I know that all my fellow parents and caregivers are always on the lookout for ways to spark a love of reading in kids (been there, done that). And let’s face it, finding the right resources can feel overwhelming at times.
Epic.com is an amazing digital library for kids that’s packed with books, audiobooks, and videos to keep young minds engaged. It’s like having a treasure chest of stories and learning tools right at your fingertips.
In this post, I’ll share my favorite picks from Epic.com and how they can support your child’s growth as a confident reader. Grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s chat about some truly wonderful book choices.
Age-Appropriate Recommendations
For Early Readers (Ages 4-7)
Epic.com offers a fantastic selection to help kids build their foundation. Books with bright, colorful visuals and playful stories can keep their attention and make learning fun. Here are a few of my favorites:
| Book Title | Author | Key Features | Learning Benefits |
| Goodnight Moon | Margaret Wise Brown | A timeless bedtime classic with rhythmic text and soothing tones. Beautiful illustrations depict changing sky colors. | Helps kids observe details in illustrations; creates a calming bedtime routine. |
| Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes | Eric Litwin | A groovy story about Pete’s adventures, featuring simple vocabulary and catchy songs. | Teaches resilience and optimism; engages music-loving kids. |
| Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? | Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle | A repetitive, rhyming tale featuring colors and animals, accompanied by bright illustrations. | Reinforces early vocabulary, pattern recognition, and color identification. |
| The Very Hungry Caterpillar | Eric Carle | A beautifully illustrated story introducing counting, days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly. | Encourages counting skills and curiosity about nature; teaches sequencing. |
| Llama Llama Red Pajama | Anna Dewdney | A heartwarming bedtime tale about nighttime struggles with rhyming text that’s fun to read aloud. | Builds emotional connection with bedtime routines; enhances phonological awareness with rhymes. |
For Growing Readers (Ages 8-10)
At this stage, kids are ready for more complex storylines, but they still need accessible language.
Look for books that challenge them gently while sparking curiosity. Humor, adventure, and relatable characters are great hooks for this age group. Some standouts:
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” by Jeff Kinney
The relatable humor and diary format make it easy to read. Plus, it’s a great introduction to chapter books. The illustrations break up the text and make it less intimidating for kids transitioning from picture books.
“The Magic Tree House” series by Mary Pope Osborne
Packed with adventure and history, this series keeps kids turning pages while learning about different cultures and time periods. Each book is short enough to read in one or two sittings, which helps kids build confidence in their reading skills.
“Big Nate” by Lincoln Peirce
Nate’s funny, larger-than-life personality hooks kids who might be reluctant to read more traditional books. The comic-style format is perfect for visual learners.
“Amelia Bedelia” series by Peggy Parish
These hilarious stories about a literal-minded housekeeper help kids understand idioms and wordplay. They also inspire lots of giggles!
“National Geographic Kids: Weird But True!” series
Packed with fun facts and amazing photos, this series is great for curious kids. It’s a sneaky way to get nonfiction into their reading routine without them even realizing it.
For Advanced Readers (Ages 11 and Up)
As kids grow, they’re ready to explore deeper themes and more intricate plots. The books here strike a balance between engaging content and a bit of a challenge. They also start introducing kids to genres like fantasy, science fiction, and realistic fiction.
| Book Title | Author | Key Features | Learning Benefits |
| Percy Jackson & The Olympians | Rick Riordan | A fast-paced series blending mythology with modern-day adventure. Features action, humor, and relatable characters. | Introduces themes of friendship, loyalty, and perseverance; inspires interest in mythology. |
| Wings of Fire | Tui T. Sutherland | A fantasy series about dragons, destiny, and epic battles. Each book builds on the last, making it a great choice for readers who enjoy long series. | Encourages commitment to longer stories; develops interest in fantasy and complex storytelling. |
| Wonder | R.J. Palacio | A heartfelt tale about kindness and acceptance, told through alternating perspectives. | Explores deeper emotional themes; teaches empathy and the value of diverse viewpoints. |
| Harry Potter series | J.K. Rowling | A magical journey full of adventure, mystery, and friendship. | Fosters imagination; introduces themes of courage, loyalty, and teamwork. |
| Hatchet | Gary Paulsen | A thrilling survival story about resilience and self-reliance, with a focus on one boy’s journey in the wilderness. | Teaches problem-solving skills and resilience; inspires appreciation for nature and survival instincts. |
Features That Make Epic.com Stand Out
Epic.com isn’t just about books; it’s packed with features that make learning fun and engaging:
- Read-to-Me Books: Perfect for younger kids or those who benefit from hearing the text while following along. The combination of narration and visuals helps kids connect words with sounds, building fluency.
- Audiobooks: Great for car rides, winding down before bed, or just giving tired eyes a break. Audiobooks are also a fantastic option for kids who struggle with reading but love listening to stories.
- Interactive Quizzes: Some books include short quizzes to reinforce comprehension. Kids feel accomplished when they get those questions right! And parents get a sneak peek into what their child has learned.
- Personalized Recommendations: The platform suggests titles based on your child’s interests and reading level, which is a game-changer for parents who feel unsure about what to choose. This feature also encourages kids to try new genres or authors.
How to Encourage More Reading
Even with all the great options on Epic.com, some kids need a little extra nudge to pick up a book. Here’s what’s worked in my house:
Make It a Routine
Dedicate a specific time each day to reading. For us, it’s 20 minutes before bed. Consistency helps kids develop a habit, and before long, they start looking forward to that quiet reading time.
Read Together
Even older kids enjoy being read to sometimes. It’s also a wonderful way to bond. Taking turns reading pages or chapters makes it interactive and fun.
Create a Cozy Reading Nook
A soft chair, good lighting, and maybe a blanket can make all the difference. Add some pillows or a small bookshelf to make it extra special.
Celebrate Progress
Finished a book? Celebrate with a special treat or a fun activity. Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Even a simple high-five can motivate kids to keep going.
Let Them Choose
Giving kids the freedom to pick what they want to read—even if it’s comic books—keeps the experience enjoyable. When they feel in control, they’re more likely to stay engaged.
Why Reading Skills Matter
We all know reading is important, but it’s more than just a necessary skill. It opens doors to imagination, builds empathy, and strengthens problem-solving abilities. For kids, it’s also a big confidence booster. When they discover they can tackle words, stories, and ideas, they feel unstoppable.
Epic.com is a gem for nurturing this growth. With a diverse library and options for all ages, it’s a fantastic tool for kids to practice reading while having a blast. And since it’s all in one place, it saves parents from endless searches for the perfect books.
Final Thoughts
Epic.com is a game-changer for kids’ reading. With thousands of titles to choose from, it meets kids where they are and helps them grow into confident, curious readers. No matter if your child is a budding bookworm or a hesitant reader, there’s something here to inspire them.