“A book is a gift you can open again and again.”
Garrison Keillor (American writer and broadcaster)
I’m a bit of a nut when it comes to kids books. You’re never too young (or old!) to enjoy them. Each night, when my kids tire of running around and finally manage to sit still, I love nothing more than cuddling up together and reading their current favourites.
I usually follow the gift giving rule of “if in doubt, give a book”. For very young kids, board books are the way to go. My toddler tornadoes aren’t exactly gentle creatures. As much as I have tried to teach them to be gentle with their books, I have found that board books have stood the test of time rather than their flimsy paperback counterparts (especially the lift the flap variety).
Here are a few books that have been favourites with Miss TT and Mr TT and their friends when they were very young. These are the ones that I actually don’t mind reading again and again…..
Author Mem Fox should be a national living treasure. She has written so many wonderful kids books and Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes and Where Is The Green Sheep? are two of my favourites.
Where’s Spot? is a favourite but this puppy has plenty of other great lift the flap adventures. Spot…Goes On Holiday/Stays Overnight/Bakes a Cake/Goes to the Farm/Visits His Grandparents/Goes to the Circus…he’s a busy little puppy. Poor Sally and Sam must be exhausted!
That’s Not My Bunny – the author and illustrator have created a goldmine from this award winning series of books with simple and repetitive storylines. There are now over 35 titles! My kids love the touch and feel pages. These board books are sturdy enough for even the wildest toddler tornado. A great first book for little fingers to explore.
Roadwork – for the lover of trucks and diggers. If it’s good enough to feature in an episode of Play School, it’s good enough for me.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – not much more needs to be said about this classic. Be warned when gifting – it is one of the more popular titles that tends to be given so you may not win points for originality. Why not instead try another Eric Carle illustrated gem, Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?
Dear Zoo is a much loved classic. Once again the lift the flaps have survived Miss and Mr TT’s grubby little paws over the years. Mr TT especially loves to let out a roar when the lion appears. When Handy Hubby reads this title, he tells the kids that the grumpy camel is like mummy in the mornings (he’s not far from the truth there – I am not a morning person).
How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? – fantastic illustrations introduce different types of dinosaurs in a lovely ready-for-bed story.
Hooray for Fish! – another great title from Lucy Cousins that I can recite by heart. I love her bright and bold illustrations.
A newer release, but a goodie. Alphablock is for the hipster child. With thick pages cut into the shape of each letter, this book introduces the alphabet with funky retro illustrations. Not your everyday alphabet book – and that’s what makes it great to give as a gift.
