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| The best read-aloud books for toddlers |
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Reading aloud to your child is one of the most important and enjoyable things you can share, and has many benefits. As well as stimulating imagination and helping your child understand the world around them, reading aloud offers a wonderful opportunity to foster a lifelong love for books and storytelling. Reading together also provides a precious moment of quietness and bonding, curled up with a parent and sharing a story.
There are thousands of fabulous books out there to read with your child, here are 15 of the best and timeless classics that should be in everyone's collection.
Where the Wild Things Are
By Maurice Sendak
This much-loved favourite story tells the tale of Max, whose mother calls him a 'Wild Thing' after getting up to mischief in his wolf suit, and sends him to bed without his supper. That night Max's room is transformed into a jungle and he sails to where the wild things are.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
By Eric Carle
Originally published in 1969, The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows a caterpillar as he munches his way through a range of different foods until he creates a cocoon and emerges as a beautiful butterfly. Described as one of the greatest childhood books of all time, no childhood collection is complete without it.
The Cat in the Hat
By Theodor Geisel (Dr Seuss)
This fabulously lyrical book tells the story of a mischievous cat who turns up at Sally's house when her mother is out to entertain her on a rainy day, and proceeds to wreck the house. Originally written in response to a debate in the US about the ineffectiveness of traditional early readers, Geisel wrote a more entertaining book written around the first two words from the reading list – cat and hat.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt
By Michael Rosen, Helen Oxenbury
Join a family as they wade through grass, splash through the river and squelch through the mud in search of a bear. Now also a well-known song, it's a wonderful story to share together.
Each Peach Pear Plum
By Janet and Allan Ahlberg
A delightful poetry book that brings to life well-known nursery rhyme characters such as the Three Bears and Tom Thumb. Giving clues to what is hiding on the page opposite, children are encouraged to join in and follow the story themselves.
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy
By Lynley Dodd
The first in a series of books that tell the story of Hairy Maclary, a fictional dog and his canine friends as they run around town, until they meet his arch-enemy the tomcat Scarface Claw. A great introduction to rhyming text alongside wonderful illustrations.
Room on the Broom
By Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler
A witch and her cat are happily flying on a broomstick when the wind blows away her hat, bow then wand. When the three animals that help her find the missing items then want a ride on the broom in return, is there room for everyone? A fun story that is now a childhood classic.
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
By Mem Fox, Helen Oxenbury
The perfect read-aloud story for parents to share with their young child, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes tells the story of babies around the world, and the joy they bring. With gentle rhyming text and delightful illustrations, the book is full of warmth and love.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
By Judith Kerr
Originally published in 1968, the book tells the story of a girl called Sophie and her mother who are having afternoon tea and are joined by a tiger who drinks all the tea and eats all the food in the house. A classic picture book that is a delight for reading aloud and for children to read to themselves.
Where is the Green Sheep?
By Mem Fox, Judy Horacek
Easy-to-read rhyming story that takes readers through different types of sheep on the hunt for the green sheep. A playful narrative that appeals to a toddler's sense of fun and curiosity, the text introduces colours, descriptions and simple vocabulary in a lyrical and interactive way.
The Gruffalo
By Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler
The rhyming story of a mouse who goes for a walk in a dangerous forest and the tales he invents to scare off his enemies. So, imagine his surprise when he runs into the real Gruffalo! Capturing the imagination of pre-schoolers with rhythmical narrative and fabulous illustrations it is one to be enjoyed by both toddlers and adults.
The Very Cranky Bear
By Nick Bland
A more recent release but already proving itself to be well worthy of being one of the best children's books, The Very Cranky Bear tells the story of a group of animals who encounter a very cranky bear, and each in their own way try to cheer him up. Toddlers love the vibrant illustrations and the story’s simple yet clever rhymes make it a fabulous book to share.
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