Interactive Play with Rhymes and Songs

For a tiny baby, the beat of a rhyme or song and its associated actions, naturally and comfortingly take the place of the heartbeat of the mother’s womb and the movements of the mother’s body.

Singing along while stroking a crying baby’s back, peekaboo smiles with a tiny baby, little toe-tickling games, knee-bouncing a toddler faster and faster, swooping them high up in the air, touching fingers and toes one by one, soothing a little one to sleep ~ these are the kinds of interaction that can make babyhood and early childhood so precious ~ and for all of these interactions, there are little playsongs and rhymes to accompany them.

But I Can’t Sing…

Your voice is the most important sound in your child’s world. They’ll love however your singing voice sounds. It’s the engagement that matters.

With our voice and our cradling arms we can croon a little one to sleep, or jog a toddler on our knee. But a song or a rhyme adds something ~ it engages us in the interaction for that little bit longer, which is so beneficial to us both.

Here are some favourites from the Playsongs resources. All of them work for any age or stage of early childhood.

Songs For Eye-Contact and Face to Face Games

From the very earliest days, when a baby’s focus is very limited still, they are learning your face and voice and those are the whole world to them.

Cradle baby close, and touch each part of baby’s face as you say this traditional play rhyme, while looking into baby’s eyes. A bigger baby or toddler will start to touch your face in turn as you say the rhyme.

Eye winker (touch cheek below one eye)
Tom tinker (touch cheek below the other eye)
Nose smeller (touch nose)
Mouth eater (touch mouth)
Chin chopper chin chopper chin (chuck baby’s chin)

Fundamental to communication, your voice, movements and expressions are all being absorbed by your little one. Songs and rhymes provide more of those long moments that bring you face to face and increase bonding time together.

Peekaboo Songs

Hide your face behind your hands and peek out to either side, opening your hands wide on BOO in this little peekaboo song.

Can you play at peekaboo? I can play at peekaboo,
Are you there? Yes I am!
Are you there? Yes I am!
Peeka-peek-peeka-peeka-BOO!

Peekaboo is one of the most universal games we play with babies. It helps them develop the reassurance that even if we are hidden, we are still here. As a baby grows they’ll start to mimic us with their own peekaboo hands playing the game.

Teaser Tunes

Pat your baby’s front lightly as they lie on a soft surface; smooth your open hand around their chest; walk your fingers down to baby’s feet and tickle baby’s toes. That’s how this little traditional song works.

It has the same tune as Two Little Dicky Birds, which you may know, but you can always freestyle it and make up your own.

Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, walk down the street,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, tickle your feet.
Teddy bear, teddy bear, touch the ground,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, walk up the stair,
Teddy bear, teddy bear, tickle you under there.

You can see that the song has a very simple pattern of words, melody and actions, and the joy is in the anticipation which those build towards the little tickle at the end. Songs and rhymes for this age are full of pattern and repetition, which are such an important part of developmental learning.

They also help baby to find the parts of their own body and start to recognise the names for them as you name and touch each part during a song or rhyme.

Tickling Rhymes

Tickle alert for this next one. My little grand baby loved this play rhyme so much, that she’d wordlessly hold out her hand for more, over and over again. That said, tickling should always be done with your baby’s consent.

A song or rhyme can be brilliant for distracting them out of a grump or a grizzle. Try it. It has restored good humour for me so many times!

Let’s eat an apple (take one of baby’s hands and pretend to gobble it up)
Let’s eat a plum (take the other hand and pretend to gobble it up)
Let’s blow a raspberry on your tum! (blow a raspberry on baby’s clothed tummy)

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Leg Walkers and Foot Patters

Do you know the tune to Hot cross buns? (Hot cross buns, hot cross buns, one a penny two a penny, hot cross buns.) Well it’s the same as the tune to this traditional foot patter – but it works just as well as a rhyme.

An ideal time to play it – or use it as a distraction – is when baby is lying on a changing mat with the soles of their feet handily in your reach.

Pat the soles of baby’s feet in turn to the beat of the song.

Hob shoe hob,
Hob shoe hob,
Here a nail and there a nail,
And that’s well shod.

Leg walkers are a lovely way to play, while baby is sitting on your knee. This time, instead of facing baby inwards face to face with you, turn baby to face outwards.

Take an ankle in each hand, and cross one over the other in turn to the beat of the rhyme. On JUMP, raise baby’s feet high in the air, supporting their body on your chest, between your arms.

Leg over leg As the dog went to Dover,
When he came to a style ~JUMP he went over.

With a bigger baby you can jump them into the air in a high lift. Step along instead of crossing ankles ~ it’s a good one for encouraging a toddler to make progress on a walk.

Knee Bouncing Songs

Knee-bouncing is such a favourite – particularly when you throw in a bump down between your legs onto the floor on ‘One fell off’.

The tune is Two Little Dicky Birds again! But this time there are three little monkeys bouncing on your knee.

Play-acting and exploring expression in voice and action is an important part of socialising as we learn to become communicators and to express our individuality.

Three little monkeys bouncing on the bed,
One fell off and bumped his head.
Mummy called the doctor and the doctor said,
‘No more monkey business bouncing on the bed!’

Here’s a traditional Irish knee bouncer ~ Achinaee. Bounce a little baby or toddler on your knee. On ‘floor’, quickly slide baby/toddler between your knees to the ground, lifting them back into your lap for more bouncing. And more and more and more…..

Achinaee, when I was wee,
I used to sit on my granny’s knee,
Her apron tore, and I fell on the floor,
Achinaee-a-ee.

Croons

A teeny tiny baby can’t tell us what’s wrong. Maybe it’s painful wind, or a fractious need for a nap. We’re probably all familiar with soothing a nearly new baby on our shoulder, gently patting or stroking their back, while swaying from one foot to the other. Not surprisingly there’s an age old type of song for that familiar stage – a croon.

A croon is a very simple, repetitive melody with very few words and with a slowly swaying rhythm, perfect for soothing and comforting a baby.

What may not be quite so well-recognised is the calming effect these songs have on ourselves and on our own distress. We’re tired out, we can’t remember the last full night’s sleep we had, we’re at our wits end, and the baby’s crying.

This one-word song can bring down the tension and soothe the distress of both adult and child. As you keep repeating it, it becomes restfully hypnotic, sung on, and on, and on.

Souallé souallé,
Souallé souallé,
Souallé souallé,
Souallé souallé,
Souallé souallé…

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On and On!

Well we could go on and on ~ I’ve only touched on that wealth of playsongs and rhymes, traditional and new, which make so many tricky moments of the day go more smoothly – nappy changes, washing and dressing, getting to places (specially with a toddler determined to walk – or not), teatimes, bath times, and bedtimes.

And that’s not to mention all their other many benefits ~ all the new language, imagination, co-ordination of both fine motor skills and whole body motor skills, emotions and empathy, and that most precious benefit of all ~ time spent together with undivided attention.

Sometimes I wonder if I ever grew up. I love the songs of early childhood so much. I’ve shared them with my own children, and with my grandchildren.

Through Playsongs Publications, I share them with everyone, and I hope you will have caught some of that pleasure and its benefits in the tasters I’ve given you here.

To access all the resources ~ books, audio, movies, blog ~ visit playsongs.co.uk

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The post Songs and Interactive Rhymes to Soothe or Stimulate Tots and Toddlers appeared first on MyKidsTime.

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It’s something that happens so easily, often without any warning and can leave everyone shaken up.

As your little one splutters and coughs, it can cause them (and you) to panic and really escalate the situation in seconds. But knowing which foods are more likely choking hazards for kids is a really important first step – as is knowing how to mitigate the risks and make snacks and mealtimes safer.

