10+ Best Usborne Books for 8-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read for your 8-year-old? Look no further than Usborne Books for 8-Year-Olds, a treasure trove of engaging and educational options that are just right for their age. Whether your child is a budding scientist or a curious explorer, Usborne has something to capture their imagination and keep those pages turning. Keep reading to discover our varied lists of Usborne Books for 8-Year-Olds that promise to enrich their reading journey!

Fun Usborne Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Secret Mermaid: Enchanted Shell by Sue Mongredien
  • Illustrator: Maria Pearson
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: When Molly finds a magical shell that turns her into a mermaid, she's whisked away to the underwater kingdom where she must use her new powers to help her mermaid friends.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines fantasy with adventure, encouraging imagination and a love for reading through its engaging, magical storyline.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love fantasy and adventure, and those fascinated by mermaids and underwater worlds.

• Stories of Dragons by Russell Punter
  • Illustrator: Andy Elkerton
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mythology
  • Synopsis: This collection of thrilling dragon tales from around the world captures the adventures and myths surrounding these mythical creatures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to mythical stories with strong narratives and dynamic illustrations, fostering a love for storytelling and reading.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are fans of mythical creatures and thrilling adventures.

• Look Inside: Your Body by Louie Stowell
  • Illustrator: Kate Leake
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This interactive flap book takes children on a fascinating tour of the human body with fun facts and engaging illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning fun and interactive, encouraging curiosity about science and the human body.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who have an interest in science and how things work.

• The Twinkly Twinkly Bedtime Book by Sam Taplin
  • Illustrator: Alison Friend
  • Genre(s): Bedtime Stories, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: This gentle bedtime book features a soothing story with twinkling lights that appear as you turn the pages, perfect for settling down at night.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps create a calming bedtime routine with its soothing narrative and twinkling lights, making reading a comforting activity before sleep.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy bedtime stories and need a relaxing book to help them wind down.

• Illustrated Stories from Aesop by Susanna Davidson
  • Illustrator: John Joven
  • Genre(s): Classic, Fables
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated collection features timeless fables from Aesop, each with a moral lesson.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to classic tales with morals, encouraging both reading skills and ethical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with lessons and those new to reading independently.

Educational Usborne Books for 8-Year-Olds

• See Inside How Things Work by Conrad Mason
  • Illustrator: Colin King
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Technology
  • Synopsis: This engaging lift-the-flap book explores the mechanics behind everyday objects and machines, from toasters to televisions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of basic physics and engineering, curiosity about technology
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies the workings of common gadgets and inspires a deeper interest in science and technology.
  • Perfect for: Young inquisitive minds fascinated by how things work and aspiring young engineers.

• Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers About Science by Katie Daynes
  • Illustrator: Marie-Eve Tremblay
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science
  • Synopsis: This interactive book answers common science questions kids might ask, with over 60 flaps to lift and explore.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and question-answering skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages curiosity and learning through a fun, interactive format that engages young readers.
  • Perfect for: Curious kids who love to ask "Why?" and "How?" about the world around them.

• The Usborne Science Encyclopedia by Kirsteen Robson
  • Illustrator: Gary Bines
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Reference, Science
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive encyclopedia covers a wide range of scientific topics, providing detailed information and clear explanations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Broad scientific knowledge, research skills, and understanding complex concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thorough resource that helps children understand and explore scientific concepts at their own pace.
  • Perfect for: Young scholars who are eager to delve deeper into the world of science and research.

• Illustrated Elementary Science Dictionary by Sarah Khan
  • Illustrator: Karen Tomlins
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Dictionary
  • Synopsis: This dictionary explains scientific terms and concepts in an easy-to-understand language, accompanied by colorful illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary in science, understanding of scientific concepts, reference skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes complex scientific terms accessible and understandable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Students who need a handy reference for school science projects or homework help.

• The Usborne Outdoor Book by Alice James
  • Illustrator: Briony May Smith
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Nature, Activities
  • Synopsis: Encouraging exploration of the great outdoors, this book is packed with ideas for outdoor activities and learning about nature.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Knowledge of nature, physical activity, environmental awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes physical health and a love of nature through fun and educational activities.
  • Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love to explore the outdoors and learn about the environment.

