Where's Spot by Eric Hill is perfect for toddlers. It's dinner time and mother dog Sally is looking for her puppy, Spot. She searches high and low and finds many different animals before she happens upon her own puppy. A gorgeous flip book that will keep toddlers entertained, tapping into the much loved hide and seek theme.
Top 10 books for boys
Curious George at the Zoo by H.A. Rey is another great toddler read. A simple story book, with Curious George and the man with the yellow hat visiting the zoo. George gets himself into mischief but does come out the better in the end. A sweet and classic tale for toddlers.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen is a great read from age 1-4 year olds. This gorgeous book is a nursery favourite, that follows the adventures of a family as the overcome all that arises as they hunt for the bear. Great descriptions and illustrations for the younger read, with repetition encouraging toddlers to be involved.
Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson is great for ages 3-5. Little monkey is searching for his mum, and is helped by butterfly. Although she doesn't quite get it righ the first time, and suggests other animals before getting it right.
The Snail and The Whale, Julia Donaldson, idea for 4-8 year olds is a sweet story of the tiny snail hitching a ride with the giant whale to see the world, and the unlikely friendship that ensues.
How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Rolen is perfect for age 4-7. A brilliant bedtime read that kids will really enjoy, and will also help them understand how to go to bed without a fuss, just like the dinosaurs in the book as they say goodnight to their parents. With large font and rhyming text it's a great book to get younger children involved with, as each Dinosaur has a name in each bedroom which children love to find.
The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss, ideal for age 5. Wonderful rhyming adventure of a Cat in the Hat who's efforts to brighten the day of 2 bored children has fantastical results. This is a great books that kids will learn off by heart with ease. You will be glad to read this one over and over. And over.
Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak is great for age 5 plus. Mischiefous Max is sent to his room with no supper after chasing the dog with a fork and threatening to eat his mum (while dressed as a wolf). Max is quite angry and his imagination leads him to a wild world of adventure and fantasy. An ocean, a forest and a land full of wild things that only he can tame, and they in turn call him the most wild thing of all and make him their king. But Max soon wants to get back home, and returns to his bedroom where he finds his supper is waiting. A brilliantly boy book if ever there was one.
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer is suitable for age 8 plus. Kids aged 8 and up will just love this hugely popular tale of everybodies favourite anti-hero! 'Artemis Fowl's father is a European crime lord and at the beginning of the book, he disappears with the family's fortune, leaving his mother in a state of shock. Artemis then finds himself on an adventure with his bodyguard Butler where he discovers fairies really do exist and in order to capture one must decode their book. Boys will equally love this wild ride of a book.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney is brilliant for age 9-12. This hilarious book is perfect for kids aged 9 to 12. It tells the story of the hardships of moving to a new school and trying to cope with every day challenges. It’s a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you’re ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary. It will appeal to both reluctant and advanced readers.