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What Are the Top Food Hazards?

Choking hazards for kids are mainly food items, particularly the top 10 foods identified by the HSE:

• Hot dogs/sausages
• Raw carrot
• Apples
• Grapes (and similar shaped fruit and vegetables, e.g., cherry tomatoes, soft fruits)
• Nuts
• Peanut butter
• Marshmallows
• Chewing gum
• Boiled sweets
• Popcorn

What Other Choking Hazards Are There?

Young children and babies regularly put items in their mouths that aren’t meant to be there. Small items they find around the house can then become a choking hazard that parents need to watch out for.

These items can include flat ‘button’ batteries, coins, small jewellery items, magnets, small toys or toy parts, marbles, beads, balloons, and elastic bands (especially loom bands).

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How Can You Reduce the Chances of Choking?

#1. Supervision

Supervision is the first, and most crucial, way that you can reduce choking incidents. Keep any of the items listed above out of reach of small children, and take great care with the food hazards.

#2. Think About Size

When preparing food, follow the safety advice for young children – for example, make sure food is cut into small bite-size pieces. Grapes, in particular, are a real choking hazard due to their shape, which is the perfect size for getting stuck in a child’s airway. The recommendation is that you slice grapes in half or quarters lengthways (not widthways) to reduce the danger of choking.

#3. Eat Together

Don’t leave your child alone at meal or snack times. Take the time sitting at the table to chat to your child, and ensure your child sits still at the table. Jumping around, running, and getting distracted can increase the risk of choking.

For more advice on choking hazards for kids, safety tips and reducing the risks, visit the HSE website where you can also discover what to do in the event of a choking incident.

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Were you aware of these choking hazards for kids? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

The post Do You Know the Top 10 Choking Hazards for Kids? appeared first on MyKidsTime.

Don’t miss the chance to have your say! We’re looking for parents to get involved and give their feedback on all aspects of family life. Find out more here.

Potty training is a big milestone, and while you may be finding the whole idea daunting, your toddler may be feeling anxious, unsure or even confused about what’s going on. Reassurance is important, as well as including your child in some of the decisions such as picking out their new underwear.

Potty training books are a great idea for your toddler. They make the experience fun, take away some of the fear, and the repetition of a favourite book can help to ease their worries.

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Aim for Success with Fun Potty Training Books

Potty Superstar

Potty Superstar

Ella likes running and climbing and jumping – but she does not like her nappy! It’s time to learn how to be a potty superstar.

Join Ella on her journey to becoming a potty superstar and learn all about potties, washing hands and accidents. Soon, you’ll have a potty superstar of your own!

There is also a boy’s version of Potty Superstar available.

Potty Patrol

Potty Patrol

Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol is here to help toddlers say, Bye-bye, diapers! Filled with encouragement from Marshall, Skye, and the rest of the amazing team, this book will guide boys and girls through the adventures of potty training.

Have You Seen My Potty?

Have You Seen My Potty? by Mij Kelly

Suzy Sue has something very important to do… the truth is she needs to do a poo, but someone has borrowed her potty! Join her as she searches the farmyard for her bright red potty. Will she find it in time?

This is one of the most popular potty training books around, and the cute story explains why.

Pirate Pete’s Potty

Pirate Pete’s Potty by Andrea Pinnington

Easily follow along with the fun pictures, showing little ones that even pirates have anxiety about using the potty. And when your own Pirate Pete uses the potty correctly, they can press the fun ‘cheer’ button!

There is also a separate Pirate Pete’s Potty Sticker ActivityBook available.

Princess Polly’s Potty

Princess Polly’s Potty by Andrea Pinnington

Princess Polly is nervous about using the potty, but after choosing her princess pants, she discovers she can do it. And when your own Princess Polly uses the potty correctly, she can press the ‘cheer’ button as a fun, noisy reward!

We had this book and my daughter loved it – although she really wanted Pirate Pete’s Potty instead. I was delighted, therefore, to see that a new title of Pirate Polly’s Potty was released in 2019, as not all girls want to be princesses!

Lulu’s Loo

Lulu’s Loo by Camilla Reid

Join Lulu’s toilet adventures as she learns how to use potties and proper loos. Lulu is given a special present by Mummy – her very own potty. Lulu does her first wee in the potty and soon she’s sitting on her potty everywhere!

Let’s Go to the Potty

Let’s Go to the Potty by Allison Jandu

Let’s Go to the Potty is an engaging, story-driven guide for toddlers who are ready to break free of the diaper. Playful pictures give toddlers visual clues as to what their progress will look like, and a short, rhyming potty song teaches toddlers to communicate their needs.

No More Nappies

No More Nappies by Marian Cocklico

In No More Nappies, meet Millie and Mo who are ready to ditch their nappies and learn how to use the potty. Fun illustrations and lift-the-flaps make their potty-training journey interesting for kids and is a great way to introduce potty training.

Nappy Duck and Potty Piggy

Nappy Duck and Potty Piggy by Bernette Ford

A wonderful read-aloud story with cute characters and simple text. Ducky wants Piggy to come out and play – but he can’t, he is on the potty. How can Ducky become as grown-up as Piggy?

Bing: All Aboard the Toilet Train

Bing: All Aboard the Toilet Train

This one is great for children making the move from potty to the ‘big’ toilet and using it with confidence.

Bing doesn’t use his potty anymore – he uses the big toilet, and you can too. It can be scary at first, but with a little practise you’ll be catching the Toilet Train in no time.

Bingsters will love pressing the sound button and joining in the fun. Choo, choo!

Big Boy Underpants

Big Boy Underpants by Fran Manushkin

Snappy, rhyming text and great illustrations sound the perfect note to encourage toddlers who want to wear big boy underpants, just like Daddy! Sturdy board pages will hold up to repeated readings, as little boys get ready to say, “Bye-bye, diapers!”

Big Girl Panties

Big Girl Panties by Fran Manushkin

Big Girl Panties! features a light, positive approach to motivate toddlers to become toilet trained. Rhyming text and colourful illustrations bring the story of moving to ‘big girl panties’ to life.

Thomas & Friends: My Thomas Potty Book

Thomas & Friends: My Thomas Potty Book

Say goodbye to nappies with Thomas & Friends! All stages are covered from choosing grown-up pants and that all-important potty, trying again and again, having accidents and learning to wash your hands.

Includes special reward chart and stickers to reward potty progress.

Where’s the Poop?

Where’s the Poop? by Julie Markes

This engaging and funny lift-the-flap book shows children that all creatures have a place to poop – tigers in the jungle, kangaroos in the outback, and monkeys in the rainforest. With the aid of this playful book, your child will see that he or she has a place to poop too.

I Want My Potty

I Want My Potty by Tony Ross

“Nappies are YUUECH!” said the Little Princess. “There must be something better!”

At first, the Little Princess thinks the royal potty is even worse, but she soon learns to love it… even if it isn’t always there when she needs it. Tony Ross’s hilarious account of royal potty training will amuse young children and help their parents.

Skip to the Loo

Skip to the Loo by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Rhythmic and rhyming, this book rejoices in the call of nature! Everyone is invited to celebrate – from an only lonely dodo to a wibbly woo, Lord and Lady Huff Puff and Ballerina elephant in a tutu, too! When the Potty Party is truly in full swing, Bunny spots that someone very important is missing…

Don’t miss the surprise mirror on the last page invites toddlers to join the Potty Party!

Come Out Mr Poo!

Come Out Mr Poo! by Janelle McGuinness

This delightful and funny book will help your child get ready for doing a ‘number two’ on the loo or potty – perfect if your child is showing concern about transitioning out of nappies or diapers. This encouraging story shows them that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Sesame Street: P is for Potty

Sesame Street: P is for Potty

Sesame Street‘s Elmo tells little girls and boys all about how to use the potty in this lift-the-flap book with more than 30 flaps to find and open. It’s the perfect mix of fun and learning for potty-training toddlers, especially useful while they practice sitting on the potty.

