Celebrating Book Week 2025
Reading fantasy books as children is more than just a fun escape—it’s a gateway to vital cognitive and emotional development. Fantasy novels like Rangers Apprentice, The Chronicles of Narnia, or Percy Jackson transport young readers to magical worlds where they encounter dragons, witches, and mythical creatures, sparking their creativity and imagination. These imaginative settings encourage children to think beyond the limits of the real world, while also teaching them valuable problem-solving skills. In these stories, the heroes face seemingly insurmountable challenges that require them to think critically, make tough decisions, and work as part of a team—skills they can apply in their own lives.
Additionally, other childhood favourites such as Matilda, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and The Hobbit offer lessons in bravery and the importance of staying true to oneself. These stories help children develop empathy, understand their own emotions, and build resilience in the face of adversity. As they follow their favorite characters through trials and triumphs, children not only expand their vocabulary and language skills but also gain a stronger sense of self and moral compass. In short, fantasy books offer far more than just adventure—they provide a foundation for personal growth, emotional intelligence and a lifelong love of reading.
Fantastical tales are more than just entertainment. In their own way, they give children (and adults) the ability to fight demons in both the real world and in their dreams. After all, the lives of children are not always filled with rainbows and unicorns. Many children live in shadows. Reading fantasy stories encourage children (and adults) to go past their grim quagmire and find their inner strength.
This Book Month, why not share the magic of a fantastical tale with your young adventurer—and perhaps find a story for yourself as well? After all, who wouldn’t love to step into the shoes of a hero, if only for a few pages?
