We are entering an era where storytelling from elders is becoming outdated. The kids of today's era does not spent time with people around instead they like to play with their electronic gadgets.
There is a research that says; kids who listen bed time stories from their elders are more likely to build unbreakable bonds with their family members.
They are more intelligent and have rational thinking pattern amongst others. In scientific language it is called intergenerational Bond which is very important while these kids are growing older and making new relationships at home, institutes, and around the world.
A research in 2008 from Emory University discovered that children having good family history memory and knowledge are more likely to face challenges in their life that too, with resilience. Having story time at night from their parents and other elders of the house helps young children understand their family with a sense of strength and confidence.
Reference:
Duke, M. P., Fivush, R., & Brandell, J. E. (2008). The Stories That Bind Us: How Family Stories Foster Emotional Resilience in Children. Family Process, 47(3), 403-418.
These young kids may demonstrate the following characteristics in their later life;
- Deep family bonds
- Good at creating a bridge between the past, present, and future
- Comparatively higher emotional intelligence
- Better sense of self.
With these special characteristics, people tend to be more human in the robotic world we live in these days. Well, it is a lot about storytelling benefits, but another real challenge is to find the right book for the kids to be read on their bedside while kissing them good night. Choosing a book largely depends on the content and characters of the story. Especially the ones the kids like the most like cats.
Few characters in children's books are as much a spark of delight and imagination as cats. Cats are the most attractive pets amongst all, especially for kids. They are curious and playful. Their furry little faces have been sneaking into bedtime stories for generations, and there is a pretty cute reason behind that. Cats have all the traits that can easily pull the gaze of the audience in no time. They play independent yet with fellows, kids, and elders equally; they are mysterious sometimes.
They are complete characters fulfilling a child's imagination to provide lessons in empathy, kindness, and curiosity.
If you are the one who is looking for some of the best books for young children look no further keep reading you may find the perfect one in the list given below.
Top 10 Best Books for Young Children
1. Circus of Cats in Venice by Viviana Falleti
A contemporary treasure from Little Feather Press, Circus of Cats in Venice transports readers to the dreamlike universe of performing cats in one of the most magical cities on earth, Venice. The author Viviana Falleti is a full of empathy individual who has a keen eye for family bonding and morals. The illustration work is done by Claudia Gadotti. If this does not count as a spoiler, the story traces a group of cats performing stunning acrobatics, wandering over bridges, and playing with gondolas.
What makes this tale ideal for bedtime reading:
- Exciting adventures.
- Inspiring lessons in teamwork.
- Friendship and courage.
The characters have unique names such as King Avalanche, Little Boots, and Charlotte, kids and parents will enjoy the subtle moral undertones woven into the story alike.
Why do children like it?
The colorful artwork, whimsical cat characters, and Venetian circus setting render this book a visual and imaginative banquet.
2. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
The list is incomplete without Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat. This story has a naughty character who has been entertaining kids since 1957. It exposes young readers to the lighthearted mayhem that occurs when rules are disregarded.
What makes this tale ideal for bedtime reading:
- The rhyming pattern.
- Rhythmic verse.
- Vivid pictures.
- Moral lesson regarding responsibility and choice.
Bedtime with the Cat in the Hat will neither be peaceful, perhaps, but it will also be unforgettable.
Why do children adore it?
The rhymes are enjoyable to read out loud, and the Cat's mischievous behavior is perpetually comical.
3. Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton
Rob Scotton's adorable black Cat with big, round eyes and an even larger personality has won over the hearts of young children. Splat the Cat is a book in which children accompany Splat on school-day escapades, goofy mishaps, and endearing moments.
What makes this tale ideal for bedtime reading:
- Humorous artwork combined with Splat's endearing concerns and delights makes this series a bedtime favorite.
- It's particularly for kids who are anxious about school and social settings.
Why do young kids like it?
Splat's quirks are goofy, endearing, and real-world-applicable, making him an ideal bedtime companion.
4. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by James Dean & Eric Litwin
I Love My White Shoes introduces young kids to Pete's mellow character as he wanders through life, bumping into mishaps (such as stepping in strawberries and mud), but never losing his cool.
Pete the Cat has:
- Entertainment.
- Singing stories.
- The plain language and repetition.
- Message about staying positive.
- Resilience.
Why would children love it?
The sing-song narrative style and Pete's easygoing demeanor make this book a pleasure to read at bedtime.
5. Jenny and the Cat Club by Esther Averill
Esther Averill's Jenny and the Cat Club is a delightful classic from 1940. But you can not tell while reading the story to the kids that it is this old. The tale comprises of a character Jenny Linsky, a timid black cat from New York City, who is eager to join the local Cat Club.
What makes this tale ideal for bedtime reading:
- Lesson in friendship.
- Courage.
- Acceptance of oneself.
- The sweet text.
- Traditional drawings.
It is an utter nostalgic experience for parents and a peaceful reassurance for younger children.
Why do your kids enjoy it?
Jenny's progress from shy to strong strikes a chord with youngsters, and the Cat Club is somewhere they'll return again and again.
6. Mog the Forgetful Cat by Judith Kerr
Forgetfulness is a hot topic amongst kids, and if it is related to older people or the cats, they enjoy it to the moon. Judith Kerr's dear Mog is also the same character of this habit of forgetting everything. Kids will recall Nimo and Dori by reading this. The absent-minded Cat with endearing behavior will be mesmerized by kids in seconds.
What makes this tale ideal for bedtime reading:
- Warm, intimate setting.
- Kerr's cozy storytelling style.
- Mog's larks are familiar, comforting, and full of love.
Why would children enjoy it?
Mog's goofy errors and endearing personality are simple to laugh at and identify with.
7. Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág
Released in 1928, Millions of Cats is the oldest continuously published American picture book. The tale is about an old couple who bring home a cat and soon have millions of them surrounding them.
What makes this tale ideal for bedtime reading:
Its distinctive, hand-drawn artwork and lyrical text render it a classic bedtime book. Kids adore the cadence of the storytelling, while grown-ups appreciate reliving a slice of picture book history.
Why would children cherish it?
The very excess of cats within the story makes kids laugh and marvel.
8. Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
For children who enjoy a splash of humor at bedtime, Skippyjon Jones is a must-read. This Siamese kitten thinks he's a sword-fighting Chihuahua, and the resulting comedic misadventures and flights of fancy follow.
What makes this tale ideal for bedtime reading:
- The lighthearted language.
- Goofy rhymes.
- Lively illustrations.
Why do children treasure it?
Skippyjon's over-the-top imagination is infectious, teaching children to think big.
9. The Cats of Roxville Station by Jean Craighead George
A slightly more daring option for slightly older kids, The Cats of Roxville Station is a mix of reality and heart.
While less fantastically whimsical than some of the others on this list, its considerate storytelling makes it a bedtime book that prompts good discussions.
Why do children love it?
The combination of adventure and emotional moments makes this a thrilling and emotional read.
10. The Cat Who Walked Across France by Kate Banks
A lovely storybook with a painting, this story has a cat who is a traveller, it travels across France following the death of its owner.
What makes this tale ideal for bedtime reading:
- Explores loss.
- Tenacity.
- What home means.
- The lyrical prose and gentle illustrations.
- Reassurance and emotional complexity.
Why children enjoy it:
The Cat's extended journey provides adventure, with the conclusion giving comfort and optimism.
Final Thoughts
The list shared has a great blend of laughable rhymes, touching tales, and charming adventures. Hope this list of best books for young children would help parents, teachers, grand parents, uncles, and aunts to pick some good bed time story books for their young children and get closer to them whenever they get the chance in this busy life routine.
If you are looking for a cute recommendation from my side, then get your hands on this whimsical cat adventure, "Circus of Cats in Venice by Viviana Falleti from Little Feather Press." It has a story along with colorful illustrations. Let's make reading bedtime stories a treasured ritual again.