Reading children’s books is more than just a fun pastime, although that is an important reason to read more. Children’s literature introduces young readers to different social issues and bigger themes, which helps them develop their critical thinking skills.

As children are exposed to other cultures through stories, they learn to see the world from other people’s perspectives. This fosters children’s ability to empathise and to have compassion for people who are different from them.

Here are some children’s book from around the world to learn from and love:

ASIA – Hong Kong

The Great Detective Sherlock Holmes (Lai Ho)

The series retells the famous Sherlock Holmes stories with a fun twist – all the characters are animals! In the first book, Sherlock Holmes (a dog) and his assistant Watson (a cat) need to solve the murder of Mr. Scott, who has left behind a mysterious dying message: Phantom Cry.

EUROPE – Sweden

Mio, My Son (Astrid Lindgren)

While mostly known for her book Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren also wrote several fantasy books. Written in the style of a traditional fairytale, the book tells the story of Bosse, an orphan who finds out that he is actually the prince of a faraway land. He needs to defeat the evil knight Kato to save the entire kingdom.

AUSTRALIA – Australia

Once (Morris Gleitzman)

Set in Poland during WWII, Once follows a Jewish boy named Felix as he searches for his parents after being hidden from Nazis in an orphanage. Through Felix’s story, children are introduced to the Holocaust, a horrific yet crucial event in history.

AFRICA – Nigeria

Akata Witch (Nnedi Okorafor)

Sunny is a Black albino girl living in Nigeria. Bullied by others because of her pale skin and hair, she discovers one day that she has magical abilities. Sunny is given the task of capturing a serial killer who also knows magic. Along the way, she learns how to turn her weaknesses into unique gifts.

NORTH AMERICA – the United States

Bridge to Terabithia (Katherine Paterson)

Two children, Jesse and Leslie, create a magical forest kingdom called Terabithia with their imaginations. Their friendship continues to grow, but when tragedy strikes, Jesse needs to learn how to cope with the loss of his best friend. The book deals with the themes of friendship, loss, and death.

SOUTH AMERICA – Chile

I Lived on Butterfly Hill (Marjorie Agosín)

Based on true events and the author’s own experience, the book tells the story of Celeste who leaves her home country, Chile, due to the political unrest and escapes to the United States. She documents her journey through her diary, letters and poetry, while discovering how words have the power to change people.