Stories and books that are ideal for Early Years play a vital role in a child’s early education. They don’t just encourage a love of reading—they also spark imagination, support language development, and nurture social and emotional skills from a very young age.
📚 The benefits of reading in Early Years
Reading in the early years offers countless benefits, including:
- 🌱 Expanding vocabulary and language skills
- 💡 Stimulating creativity and imagination
- 🤝 Developing empathy and social awareness
- 🧠 Improving focus and memory
🌟 How to choose the right stories and books for Early Years
When choosing stories for young children, look for books that include:
- 🖼️ Bright, engaging illustrations
- 🗣️ Simple, repetitive language
- ❤️ Positive values and messages
- 🎯 Interactive or sensory elements that encourage active participation
🧸 Our favourite stories and books for Early Years
📕 The Colour Monster – Anna Llenas
Helps children recognise and manage basic emotions through playful illustrations and a simple narrative. Available in Spanish and English.
📗 What Does the Moon Taste Like? – Michael Grejniec
A heartwarming tale about teamwork and friendship, brought to life with captivating illustrations. Available in Spanish and English.
📘 The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle
A beloved classic that introduces numbers, days of the week and healthy eating, with fun, colourful visuals. Available in Spanish and English.
📙 Elmer, the Patchwork Elephant – David McKee
Teaches children the value of diversity and being true to oneself through a cheerful and vibrant story. Available in Spanish and English.
📔 Guess How Much I Love You – Sam McBratney
A tender and touching story that helps young children express affection and emotional connection. Available in Spanish and English.
📓 Goodnight Moon – Margaret Wise Brown
A bedtime favourite that offers calm and comfort, making it perfect for winding down at the end of the day. Available in Spanish and English.
📒 Where the Wild Things Are – Maurice Sendak
A magical journey into a child’s imagination, with important lessons about emotions and self-control. Available in Spanish and English.
🔗 The importance of building a reading habit
Encouraging children to read from an early age not only boosts their language skills, but also helps build a lifelong emotional connection to books. When reading becomes a regular and enjoyable part of daily life, children are more likely to grow curious, confident and eager to learn.
At Numont School, we support families in making reading part of everyday routines—both at home and in the classroom. Developing a love of stories and books during the Early Years lays the foundation for strong academic progress and a lasting passion for learning.
✨ Would you like to know more about our Early Years programme?
Get in touch with us—we’d love to hear from you!
📖 You may also enjoy reading:
9 recommended books for kindergarden, elementary and middle school
What is Early Years Foundation Stage in the UK system?
How to support your child’s first days at school
Our top recommendations
