Reading is Fun | 4 Books to Kick-Start the New School Term!

Hello everyone! I am Miss Krittika, an English Teacher at Lil’ but Mighty! With the start of the new school term, I’m sure all of you will be required to bring a book for reading during pockets of time in school. For those of you entering Primary school or are in lower or mid-primary, I will be lending you a hand with your book selection today! Not only will I be sharing my love for reading with you, but I will also be recommending some books for you to borrow from the library.

Fun fact! Growing up, I used to tell everyone around me that one day I would build a library of my own. Guess what? I have a mini library in my house right now with shelves of neatly stacked books. You too can build a library at home with all your favourite reads.

I still remember my first book my parents bought for me that transformed me into an avid reader since then. The book was none other than Matilda by Roald Dahl. That book was full of adventure, mystery and one talented girl’s determination to set her mind on something and accomplish it.

If I had to pick a word to describe what reading feels like, it would have to be MAGICAL. Not only does it have the ability to transport me to a whole new world but, it can even chase away my blues.

Connecting with the characters in the books I read and imagining that I am there with them on their adventures makes reading all the more enjoyable. Take for example Geronimo Stilton, he’s the funny little mouse that embarks on adventures in different parts of the world and always gets up to mischief! Imagine being a part of that!

Importance of Reading

Besides being fun, reading is fundamental for everyone’s development. Here are some ways how reading can help you:

• The more you read, the better you get at it

• Reading improves your memory and concentration

• Reading improves your vocabulary and language skills

• Reading enhances your imagination

4 Books to Check Out

Here are 4 fiction books you can borrow from the library to kick-start your reading journey.

1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
(written by Roald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake)

Suitable for: Primary 3 & 4

Pick up this great read from the Book Depository now!

Chock full of humour and adventure, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an all-time favourite across all ages. This book teaches you the importance of being patient and generous. You can watch the trailer of the movie adaption here:

Summary from book:

“Mr Willy Wonka is the most extraordinary chocolate maker in the world. And do you know who Charlie is? Charlie Bucket is the hero. The other children in this book are nasty little beasts, called: Augustus Gloop – a great big greedy nincompoop; Veruca Salt – a spoiled brat; Violet Beauregarde – a repulsive little gum-chewer; Mike Teavee – a boy who only watches television. Clutching their Golden Tickets, they arrive at Wonka’s chocolate factory. But what mysterious secrets will they discover? Our tour is about to begin. Please don’t wander off. Mr Wonka wouldn’t like to lose any of you at this stage of the proceedings…”

2. Rise of the Earth Dragon
(written by Tracy West and illustrated by Graham Howells

Suitable for: Primary 1 & 2

Pick up this great read from the Book Depository now!

If you love fantasy and anything dragons, then this is just the book for you. Vivid illustrations and familiar sight words make this book great for building your reading fluency and skill. The main character, Drake, embarks on a whimsical adventure and in doing so reminds us that we are not alone in our journey and to ask for help if we ever need it.

Summary from book:

DRAGON MASTERS has it all! Dragons, a Dragon Stone, a king, a wizard, and magic! In the first book in this fully-illustrated series, 8-year-old Drake is snatched up by King Roland’s soldier and taken to the castle. He is to be trained as a Dragon Master. At the castle, he is joined by three other young Dragon Masters-in-training: Ana, Rori, and Bo. The Dragon Masters must learn how to connect with and train their dragons – and they must also uncover their dragons’ special powers. Does Drake have what it takes to be a Dragon Master? What is his dragon’s special power?

3. Geronimo Stilton: The Mystery in Venice
(written by Elisabetta Dami and illustrated by Lorenzo De Pretto and Davide Corsi)

Suitable for: Primary 1 onwards

Pick up this great read from the Book Depository now!

Like every other Geronimo Stilton book, this one is equally captivating and silly. With a simple enough narrative and a fun-filled plot, Geronimo Stilton makes for an engaging read for beginners. The book incorporates pictures and descriptive words that is sure to improve your vocabulary so that you too will be able to write colourful stories. There is always a lesson to be learnt in Geronimo’s books such as the importance of kindness and how acts of kindness can make people’s lives better.

Summary from book:

When my friend Petunia Pretty Paws gave me a crystal figurine of a boat as a gift, I had to accept it. After all, I have the biggest crush on Petunia! But oh, was that crystal boat ugly! So I wasn’t too sad when my cousin Trap accidentally broke it, especially when I discovered a piece of paper inside with a mysterious message from someone in Venice, Italy, asking for help! A gentlemouse never ignores a request for assistance. So, I, Geronimo Stilton, would do whatever it took to save the day!

4. Zita the Spacegirl
(written and illustrated by Ben Hatke)

Suitable for: Primary 2 & 3

Pick up this great read from the Book Depository now!

Fans of superheroes and characters who are brave will enjoy Zita the Spacegirl. The book, with its beautiful illustrations, highlights the importance of friendship to Zita and the lengths she will go to save her friends. A clever and humorous read!

Summary from book:

Zita the Spacegirl is an accidental hero: her friend Joseph gets kidnapped and transported to a new dimension, but Zita bravely follows after and determines to rescue him! Along the way, Zita is joined by a motley crew of rejects that include a mouse, select out-of-date or rusty robots, and a vagabond named Piper. While the first book concludes with Zita’s heroic efforts to (successfully) save her friend Joseph, Zita herself is stuck in outer space. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say, and Zita’s career as “Zita the Spacegirl” is launched.

Are you ready to start your reading journey yet? To help you further, I have specially created a book list of some of my fabourite books! Print out the book list here for a list of various books to borrow from the library.

Have fun and share with us your reading experiences in the comments section below. Thank you!