There is nothing better for the human spirit to do than share books!
Here is my favourite list of books to introduce children to the joy of reading.
Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox
Where is the Green Sheep has the spectacular ending of a sleeping sheep, and having entertained your little one, this is indeed the next activity you wish for them to try, sleep!
(If you are game and end up read it too many times, we have created the ‘antedote’ in homage to the creation of Mem Fox and Judy Horacek with ‘Where is the True Ewe’)
Anything by Dr Suess!
The perfect foil for any tired parent who desperately would like some downtime rather than having to dig deep to find their inner actor at the end of the day!
Try a rhyming story like One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daylwalt
This story makes a connection to the world, providing a hilarious link between story and art in a very colourful and imaginative way, giving children’s creativity a nudge!
It is also a brilliant way for children to see conflict resolved – and all the while they thought they were merely being read a picture book!
I Need a Hug by Aaron Blabey
Aaron Blabey has the ability to team his words and images in such a compressive way that you will not be left wanting.
“I need a hug. Will you cuddle me, Lou?’ ‘What? With those spikes? Get away from me! Shoo!"
All this little porcupine wants is a hug. But with such prickly spikes, will she ever get the cuddle she craves?
Who doesn’t need a hug!
Oh and if we need hugs, how about some positive affirmation about how much that little person is loved!
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
Guess How Much I Love You is another comforting, sleepy-time picture book and can be the catalyst for some very special parent / child conversation!
These books all have one tremendous characteristic in common – they are a pleasure to read aloud, so when your little ones says, ‘Again!’, you will be so happy to oblige! What better way for your child to become a reader than seeing the joy reading brings to you?