The Perfect Potty Zoo

The Perfect Potty Zoo by Agnes Green

“Animals from A to Z are very much like you. They play, they eat, they sleep, they dream. They even pee and poo!”

Follow the antics of 27 very different animals from air, land, and sea as they all go potty in this beautifully imaginative rhyming ABC book.

Even Firefighters Go to the Potty

Even Firefighters Go to the Potty by Wendy Wax

The fire truck is pulling out of the station. But wait! Where is the firefighter going? Even firefighters go to the potty!

Toddlers may be uneasy about toilet training but in this funny story they’ll learn that everyone goes ‘potty’, from a firefighter on the way to answer a fire alarm to a zoo keeper on the way to feed the polar bears!

Potty Superhero: Get Ready for Big Boy Pants!

Potty Superhero: Get Ready for Big Boy Pants! by Mabel Forsyth

Every little superhero needs to use the potty – he just needs to know where to go! Help your own little superhero explore the idea of using a potty as he makes the potty training journey toward wearing big boy pants.

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Have you bought any of these potty training books for your child? Which ones would you recommend to other parents? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

The post 21 Fun Potty Training Books Your Toddler Will Love appeared first on MyKidsTime.

Dr Seuss Crafts and Activities

Truffula Trees

Dr Seuss’s The Lorax was the inspiration for About a Mom’s fun and simple Truffula Trees craft. Using lollipop sticks, craft paper and tissue paper, this is suitable for young Seuss fans.

While this ccraft is suitable for any time and makes a great accompaniment craft to reading The Lorax, you could also makes this truffula tree craft as an Earth Day activity.

Thing 1 and Thing 2 Handprint Painting

This fun Dr Seuss craft idea from Must Have Mom takes two favourite characters, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and turns them into adorable handprint art. Even better, this craft project doubles as a keepsake or gift idea.

Horton Hears a Who Craft

A favourite Dr Seuss book and subsequent movie, Horton Hears a Who! is the endearing tale of an elephant to listens to and rescues Whoville – a tiny town full of tiny people named ‘Whos’ that is a speck of dust on the top of a pink clover.

Now you can make your own Horton with this fun craft idea from Artsy Craftsy Mom.

One Fish Two Fish Fishbowl Craft

Fans of One Fish Two Fish will enjoy making this fun fishbowl craft from Mrs Thompson’s Treasures. Cut the top off of a paper plate and tape it to the bottom. Paint the base and the ‘tank’, and leave to dry, then glue some goldfish crackers or paper cut-outs to make your fishbowl!

Dr Seuss-Inspired Clear Slime

Book inspired crafts are always a lot of fun, and that’s because they aren’t just a fun way to keep your little one busy and engaged in something creative, but it also inspires them to read more books and develop a love for them.

If your little one loved Dr Seuss’s Put Me in the Zoo, this clear slime recipe from Craft Play Learn is a must try – especially if you want to try a hands-on, sensory activity.

Painted Rock Grinch Craft

This idea for a painted rock Grinch craft from Homemade Heather is a fun and easy project to do with the kids, and lots of fun around Christmas to give to friends and family.

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Thing 1 and Thing 2 Flower Pots

Crafting Cheerfully created this quick DIY Dr Seuss flower pot craft, using the fun and whimsy of Thing 1 and Thing 2. And a bright blue boa was the perfect choice for the blue hair looks sticking out of the pots!

Lorax Puppet Craft

Not only is this The Lorax-inspired craft from ABCs of Literacy easy to make, but it is inexpensive too. If you don’t have card stock, you can always use construction paper or paint some recycled cardboard. Instead of using the googly eyes and pom pom, you can use construction paper to make the eyes and nose too.

Dr Seuss Corner Bookmarks

These cute Dr Seuss bookmark corners from Red Ted Art are the perfect Dr Seuss craft for young fans.

Partner your new craft project with your favourite book, and the cheeky little faces and distinctive blue hair of Thing 1 and Thing 2 will pop out to mark your page!

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Get creative, make a (little) mess and produce some fantastic mini masterpieces with these engaging ideas for 50 fun art & crafts for kids!

Oh, the Places You’ll Go Hot Air Balloon Craft

This Dr. Seuss-inspired Oh, the Places You’ll Go hot air balloon craft from Our Kid Things is absolutely adorable. Each balloon with a child’s picture riding in the basket, off on their own adventure!

Make your own keepsake craft with full step-by-step photo instructions and cut out template.

Wocket Pocket Real and Nonsense Word Sort

After reading There’s A Wocket in My Pocket, this early reading and word sorting activity from ABCs of Literacy will help your child to practice identifying real and nonsense words.

Not only are Dr Seuss’s books entertaining and fun to read, but many of them can be used to teach things such as rhyming, parts of speech, and real and nonsense words.

Why is it important to use nonsense words with kids? They may just seem like silly, made-up words but nonsense words can help kids learn phonics skills such as encoding and decoding.

Fizzing Green Eggs Science Experiment

No, you can’t eat these fizzing green eggs, but they make a super fun preschool science project from Preschool Powol Packets that partners well with reading Dr Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham.

How do you make these fun green eggs? Simply mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 9 drops of green food colouring and a tablespoon of water. You should have a soft dough that holds together when you squeeze it, but falls apart if any extra pressure is added. Form the dough into four eggs, and place them in a foil tray or dish in a bed of white “egg whites” (baking soda).

Now, give them to your preschooler with a cup of vinegar and a dropper so they can make their own fizzy green eggs and develop their fine motor skills too!

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Lorax Moustache Match Activity

This moustache matching activity from The Iowa Farmer’s Wife, posting at No Time for Flashcards, is a great one for preschooler fans of The Lorax.

Create a variety of moustache shapes in a mix of sizes and colours, with corresponding cut-out shapes on a master card sheet. You could use paper, card or felt for this, and even attach small magnets to the back of the moustaches if you want to create a board that will be reused time and again. Now let your preschooler match the moustaches while you read or watch The Lorax.

Grinch Bath Salts

These fun Grinch bath salts from Ruffles and Rain Boots are a fantastic DIY gift for yourself or someone else – and perfect for Christmas.

See how easy this all-natural spa gift is to make with kitchen essentials, thanks to full instructions, materials list, and ideas on how to package it up for gifts.

Cat in the Hat Slime

The Cat in the Hat is a classic children’s book every kid should read or have read to him/her. This Dr Seuss The Cat in the Hat slime from Little Bins for Little Hands would also make an awesome Cat in the Hat party idea!

Creating both a white glue slime and a clear glue slime gives a unique look to this fun Dr Seuss slime, and it can last for quite a while, even months, with the right storage method.

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Pom Pom Bookmark

One Krieger Chick had a creative idea to create poufy pom pom bookmarks that resemble the trees in The Lorax or the fluffy hair-dos in many Dr Seuss books…plus, pom poms really are so stinkin’ fun!

All you need is some yarn, scissors and about 15 minutes to make your own pom pom bookmark. Then wrap it around your favourite book and enjoy!

Put Me in the Zoo Handprint Craft

This adorable Dr Seuss handprint craft from Our Kid Things is inspired by Put Me in the Zoo.

For this Put Me in the Zoo handprint craft you will need yellow cardstock, colourful small poms, a black sharpie, small googly eyes, scissors, and a glue stick.

Dr Seuss Pen Holder and Truffula tree pencils

Turn a recycled can into a cute Dr Seuss hat pencil cup and, as a bonus, add in some Truffula tree pencils!

