When it comes to reading books, there are countless benefits for children. Books help kids with cognitive and language development, listening skills, social development, imagination, and academics just to name a few. Reading even builds new brain connections for children.
Put aside the TV and video games. Instead, encourage your children to cozy up to a good book.
Read below for some of our physicians’ top picks!
Book: Pink is for Boys
- Author: Robb Pearlman
- About: A seemingly simple educational picture book about colors that also introduces the concepts of inclusivity and diversity.
- Recommend by: Phyllis Townsend
“It teaches young children that it’s okay if preferences, hobbies, and/or interests do not follow stereotypes. It’s a great book!”
Book: Harry Potter Series
- Author: J.K. Rowling
- About: The adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
- Recommended by: Dr. Tim Carr
“Great books for more advanced readers — no other series has ever captured the imagination of both kids and adults like this!”
Book: You Should Meet Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Author: Laurie Calkhoven
- About: The life events that shaped the recently deceased “Notorious RBG”.
- Recommend by: Dr. Molly Hood
“A powerful example for school aged children of how far education and perseverance can take you. Emphasis that girls are good at math and should never be discouraged.”
Book: You are Special
- Author: Max Lucado
- About: You Are Special is a beautiful story that reminds us that we are precious to God just the way we are.
- Recommended by: John W. Chambers
“I love this book. It’s one of my favorites.”
Book: Alexander & The Terrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
- Author: Judith Viorst
- About: For 12-year-old Alexander, everyday is a bad day! Read to find out about his wish on this 12th Birthday!
- Recommended by: Allen Peabody
“This book is a great reminder that we all have bad days!”
Book: Just One You!
- Author: Sesame Workshop
- About: The world of sesame Street invites children in to teach them how truly special they are.
- Recommended by: Danielle Nicholls, PNP
“This special book reminds kids they are unique and one of a kind.”
Book: My Name is Not Isabella
- Author: Jennifer Fosberry
- About: A New York Times Bestseller. Just how big can a little girl dream?
- Recommended by: Allison Couden
“It’s a sweet book (along with its boy companion book) encouraging kids to dream big and learn about some amazing historical figures along the way.”
Book: Barnyard Dance & Pajama Time (…and everything else!)
- Author: Sandra Boynton
- About: Big, bold, humorous, rhyming verses with whimsical illustrations about square-dancing animals and a sleepy, PJ-clad menagerie.
- Recommended by: Dr. Tim Carr
“Fun rhyming board books for little ones.”
Book: May I See The King
- Authors: Vince & Julie Daubenspeck
- About: Experience the untold story of how the Humpty Dumpty took an incredible journey back to wholeness.
- Recommended by: John W. Chambers
“I love this book. It’s one of my favorites.”
Book: You Should Meet Katherine Johnson
- Author: Thea Feldman and Alyssa Petersen
- About: Get to know this historic woman who make NASA’s early missions possible.
- Recommended by: Molly Hood
“Incredible lesson about a smart woman who beat the odds in life and is a wonderful role model for children to look up to.”
Book: Goodnight Moon
- Author: Margaret Wise Brown
- About: A classic featuring a bunny saying “Goodnight” to everything around.
- Recommended by: Danielle Nicholls, PNP
“A favorite bedtime story of children for many years. This book is relaxing and peaceful.”
Book: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
- Author: CS Lewis
- About: Four adventurous siblings step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter and enslaved by the White Witch. But when almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change and a great sacrifice.
- Recommended by: John W. Chambers
“I love this book. It’s one of my favorites.”
Book: I Am Malala (Junior Version)
- Author: Malala Yousafzai
- About: A girl who stood up for education and was shot by the Taliban. It was an International Best Seller in 2013.
- Recommended by: Allison Couden
“A great book that journeys what standing up for what you believe is so important. Malala is a great role model. She was the youngest person to ever win the world famous Nobel Peace Prize.”
Book: Hair Love
- Author: Matthew A. Cherry
- About: Follow a special day in the life of Zuri and her father.
- Recommended by: Katherine Harrison, CPNP-PC
“This tender story highlights loving moments between a father and daughter. Don’t miss Rocky, the cat, providing all the comedy!”
Book: Magic Tree House Series
- Author: Mary Pope Osborne
- About: When Jack and Annie discover a mysterious tree house filled with books, they never dream that it will take them on exciting adventures around the world and throughout history!
- Recommended by: Dr. Tim Carr
“These are great chapter books for early readers with adventures through history.”
Book: A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Author: Charles Shultz
- About: Everyone is enjoying the holiday celebrations except Charlie Brown. Can the Peanuts gang help Charlie Brown discover the true meaning of Christmas?
- Recommended by: John W. Chambers
“I love this book. It’s one of my favorites.”
