kids reads

Here’s my pick of the best adventure reads for kids to read at home, on holiday or whilst journeying.

Stig of the Dump by Clive King  

I remember this tale from my childhood days and despite being over 50 years old this short story remains an enjoyable caper for children. Barney is a young boy on holiday at his grandmothers house who discovers Stig a caveman by accident when he falls into a quarry. Barney and Stig develop a secret friendship and together enjoy a series of adventures. My children love it. http://pinterest.com/pin/46021227415346841/

The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio by Lloyd Alexander

This is an exciting adventure story about a boy who heads to the Middle East in search of treasure using a map given to him by a bookseller who mysteriously disappears. The journey is full of danger and excitement as Carlos mets an array of quirky characters including story tellers and dream merchants. Suitable for children aged 9 and over. An enjoyable road trip. http://pinterest.com/pin/46021227415346843/

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherine M Valente 

This is the story of a twelve year old who in search of adventure gets invited to Fairyland. When she arrives she finds the land under villainous rule and only she can save it. With a book-loving dragon and a boy for company she loses her shadow, her shoes and her way in her quest.  Perfect for children who enjoy the Chronicles of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz. http://pinterest.com/pin/46021227415346846/

Looking for Adventure by Steve Backshall

This is a must read for any budding explorerwho wants to follow in the footsteps of Steve Backshall. This book tells Steve’s story from when he was a mere 7 year old boy simply dreaming of being an explorer to actually becoming one. http://pinterest.com/pin/46021227415346839/

Kensuke’s Kingdom by Michael Morpugo 

This is about a boy called Michael who goes overboard during a Pacific storm whilst sailing with his mum, dad and dog. Michael washes up on an island with only his dog and wakes to find fresh fruit beside him. This story mixes action with mystery as Michael discovers someone is helping him stay alive. http://pinterest.com/pin/46021227415346847/

Where My Wellies Take Me by Michael & Clare Morpugo

This is an anthology of poems and a fictional story rolled into one. The book is about a young girl called Pippa who wanders the fields and lanes of the Devon countryside. Children’ book author Michael Morpurgo has selected poems from a range of writers that complements the wildlife, animals and people she meets on the way. Beautifully illustrated the book takes on a scrapbook like appearance. http://pinterest.com/pin/46021227415346849/

Exploration

Kids love exploring and most love reading which led me on a hunt for the best and most entertaining kids ‘explorer’ reads. I’ve chosen my favourite three which I’m sharing with you here. The first explores our London parks, the second the life of the world’s largest land animal and the third is a guide for budding world explorers.

Wild About London Parks by Simon W. Rees

My son loves to lead when we are out walking deciding which path to take it; there’s something about being the ‘adult’ on the walk that gives him a sense of independence and being in control. He loves spotting wildlife and becoming a nature explorer so this is the perfect book for him. If you live in London or or simply visiting the city then this book allows the child to lead the family on a guided walk through London’s most popular green spaces. The main focus of the walk is on discovering the birds, plants and animals of the park through a series of questions for all the family to answer. There are 6 walks in total covering Regents Park, Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, Kew Gardens and along the Thames at Ham. Includes illustrated maps and wildlife guides. Price £4.99. http://pinterest.com/pin/46021227415110333/

Elephants: A book for children by Steve Bloom

Anyone with a love of elephants will not be disappointed with this book. Steve Bloom is a wildlife photographer who has combined beautiful images with interesting facts written by David Henry Wilson. Aimed at children from 3 to 9 years the content is easy to understand and your little one will be able to tell you all there is to know about the lives of these magnificent creatures. Find out about their tusks and tails, how they relate to family, friends and humans and how they spend their time. Price £9.99. http://pinterest.com/pin/46021227415110356/

How to be a World Explorer – Not for Parents by Lonely Planet

This has to be the perfect gift for our future world explorers. Part of the Lonely Planet’s Not for Parents series covering city and country guides this book is an all terrain training manual for discovering the world.Covering the terrains of jungle and savannah, desert, polar, forest and mountains, rivers and oceans, air, navigation and explorer bootcamp there are endless explorer’s quests – meet river monsters, big bad beasts, learn how to abseil into a volcano and how to navigate by the starts is just the beginning. Price £12.99. http://pinterest.com/pin/46021227415110427/

 

 

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