A book for every year
Published
The growth of online entertainment, coupled with a worrying decline in public libraries and fewer bookshops, is having a serious impact on childrens' introduction to the wonderful world of books. But the good news is that Book Trust* offers a monthly upload of new book information for children of all ages, recommended by experts and tried-and-tested. We picked five books one for each year up to five.
AGE BIRTH +
TUMMY TIME
Price £6.49
Publisher Mama Makes Books
At six months, babies love looking at other babies and themselves –and this vibrant stand-up book contains pictures of a variety of baby faces plus two mirrors. Babies can look at the book as they lie on their tummies, building body strength so that they can roll over, sit and crawl. The attention-grabbing pictures also keep baby brains busy.
Visit www.amazon.co.uk
AGE 1+
DINOSAUR’S WOBBLY BOTTOM
Price £6.99
Publisher Farshore
Little Triceratops has a very wobbly bottom, and she's not the only one! Join a band of cute baby dinosaurs as they dance to the beat, stomp their feet and wobble their bottoms. Colourful and playful, this sturdy board book introduces little ones to a selection of dinosaurs and their fun movements and actions. Each spread has a moving mechanism to wobble or slide.
Visit www.amazon.co.uk
AGE 2+
CUDDLY LADYBIRD
Price £9.99
Publisher Nosy Crow
Discover all the animals babies to love point out – a bee, a duck, a ladybird and more. This soft, cloth book has pages that make a satisfying crinkle as you turn them, and the all-important mirror. The black and white illustrations are bold and endearing and soft felt flaps offer a pop-up of colour. The simple repetitive text is a pleasure to read aloud. It also has a handle to attach to a buggy.
Visit nosycrow.com
AGE 3+
WORRY BOOTS
Price £5.99
Publisher Scholastic
As Connie and Mum make their way to the bus stop, they realise that their journey to school is going to be very unusual.
Why? Because there is something surprising in Connie’s shoe! And that means she can’t possibly go to school until she’s sorted it out… A lovely story for kids starting pre-school or school.
Visit shop.scholastic.co.uk
AGE 4+
THE ELEPHANT AND THE SEA
Price £3.99
Publisher Penguin/ Puffin
Meet Gabriel, a young elephant who lives in a village by the sea. He has one dream and it’s to join the lifeboat crew. He wants to help people in the water, but elephants don’t fit in lifeboats. He’s too big to help the sailors. But one stormy day, the lifeboat crew run into trouble and Gabriel might be the only one who can help. Can he save the day?
Visit www.penguin.co.uk
*Book Trust is an invaluable resource for parents who are keen to encourage their kids to read, but feel uncertain about what books to choose. Visit www.booktrust.org.uk
