Kumon favourites for World Book Day

Today is World Book Day, and families, schools, and Kumon centres up and down the country will be having fun with literary-themed activities and dressing up to promote reading, stories and books.

Here at Kumon, we love reading - it's a central part of the Kumon English Programme - and have been talking about some of our favourite books that we think you'd enjoy as well!

Hanifah Hashim-Subhan, Field Marketing Executive
"As a child, my favourite author was Enid Blyton. I spent many a night, curled up under my covers, way past my bedtime devouring her tales. I walked down the halls of Malory Towers alongside Darrell Rivers and helped The Secret Seven solve their many mysteries. I recommend Blyton’s books to all my younger relatives, because her stories always take you on an adventure."

Paolo Romeo, Operational Risk Controller
"I highly recommend How Do You Live?, by Japanese author Genzaburo Yoshino. This is the book that inspired Studio Ghibli to create the recent film ‘The Boy and the Heron’. It is Japan’s beloved coming-of-age classic on what really matters in life and is filled with heart-warming wisdom."

JY Jiang, Digital Marketing Executive
"I think everyone should read The Art of War, by Sun Tzu. It offers timeless wisdom on strategy, leadership and solving conflicts. The ideas within the book have helped me throughout my life and are just as relevant and useful today as they were when it was written. Because it encourages critical thinking, adaptability and resilience, I think teenagers will find it very helpful with the challenges that they face."

Kathy McGrath, Communications Manager
"I have often recommended A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini, to young adults because of the relatable characters in a story that skilfully illustrates the struggle and brutality that women in Afghanistan experienced during the years of conflict with Russia and then the Taliban. Mariam is fifteen when she is sent to Kabul to marry a widower and then experiences abuse at the hands of a husband thirty years her senior. Through the sisterhood and friendship of Leila, they overcome the most daunting of challenges."

Migena Cifliku, Marketing Communications Assistant
"The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, is my most favourite book I have ever read! I finished it within 4 hours. It was full of suspense and drama and loved the characters so much that couldn't wait to read the next one."

Mark Stevens, Communications and Social Media Executive
"I would recommend Brian Jacques Redwall series to any young readers who want to escape to a world of exciting adventures, clever riddles and brave heroes! The different animals of Redwall Abbey work together in each book to protect their home from different threats, making for a series of fun reads that I’m sure you’ll enjoy."

Arusha Pillay, Branch Manager
"Life of Pi, by Yann Martel, is a simple and technically brilliant story that encourages the reader to invest in the plausability of a young man surviving the elements of the ocean with a tiger for companion. You are encouraged to fill in the scenery with your imagination and go into your own survival frame of thinking. This book is suitable for older children, young adults and parents, with a story that leaves you wanting to discuss and hear opinions about Pi's journey, making it a great book to read as a family."

We hope you like these books and exploring the world of reading on World Book Day. Remember, if you ever need more suggestions of what to read next, there are plenty on the Kumon Recommended Reading List!