We all know how vitally important it is to read to your child when they are little. A good bed and book routine not only calms them and gives you the best chance of settling down for the night, it’s also a really important time for you and your little one to bond and chill out together. Reading helps them expand their vocabulary and feeds their imaginative little minds.
As they grow and begin to learn how to read themselves, they will find a whole new world exists in books. This is why here at Mumbler, we are thrilled that we have the opportunity to work with Nosy Crow. Nosy Crow are a multi-award-winning children’s publisher that produce child-focused, parent-friendly children’s books for ages 0-12.
In our house, we’re very lucky that our kids all enjoy books. From hardy board books (that they flung around and chomped on) when they were babies, to titles more suited to their individual interests as they grow older, and seasonal favourites that come out year after year. They all have their particular tastes and challenges, however.
Our oldest (8) prefers online reading challenges set by school – she’s very motivated by prizes and rewards and doesn’t naturally reach for a book to relax with. When I find an author that sparks her interest, I buy/borrow as many of their books as I can.
My middle child (6) is a voracious reader and regularly buries his head in a comic-style book, or something with puzzles in or mysteries to solve.
The youngest (3) gets a lot of joy from being read to, and also memorising the text herself, and picks things from her older siblings’ shelves as well as her own.
They all love quiz books, and enjoy the beauty of something classic and timeless that they will treasure forever.
As a parent, I really enjoy their reactions, and often hunt down a mixture of things I once enjoyed myself, and new books that get them excited about settling down to read.
Nosy Crow have many amazing reads to choose from, but for our Mumbler Summer 2021 reading list, we’ve picked a few favourites to share with you. There really is something for every age and interest, including a brilliant Olympics book, On Your Marks, Get Set, Gold.
If you click on the title of each book, you can view the first few pages of each book.
We’ve also got some really cool FREE ACTIVITY sheets for you for some of the books. Click on the links below to download them individually or click here to see them all.
Suggested Age 3+
- Ruffles and the Teeny Tiny Kittens: Meet Ruffles, a typical toddler who experiences all the highs and lows of preschool life as he learns about the world around him. When the Teeny Tiny Kittens come to stay, Ruffles will have to learn how to share if he wants to make friends.
DOWNLOAD THE RUFFLES ACTIVITY SHEETS HERE
- The Cat and the Rat and the Hat: Cat wants Rat’s hat and will stop at NOTHING to get it. But when Bat arrives wearing a fancy cravat, well, what could be better than that? With a hilarious, tongue-twister text, slapstick humour, bright neon artwork and colourful, comic characters.
DOWNLOAD “THE CAT AND THE RAT AND THE HAT” ACTIVITY SHEET HERE
- The Wide Wide Sea: A lyrical and inspirational picture book about protecting nature where preschoolers get to follow a seal on an unforgettable journey through the sea and along the beach. Published in collaboration with the National Trust, who protect over 700 miles of wild coastline in the UK.
DOWNLOAD THE “WIDE WIDE SEA” ACTIVITY PACK HERE
Suggested Age 5+
- Wigglesbottom Primary: Dino Chick The strangest things happen at Wigglesbottom Primary! When Year Two is chosen to look after some eggs that are about to hatch, they KNOW something is strange about one of them. Hilarious and fully illustrated, early readers will be giggling all the way through.
- On Your Marks, Get Set, Gold: An exciting, laugh-a-minute guide to every Olympic and Paralympic sport from former sports journalist Scott Allen. With bold, energetic illustrations you’ll learn about some of the greatest Olympians in history, the skills and equipment you need and even what your chances are of becoming a champion.
Suggested age 7+
- A Monster Ate My Packed Lunch: Hilarious, illustrated school-based antics from Blue Peter Award winners Pamela Butchart and Thomas Flintham. Join Izzy and her friends on a trip to a big lake where a monster seems to be interested in eating their crisps!
DOWNLOAD THE FREE “A MONSTER ATE MY PACKED LUNCH” ACTIVITY PACK HERE
- A Foal Called Storm: Jasmine’s dad is a farmer, and her mum is a large-animal vet, so Jasmine spends a lot of time caring for animals and keeping them out of trouble. With illustrations throughout, this book is ideal for younger readers who love animals.
Suggested age 8/9+
- The House on the Edge: Where has Faith’s dad gone? Why has he left his family living in an old house perched on a crumbling cliff top? A great mystery with real heart featuring hidden treasure, sea ghosts and a thrilling adventure.
DOWNLOAD “THE HOUSE ON THE EDGE” DISCUSSION NOTES HERE
- The Secret Detectives: Inspired by The Secret Garden and Agatha Christie, join Isobel aboard the S.S. Marianna where she tries to solve a murder mystery. One night, she sees someone being pushed overboard but the next day, nobody seems to be missing…
DOWNLOAD “THE SECRET DETECTIVES” ACTIVITY PACK HERE
DOWNLOAD “THE SECRET DETECTIVES” DISCUSSION NOTES HERE
- The Life and Time of Lonny Quicke: Lonny is a lifeling. He has the power to heal any living creature and bring it back from the dead. But he pays a price for this gift – by lengthening the creature’s life, he shortens his own. A modern day fairytale about family, secrets and a terrible power.
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