Let’s face it, we all LOVE the image of sitting down with a little one, reading a story and them being totally engrossed with our excellent voice acting skills but the reality is often somewhat different… the key I’ve always found is a great book. Not a good book but a great book. A book that reads well, has a simple yet engaging story and with pictures thrown in too.
If you’re not a big reader yourself, it’s likely because the last book you read was boring and didn’t interest you (I sometimes find this happens when kids go to school and they’re required to read something a little dull). I love reading, always have, always will. My bookcase is groaning and it’s my dream to have a library in my home - for now though I’ll settle with sharing my 7 top books for children of all ages
The Tiger Who Came To Tea, by Judith Kerr - this is an absolute classic and I bought it for Isla (my 3 month old niece) for Christmas. It’s also a book I’ve read 100’s of times (no exaggeration) to Millie who is one of the kids I’ve cared for on and off for 12 years. Millie is disabled and portrays around 12 - 18 months and The Tiger Who Came To Tea is her favourite book of all time - others come and go but you can (nearly) almost always guarantee she’ll chill out and listen to it, when you start to read
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle - another classic, with incredible pictures.
The Magic Faraway Tree, by Enid Blyton - I loved the Magic Faraway Tree books growing up, such amazing escapism and a great way to engage children who are starting to read on their own.
Pippi Longstocking, by Astrid Lindgren - growing up I always wanted to be Pippi Longstocking, I thought she was the coolest! Her plaits got me every time!!
The Hobbit, by J R R Tolkien - another classic and such a brilliant adventure. We were debating this one in the office and think it’s a super one to be read aloud to slightly older children.
Wonder, by R J Palacio - a truly brilliant book!
The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers - I’ve not read this one personally (need to find myself a child to hang out with!) but I’ve heard great things and it’s on the top of my list to try!
If you want more inspiration there, check out this Handy Book Chart by the Book Trust (we’ve picked our top 7 from their list of 100). There are so many great ones on there a couple of extras I love are Ballet Shoes and The Gruffalo - totally brilliant.