Quick reads for when time is tight

Not every reading session needs to be a long, drawn-out affair. During a busy school and working week, shorter books are sometimes the best option for children and adults alike.

The inclusive books in this list are quick to pick up and quick to finish. Most are picture book stories with sparse text, where a few words on each page leave room for the illustrations to do most of the storytelling. They are easy for adults to read aloud when time is tight, but just as good for children to pore over when reading alone.

The list also includes a poetry anthology, for a different approach to reading. There is no need to read it from cover to cover: one poem, or even one page, is enough when life is hectic but reading still needs to happen.