Club Chica Circle used the simple wrapped yarn technique on the outside of the can to create the iconic Dr Seuss hat pattern.

If you decide to add some Truffula tree pencils, choose some fun patterned or colourful pencils and glue some large glittery pom poms to the top your own little Truffula trees!

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Cat in the Hat Pizza

Celebrate a love for literacy with this Cat in the Hat pizza recipe from Homemade Heather! Creating a unique character pizza is super easy and makes meal time fun.

You could add in your favourite toppings, or keep it simple with some pepperoni stripes.

The Lorax Finger Puppet

Using some craft box staple items, Lalymom made this fun and simple Lorax finger puppet, which is sure to inspire your child’s creativity and imagination. A popular addition to play time for your little ones!

One Fish Two Fish Origami Craft

Create your own fishy scene with some brightly coloured origami fish, inspired by Dr Seuss’s book One Fish, Two Fish, Green Fish, Blue Fish.

Artsy Craftsy Mom shows you just how to fold your origami fish to create a cohesive look that you can then style with seashells, glitter, pebbles, sand, and an occasional sea creature!

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The post 21 Creative and Quirky Dr Seuss Crafts and Activities for Kids appeared first on MyKidsTime.

Dr Seuss Sensory Activities

Sensory bins and bottles use common household and craft box items such as rice, pasta, beads, buttons, scented items, glitter, feathers, and textured objects linked to your theme (e.g. tinsel, shells, etc).

Remember, it is important that you consider the age and stage of your children, and the suitability of the items you include in your boxes. Make sure that all items are suitable to reduce risks, and remember to always take into account any allergies your children may have.

Grinch Slime

And his heart grew three sizes that day…

Little Bins for Little Hands has step-by-step instructions and video to show you how to make this awesome Grinch slime to go along with the book or movie. The Grinch has such a wonderful message for kids and families all year round. Kids will love this fun, lime green Christmas slime!

Dr Seuss Sensory Sand Play

Celebrate your favourite Dr Seuss books with your child using this idea for Dr Seuss sensory sand play from The Educator’s Spin On It. You just need a few supplies and your child will be magically transported into the colourful imaginary world of Dr Seuss.

The Lorax Sensory Bin

Dr Seuss’s The Lorax, despite its silliness, teaches us all about a serious subject – our environment and pollution. The Lorax and his beautiful Truffula trees are such a colourful inspiration for Earth Day, and they are the perfect inspiration for a sensory bin.

Simply Sprout Educate created this vibrant Lorax sensory bin, using a colour theme that represented the Truffula trees – orange, yellow and pink – which are so vibrant and engaging. Black and white striped paper straws offer a great contrast for the tree trunks, and glittery pom poms and soft fuzzy yarns are fluffy, soft and fun for curious little hands.

Add cups, scoops, small spoons, tongs or other implements so little ones can fill them up and practice their fine motor skills and spatial awareness.

Dr Seuss-Inspired Clear Slime

Book inspired crafts are always a lot of fun, and that’s because they aren’t just a fun way to keep your little one busy and engaged in something creative, but it also inspires them to read more books and develop a love for them.

If your little one loved Dr Seuss’s Put Me in the Zoo, this clear slime recipe from Craft Play Learn is a must try – especially if you want to try a hands-on, sensory activity.

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Scented Grinch Sensory Bin

With peppermint-scented rice, this festive Grinch sensory bin from I Can Teach My Child is sure to be a hit! This hands-on Christmas activity is so much fun for older toddlers (who no longer put things in their mouths), preschoolers, and even early elementary kiddos.

Using food colouring to colour the rice forms a very tactile base for the sensory bin, which you can then add a variety of materials to. Here, the additions include coloured pom poms, measuring cups, empty plastic ornament balls, funnels, and large Christmas light bulbs (that were actually re-purposed solar-powered lights).

Fizzing Green Eggs Science Experiment

No, you can’t eat these fizzing green eggs, but they make a super fun preschool science project from Preschool Powol Packets that partners well with reading Dr Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham.

How do you make these fun green eggs? Simply mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 9 drops of green food colouring and a tablespoon of water. You should have a soft dough that holds together when you squeeze it, but falls apart if any extra pressure is added. Form the dough into four eggs, and place them in a foil tray or dish in a bed of white “egg whites” (baking soda).

Now, give them to your preschooler with a cup of vinegar and a dropper so they can make their own fizzy green eggs and develop their fine motor skills too!

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We all know – and love – Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which is one of the bestselling children’s books of all time. You can transform story time with 12 more Eric Carle books you’ll enjoy reading together!

Lorax Earth Day Slime

Combine science, sensory play, and literacy into one very hands-on activity all kids will love to try!

Little Bins for Little Hands created this idea for The Lorax-inspired Earth Slime that combines two batches of green and blue slime to create a wonderful sensory activity.

Oobleck

Have you ever made Oobleck? It’s a really unusual project that kids will love. Not only is it fun to make and good for sensory play, but it is also a science experiment, and can be both a liquid AND a solid!

Natural Beach Living created some exciting Dr Seuss oobleck, using Bartholomew and the Oobleck as inspiration for the vibrant green colour.

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Truffula Tree Sensory Bin

“I am going to plant a Truffula tree”
“Look, the Truffula trees grow in patches of 10”

“If I have 4 patches of 10, then I have 40 Truffula trees.”

Lemon Lime Adventures created a fun Lorax-inspired sensory bin for her sons, using striped paper straws, yarn, styrofoam circles, Easter grass and other household items.

Creating their “patches of 10” and the methodical work of cutting the yarn and placing it into the ends of the straws was a great hands-on activity. It took concentration and motivation to complete all 40 Truffula trees, and reinforced the language and concepts found in the book.

Fox in Socks Sensory Bin

After reading Fox in Socks, Catch a Star Ideas created a themed sensory bin for the children to sort socks by colour, texture, size and pattern. They can then practice folding the socks, which is a great fine motor workout for little hands.

A few mystery items hidden in some of the socks for the children to guess based purely on touch-and-feel, is a fun addition. As is a little clothesline for the children to hang up the matching pairs.

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From super scavenger hunts and exciting science experiments to creative arts and crafts and active obstacle courses, here are 50 rainy day activities that are easy to do, budget-friendly, and LOTS of fun!

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Green Eggs and Ham Sensory Bin

Green Eggs and Ham is one of the most popular Dr Seuss books, and this themed sensory bin we found on Pinterest is a great activity to do alongside story time.

Using green lentils or coloured rice for the base, add cut up straws and mini pom poms, some hand-drawn ‘green eggs’ and some green plastic eggs that can be filled, rolled and played with. A toy frying pan and kitchen tools, tongs, spatula, scoops and funnels would also make a great addition.

Cat in the Hat Slime

The Cat in the Hat is a classic children’s book every kid should read or have read to him/her. This Dr Seuss The Cat in the Hat slime from Little Bins for Little Hands would also make an awesome Cat in the Hat party idea!

Creating both a white glue slime and a clear glue slime gives a unique look to this fun Dr Seuss slime, and it can last for quite a while, even months, with the right storage method.

Fox and Socks Sensory Bottle

The silly tongue-twisters in Fox in Socks are fun to read and fun to hear, particularly the epic tongue-twister at the end about the Tweetle Beetles and their fierce battles in a bottle (on a poodle eating noodles).

This Fox in Socks sensory bottle from Mad in Crafts is quick, easy and cheap to make and can be enjoyed over and over again. You can also use it for colour recognition or math games with the numbered bugs.

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Cat in the Hat Play Dough

The contrasting red and white is so true to Dr Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat that children will instantly recognise it.