Challenging Usborne Books for 8-Year-Olds

• The Usborne Complete Book of Art Ideas by Fiona Watt
  • Illustrator: Antonia Miller
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Art, Crafts
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive guide offers a wide range of art techniques and projects, from drawing and painting to collage and printmaking.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces a variety of art techniques that require fine motor skills and creative thinking, challenging young artists to expand their abilities.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters creativity and provides a broad understanding of different art forms, encouraging artistic expression and skill development.
  • Perfect for: Budding artists and creative minds looking to explore and develop their artistic talents.

• The Usborne Book of Greek Myths by Anna Milbourne
  • Illustrator: Elena Temporin
  • Genre(s): Mythology, History
  • Synopsis: This book retells the fascinating stories of Greek gods, goddesses, and mythical heroes with rich illustrations and engaging narratives.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex characters and themes in Greek mythology can be demanding for young readers, requiring them to think critically about the stories and their meanings.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces classic stories that are foundational to Western literature, enhancing cultural literacy and historical understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history, mythology, and classic tales.

• The Usborne Encyclopedia of World History by Jane Bingham
  • Illustrator: Fiona Chandler
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, History, Reference
  • Synopsis: This detailed encyclopedia covers human history from ancient times to the modern era, with illustrations, maps, and photographs to aid understanding.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents a comprehensive overview of world history, requiring readers to absorb and connect a large amount of complex information.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thorough background in world history, encouraging a deeper understanding of how past events shape our world.
  • Perfect for: Curious young historians and readers who enjoy learning about different cultures and historical events.

• The Usborne Introduction to Genes & DNA by Anna Claybourne
  • Illustrator: Adam Larkum
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Science, Biology
  • Synopsis: This book explains the concepts of genetics and DNA through accessible text and engaging illustrations, exploring how they influence who we are.
  • Why this book is challenging: The subject matter involves complex scientific concepts that are typically introduced at higher educational levels.
  • Why we recommend this book: It demystifies important biological concepts, providing a solid foundation for future scientific learning.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young scientists and readers interested in biology and genetics.

• The Usborne Book of the Moon by Laura Cowan
  • Illustrator: Diana Toledano
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Space, Astronomy
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a journey to the Moon, exploring its phases, its role in space exploration, and the myths surrounding it.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a range of scientific and historical perspectives on the Moon, requiring readers to integrate information from different disciplines.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages interest in astronomy and space exploration, enriching knowledge with fascinating facts and myths.
  • Perfect for: Young space enthusiasts and readers fascinated by the mysteries of the universe.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 8-year-old develop great reading habits with Usborne Books, I've got some fun and engaging exercises for you. These activities are designed to make reading a more interactive and enjoyable experience. Let's dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Book-Themed Days
  • What it is: Dedicate a day to activities and readings related to a theme or a book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and engagement with the book’s content.
  • Tips: You could dress up as characters from the book, prepare meals mentioned in the stories, or create crafts related to the theme.

• Reading Buddy System
  • What it is: Pair your child with a friend or a sibling for joint reading sessions.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading process more social and enjoyable.
  • Tips: Encourage them to discuss the book and share their thoughts with each other.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw or build a map based on the settings and events of the story.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and retention of the story details.
  • Tips: Use colored pencils, markers, or even digital tools to create the map.

• Book Club for Kids
  • What it is: Organize a monthly book club where children can discuss a book they have read.
  • How it helps: Encourages analytical thinking and verbal expression.
  • Tips: Keep the group small and manage discussions so every child gets a chance to speak.

• Progress Chart
  • What it is: Create a chart to track the books read and the progress made.
  • How it helps: Motivates children by showing them how much they have accomplished.
  • Tips: Offer small rewards for each milestone reached to keep the motivation high.

• Read Aloud Sessions
  • What it is: Schedule regular times when you read out loud to each other.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and introduces new vocabulary.
  • Tips: Choose different genres to keep the sessions exciting and diverse.

Incorporating these exercises into your child’s reading routine can significantly enhance their enjoyment and skill in reading. Usborne Books offers a wide range of engaging and educational books that are perfect for these activities. So, grab your favorite Usborne titles, and let's make reading a thrilling adventure for your young reader! Happy reading!