10 books to help children learn to read and write

Peppa Pig: Practise with Peppa - Wipe-Clean First Writing (2016)

Develop and practise first handwriting skills with Peppa Pig and friends in this colourful wipe-clean activity book! Children can trace over key handwriting patterns, then move on to forming first numerals and letters, including both lowercase and capital letters, before attempting some simple words.

My Little Pony: 500 First Words Sticker Book (2018)

If you’re going to learn to read and write, there’s no one better to do that with than our favourite ponies! This activity book is packed with puzzles and games to ensure that your little one’s learning experience is a fun one. With over 500 stickers, brightly coloured illustrations and lots of different themes, this is a great additional support tool for children when they practice outside the classroom.

First Writing Practice: Ladybird I'm Ready to Write Sticker Activity Book (2016)

This book provides a helping hand for children in their first years of school and will allow little ones to feel confident as they begin to get the hang of forming new shapes and patterns. Developed by educational experts, First Writing Practice is a thoughtful and thorough guide complete with useful worksheets and entertaining pull-out activities, that shows how writing can be both necessary and a whole lot of fun! 

Start School with Topsy and Tim: Wipe-Clean First Writing (2011)

This colourful and practical workbook allows children to practice writing the alphabet and can be wiped clean for extra reassurance. After all, when learning to write for the first time it’s important for little ones to know that it’s ok to make mistakes – and sometimes making them is the best way to learn! Complete with a free pen and helpful guides, learning to write those A-B-Cs has never been easier!

Big Machines – Read it yourself with Ladybird: Level 2 (2015)

This is an excellent and informative book for young readers who are just beginning to read on their own with assistance. Children can learn all about tractors, diggers and bulldozers and boost their vocabulary along the way. Part of Ladybird’s bestselling Read it Yourself series, this is one of over 90 titles that have been carefully developed by educational consultants, created with the goal of improving children’s reading skills. 

My Little Pony – Wipe-Clean First Writing (2017)

Make learning to write a memorable experience with this magical wipe-clean activity book. Little ones will adore the My Little Pony themed illustrations and words, and will delight in practising their handwriting skills again and again on the shiny, easy-to-clean pages. With guidance on how to make both upper and lower case letters, assistance for left-hand writers and simple, easy-to-follow instructions, this is an enchanting workbook for youngsters embarking on their learning quest.

Trip-Trot Tippy-Toes: Ladybird I'm Ready to Read (2013)

Another book from the Ladybird I’m Ready to Read series, this humorous story will begin to inspire a love of language in young readers. Follow Trip-a-lot, the skipping, hopping hare as he challenges Tiptoe Tortoise to a race. Children will enjoy the playful rhythms and remarkable rhymes along the way. 

Wipe-Clean First Spellings: Start School with Topsy and Tim (2016)

Learning to spell can often be a tricky task, but Wipe-Clean First Spellings helps make spelling easier (and entertaining!) for beginners. The wipe-clean pages mean that children are encouraged to attempt new words and can build up their confidence through continued practice. With our favourite duo helping along the way, children will gain knowledge in spelling nouns, verbs, and numbers too!

The Little Mermaid – Read it yourself with Ladybird: Level 4 (2014)

The story of The Little Mermaid caters for curious little learners who are now able to read more independently. This timeless fairy tale will capture children’s imaginations as well as improving their reading skills. It’s filled with beautiful illustrations and high-frequency words that are key for children learning to read. Plus, this tale will inspire young readers to begin exploring other areas of fiction.

The Tale of the Snail: Ladybird I'm Ready to Read (2013)

Noah is about to set sail on his ark and all the animals are rushing to get on board. The teeny-tiny, slithery snail knows that Noah won’t depart without him, so he takes his time and slowly, slowly, easy-does-it, makes it aboard at his own pace. Part of the Ladybird I’m Ready to Read series, this delightful picture book – packed with charming rhymes – is perfect to be read aloud, together with your eager little learners.