Using a selection of store cupboard ingredients, Fun A Day created a hands-on, sensory activity that kids will really enjoy. Make shapes, stripes and patterns or design your own Cat in the Hat with the addition of black pipe cleaners.

Dr Seuss Alphabet Sensory Bin

After reading any of the Dr Seuss’s classics like ABC or The Cat in the Hat, introduce this sensory bin from Lessons 4 Learners to your children and encourage them to explore!

Using coloured rice, plastic letters, pom poms, scoops, funnels and any other tactile items, this Dr Seuss sensory bin is a quick way to entertain young children.

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Books About Starting School

Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr Seuss

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!

For more than 30 years, Oh the Places You’ll Go, a Dr. Seuss classic, has carried us through life’s ups and downs – from fun times and triumphs, to lurches and slumps! Take an entertaining look at the adventures life has in store for all of us in this very beloved classic.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary.

Since its first publication in 1993, the heartwarming tale of The Kissing Hand has become a children’s classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp.

Little Owl’s First Day by Debi Gliori

It’s a big day for Little Owl. His first day at school. Little Owl doesn’t want a big day though. He’d rather stay at home and have fun with Mummy and Baby Owl. But at school he gets to build a rocket, learn to fly and even make a tiny new friend. Maybe big days spent with friends can be lots of fun after all!

From the bestselling creators of Little Owl’s Egg comes another gentle and comforting story about lovable Little Owl’s First Day. Perfect for any little one starting nursery or school.

The Colour Monster Goes to School by Anna Llenas

Anna Llenas’s popular Colour Monster is back in The Colour Monster Goes to School, and this time he’s heading off to school! But what exactly is school? A spooky castle filled with terrifying animals? A place in the sky, amongst the rainbows and clouds?

From music lessons to lunchtime to making new friends, the Colour Monster’s first day of school is filled with exciting new adventures.

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Starting School by Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg

If you can’t wait to start school, or are feeling a little nervous, this is the perfect book for you. Full of humour and fun, Starting School is a reassuring read that will help children and parents get ready for the first day of school, and find out what to expect from the rest of their first term.

First Day at Bug School by Sam Lloyd

At the bottom of the garden
where no one really sees,
a secret school is hidden
amongst the grass and weeds.

Welcome to Bug School! Don’t be nervous on your first day – it’s lots of fun. Learn creeping with the spiders, singing with the crickets, count spots with the ladybirds and hop, skip and jump in P.E. with the fleas!

First Day at Bug School is a rhythmic, bright celebration of school, starring some very cute bugs indeed! Sure to allay first-day-at-school fears.

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Come to School Too, Blue Kangaroo by Emma Chichester Clark

Lily and Blue Kangaroo – a friendship forever! The eighth title in this hugely popular series featuring Lily and her loveable soft toy sees the inseparable duo starting at a new school with surprising results.

When Lily starts at a new school she asks Blue Kangaroo to come too. Lily thinks Blue Kangaroo is worried about going but, secretly, he can’t wait to explore and try new things – which is just as well, because the fun lasts even longer than he expected…

Come to School Too, Blue Kangaroo is a reassuring story for children starting school.

Mr Men & Little Miss Go to School by Roger Hargreaves

In Mr Men & Little Miss Go to School, Little Miss Tiny is going to school and some of the other Mr Men and Little Miss with a few things to learn are joining her!

How will Mr Muddle get on with maths and will Mr Messy create a work of art in painting?

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Don’t Miss…

With back to school on the horizon, it’s time to get creative and keep the kids amused with these fun back to school colouring pages for kids!

Topsy and Tim Start School by Jean and Gareth Adamson

Topsy and Tim Start School is a perfect, reassuring picture book for children who are just about to start school. Along with favourite characters Topsy and Tim, children will learn what to expect in lessons, in the playground – even in the canteen – and, more importantly, that school can be fun!

Mouse’s Big Day by Lydia Monks

Mouse’s Big Day is a warm and funny story about friendship, that’s perfect for any child who is starting school or nursery.

It’s Mouse’s first day at school and she’s feeling a little nervous…in fact, she doesn’t want to go at all. Luckily, there’s a class full of new friends waiting for her and lots of fun to be had at Twit Twoo School. Can Mouse find the confidence to join in with her classmates and learn just how brilliant school can be?

Join Mouse, Frog, Rabbit, Mole, Owl and their teacher, Miss Hoot, at their fun-filled treetop school. With a cast of adorable animal characters and bright, bold, distinctive illustrations from the award-winning Lydia Monks, illustrator of the bestselling What the Ladybird Heard series, the Twit Twoo School series is sure to delight young children.

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I Am Absolutely Too Small for School by Lauren Child

A classic Charlie and Lola picture book about starting school worries, from Children’s Laureate Lauren Child.

Charlie’s little sister Lola is nearly big enough to go to school. But Lola is not so sure…

Lola says, “I am absolutely not BIG. I am still really quite small. I probably do not have time to go to school. I am too extremely busy doing important things at home.”

I Am Absolutely Too Small for School is a classic first-day-at-school tale addresses children’s fears with warmth, humour, and a lot of fun.

Usborne Starting School Sticker Book

This Usborne Starting School Sticker Book is a fun way to familiarise young children with all the things they will need to know and be able to do when they start school.

Following a typical day at school, children will enjoy using the stickers to help the characters in the book get dressed, pack bags, hang up coats, change for PE, and participate in art class, lunchtime, playtime, story time and home time. With over 100 stickers, this is sure to keep little children occupied for hours.

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How Children Grow

The teething process usually starts at 6 months but many babies show signs of discomfort at 3-4 months.  Most infants will have a full set of milk (or deciduous) teeth at 3 years.

The process of teething and the time of eruption is different in every child.  Some babies are born with a few teeth, or they can erupt as early as 3 months and some babies can reach their first birthday before a tooth is seen.

The general order is that the lower two central incisors appear first followed by the upper two central incisors. Now the baby has a beautiful smile and starts to look very different.

The four lateral incisors follow, again usually lower first followed by upper. Next come the four first molars (the flat grinding teeth) followed by the canines (the pointed eye teeth).

The second molars (further back) are the last set of four to appear.

Signs of teething

The most common signs of teething may include one, or all of the following:

• pain, obvious discomfort, irritability
• hard white patches visible under the gums
• swollen, reddened gums when tooth is closer to breaking through
• excessive drooling
• inflamed red cheek
• mild cough – caused by excessive drool
• nappy rash
• loss of appetite

When a baby begins to teethe, don’t be surprised if you notice a change in general behaviour that is difficult to account for. Some common behaviour changes are:

• biting down on anything, putting everything they can into the mouth
• general irritability and bad humour
• refusing food, changing what they prefer to eat or amounts
• crying more than usual, for no obvious reason
• trouble sleeping, waking suddenly, difficult to settle

Take care that there is not another reason for any symptom your baby has. Many complaints are sometimes blamed on teething, but make careful observation to establish what is going on. If in doubt, consult your health care provider.

Teething Remedies

What can you do to help your baby with teething?

• Comfort and hugs – obvious and necessary!
• Cooled or frozen fruit or vegetable sticks to chew (after weaning and always under supervision). Make them as large as possible.
• A cooled or frozen clean wet cloth
• Gum massage – pressing down on the site of the emerging tooth with a clean finger or an ice cube, if you can figure out where the trouble is.  This may be too sore for your infant but some relax and feel relief.
• Breast Feeding – breast milk contains a natural pain reliever for babies.
• Homeopathy- there are a number of different homeopathic remedies that can help with different symptoms.
• Teething Rings – there are a myriad of different kinds available. They often use anything at hand as a self designated teething aid!
• Teething brushes – first step tooth brushes with short firm rubber ‘bristles’ designed to both rub gums and clean teeth.
• Teething gels – to rub on the site of pain. The most well known brand is Bonjela. Most need to be rubbed in well to help as they contain a mild local anaesthetic to dull the pain.

