Books to Inspire an Outdoor Adventure
There are so many benefits of reading to children and research shows that children who enjoy reading are three times more likely to have good mental wellbeing than children who don’t enjoy it.
We believe that children should be encouraged to read as much as they can throughout the year, however with World Book Day just around the corner (on 7th March) it's a brilliant time to treat them to a new book or two.
From tales set in the woods to stories set on the high seas, we've put together some of our favourite adventure stories to read with your little book worms before heading off on an adventure of your own.
1) The Explorer by Katherine Rundell
This thrilling story focuses on four children who find themselves lost in the Amazon rainforest after a plane crash and their adventure back home. (Reading age: 9-12 years).
2) Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
First published in 1963, Where the Wild Thing Are takes us on a journey to a jungle island where a young boy meets and tames some majestic monsters. This beautiful tale of a child’s imagination reminds us that being a big kid can be just as fun. (Reading age: 2-5 years).
3) Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
A classic tale which embraces the spirit of adventure. The story is based on the Walker children who sail their boat ‘Swallow’ to an island for a fun camping trip and come up against the fierce pirates of the Amazon. (Reading age: 8-16 years).
4) The Island of Adventure by Enid Blyton
Another classic adventure series, perfect for young explorers. Philip, Dinah, Lucy-Ann, Jack and Kiki the parrot are spending their summer holidays in Cornwall and an adventure awaits them in the abandoned copper mines and secret tunnels beneath the sea on the Isle of Gloom. (Reading age: 9-11 years).
5) We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
The perfect tale to accompany a walk no matter the weather. Navigate through long wavy grass, wade through colds river, squelch in thick, oozy mud and take a trip into a big, dark forest. (Reading age: 3-5 years).
6) The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
When three children move to their new home, they discover an Enchanted Wood and soon they find the Faraway Tree, which is the beginning of many magical adventures. (Reading age: 6-8 years).
7) Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers
An uplifting story about a boy who finds a penguin at his door and sets off on a journey to take him back to the South Pole. (Reading age: 3-5 years).
