These are five classic books for kids that you’ll love reading too. Reading with your child is possibly one of the most bonding things you can do. Enjoying the words and brilliant images of some of the greatest kids’ books together are moments you and your child will cherish as the years go by.
And there’s no doubt that some children’s books have become “classics” of their time, for the characters, the rhymes, or the pure storytelling joy they conjure. We’ve picked out a few of those books for different ages which we reckon will find a place on the shelves of many a nursery library for years to come, not least because the parents, as well as the kids, love them too. Have a look and see if you agree…
The Gruffalo
“A mouse took a stroll in the deep dark wood…”
This utterly classic tale, now a stage play and television animation, tells the story of a mouse strolling through a wood, avoiding the peril of being eaten by other animals as he talks to them about a fantastical and scary creature with “terrible tusks and terrible claws”. Little does he know … there is such a thing as a Gruffalo!
It’s very hard to pick out a favourite book by writing legend Julia Donaldson, but we chose this one in particular for its lovely illustrations and the wonderful way the story pans out.
We do like the repetitive nature of it too, which means children can join in oh-so easily. Memorable for many reasons.
That’s Not My Monkey
“That’s not my bat, its ears are too hairy.”
Usborne’s touchy-feely books have been going strong since 1997, and each is an absolute must-have board book for little hands that love exploring different textures.
These editions are designed for really young children (from three months plus) and feature all sorts of creatures; unicorn, donkey, llama, wombat, dinosaur to name a few.
The formula of each is generally the same: “That’s not my bat, its ears are too hairy”… and on each page, your child will be able to rub the book and feel different textures from soft fur to felt, textured card and more.
Once your child has their first, they’re bound to be very happy to see the collection grow.
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt
“We’re going on a bear hunt….we’re going to catch a big one!”
Another great writer of children’s books and poems is Michael Rosen, whose “bear hunt” story is one families can read animatedly together. Watch your kids enjoy each refrain: “We’re going on a bear hunt….we’re going to catch a big one!”
The sense of adventure that comes with reading this book is probably even more compelling if you live absolutely nowhere near where you might see a bear!
For inspiration on how to act the tale aloud with the littles, see Rosen himself recite it on YouTube. Total genius.
The Cat In The Hat
“Too wet to go out and too cold to play ball. So we sat in the house. We did nothing at all…. And then something went BUMP! How that bump made us jump! We looked! Then we saw him step in on the mat! We looked! And we saw him! The cat in the hat!”
For the wackiest rhymes, only Dr Seuss will do! The Cat In The Hat is probably the most famous in his collection and is a winning story for any kids who find themselves inside with nothing to do all day.
If your child (and you!) love these rhymes, be sure to check out the others: The Fox In Socks is great fun, and There’s A Wocket In My Pocket is pure nonsense that will have you all in stitches,100% guaranteed.
The Twits
“A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”
No rundown of kids’ books would be complete without a mention of Roald Dahl, and we’ve plumped for the tale of a decidedly dysfunctional couple to feature here.
Even years after reading it ourselves, we simply can’t forget the wormy spaghetti Mr Twit makes for his unsuspecting wife or the way he lengthens her walking stick bit by bit, day by day, so she thinks she’s shrinking.
Gruesome, brilliant stuff kids will love – and perhaps a nostalgia trip for you as story time rolls around.
