Green Mummy: 10 classic books for young children

ABC UK - by James Dunn & Helen Bate

Guest blogger Nicola Baird, mum and parenting author, selects her favourite story and picture books for young children.

Nicola blogs on childcare at homemadekids.wordpress.com, where you can enter her latest competition to win a toy fair trade cookery set.

Babies

As simple as can be for under 12 months, and the rest of your life.

1. Any nursery rhymes book
Perhaps you have one from your childhood? Or you want to find a version with bright, new illustrations. Nursery rhymes are a lovely way to learn to count and to enjoy a cultural link with generations of children learning English. You’ll find counting rhymes said aloud are great when you need to distract your child.

2. ABC UK by James Dunn & Helen Bate
Perfect for Diamond Jubilee fever, with its genius alphabet. B is for Beatles, V is for vindaloo, while Z is for zero degrees longitude (at the Greenwich meridian) not zebra.

3. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
This can be bought as a sturdy flap book. It’s a great way for babies to get the hang of turning pages, enjoying a surprise and recognising animals – even though you won’t see many of these zoo beasties in the street.

Toddlers

You’re going to know these by heart.

4.The Gruffalo by children’s laureate (2011-13) Julia Donaldson
This is now an established classic. It has a gorgeous sing-song rhythm and lovely pictures of native animals (er, apart from the Gruffalo!).

5 Hairy McClairy by Lynley DoddIdeal for anyone who likes to play spot the dog when you’re out for a stroll. It’s got ambitious voccab, but the rhythm makes it a pleasure to read aloud together.

6 Each, Peach, Pear, Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
This classic book uses the I-Spy game, and nursery rhyme characters to enchant adults and children.

Three years +

Ideal for calming down at bedtime.

7. I will not ever NEVER eat a tomato by Lauren Child
You may already know Charlie & Lola, but this particular book is a gem. Ideal for foodies and their fussy eater offspring, as it gives the grown up a chance to laugh about children’s eccentric (dull?) food choices and the child a hint that tastes can change.

8. The tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
If this was you or your partner’s favourite book then be sure to let Granny read it to your child. You could even record them, or make a little video of the generations reading together.

9. The Tiger Who Came for Tea by Judith Kerr
Mum and daughter have an unexpected furry visitor with poor table manners. Let your imagination run wild – when someone knocks at the door, or rings the buzzer, get guessing about who it could be. Is it the boy who brings the post? Or the delivery boy? Or Daddy? Or a tiger?

Any age!

10. My story by me
A chance to make your own special book which will be read and read. Ideally do this project with your child. First take and print some photos of family members/pets or special places. Select your favourite 10 then stick them down – one image to one page, leaving enough room to write a word or two in large, easy-to-read lettering. Ideally use sturdy card, about postcard size, then secure the spine by sewing or stapling the left side.