5 Top Rated Picture Books By An Education Specialist
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best picture books available today for children aged 3-12, carefully selected for their educational value and captivating storytelling. From top-rated picture books that entertain and enlighten, to those with a special focus on learning, we'll delve into a treasure trove of titles that inspire. With each book recommendation, we’ll also offer educational activity ideas to make story time an enriching experience for young readers.
By U2 Tuition Founder and Writer, Camille Goodman
Navigating the vast landscape of children’s literature can be a delightful yet daunting task for parents. The impact of the best picture books on a child's imagination is profound; I still cherish the vivid worlds crafted by authors during my own childhood, each story etched in my mind's eye. The magic of storytelling goes beyond the Educational Activity Book aisle – every narrative shapes a child's understanding of empathy, creativity, and the intricacies of life.
Children absorb valuable lessons unconsciously through the stories they read, discovering not only how to empathise and feel but also how to think creatively. While some books subtly impart these lessons, others take a more deliberate approach. In the realm of children's literature today, there exists a treasure trove of titles that seamlessly weave in lessons about art, history, classics, science, maths, and the natural world through vibrant imagery and captivating storytelling.
As the founder of U2 Tuition with a background rooted in education, the books I recommend in this blog are handpicked for their exceptional educational value. Join me as I delve into my current top five picture book recommendations, offering insights into why each book stands out and how it can become a catalyst for accelerating your child's learning journey. Let's embark on a literary adventure that combines the joy of storytelling with the power of education.
Top-rated Picture Books That Offer Educational Value
1: Mister Finch and the Queen by Camille Goodman
It brings me immense joy to kick off this list with my own creation. My childhood passion for reading planted the seed that eventually led to my journey as an author. At the tender age of 9, I scribbled in my diary about a dream I had to write a 'propper' book and see it published. Miraculously, that dream became a reality!
This rhyming tale follows the whimsical adventures of a charmingly eccentric old man eagerly awaiting his invitation from the palace as he approaches his 100th birthday. His pet chick, Marcello, goes everywhere with him on his rickety pink bicycle, visiting London’s most iconic sights. The heart of this narrative lies in fostering connections, aiming to bring joy and shared laughter to both young and old, inspiring them to craft their own tales of misadventures, no matter where life takes them.
Reflecting on my own childhood love for a book featuring secret pop-up flaps, I decided to include an interactive element into my creation. "Mister Finch and the Queen" is more than just a story; it's an immersive experience. Bursting with writing activities crafted to ignite children's creative imagination and enhance their writing skills, I poured my heart into every page.
I sincerely hope that you find as much delight in reading "Mister Finch and the Queen" as I did in bringing it to life.
Age: 3 to 8 years
N.B. I am offering a free 30-minute storytelling masterclass online for all those who buy a copy! Simply email camille@u2tuition.com with times your child is available once you have purchased the book. Suitable for all ages from 4+.
Educational Activity Idea: Rhyming Adventure Scavenger Hunt (Age 5+)
Take children on a rhyming adventure inspired by the main characters of the book. This educational activity not only explores rhyming words but also encourages observation, creativity, and a sense of adventure.
Steps:
1. Introduction to Rhyming Words:
Begin by discussing rhyming words with your child. Explain that rhyming words have similar ending sounds. Provide examples, and encourage them to share words that rhyme. Read the rhyming tale aloud, focusing on the rhyming words used in the story. Emphasise the rhythm and playfulness of the language.
2. Rhyming Adventure Scavenger Hunt:
Create a list of rhyming words from the book or come up with new ones related to the characters and their misadventures.
3. Create Rhyming Clues:
Provide your child with a set of rhyming clues that lead them to different locations or objects. For example, a clue could be, "Find something that rhymes with ‘queen’ and is a colour” – the answer would be ‘green’ so you could include something green nearby for them to find.
5. Explore the Environment:
Your child can search for the items or places mentioned in the rhyming clues. Encourage them to observe and engage with their surroundings.
6. Collect Rhyming Words:
As your child finds each item, have them collect a word card or picture representing the rhyming word. For instance, if the clue led them to a "hat," they would collect a card with the word "hat."
