularly dislikes teacher’s pet Mei Lei, and he devotes his time to being mean to other kids and making them give him sweets. A brilliantly written story that will help children understand and think deeply about the real human beings whose lives are impacted by homelessness - and also more generally about the power of kindness, friendship, empathy and how everyone has the potential to change for the better. Stuck on what books are available for your childs age and interests? Worcester library suggests that families use the BookTrust’s Booknder at www.booktrust.org.uk. This allows parents or carers to select an age range and interest area/theme, producing lots and lots of fab recommendations for your child. Why not try the following recommendations: Ages 4 - 8 years Stone Age Boy by Satoshi Kitamura How would it feel to trip over one day and fall into a world that existed 20,000 years ago? Well, that's exactly what happens to the young boy in this book. This beautifully illustrated book is packed with fascinating facts about the Stone Age, presented in an accessible and interesting way. Added features include a time line and cave painting style endpapers. The Perfect Shelter by Clare Helen Walsh It’s the perfect day to build a shelter, the perfect day for a family expedition, the perfect day to play in a den. However, joy turns to concern as it becomes clear that the narrator’s sister is sick. The book deftly sums up what can often be a complex spectrum of feelings experienced by a child when a family member is seriously ill – the questions, the anger, the sadness and the sheer unfairness of it all. However, above all this is a book about the power of family love and the importance of imagination, play and hope. 2026 Book Recommendations
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