Our Favourite Children's Books

One of my favourite activities is settling down with a book. Naturally when I had Michael, he had a small collection of books before he was even born. Now he is 2, he loves his books and regularly comes up to me with a book in hand wanting to read. It is a great indoor activity when the weather is bad. Here are some of our favourite books and books every toddler will enjoy.

1. That's Not My... Book series. Michael really loves these sensory books. There is a vast range of options from puppy, fairy, train and even Santa which I have bought Michael for December this year. Bright pictures and patches of different textures make babies and toddlers love touching and exploring the books. Currently there are loads on sale on EBay for only £2.80.

2. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell. Most of us know this book! I have read it now to Michael 100s of times and it is his favourite by far. Toddlers love lifting the flaps to see the animals the zoo have sent and doing all the different animal sounds. We will soon have to buy a new couple because our one is truly battered!

3. Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. When I was a little girl I have great memories of reading it, so when I came across it on EBay for £2.50 I had to buy it for Michael. Before he used to just look at the pictures but now can find most of the fairy tale characters on the pages and it is fastly becoming a book he adores.

4.The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Although this children's book is a classic when I was a girl I never actually liked it. Nevertheless when someone bought this as a present I started to read it to Michael. Colourful and simple Michael likes following the caterpillar's food consumption and finding the butterfly at the end. That and he just likes putting his fingers in the holes.

5. The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. When most think of these two authors, they think of the classic The Gruffalo, a book we do indeed have in our collection. However myself and Michael prefer the Highway Rat. It's colourful, a great story and if i don't say so myself, I do a great Highway Rat voice!

While we have bought many books, mainly from charity stores and EBay, Michael also has a children's library card.  100s of books to borrow and I enjoy reading some of my favourite children's classics as well as discovering some new finds. Our local library also holds a group story play time which is a great excuse to pop along to the library. 

What book is your child's favourite? Any to recommend?

H.