The post Teething and What You Can Expect appeared first on MyKidsTime.

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If you’re looking for ideas for new bedtime stories for your child, then we asked Mykidstime parents to recommend their favourites. We have put links to where you can buy these story books online – note, if you buy through our links we may get a small commission.

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Brilliant Bedtime Stories for Kids

#1. A Kitten Called Moonlight by Martin Waddell

A Kitten Called Moonlight is created by an award-winning author and illustrator team.

Charlotte’s favourite story is about a little girl and her mummy who rescue a kitten from the sea. One moonlit night, the story comes true when she finds a little lost kitten by the sea, who she calls Moonlight.

Charlotte loves her story even more because it’s about her!

#2. A Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson

‘Wise old man, won’t you help me, please? My house is a squash and squeeze.’

Visit the farm in the brilliantly funny A Squash and a Squeeze, the first ever picture book written and illustrated by the unparalleled picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo.

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#3. ABC by Dr. Seuss

From Aunt Annie’s Alligator to a Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz, Dr Seuss’ ABC is a fun way to learn and introduces early learners to the letters of the alphabet through an amazing array of crazy creatures.

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#4. Adam’s Amazing Space Adventure by Benji Bennett

In Adam’s Amazing Space Adventure, Angel Adam invites you to go with him on an amazing astronomical adventure, filled with fun, love and wonder.

With bouncing rhythm and out of this world illustrations Adam and his rocket will take you on a never to be forgotten magical adventure where you will meet the planets, surf the cosmos with comet Halley and eat solar saussies in an interstellar cafe.

#5. All The World by Liz Garton Scanlon

All the world is here. It is there. It is everywhere. All the world is right where you are. Now.

Following a circle of family and friends through the course of a day from morning till night, All The World is an endearing picture book that affirms the importance of all things great and small in our world, from the tiniest shell on the beach, to warm family connections, to the widest sunset sky.

#6. Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

Grace loves to act out stories. Sometimes she plays the leading part, sometimes she is ‘a cast of thousands.’

When her school decides to perform Peter Pan, Grace is longing to play Peter, but her classmates say that Peter was a boy, and besides, he wasn’t black. But Grace’s Ma and Nana tell her she can be anything she wants if she puts her mind to it…

Amazing Grace is a touching book that many children will see themselves reflected in.

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#7. Bambi by Felix Salten

Bambi is the beloved story of a deer in the forest reaches a new generation of readers with a fresh new look. Bambi’s life in the woods begins happily. There are forest animals to play with and Bambi’s twin cousins, Gobo and beautiful Faline. But winter comes, and Bambi learns that the woods hold danger–and things he doesn’t understand.

Then there is Man. He comes to the forest with weapons that can wound an animal. Bambi is scared that Man will hurt him and the ones he loves. But Man can’t keep Bambi from growing into a great stag himself, and becoming the Prince of the Forest.

#8. Barry the Fish with Fingers by Sue Hendra

Barry the Fish with Fingers is a hilarious tale that kids will love.

Fish come from all over the ocean to see Puffy the Puffer Fish’s amazing bubbles. Big bubbles, small bubbles, square bubbles …they’ve never seen anything quite so amazing, that is until Barry arrives on the scene.

Barry is a fish with fingers and he’s going to put them to good use. The fish are amazed. Life under the sea will never be the same again …

#9. Bear on a Bike by Stella Blackstone

Bear On a Bike transports young readers around the world by bike, train, raft, boat and even hot-air balloon, with a special night-time journey at the end.

As you cycle through the market, sail to an island and fly over the rainbow, you will discover marvellous creatures and see many wondrous sights.

#10. Bears in the Night by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Bears in the Night is a classic children’s book that is perfect for young and reluctant readers, thanks to its clever repetition and use of only 24 words.

Illustrated in full colour, the Bears’ adventures take them in, out, around, and about. It does a good job of combining words and pictures into a slapstick story.

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#11. Before You Sleep by Benji Bennett

Before You Sleep is an affectionate and wonderfully illustrated children’s bedtime story book filled with warmth, love and adventure and embellishes the importance of love, laughter and play within the family.

It is published by Adam’s Cloud, a children’s book publishing company, set up in 2008 by Benji Bennett in memory of his 4-year-old son Adam who passed away in August 2007 from a brain tumour.

#12. Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? by Bill Martin and Eric Carle

Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? is a classic picture book, with illustrations by Eric Carle.

Exuberantly coloured artwork and favourite animals make this rhythmic story the perfect introduction to looking and learning about colours.

Each spread leads seamlessly into the next and young children will delight in Eric’s colourful collage animals and simple repetitive language.

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#13. Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle

In this moving story told in conversational verse, singer/songwriter Bob Carlisle and his daughter, Brooke, recapture the emotions so eloquently expressed in Bob’s inspiring song, a musical sensation that became a #1 hit.

Butterfly Kisses celebrates the love between fathers and daughters, as well as the shared trust and hope that create this unique and everlasting bond.

#14. Can’t You Sleep Little Bear by Martin Waddell

“I don’t like the dark,” said Little Bear. “What dark?” said Big Bear. “The dark all around us,” said Little Bear.

Can’t You Sleep Little Bear? is a tender account of a sleepless night in the bear cave, Big Bear sets out with all his patience and understanding to show Little Bear that the dark is nothing to be afraid of. More comforting than even the best of lullabies, this bedtime story is destined to become a classic.

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#15. The Cat In The Hat by Dr. Seuss

Back in 1957, Theodor Geisel responded to an article in Life magazine that lamented the use of boring reading primers in schools.

Using the pseudonym of “Dr. Seuss” (Seuss was Geisel’s middle name) and only 223 words, Geisel created a replacement for those dull primers, and The Cat In The Hat was an instant success.

#16. Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and The Chocolate Factory is an absolute must-read!

Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory is opening at last! But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger.

Then there’s Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, our hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!

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#17. Chester’s Masterpiece by Melanie Watt

Chester’s Masterpiece is another hilarious tale from award-winning author-illustrator Mélanie Watt.

Chester’s finally ready to write his own masterpiece — he just needs to get pesky writer-illustrator Melanie Watt out of the way. Chester’s solo attempts at storytelling are messy, to say the least, but he’s determined to go it alone. But where’s his story going?

After several alternative (but always unhappy) endings, Chester is confronted by a problem he never bargained for. A wry comment on the creative process and how good stories are constructed, this is the most uproarious Chester book yet.

#18. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom has been a children’s favourite for more than 30 years!

When all the letters of the alphabet race one another up the coconut tree, will there be enough room? Of course there is always enough room for this rollicking alphabet chant!

#19. Chocolate Mousse for Greedy Goose by Julia Donaldson

Chocolate Mousse for Greedy Goose combines Julia Donaldson’s rhymes with Nick Sharratt’s playful illustrations.

“Chocolate mousse!”, says greedy Goose. “Don’t just grab it,” says angry Rabbit. Good manners aren’t on the menu at this meal.

Duck won’t eat his carrots. Moth’s eating the cloth, and Sheep would rather sleep than wash the dishes. Thank goodness some of the animals know how to behave!

#20. Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo by Kevin Lewis

What works from dawn until dusk without a break until it delivers all its freight? A very busy steam engine, which in this rhythmical romp takes young readers on a daily adventure around the mountains, high and steep, and through the valley, low and deep.

Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo is a lovely rhythmic bedtime book to read to younger children.

#21. Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin

Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears Click, clack, moo. Click, clack, moo. Clickety, clack, moo. But the problems really begin when the cows start leaving Farmer Brown notes.

