5 Children’s Books For ESL Teachers

One of the many joys of teaching children English as a second language is finding your own inner child and rediscovering classic children’s books you once loved. Not to mention new ones as well!

Every English teacher, whether teaching in Paris or beyond, should have a reliable collection of children’s books geared towards a range of age groups, from the littlest learners to older adolescents. 

Investing in a selection of immersive, interactive, fun and engaging books will put you on the path to teaching success, and will pay great dividends as your students enjoy them for years to come. 

The teachers at the Paris Teachers Club have shortlisted our five best children’s books for English language teachers, with a recommendation for each student age group. 

How many do you have in your collection?

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Where’s Spot? – Eric Hill 

Ages: 0-3

Where’s Spot? Is one of the most successful children’s books of all time, and the perfect tale to teach your littlest English learners with. From babies through to toddlers, this classic story from British children’s author Eric Hill makes teaching early minds fun and enjoyable for teachers and students alike. 

Where’s Spot? was the first ever “lift the flap” children’s book when it was released in 1980. The sweet favourite continues to thrill and promote education in the earliest years even today. Help your students find Spot by joining in the search for the cute puppy. 

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Shark in the Park – Nick Sharratt 

Ages: 5-7

Shark in the Park was originally published in the year 2000, and is still one of the most popular children’s books over two decades on. The story by British author Nick Sharratt is enjoyable and funny. It follows a rhyming format that makes it easier for English learners to learn with. 

Follow Timothy as he looks through his telescope for the “shark in the park”. Shark in the Park gets readers involved in the hunt for the elusive shark, and has bold and engaging illustrations as well. 

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Monkey Puzzle – Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler 

Ages: 8-12

Monkey Puzzle was released 22 years, and the story of the young monkey trying to find his mother still endures in popularity today. It is written by bestselling children’s book author Julia Donaldson and illustrated beautifully by Axel Scheffler. This is the partnership that brought you the beloved children’s classic The Gruffalo.

The 24-page story is just the right one to keep the primary ages of 8-12 engaged through phrase repetition and expanded English vocabulary. Students will build on their English understanding with lots of adjectives. They will also learn key words for body parts and animals. 

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The Little People Big Dreams book series – Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara

Ages: 13-16

It can be difficult to keep teenagers engaged and interested in learning at the best of times. However, the popularity of the Little People Big Dreams book series has excited a whole new generation of learners with its unique and educational concept. 

The brainchild of Spanish writer Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, the children’s book series is currently 80 strong. Each tells the story of inspiring people throughout history, promoting inclusion and acceptance. No matter what your students are interested in, there’s a book from the series that is ideal for them. Learn the life stories of famous names like Coco Chanel, Michael Jordan, Elvis Presley, Frida Kahlo, Malala and Nelson Mandela alongside your students. This series has sold millions of copies across the globe since the first book was published in 2012! 

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The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse – Charlie Mackesy

Ages: 16-18

It can often be more difficult to teach older teenagers English than younger students, and just as difficult to find engaging and immersive books that build on this age group’s existing aptitude. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse, by British author Charlie Mackesy, is our recommendation for English teachers looking to fill this gap.

The 128 page book follows the touching story of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse and their budding friendship. Released in 2019, the graphic novel-style book will keep older readers engaged. Its handwriting style font will also challenge learners who already have a firm handle on easier to read English language fonts. 

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What are your favourite children’s books to teach with?

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