7. Create a Rhyming Adventure Story:
Once all the rhyming words are collected, guide your child in creating a collaborative rhyming adventure story. Each child can contribute a sentence or two using the collected words. Encourage them to be imaginative and weave a story inspired by Finch and Marcello.
An activity page from Mister Finch and the Queen
2: The Oak Tree by Julia Donaldson
Julia is an obvious pick, but I love how her latest picture book weaves history and nature together so beautifully. Written in rhyme, it traces the life journey of an oak tree - from a tiny acorn to a majestic 1000-year old marvel. The enchanting tale introduces young readers to the oak tree's role as a silent witness to various eras, hosting children from the Normans and Tudors to the Victorians and present day.
The book is a lovely way for children to learn about the historical tapestry of England, whilst simultaneously offering a lesson in the natural cycle of life, emphasising the interconnectedness of all living things. It's a beautiful exploration of time, history, and the delicate balance between nature and human existence. It invites young minds to embrace the wonders of the past, appreciate the beauty of the present, and recognise their responsibility in safeguarding the environment for the generations yet to come.
Age: 4 to 8 years
Educational Activity Idea: Time-Traveling Tree Timeline
This educational activity will encourage your child to explore historical periods, understand the life cycle of trees, and appreciate the importance of preserving our natural environment.
Steps:
1. Introduction to the Oak Tree Story:
Begin by reading or revisiting "The Oak Tree" with your child. Emphasise the historical aspects and how the oak tree serves as a witness to different time periods in England. Discuss the importance of trees and nature in preserving history and providing a habitat for various creatures.
2. Historical Research:
Encourage your child to explore different historical periods mentioned in the book, such as the Normans, Tudors and Victorians. Use age-appropriate resources, books, or online materials to provide a basic understanding of each era.
3. Create a Time-Traveling Tree Timeline:
Provide your child with materials such as large sheets of paper, markers, and craft supplies. Ask them to create a timeline showcasing the life of the oak tree across different historical periods. Each section of the timeline can represent a different era, with illustrations and brief descriptions of significant events.
4. Tree Life Cycle Exploration:
Integrate a lesson on the life cycle of trees. Discuss concepts such as acorns, germination, growth, and the different stages of an oak tree's life. Encourage the children to include illustrations or diagrams depicting the various phases of a tree's growth on their timelines.
7. Extension Activity - Planting Seeds:
As an extension, consider organising a hands-on activity where your child can plant acorns or seeds. This not only connects with the theme of the oak tree but also provides a tangible experience of nurturing and caring for living things.
3: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
I love it when fact and fiction merge - this book is described as 'creative nonfiction', unfolding the narratives of 100 heroic women, ranging from the mathematician, Ava Lovelace, to writer, Maya Angelou, through a collection of short bedtime stories. I can imagine myself as a young girl being read these stories at bedtime, so inspired by the lives of these remarkable women, many of whom were previously obscured by history.
One of my personal favourites is the narrative featuring the naturalist, Maria Sibylla Merian. Introduced to me through the What's Her Name Podcast, Merian, a trained 17th Century artist, made precise and exquisite observations that confirmed the metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies. This groundbreaking discovery significantly contributed to the fields of animal behavior and ecology.
The book resonates deeply with our commitment to championing young girls in education. On our website, we have a dedicated resource section honouring Great Female Writers and Thinkers, and love to champion young girls in education so I find this book particularly apt to recommend!
Age: 6 to 12 years
Educational Activity Idea: Create a Heroic Women Storybook
Encourage your child's creativity and research skills by inviting them to embark on a storytelling adventure inspired by the remarkable women featured in the book. This activity not only fosters imaginative thinking but also provides an opportunity for further exploration of historical and influential figures.
Steps:
1. Select a Heroine:
Have your child choose a favorite heroine from the book. It could be someone they find particularly inspiring or intriguing. Remind them that the chosen character can be from any field – science, arts, sports, or activism.
2. Research and Gather Information:
Depending on the age and interests of your child, guide them in conducting some basic research about the chosen heroine. This could involve reading more about her in the book or using additional resources. Encourage your child to discover interesting facts and details about the heroine's life, achievements, and impact.
