It’s National Read a Book Day! Encourage a Love of Reading in Kids With These Top Picks

Reading supports child development and offers lasting benefits throughout life. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), literacy and reading are among the most valuable skills for children to learn. The PHAC states that children who read tend to show greater initiative, higher self-esteem and better academic performance.

Reading together is also encouraged, as it helps deepen the connection between parents and their children. It's not just a fun shared activity — it also plays a crucial role in enhancing a child’s language skills. A notable study from The Ohio State University in 2019 showed that kids whose parents read them five books per day before entering kindergarten had been exposed to about 1.4 million more words than those who didn’t have regular reading sessions.

Our top picks for young book lovers

Mudpuppy 'Baby's First Book of Banned Books'

Start National Read a Book Day on a positive note with this fun little book that showcases banned classics and cherished stories such as 'The Diary of Anne Frank' and 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' It contains colorful illustrations on every page, a glossary and explanations of each featured book. The 35-page book is just the right size for young children’s hands, too, so you can read along together.

Mudpuppy user reviews suggest this book is an excellent gift for budding readers. Kelly B., a verified buyer, notes, "I got this book and the Little Scientist Board Book Set for my niece's first birthday. She loves books, but her scientist parents may have been even more excited than she was. She'll be able to enjoy these books as she grows and begins to read, as they're perfect for helping to develop new readers."

Mudpuppy I Read Banned Books 500 Piece Family Puzzle

This puzzle encourages curiosity about banned books in older kids, suitable for ages 8 and up. It contains 500 pieces, featuring vibrant original illustrations of banned books. All pieces are produced from 90% recycled paper and printed using nontoxic inks. This puzzle also adheres to PSIA, ASTM and CE safety regulations.

Galison Bibliophile Book Club Darlings 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

This is another book-themed jigsaw puzzle that we love; it's a more challenging option with 1,000 pieces. This puzzle showcases artist Jane Mount’s illustrations of well-known book titles such as ‘The Bluest Eye,’ ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife,’ and ‘The Kite Runner.’ It's a great solo challenge or a fun activity to enjoy with friends and family.

Reviewers appreciate this puzzle for its excellent quality. Lauren T., a verified buyer, shares, "I have purchased several Galison puzzles. They are always of high quality with no dust. The Bibliophile puzzle was extremely fun as the picture included several books which I have read with my book club."

UpUDo Magnetic Bookmark 12-Pack

Every reader needs a reliable bookmark, and this set will help you keep track of where you left off. There is beautiful art illustrations on both sides, and their magnetic design allows for easy page marking. These bookmarks fit neatly into any book without taking up too much room and remain slim for a flat finish. What's more, they're affordably priced under $10 for a set of 12.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids

With the Kindle Paperwhite Kids edition, your child can dive into reading anywhere they go, with access to thousands of books tailored to various reading levels. It features an adjustable warm light for comfortable reading, day or night, along with parental controls, Vocabulary Builder, and Word Wise to help young readers enhance their literacy skills.

This Kindle boasts 16 gigabytes of storage and comes with a year-long subscription to Amazon Kids+. For your peace of mind, it also includes a durable kid-proof cover and a two-year warranty.

'Where The Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak

This beloved children's classic is a great choice for young readers. Originally published in 1963, 'Where the Wild Things Are' tells the story of a young boy who creates a magical land using only his imagination. This book explores themes of emotional expression and independence. It's a bedtime story that children will never forget, and you'll have requests to read it over and over.

'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' by J.K. Rowling

Whether you're a Potterhead yourself or your kid loves fantasy, The 'Harry Potter' series won't disappoint. The wizarding world imagined by J.K. Rowling has enchanted readers of all ages for the last two decades. The bestselling series to ever be published, "Harry Potter" is celebrated for its themes of love and sacrifice, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil.

This special 25th-anniversary edition includes unique features such as original illustrations from J.K. Rowling’s personal collection, an illustrated map of Hogwarts and interesting facts about the series. Best of all, if your child loves the book, there are six others in the series to enjoy.

Roald Dahl Collection 16-Book Boxed Set

Roald Dahl is truly one of the most cherished authors in children’s literature. If you’re looking to enrich your child’s bookshelf with some of his magical stories, consider grabbing this collection of 16 books for under $50. It features well-known titles like 'Matilda,' 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,' and 'James and the Giant Peach,' along with some lesser-known gems. Each book is filled with illustrations that capture children’s attention and keep them engaged from start to finish.

Gritin 9 LED Book Light

This handy book light can brighten up your kid's nighttime reading — it clamps onto pages but can conveniently stand alone, thanks to its anti-slip pad at the base. This portable reading lamp is dimmable with three colour modes, a rechargeable battery, and a flexible 360-degree neck.

Amazon customers are mighty impressed with this book light. Cory Miller, a verified Amazon customer, writes, "This light is a must for late-night binge reading. I love the three different light settings. The first one is pretty bright, so I usually use the 3rd setting. It holds its battery for a long time. I only charge it about twice a week. It clips on nicely to books and the adjustable neck is very convenient."

A Nice Night Faux Fur Reading Pillow

Fall is the season of coziness, and this reading pillow is just what kids need to stay comfortable while diving into their next book. Available in ten colours and two sizes, it's delightful to lounge on with a plush faux fur cover and cotton filling.

In terms of support, this pillow truly shines. Measuring 17 inches high and 14 inches wide, it provides a solid backing. The arms stretch out 10 inches to cradle the shoulders and neck, helping to minimize any pain or discomfort. It's large enough for adults to use, as well.

Galison Literary Tales Reusable Shopping Bag

Show off your love for books wherever you go with this reusable shopping bag, showcasing a colourful book spine design that's sure to draw the eye. Made from recycled non-woven plastic and equipped with a strong handle, it's ideal for carrying groceries, books or other personal items. It's affordably priced at less than $5, making it practically a steal.

Galison Books and Ladders Classic Board Game

You may remember playing the Snakes and Ladders board game when you were younger. Now, it comes with an exciting new twist featuring a delightful book theme! Players can now enjoy a bookshelf-inspired design, complete with ladders that help you climb higher and bookmark ribbons that send you back down. It features original illustrations by Hyesu Lee, an artist, muralist, and educator based in New York.