It seems that there is new research coming out every day about the importance of reading to children. Myself personally, I love reading children’s books and marveling over the pictures; secretly I wish I had the talent for illustration but so far it has alluded me. At any rate, I cannot refuse a request as I know both myself and the little one will enjoy the adventure into literature thoroughly.
My top favorite children’s books so far include:
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr, illustrated by Eric Carle, is a must have board book. The Illustrations are fun and colourful and the story line is engaging and repetitive so young children will easily be able to read along. This is a great book for teaching colours and animals.
Learning Opportunities:
- Colours: Brown, Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Purple, White, Black, Gold.
- Animals: Bear, Bird, Duck, Horse, Frog, Cat, Dog, Sheep, Goldfish.
- Counting: Count the children/animals/bear claws/horse hooves, etc.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is probably my favorite board book of all time. I love the illustrations, colours and interactive pages; you really can get a lot out of this book.
Learning Opportunities:
- Colours: Name the colours or ask the child what colours they see.
- Biology: Life cycle of a butterfly.
- Counting: 1-5 with little holes in the pages for toddler to poke their fingers into.
- Learning the names of food.
Mama, Do You Love ME?
Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joosse is a very special book that affirms to the child the unbreakable bond they have with their Mother.
Learning Opportunities:
- Ask your child questions about the story and illustrations throughout the reading; even if you need to answer them yourself. Asking questions teaches your child to be curious and seek out new information. Engaging in dialogue with your child helps improve thier language skills.
Papa, Do You Love ME?
Papa, Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joosse is a very special book that affirms to baby the unbreakable bond they have with their Father.
Learning Opportunities:
- Ask your child questions about the story and pictures.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen is a beautiful story of a families journey into the great outdoors. The changes in pace throughout the story and high-energy ending makes this a very interesting book for both reader and listener alike.
Learning Opportunities:
- Ask your child questions about the story and pictures.
- Count objects in the illustrations (trees, people, etc.)
Baa, Baa, Black Sheep
This Little Learners Baa, Baa, Black Sheep Puppet book takes reading time to a whole new level. And best of all you never have to worry about losing your finger puppet! There are many titles in this book series, including Humpty Dumpty, Mary had a little Lamb, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, Intsy Bitsy Spider, and many more.
Learning Opportunities:
- Rhyming is helpful for developing language skills in your child.
- Ask your child questions about the story and pictures.
- Allow your child to interact with the puppet.
- Makeup your own rhymes using pictures or puppets.
Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?
Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin is a colourful introduction into the world of wildlife. While I cannot guarantee that your child will graduate from this to The Kingfisher Illustrated Encyclopedia of Animals at 18 months old, it is still worth a try! lol
Learning Opportunities:
- Animals: Panda, Bald Eagle, Water Buffalo, Monkey, Sea Turtle, Macaroni Penguin, Sea Lion, Red Wolf, Whooping Crane, Black Panther.
- Counting: Count the animals/horns/legs/etc.
First 100 Words
First 100 Words by Priddy Baby is a beautiful book to look at. The background colours and photography are vibrant and engaging; with so much to learn within its pages. This is a great book for in the car and at other times when self-direction is needed.
Learning Opportunities:
- Naming colours
- Naming the pictures
- Finding the same or similar objects around your home.