Raising a Reader: My Curated Book Recommendations
Books are my favourite tools for teaching life skills, empathy, and curiosity. Here are the specific titles I keep on our shelf to help my children navigate their growing worlds.
A look inside "Winter Sleep," a beautiful book about hibernation. My daughter loves the enchanting story and it has sparked so much curiosity.
A peek at the books on our 5.5-year-old's bookshelf this month, including "The Worrying Worries" and "The Colour Monster Doctor."
"The Worrying Worries" is one of the best books we've read on emotions and feelings. It's a must-have for helping children understand and talk about their worries.
"The Colour Monster Doctor" comes with an "emotions toolkit" inside, which alone makes this book worth it. It gives children tangible ideas for what to do when they feel upset.
"How the World Works" is a fantastic book full of information on concepts like fossil fuels and the Big Bang theory. We read it little by little to ignite curiosity.
"The Bear, the Piano, and Little Bear's Concert" is a mesmerizing book with stunning illustrations. Since my daughter plays the keyboard, she could really relate to this story.
These Callerobics handwriting practice books are excellent for children aged 3-10. They offer a step-by-step approach for both print and cursive.
About this collection
I don't just choose books for entertainment; I use them as gentle, low-pressure scripts for the hard conversations. Whether it’s using 'The Colour Monster' to name big feelings or relying on Callerobics for fine motor development, every book on our shelf serves a purpose. These recommendations are curated to help you connect with your child, rather than just lecture them.
Reading is how I 'sneak in' learning at home. Instead of telling Aish or Nemy to 'calm down' or 'be patient,' we read stories that illustrate those values in action. It takes the pressure off both the parent and the child when a character in a book faces the same struggle, be it bedtime resistance or sibling squabbles.
My recommendations here cover two distinct areas. First, there is the social-emotional side: books that teach resilience, empathy, and emotional intelligence. For example, stories like 'Tilda Tries Again' or 'The Colour Monster' give children a vocabulary for what they are feeling internally.
Second, I focus on practical skill-building. You will find specific handwriting guides and phonics resources that I use to help them develop confidence without forcing the process. If your child is resisting a routine—like bedtime—I suggest looking for books that logically explain the 'why' behind the habit, rather than just demanding obedience.
I share these because they have worked for us. If you are looking for a specific recommendation for your child's age or a particular behaviour you are trying to navigate, message me. I have a growing list of resources, and I would love to help you find the ones that will resonate with your child’s temperament.
Ankita B Chandak
I’m Ankita, a parent coach and mom to Aish and Nemy. I’m not here to give you a lecture; I’m here to share the exact books and resources we use at home to make our days calmer and our bond stronger.
Looking for specific parenting resources?
You can search my recommendations by topic, age group, or specific challenges.
More from Early Childhood Parenting Coach by Ankita B Chandak
More services by Ankita B Chandak