How to foster a love of reading in a 5 year old with Cheeky Monsters

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How to foster a love of reading in a 5-year-old with Cheeky Monsters. We have long fostered a love of reading in the boys. We feel it is such an important life skill and Charlie at nine will now happily read anything he can find. He is like a sponge often quoting random facts to us and it has all come from his love of reading. At a recent virtual parents evening, we were told his reading ability is actually much better than his age and they encouraged us to maintain his interest through the Summer holidays. Which of course we will be doing. Not that we really need to do much other than take him to the library or book shop to choose some books. The rest he will do himself. 

Harry on the other hand is more of a challenge. He started school last September in the middle of a pandemic. We have endured several months of homeschooling while we were both working.  And although we try to read with him every day he just does not enjoy it. I am not surprised really as we are not teachers and phonics never existed when I was at school. But we do preserve as we can see all of the benefits it brings. Which is why I was so pleased when Cheeky Monsters got in touch. As they have created a concept which I thought would resonate with Harry…

How to foster a love of reading in a 5-year-old with Cheeky Monsters

The concept is a simple one. Which is rather brilliant. There are five different Cheeky Monsters each with its own hobbies and personalities. Invisible to adults they are loveable and relatable and Harry has totally taken to Spike and who now often accompanies him to bed and on adventures. The fact that there are five to choose from means that a child can choose their favourite. one. And because their hobbies are varied so hopefully, there is something that will resonate with your child.  Each cheeky monster has an accompanying storybook which is where the love of reading comes in. 

Because the monsters are so cuddly and tactile little ones can’t help but fall in love with them. And because they are interested in their monster they love to hear stories about them. Harry has even gone on to make up his own stories for Spike not only helping his imagination develop but also encouraging his writing and mark making. 

The 5 Cheeky Monsters to choose from

• Spike – orange with purple spikes teaches children to put littering the bin, encourages a love of nature and even gives them to the opportunity to learn how to make a bug hotel. 
• Drago – is a supersoft green scientist with bright yellow scientific glasses. Always questioning everything she is on a mission to build a spaceship from items she finds around the house. 
• Glitter – he loves to disco dance, styles outfits and puts on the best show.  Soft and cuddly with hands that can snuggle into his pockets. Glitter shows you exactly what you can create with a craft box.
• Rocky – his blue batwing ears make him super cheeky! he knows exactly how to shake up a boring car journey encouraging everyone to race around in their very own sports car
• Violet – purple with a sparkly tutu and detachable wand. A superstar she encourages everyone to take part and create their very own show, making superstars out of everyone!

Things we love about Cheeky Monsters 

• They really are so tactile as an adult. I even want to cuddle Spike! 
• Well sewn with additional features, bright, soft and colourful they make an ideal gift
• Not only the quality of the soft toy but also the book is very good. With bright illustrations by Anna Hancock and playful rhyming text by Josephine Collins.
• The typeface is easy to read and although Harry needs a lot of help with some of the words he likes to join in reading together. This is exactly what I am trying to do, how to foster a love of reading in a 5-year-old.
• The fact that each Cheeky Monster has its own personality helps Harry to understand that we are all different and like different things.

The Cheeky Monsters Challenge

Cheeky Monsters came to us with their ‘Cheeky Monsters challenge’ which is to bring their stories to life. With our road trip planned this Summer, we will be taking on Spike’s story finding our own adventure trails and having our own tidy-up parades!

Where to buy your Cheeky Monster

You can find out more about each of the Cheeky Monsters on their website and on their youtube channel. Along with some free activities to keep little ones entertained this Summer. Cheeky Monsters measure approx 25cm high and are aimed at 3-6-year-olds and are available to buy with or without the book from their online shop.  They cost £21.98 for both your Cheeky Monster book and soft toy. Or you can buy them separately for £6.99 for the book or £14.99 for the soft toy. 

Which cheeky monster would you choose?

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