Many parents read aloud to their very young children as a bonding experience. Bed time stories have been around for centuries.
Research shows that reading aloud to young children is important to develop their reading and thinking skills. Often as children start to develop their own reading skills, parents stop reading aloud to them.
Yet young boys often struggle more with reading and frequently lag behind in literacy skills. They are much more interested in physical activities like football. Finding books to interest them can be a challenge.
This list is guaranteed to bring back story time for young boys (and girls – our daughters loved these too) and entertain you as a parent. Don’t stay up too late finishing these books.
1. The Ruins of Gorlan (The Ranger’s Apprentice, Book 1) – John Flanagan
Originally written to encourage his own ten year old son to read, the series (now 13 books) follows Will, who is apprenticed to Hal, a Ranger. The mysterious cloaked Rangers are trained to be independent and resourceful, protectors of the kingdom.
These books have also caused a renewed interest in archery so be prepared for a few trips to the range. Guaranteed to make bedtime story time a daily highlight.
2. The Outcasts: Brotherband Chronicles, Book 1 – John Flanagan
An offshoot from the Ranger’s Apprentice series, the Brotherband series has it all with a viking flavor. A group of outcast misfits come together with teamwork and adventure where brains and skill beat brawn and bullying.
Parents will sneak off to finish them after lights out.
3. Redwall (Redwall, Book 1) – Brian Jacques
Animal stories have long been popular with young kids. Magical & mystical with a quest for a legendary weapon, these stories are humorous medieval-style adventure where good triumphs over evil.
Quality writing, in depth characterization and language will develop the young reader and entertain the parent at the same time.
3. The Twits – Roald Dahl
Anything by Roald Dahl is excellent bed time story material and should be read by all ages regardless. The Twits, with their gross hygiene issues, practical jokes and monkeys will appeal especially to young boys, hiding an underlying moral that it doesn’t matter what you look like, true character/beauty will shine through (and the reverse too).
4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – J. K. Rowling
A bedtime story list for boys wouldn’t be complete without the most famous young wizard of our time, Harry Potter.
Even if you’ve seen the movie, reading the book aloud will help literacy skills and make the characters grow in their (your) imagination. Don’t skip this one either.
