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otWe have been enjoying some wonderful books over the last couple of weeks. The joy of the summer reading challenge and a rest from our usual routines has meant that we have really been able to spend much more time reading and sharing stories together.
There are some really fabulous picture books out at the moment and the books I am sharing here are the ones that we have read the most over the last month or two.
Out favourite books for toddlers
H is really enjoying his stories, and will always ask us for ‘one more’ at bedtime. He loves some of the classics such as Pip & Posy, the Julia Donaldson books but has been enjoying some newer books too.
Gerald the Lion by Jessica Souhami is such a fun book. Gerald is a lion, who does lion things. But, just sometimes, Gerald is a cat. This is a fun book and one that gets H giggling away as he protests that Gerald isn’t really a lion.
He is also showing more interest in letter recognition, and he is able to spot some of the letters in his name. The ‘star in your own story’ books arrived at the perfect time for him and he has had fun finding the letters to add his name into the story. It’s a clever idea and we really like the stories, especially the Saves the Day one. H loves these stories and shouts ‘me’ as the characters progress through the story.
Finally, all three have been enjoying Fair Shares by Pippa Goodhart and Anna Doherty. This is a wonderful book that demonstrates that fairness doesn’t always mean that everyone gets exactly the same. The story follows Bear and Hare who are trying to reach the pears in the tree. It’s a lovely book, with fun and gentle illustrations and a simple, but important message about fairness and sharing.
Books for Older Readers
Emma is on the cusp of being an independent reader, she just needs to build a bit of her confidence up. I have spotted her reading through some of her books quietly to herself. She still very much enjoys being read to, and I’m enjoying these days whilst they last. It’s rare that Daniel asks me to read to him now.
We have enjoyed What do you do if your house is a zoo? by John Kelly and Steph Laberia. This is a fun story about Oscar, who wants a pet, but can’t quite decide what pet would be best. Until they all arrive at his house. It’s great fun and the illustrations are fab – we love the page with all the letters on (some of these Em has been able to read herself which is lovely to see). She a fun book and one we have read a lot!
Another firm favourite is a re-telling of Snow White, published by Nosy Crow and illustrated by Ed Bryan. I love the classic tales, and this is a really nice retelling with bright and bold illustrations. Emma loves this story and we have read it many times. It’s nice to find a re-telling that is much more relevant to today.
