Reading begins as soon as books are given to new parents and as soon as they are shown to babies, toddlers and children. Our relationship with books is one of the earliest opportunities we are given. The books in today’s blog are colourful, fun and introduce new concepts and ideas to our youngest readers. Sturdy and hard wearing, these should withstand all that a baby or toddler will attempt with them.
Let’s Go Series by Rosalyn Albert and Natalia Moore, published by Catch a Star (New Frontier)
There are several books in this series for young readers, from diggers to airplanes, trains to ferries. All transportation based and perfect for introducing those vehicles and modes of transportation to children discovering the world. Rhyming text and colourful illustrations make these an epic addition to a home library. Featuring both boys and girls in the illustrations allow all transportation keen children to feel involved.
Each book in the series focuses on a different mode of transport, some familiar and seen daily, others a bit more special. Children will learn the basics of each vehicle and how they are used. Great for mini travellers, these make for a great introduction to travel between places, perhaps for a first time on an airplane, train or ferry. Exciting experiences that may bring nerves and anticipation.
Don’t Tickle the Dinosaur by Sam Taplin and Ana Larrañaga, published by Usborne
Usborne have created an adorable series of touchy-feely sounds books. Children will love the tactile fabrics and textures on each page as well as the sounds of the animals. Tickling each page with mini fingers is a brilliant way to figure out how each page turns, where the hidden noises are and what animals look like, not to mention the sounds they make. Brightly illustrated and with the perfect amount of detail so as not to overwhelm young readers, these have been a huge hit in my house, and my readers are both over 9!
Where’s Brian’s Bottom? By Rob Jones, published by Pavilion
A very long fold out book with plenty of rooms and details to look over while you search for Brian’s bottom. Children will love pulling out the pages to see just how long Brian is and to see where his bottom is hiding. Giggles and pointing are bound to follow as the pages unfold. Bright, bold illustrations are perfect for this style of book and the short text helps children to figure it out quickly. With repetitive questions, children will be able to recite this book easily.
Big Words for Little People Series by Helen Mortimer and Christina Trapanese, published by Oxford University Press
Learning new social skills is a challenge for our children. Going out into the world and learning to share, be kind and brave can sometimes be hard to explain and understand. OUP have created this series to help children understand words linked to friendship, calmness, bravery and happiness. Each page features one word that is then explained in detail with illustrations highlighting that word. Share, honesty and encouragement are featured in the friendship book. Language is a hugely important part of development and these use of language in this series is very apt.
Calmness is a vital part of Children’s mental well-being, learning to understand our emotions and triggers can lead to a more positive mental state. A few of the words in Calmness are quiet, breathe and balance. Learning how to explore feelings is an important life skill. These books are brilliant for helping children to learn more about themselves. The illustrations are calm and softly coloured. At the back of each book are Ten Ideas for getting the most from this book, a handy guide for parents and careers to make the best use of the pages and words.
I am a primary school teacher, turned librarian. Now I have the title Reading Advocate for ASSET Education Trust, based in Suffolk.
I read constantly and have more books than bookshelves, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I celebrate reading every day at work and at home with my two children, aged 11 and 9.
I sit on the National Executive Committee for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and run an OU/UKLA Teachers as Readers group!
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