As you know, I am a massive fan of books for children. This love has come from working in childcare for so many years. Not only are books amazing developmentally but they transport children to another world via their incredible imaginations. Reading stories can help your child learn words, sounds, language and develop literacy skills. Books can also help your child’s ability to focus and concentrate while also broadening their social and communication skills.
There can also be some important lessons learnt through stories that will help your child learn more about their world. I have put together a list of books I have read to children that I love for different reasons, and that suit different age groups. Remember, babies too can enjoy books!
I’m not going to lie; this is hands down Paddy’s favourite book and it is also a
favourite amongst other babies I have cared for. This book rhymes which makes it so engaging for young babies and also teaches them about rhythm. Not only is this
book entertaining but it teaches about opposites, actions and colours, so super
beneficial with language development.
2. 10 Little Fingers and 10 Little Toes
This is a very calming book written with so much love. The perfect book for a parent
read when bonding with their child. It also looks at numbers and anatomy in a simple but educational way. This is a great book to introduce some counting to your baby as well as you can count your baby’s fingers and toes during or after the story. It is also a great book that looks at diversity as the babies all look very different as they are from all around the world.
My favourite book to read before bed, it even makes me tired! The illustrations have
been done with such calming tones, as you read, the room seems so warm and cozy. It kind of takes me back to being rugged up at my grandmas house and being
cuddled and nurtured. I read this with Paddy before every sleep time as it’s a really
great way to wind him down as it is the perfect length and storyline for sleepy eyes.
4. There’s a Hippopotamus on our Roof eating Cake
This book is still a favourite of mine from when I was in preschool. I remember
hearing this story for the first time and having so many questions. I questioned the
possibility of every scenario seen in the story. How did the Hippopotamus get on to
the roof? And how come no one tried to get it down?
This book is perfect for sparking conversation and allowing children to use their
critical thinking skills and imagination.
5. Dirty Bertie
A massive favourite throughout my years working with children. This book would
have every child captivated, laughing, yelling at Bertie all together and engaging in discussions as a group. This book was a massive inspiration when I wrote my book,
because it works, and the kids remember the lessons, and want to read it again and
again. This book teaches the lesson that
A classic. What I love about this book is the use of super creative rhymes and crazy
characters that really activate the child’s imagination.
But the BEST thing about this book is the lesson it teaches… If you try a food, you
may like it!
This is a book I feel like every boy needs to read. I Stumbled across the Author, Scott Stuart on Instagram. Scott has a little boy who loves to dress up as a girl, so wants to encourage boys to embrace who they truly are. This book is an empowering and funny story smashing age-old assumptions about what it means to be a man. Men don’t always need to be tough and hide emotions, men should speak about feelings and show emotions like everyone else.
8. And of course- The Adventures of Willy and his Sunburnt Bum!
Okay mayyyybeeee I’m being biased ???
I am seriously SO proud of this book and how many families it has helped so far. The feedback I have been getting is amazing, I am so glad the book is doing what its intended to do.
As a childcare worker, and nanny I struggled so much with getting sunscreen and a
hat on some kids. There was never a resource that the children found interesting
enough when it came to sun safety, so I wrote the book I wish I had as an educator.
Not only is this book hilarious for both the children and the parents, but it
encourages children to protect themselves from the sun at a very young age which
could be a potentially lifesaving lesson.