First it was electric blankets…where will it end? And when the animals don’t get what they want they go on strike, of course!

Doreen Cronin’s unusual text and Betsy Lewin’s quirky illustrations make Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type a really hilarious story!

#22. Curious George in the Big City by Martha Weston

Curious George in the Big City is another great tale about this cheeky monkey!

When the man with the yellow hat promises to buy George a holiday surprise during their trip to the city, George decides he wants to give his friend a surprise too.

But it isn’t long before the little monkey’s curiosity gets him into trouble and he gets separated from his friend. Though he has fun seeing the tourist sites and all the sparkling decorations, what he enjoys most is finding his best friend and enjoying the city together.

#23. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell

One of our all time favourites, Dear Zoo is a lift-the-flap board book.

The person telling the story writes to the zoo to ask them to send an animal but each animal turns out to be unsuitable. Will the Zoo finally send an animal that they can keep?

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#24. Don’t Dip Your Chips in Your Drink, Kate by Cheryl Hart

When Kate P Green goes for tea with the Queen, she gets more than she bargained for in this hilariously anarchic look at the tricky subject of table manners.

Don’t Dip Your Chips In Your Drink, Kate has stunning illustrations and design from the creator of Smile!, starring Orchard’s new character Sunny McCloud, which perfectly complement this exceptionally funny rhyming story.

#25. Dr Seuss’ Sleep Book

Celebrate sleep with Dr Seuss’ Sleep Book, a classic rhyming good-night picture book.

Van Vleck, a very small bug, is getting sleepy, and his yawn—contagious as yawns are—sets off a chain reaction, making all those around him feel sleepy, too!

With typically Seussian nods to alarm clocks, sleepwalking, and snoring, this charming ode to bedtime will lull listeners (and readers) toward dreamland. Zzzzzzzzzz.

#26. Duck in the Truck by Jez Alborough

Watch out! Here comes Duck in Duck in the Truck, a brand new edition of the first book in the million copy bestselling series! This is the tale of a duck in a truck – a truck that was stuck in some yucky brown muck.

A sheep in a jeep and a frog in a bush saw the truck stuck and gave it a push. But the truck stayed stuck! What now, can you guess? Could a goat in a boat get them out of this mess?

#27. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite. Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven.

Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken – Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good – powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives.

#28. Five on Treasure Island by Enid Blyton

Five on Treasure Island is the first in the highly popular and enduring Famous Five series by Enid Blyton.

There’s a shipwreck off Kirrin Island! But where is the treasure?

The Famous Five are on the trail looking for clues, but they’re not alone! Someone else has got the same idea. Time is running out for the Famous Five, who will get to the treasure first?

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#29. Giraffes Can’t Dance By Giles Andreae

Gerald the tall giraffe would love to join in with the other animals at the Jungle Dance, but everyone knows that giraffes can’t dance …or can they?

Giraffes Can’t Dance is a funny, touching and triumphant story about a giraffe who finds his own tune has been a much-loved family favourite for many years.

#30. Go Dog Go! by Phillip Eastman

From big dogs and little dogs to red, green, and blue dogs, dogs going up and dogs going fast . . . who knew dogs were so busy? And laughter will ensue at the repeated question “Do you like my hat?”

Go Dog Go! has been a go-to favourite for over 50 years, leaving audiences of all breeds wagging their tails with delight.

#31. Goldilocks and the Three Bears retold by Candice Ransom

In the beloved tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the bears are in for quite a surprise when they return home and realise that a curious girl has made herself at home in their cottage.

Children will eagerly continue reading to see what the bears do when they find their dinner eaten all up!

#32. Good Night Lars by Hans de Beer

Good Night Lars is the perfect goodnight book!

Every parent will chuckle in recognition at the familiar nighttime scenario, and every child will feel comforted by this tale of a very restless little polar bear.

#33. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Goodnight Moon has been a beloved book for generations of families, and makes the ideal tale for bedtime.

In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. “Goodnight room, goodnight moon.”

And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room – to the picture of the three little bears sitting in chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one – he says goodnight.

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#34. Goodnight Digger by Michelle Robinson

“Goodnight fire truck, Goodnight train. Goodnight bus and even bigger…Best of all, say goodnight digger!” A little boy says goodnight to all his toys, but who is the favourite? Why, it’s Digger of course!

With a rhyming text and atmospheric illustrations, Goodnight Digger will help your little darling go to bed and stay there.

#35. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

When Sam-I-am persists in pestering a grumpy grouch to eat a plate of green eggs and ham, perseverance wins the day, teaching us all that we cannot know what we like until we have tried it!

With his unique combination of hilarious stories, zany pictures and riotous rhymes, Dr. Seuss has been delighting young children and helping them learn to read for years.

Green Eggs and Ham is written using only 50 words, and is the perfect book to introduce children to the joy of words, reading, and Dr. Seuss.

#36. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

In the classic picture book Guess How Much I Love You, Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare find ways to measure just how much they love each other.

“All the way up to my toes”, “as far as I can hop” and “right up to the moon – and back!”

#37. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the first in the bestselling Harry Potter series.

Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy. He lives with his Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley, who are mean to him and make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. (Dudley, however, has two bedrooms, one to sleep in and one for all his toys and games.) Then Harry starts receiving mysterious letters and his life is changed forever.

He is whisked away by a beetle-eyed giant of a man and enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason: Harry Potter is a wizard!

#38. Home Before Dark by Ian Beck

When Teddy’s owner, Lily, accidentally drops him from her carriage, he is determined to make it back to her before bedtime. But that¹s not so easy for a little bear.

Like the warmth of a goodnight hug, Home Before Dark is perfect for sharing with a loved one before bedtime.

#39. Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss

In Horton Hears a Who!, kindly elephant Horton has his work cut out saving the tiny Whos who live on a speck of dust – no one else believes they are there!

But Horton eventually convinces everyone that ‘A person’s a person, no matter how small’!

#40. How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen

Fathers and mothers are ready to put their youngsters to bed. But in this book, the youngsters are a wide variety of dinosaurs. So how do dinosaurs say good night?

In the end, young dinosaurs behave a lot like people do: They give a big kiss, turn out the light, tuck in their tails, and whisper “good night.”

How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? is perfect for bedtime reading. Children love the laugh-aloud antics of playful Tyrannosaur-sized dinosaur children who stomp and fuss and jump on the bed in this award-winning New York Times bestseller!

#41. How Roland Rolls by Jim Carrey

Winner of a Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award, How Roland Rolls is a story about a wave named Roland who’s afraid that, one day, when he hits the beach, his life will be over. But when he gets deep, he’s struck by the notion that he’s not just a wave – he’s the whole big, wide ocean!

The story shows humanity’s interconnectedness through the metaphor of a wave in the ocean.

#42. I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt

I Love You, Stinky Face is a vividly illustrated bedtime story that shows how the unconditional love of a mother can be tested through the relentless questions of her little boy. “But Mama, but Mama, what if I were a super smelly skunk, and I smelled so bad that my name was Stinky Face?”

The imaginative son turns himself into a meat-eating dinosaur, a swamp creature and much, much more before being satisfied with the fact that no matter how stinky he is or how slimy of a creature he could possibly be, he is loved and nothing will change that.

#43. Incy Wincy Spider by Keith Chapman

By the creator of Bob the Builder and the best-selling illustrator of The Crunching Munching Caterpillar, comes this retelling of a favourite childhood rhyme, Incy Wincy Spider.

Follow Incy Wincy Spider as he is blown from animal to animal in this hilarious rhyming storybook and toy set.

