With World Book Day on the horizon, the talk of stories and dress-up is more prominent than ever. Whether you love the celebrations or loathe them, March 3rd brings with it an opportunity to take a step back and re-evaluate the presence of reading in your child’s life.
It’s never too early to start reading with your little one, with stories bringing many benefits, such as bonding, listening skills, and enhanced creativity. In fact, World Book Day 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of the special day, and with nearly 70% of young children becoming tech-literate before they can read, it’s never been so important to help navigate the new worlds a book can offer, together.
Whether you’re short on time or just not sure where to start, we’ve comprised a short list of some of the top picture books for under 5-year-olds.
Read on to find out more.
Guess How Much I Love You
If it’s bonding with your child that you’re after, then we have the perfect thing. There’s no greater gift you can give than your time, and with just ten minutes of your day, you can teach them a valuable lesson about love. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, follows the story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare as they attempt to express their love for each other, but discover that it’s not always an easy thing to measure.
With 32 pages of gorgeous illustrations, this book is bound to find a special place in your heart, with your child asking for it over and over again as they begin to understand the different ways to express one of life’s strongest emotions.
I Want My Potty!
For an amusing way to help with your child’s development, why not join the Little Princess in this hilarious account of royal potty training. With bright illustrations and a subject that even princesses talk about, this book is described by the Guardian as “a godsend to parents”.
The Little Princess series has also been adapted for television, and can be found on Channel 5s Milkshake, for your little one to enjoy further.
We’ve All Got Bellybuttons!
This book, written by David Martin, is a unique way to interact with your little one as they discover all the wonderful ways in which their bodies can move. The book moves from ears to feet, illustrated with an array of friendly animals, each exploring the body parts they have in common, as well as those that are unique to them. The animals discover that:
“Best of all – we’ve all got bellybuttons for tickle-tickling!”
And as you interact with your child and make them giggle, they’re sure to want to hear We’ve All Got Bellybuttons again and again.
Dear Zoo
Since it was first published in 1982, Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell has been a firm favourite with toddlers and parents alike. Bold and bright illustrations fill the pages, alongside catchy wording and an array of animals to discover. The classic lift-the-flap book offers children an interactive way to learn and discover new animals as you visit the Zoo together, in the attempt to find the perfect pet.
