“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” – Walt Disney
You can read to your child from the day they are born.
Touch and Feel Books are great first books for your little one because they make the whole experience even more appealing.
Don’t worry about reading what’s written on the page, let your child turn the pages and talk about whatever they’re interested in.
Look for books with large, clear pictures.
Lots of these books have photos of things that your child will recognise which makes them even more interesting.
Some children really like the books with different textures that they can feel.
Others like something more visually interesting like a glitter book.
These books have texture and sound which doubles the fun!
I have a wonderful collection of children’s books and have been lucky enough to find lots of them in my local Red Cross Shop for just a dollar or two (because great books don’t have to be expensive).
Spot Books By Eric Hill
“Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill is one of my favourite books and it’s a wonderful book to share with little ones.
It’s dinner time and Spot’s Mum, Sally, is looking all around the house trying to find him …
This book has big, bright pictures so it’s easy for your child to recognise all the characters.
They’ll enjoy lifting up the little flaps as they help Sally look for Spot and end up discovering a whole lot of other animals along the way.
Little children love to get involved with the booksharing. Perhaps they could knock on the door and then open it.
“Knock. Knock!”
“Where’s the puppy?”
“Is he here?”
“No, that’s a bear!”
When they get a little older, you can model the sounds that the animals make.
“Rahh! That’s a lion!”
You could talk about the characteristics of the animals. “A crocodile! He’s got sharp teeth!”
When your child can sit and concentrate for a little longer you can begin to point out the words in the book.
I start by pointing out the word “No” and love how quickly children join in as they see the same word on each new page.
Spot has lots of other adventures too. And a lot of the time he’s doing the same sorts of things that your child does.
It’s fun to read “Spot Bakes a Cake” and then make a chocolate cake of your own!
These are some of my other favourites.
Kath McLaughlin 