Five books that will change your kids' life
Whether it's reading to your newborn during tummy timeor cuddling your young one during a bedtime story, books become part of a child's life from a very young age.
And according to award-winning children's author and illustrator Tania McCartney, they can have a huge impact on your child's development.
"Stories have power. They can inspire, uplift, enchant and take kids on glorious adventures that could very well shape the rest of their lives," she tells 9Honey Parenting.
While some stories just make for a great smile or giggle, others can stay with your child forever.
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Some books can teach children about the world, important values and a sense of belonging. Getty
With over 65 books in print, published in 20 countries, McCartney knows a good book when she sees one.
And with the latest edition to her long running series, Plume: Christmas Elf coming out just in time for Christmas, it seems a great book can be just what your kids need this holiday season.
McCartney sharing with 9Honey Parenting her top five life-changing reads for kids.
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Tania is also the founder of Kids' Book Review and The Happy Book podcast. Tanie McCartney
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
An absolute classic, the themes in this deliciously retro book could not be more timely.
Children will quickly resonate with the understanding that taking too much is ruinous, and that it's in giving and loving that we will thrive.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein was first released in 1964. GoodReads
Matilda by Roald Dahl
There really is no one like Matilda – a small but feisty character who flagrantly confronts dodgy grown-ups and seizes her power.
This heart-warming book has championed the hearts and minds of girls (and all kids!) for decades.
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Matilda was first released in 1988 Booktopia
MAPS by Aleksandra and Daniel Mizielinski
Like books, travel exponentially expands the hearts and minds of children.
An eye-fest of facts about our planet, its cultural diversity and astonishing natural world, this epic large-format book is the next best thing to boarding a plane.
Maps by Aleksandra and Daniel Mizielinski. GoodReads
Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr Suess
The ultimate school graduation book, this inspirational rhyme-fest is a no-nonsense peek at life ahead (no added sugar).
Sometimes you'll win, sometimes you'll lose, but anything is possible with determination, gratitude, joy and kindness.
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Oh, the places you'll go by Dr Seuss. Booktopia
The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
My favourite children's series of all time, these astonishing books enchant my adult self as much as they did when I was a girl.
Sweeping, dreamlike and utterly goosebumping, this saga of seven books will make a reader (and a believer in magic) of any child.
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. Booktopia
