Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

Image Credit: Virginie Egger for the TD Summer Reading Club

Kids can have misconceptions about wild animals, especially given the old wives tales that permeate pop culture.  Even the picture books we read that feature talking animals who wear clothing can arguably be a missed opportunity for kids to learn about how animals actually behave.  

Dispel animal myths and a human-centered view of the world by showing kids that animals are honourable, not “rats with wings” (pigeons) or “trash pandas” (raccoons).  Whether cute and furry or hair-raising and scaly, books can remind us that all critters are deserving of respect.  

The TD Summer Reading Club Recommended Reads book list compiles noteworthy titles to educate kids about the biological world in an entertaining way.  This annual roundup of Club titles balances fiction, fantasy, and non-fiction.

• Friend or Foe: the Whole Truth About Animals That People Love to Hate by Etta Kaner (Ages 8-12)
• Wild Ideas by Elin Kelsey (Ages 5- 12)
• Animals that Changed the World by Keltie Thomas (Ages 9-12)

• The Rat by Elise Gravel (Ages 6-9)
• The Wolf-Birds by Willow Dawson (Ages 5-8)

You'll find more fun and silly animal facts in Elise Gravel's Disgusting Critters book series.  In addition to The Rat, check out The Toad, The Worm, Head Lice, The Spider, and The Slug. 

• Wild Animal Neighbors:  Sharing our Urban World by Ann Downer (Ages 11-17)
• What in the Wild?  Mysteries of Nature Concealed…and Revealed by David Schwartz (Ages 6-9)

Even if you wouldn't cuddle with a snake or play tic-tac-toe with a star faced mole, you can appreciate nature by looking a little more closely at it.