Because not all books are created equal, and some are perfect for language learning magic

At LanguageWize, we’re all about helping children learn English in the most joyful and natural way possible. And what’s one of the best tools to do that? Books.

But here’s the thing, not every book has the same impact on young English learners. Some books are better than others when it comes to boosting vocabulary, building grammar awareness, and sparking real engagement.

So, whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or teacher looking to build your bookshelf, here are our top 5 book types that truly support natural English learning in children, especially those learning it as an additional language.

1. Picture Books with Rich Illustrations

These are an absolute must-have. Picture books help children link words to meaning in a visual way. The images support understanding and make it easier to grasp new vocabulary.

Tip: Pause while reading and ask, “What’s happening in this picture?” or “What do you think she’s feeling?” It encourages language use and emotional connection.

2. Rhyming Books and Books with Repetition

Think The Gruffalo, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, or We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. These books are rhythmical, predictable, and packed with repeated phrases, all of which help children internalise language patterns naturally.

Repetition isn’t boring, it’s brain training. It reinforces grammar, sentence structure, and pronunciation.

3. Interactive and Touch-and-Feel Books

Books that invite children to touch, lift flaps, press buttons, or guess what’s next are fantastic for engagement, especially for younger learners.

Why? Because interaction = attention. And when kids are engaged, they’re far more likely to absorb new words and expressions.

Try books with sound buttons too; great for listening practice and pronunciation!

4. Books with Everyday Language and Dialogue

Choose books where characters talk like real people, even better if they’re based on familiar routines like going shopping, bedtime, or making friends.

Children pick up conversational English and useful expressions for real-life situations. It also helps them recognise sentence structure and grammar in action, not in isolation.

• “Can I have some apples, please?”
• “Time for bed!”

These are golden phrases that stick!

5. Bilingual or Dual-Language Books

If your child is learning English as an additional language, don’t shy away from books in both English and your home language. Bilingual books support understanding, boost confidence, and make reading feel accessible, not frustrating.

They’re also a brilliant way to show children that both languages matter and that’s something we celebrate at LanguageWize.

Bonus Tip: Choose Books They Love

At the end of the day, the best books for learning English are the ones your child enjoys. Whether it’s dinosaurs, princesses, trucks, or talking animals, interest drives motivation, and motivation drives learning.

Let your child pick what they’re curious about and read together with joy.

Ready to turn reading into your child’s favourite way to learn English?

At LanguageWize, we’ve created “Read the Wize Way” — a course designed for parents who want to support their child’s English learning through fun, simple, and effective story-based activities.

Whether your little one is new to English or already flipping through books on their own, we’ll give you the tools and confidence to bring stories to life and grow language skills in the most natural way.

Want to know more?

Fill in our online enquiry form, or feel free to get in touch with us directly by email at heidi@languagewize.com or on WhatsApp at +27 78 528 0755. We’re always happy to chat!

Let’s raise confident, curious, and bilingual children — one story at a time.

Heidi Nel

23 July 2025