A great book for babies/toddlers is one that is fun to read again and again. Here’s a list of the ones our 15 month old seems to enjoy the most – often with smiles of recognition on certain pages, or pointing to favourite images. They’re all board books to handle the chewing era.
In no particular order:
Horton hears a Hoo
I love the rhythm of the words in this. It bounces along quite nicely and is completely hatstand in conceit. His use of the word ‘lad’ makes me feel qiote sure Seuss has (or should have) northern roots.
A Squash and a squeeze
A fun tale that feels like it ought to have been around for centuries. There is an underlying message about not being greedy, but it’s very subtle and not at all hectoring.
Goodnight Moon
A book for bedtime, this is about 60 years old and – I think – better known in North America. The pace always mesmerises our little one and she invariably sits through it without getting fidgety.
Mog the forgetful cat
Again, this one is usually a complete read-through, which is amazing given the images are pretty plain and the text is plentiful. But the story is lovely and there is the always enjoyable appearance of a big, furry, striped tiger in the middle
Brown Bear, brown bear, what do you see
Simple, hypnotic, colourful and enjoyable to chant.
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy
It won’t be long before you know the names and order of the doggies who go for an adventure. A stone cold classic – and our first exposure to the toughest tom in town.
Tiddler
The #1 best kids book we’ve found so far. It’s read every night without fail. A brilliant story, fun to read and full of imagery and wit.
The very hungry caterpillar
A beautiful tale. It was only on the third reading that I realised I’d had this read to me as a kid.
Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack
More Hairy adventures. The wonderfully cyclical tale of a sensitive dog and a keen, but helpful duck. Some amazing writing too – the pace of the running is brilliantly told.
Slinky Malinki Early Bird
More from the Maclary stable. This time the cameo cat gets a spinoff. A funny early morning tale that all cat owners will identify with
The Paper Dolls
Makes me cry every time. The bittersweet tale of loss and nostalgia. Just amazing.
Spot Loves his dad
Simple and lovely
The tiger who came to tea
A total classic which, I believe anyway, is actually the recounting of Sophie’s dream about a tiger that she’s prompted to tell when she sees a stripey cat in the street.
The snowy day
Didn’t like this at first, but I’ve come to love the flow and wonder of this American tale of a magical snowy day.
Pantone colour books
These are six super simple, short books about colour. Each page has an item in that colour and our one year old loves them every time.
Stick man
More classic Donaldson – with a contrived but clever twist
Room on the broom
I just love doing the witch voice (and not just when reading this book)
Zog
Girl power
