Books Every Parent Should Read With Their Child Before Age 10
There are some books that every child should experience before they reach double digits. The ones that make them laugh until their belly hurts, that introduce them to courage, kindness and curiosity. The ones that stay in their hearts long after they can read by themselves.
You know those stories. The ones that smell like your own childhood. The ones that feel like home. They are not just stories. They are building blocks for imagination, empathy and family memories.
So, pop the kettle on and grab a notebook. Here is a list of books every parent should read with their child before the age of ten, along with a few thoughts on why they matter so much.
1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
This classic is almost a rite of passage. Every page feels like a small celebration of curiosity and colour. Children love poking their fingers through the holes and guessing what the caterpillar will eat next.
Beneath the bright artwork, the story quietly teaches patience, transformation and the beauty of change. It is a perfect way to show that growing up takes time and that small steps can lead to something amazing.
2. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Rhyming, rhythmic and slightly cheeky, The Gruffalo is one of those stories that never gets old. It is packed with clever repetition, making it perfect for reading aloud together.
It also teaches children something important: you do not need to be big to be brave. The little mouse outsmarts everyone simply by using his brain. That message, delivered through fun rhyme and humour, is pure gold.
3. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
This one is wild, strange and utterly unforgettable. It shows that even when a child feels angry or misunderstood, they are still loved.
When Max sails off to the land of the Wild Things, he lets out all his emotions. Yet when he returns home, his supper is waiting. It is a simple but powerful reminder that love is steady, even when we are not.
The illustrations are a dream to look at together, full of detail and mystery.
4. Matilda by Roald Dahl
Every child should meet Matilda. She is bright, brave and endlessly inspiring. This story celebrates cleverness, kindness and courage in the face of unfairness.
Parents often rediscover their inner child while reading it. Dahl had a wicked sense of humour, and that mix of silliness and rebellion delights children while teaching them that knowledge and kindness are real superpowers.
5. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Tiny in size but enormous in charm, this story has been loved for over a century. Peter’s mischievous adventure is timeless because every child can relate to curiosity getting them into a bit of trouble.
Reading it together is a gentle introduction to consequences, courage and forgiveness. The delicate watercolours add a soothing calm to bedtime reading.
6. Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne
If there is one book that captures the magic of friendship, this is it. Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood show that everyone has something special to offer, even if they are a bit odd or forgetful.
There is something deeply comforting about these stories. They teach empathy and acceptance without trying. They are also surprisingly wise. Many adults secretly find themselves quoting Pooh long after the book is closed.
7. Charlotte’s Webb by E. B. White
This book is an emotional one, but it is also beautiful. It teaches children about friendship, loyalty and the cycle of life in a way that feels gentle and full of grace.
It is the perfect story to read together when your child begins to ask deeper questions about loss, change and kindness. Every page reminds you that even the smallest voices can make a big difference.
8. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
A wardrobe that leads to another world? That alone is enough to make any child’s imagination explode. This story is full of bravery, adventure and the classic battle between good and evil.
Reading it together is a bonding experience because it opens up conversations about choices, courage and what it means to do the right thing. The imagery is unforgettable. You can almost feel the snow crunching under your feet.
9. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Yes, another Donaldson story, because she truly understands how to engage children. This one is joyful, funny and packed with rhythm. It shows how sharing and teamwork can make life far more fun.
Kids adore joining in with the repeated lines and spotting the characters in the illustrations. It is an instant mood booster and a wonderful read-aloud story.
10. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
For slightly older children, this one is a gem. It is poetic, thoughtful and full of layers that both children and adults can understand differently. It talks about love, loneliness and what really matters in life, all through the eyes of a child.
You might find yourself wiping away a tear while your little one is fascinated by the planets and the tiny prince himself. It is a story that grows with you.
Bonus tip: Let your child choose
The most important rule of all is this: let your child have a say. If they fall in love with a book that is not on any “must-read” list, celebrate that. The goal is to build a lifelong love of reading, not to tick boxes.
Sometimes the best story is the one that makes them laugh uncontrollably or ask a question you cannot quite answer.
Why these books matter
These stories are not just entertainment. They are tools for connection. They give you a reason to sit close, to laugh, to talk about big ideas in small ways. They build empathy, spark imagination and create memories you will both carry forever.
One day, your child will read these same books to someone else. And when they do, they will remember your voice, your warmth and the feeling of being loved through words.
So keep these books close. Read them slowly. Let them live on your shelves and in your hearts. Because some stories never really end. They just keep finding new readers.