3. Develop the Story:
Ask your child to imagine a new adventure or scenario for the chosen heroine. This can be entirely fictional, allowing their creativity to flourish. Alternatively, if your child enjoys research, they can create a story based on actual events from the heroine's life. Encourage them to think about challenges the heroine might have faced and how she overcame them.
4. Illustrate the Story:
Enhance the storytelling experience by incorporating illustrations. Your child can draw pictures to accompany each part of the story, bringing the narrative to life.
5. Compile the Storybook:
Help your child organise the story and illustrations into a mini storybook. They can use construction paper, bind the pages together, and create a cover for their unique Heroic Women Storybook. This not only showcases their creativity but also provides a tangible representation of their learning.
4: Darwin & Hooker by Alexandra Stewart and Joe Todd-Stanton
This one’s for the budding young scientists out there. The book follows the story of Charles Darwin and his lesser-known friend, Joseph Hooker, from boyhood to brilliant scientific discovery. Though a work of non-fiction, the book transforms the scientific journey of these two remarkable figures into a captivating story. It not only provides an invaluable education on evolution and biology generally, but also teaches children about the power of friendship, connection and curiosity.
Age: 7 to 12 years
Educational Activity Idea: Curiosity Collection Project
Inspire the natural scientist in your child with an engaging and hands-on activity inspired by the book. This activity not only encourages a love for nature but also cultivates scientific curiosity, observation skills, and a sense of exploration.
Steps:
1. Introduction to Darwin & Hooker:
Begin by introducing the book and its exploration of the lives of Charles Darwin and Joseph Hooker. Emphasise their shared love of collecting specimens and how it played a crucial role in their scientific discoveries.
2. Discussion on Collecting and Curiosity:
Facilitate a discussion about the importance of collecting specimens and how it reflects curiosity about the natural world. Highlight the role of observation and curiosity in scientific exploration.
3. Create a Curiosity Collection Scrapbook:
Provide your child with a scrapbook or notebook. Encourage them to go on a nature walk or explore their surroundings to find interesting specimens such as leaves, shells, rocks, or make sketches of animals. They can collect these items and later stick or draw them in their scrapbook.
4. Research and Labelling:
Turn the activity into a learning experience by encouraging the children to research each specimen they collect. This could involve identifying plant species, learning about the geological composition of rocks, or exploring the habitats of certain animals. Have them label each specimen with relevant information.
5. Scientific Hat On:
Invite the children to put on their "scientist's hat" as they engage in this project. Emphasise the importance of careful observation, note-taking, and curiosity-driven research. This not only enhances their scientific thinking but also makes the activity feel like a real scientific endeavour.
6. Create a Presentation:
As a culmination of the project, your child could create a brief presentation about their curiosity collection. They can share interesting facts they've learned about each specimen and discuss their experiences during the collection process.
5: Write Your Own Story Book by Usborne
Usborne is a leading Independent Publisher of children’s books and are always innovative in their approach, for example, with their roster of sound books that play noises when you touch the button. This book is more of an activity book than a story and is perfect for any aspiring young writers or children who could do with some creative writing inspiration. Whilst children have many an opportunity to write stories at school, they won’t often get the chance to write one in an actual book format. Your child will love the idea that they are creating a real life book!
It includes sections for them to write their own stories in a variety of different forms and genres, from diary journals to comic strips. It also provides a fabulous toolkit for children to learn how to write and structure their stories effectively, including how to title your story, coming up with effective heroes and villains, and much more.
Age: 6 to 12 years
Educational Activity Idea: Fill the book!
Enrich Your Child's Learning Experience with U2 Tuition
U2 Tuition can provide personalised support tailored to your child's needs. From widening a student’s reading repertoire in English sessions to targeted school application support at 7+, 8+, 10+, 11+ and 13+, we have a team of inspiring tutors who specialise in primary tuition across key subjects and key stage levels. We have a fantastic track record of success in supporting students to gain entry to top UK schools and enjoy helping each child to thrive academically. Speak to one of our Founders to discover how we can support your child's educational goals.