#44. Jack and the Beanstalk by Stephen Tucker

As Jack scurried down the beanstalk, the hen squawked anxiously, ‘If that giant gets his hands on us, He’ll eat us for his tea!’. This story of Jack and the Beanstalk, retold in irreverent, playful rhyme that’s perfect for reading aloud.

Illustrated by Nick Sharratt with bright colourful drawings, and with flaps and pop-up surprises on every spread, this book is ideal for young children.

#45. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

James and the Giant Peach is a children’s classic that has captured young reader’s imaginations for generations.

An enormous escaped rhinoceros from London Zoo has eaten James’ parents. And it gets worse! James is packed off to live with his two really horrible aunts, Sponge and Spiker.

Poor James is miserable, until something peculiar happens and James finds himself on the most wonderful and extraordinary journey he could ever imagine…

#46. Kipper’s Snowy Day by Mick Inkpen

Kipper’s Snowy Day is a fantastic book from the famous Kipper series.

Kipper loves the snow and when he sees great white flakes tumbling down one morning, he can’t wait to be out enjoying himself.

Kipper’s friend Tiger isn’t nearly as good at snow games as Kipper is, because of his silly, woolly clothes – but they still manage to build a wonderful snowdog.

#47. Koala Lou by Mem Fox

Everyone loved soft, round, cuddly Koala Lou, but her mother loved her most of all and told her so a hundred times a day. As time passed and more little brothers and sisters were born, her mother became too busy to tell Koala Lou that she loved her.

Koala Lou grew sad, and oh, how she longed to hear her mother say it once again. Then one day Koala Lou though of a brilliant plan to win back her mother’s love and hear again those wonderful words, ” Koala Lou, I DO love you!”

#48. The Usborne Little Book of Bedtime Stories

The Usborne Little Book of Bedtime Stories contains 17 stories, both new and traditional, written in simple text, that are suitable for reading aloud.

The stories include: “King Donkey Ears”, “The Enormous Turnip”, “Danny the Dragon”, “The Inch Prince”, “Androcles and the Lion”, “Stone Soup”, “The Clumsy Crocodile” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”.

#49. Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers

Set sail on a wonderful adventure in Lost and Found from award-winning, bestselling picture book creator, Oliver Jeffers!

There once was a boy…and one day a penguin arrives on his doorstep. The boy decides the penguin must be lost and tries to return him. But no one seems to be missing a penguin.

So the boy decides to take the penguin home himself, and they set out in his row boat on a journey to the South Pole. But when they get there, the boy discovers that maybe home wasn’t what the penguin was looking for after all…

#50. Lost in the Snow by Ian Beck

It’s snowing outside and Lily goes out to play. She leaves Teddy sitting on the window ledge, but all of sudden, whoosh, Teddy finds himself on an adventure in the snow.

Soon the snow falls harder and Teddy starts to get cold, then he realises he’s lost…Will Teddy ever find his way back to Lily again?

Lost in the Snow makes a great bedtime story for little ones.

#51. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

A young woman holds her newborn son and sings to him: I’ll love you forever. I’ll like you for always. As long as I’m living My baby you’ll be.This is the story of how that little boy goes through life and becomes a man and how his mother’s love never wavers.

The simple and powerful truth behind Love You Forever will strike a universal chord with parents and children alike.

#52. Maisy’s Morning on the Farm by Lucy Cousins

Maisy’s Morning on the Farm is one of the very popular Maisy Mouse series.

Morning is a busy time on Maisy’s farm. There are chickens and pigs to feed, and the cow to milk. After the chores are finished, there’s just one more thing to do–eat a yummy breakfast!

#53. Matilda by Roald Dahl

Children will love the funny, magical, clever tale of Matilda about a very special little girl!

Matilda’s parents have called her some terrible things, but the truth is she’s a genius and they’re the stupid ones. Underestimating Matilda proves to be a big mistake as they, along with her spiteful headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, discover when Matilda uses her very special power to get the better of them.

#54. Miaow Said the Cow by Emma Dodd

Award-winning illustrator and author Emma Dodd tells a tale of a manic, magic day at the farm in Miaow Said the Cow

When the farm cat decides to cast a spell to shut up noisy Cockerel, it has a few unforeseen side-effects…mice mooing, hens oinking, even the sheep barking at Sheepdog! Cat finds it all very funny until he realises that he is stuck with Cockerel’s crow.

Wise old Cow sets everything straight, and the farmyard returns to normal, except for naughty Cat. He is left with a cock-a-doodle-do and given a new job, waking up the farmyard each morning.

#55. Mr Men and Little Miss books by Roger Hargreaves

Adam Hargreaves asked his father, “What does a tickle look like?” That question inspired Roger Hargreaves to invent Mr. Tickle and all his friends in Mr. Men Land – and those quirky characters have sold millions of copies worldwide since.

The Mr Men and Little Miss tales include characters such as “Mr. Tickle”, “Mr. Greedy”, “Mr. Happy”, “Mr. Topsy-Turvy” and “Little Miss Splendid”, “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Little Miss Chatterbox”.

#56. Mrs Armitage Queen of the Road by Quentin Blake

When Uncle Cosmo buys himself a motorbike and gives Mrs Armitage his boring old car, it soon becomes obvious that her driving skills leave a lot to be desired. Mrs Armitage and Breakspear cause havoc bumping into bollards, bedsteads, lorries, a crane and bedoinging over some extremely uneven roads.

As the bumper, the doors, the mudguard and even the roof disappear along the way, the car is transformed into a mean machine and Mrs Armitage becomes Queen of the Road!

Mrs Armitage Queen of the Road features all the iconic Quentin Blake drawings that children will recognise and adore.

#57. The Amazing Mrs Pepperpot by Alf Proysen

The Amazing Mrs Pepperpot has a problem – a huge problem – she shrinks! And when she shrinks she finds herself in all sorts of trouble…Poor Mrs Pepperpot has shrunk again and she’s set her heart on going to the bazaar. But with a clever disguise and a cunning plan, she’s soon dancing rings around the ladies at the fair!

Puss can’t wait for Mrs Pepperpot to shrink so she can whisk her away on an adventure. It’s a hair-raising journey, but brave Mrs P is soon rewarded with some very special treasure indeed.

#58. Mummy Do You Love Me? by Jeanne Willis

Sometimes Little Chick is naughty and sometimes Little Chick is sad. But no matter what he says or does – from jumping in muddy puddles to coming last in the race – his mummy always loves him.

And that’s the most important thing of all.

In the sweet, tender tale of Mummy Do You Love Me?, Little Chick learns that no matter what he does, Mummy will always love him.

#59. Night Monkey, Day Monkey by Julia Donaldson

Night Monkey, Day Monkey, one of Julia Donaldson’s classic picture book stories, is about two monkeys who are as different as night and day. Night Monkey and Day Monkey don’t think they have much in common.

But when they each spend time in the other’s opposite worlds, they learn a lot. And they also learn to be the best of friends. Full of fun and food for thought, Night Monkey, Day Monkey is beautifully drawn by Lucy Richards, one of the most talented illustrators drawing today.

#60. Noisy Nora by Rosemary Wells

It’s tough being the middle mouse. No one’s paying any attention to Nora, so she decides to do something her family can’t ignore: make noise. Nora slams windows, bangs doors, and upsets furniture, to no avail. It’s not until she crashes out the door, and the house goes strangely silent, that her family realises: a noisy Nora is much better than no Nora at all.

Noisy Nora is a cute little tale for bedtime!

#61. On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman

On the night you were born, you brought wonder and magic to the world. The moon stayed up till morning. Polar bears danced. Here is a book that celebrates the one and only ever you!

Nancy Tillman’s masterpiece On The Night You Were Born is perfect for acknowledging the special people in our lives that they are loved.

#62. Paddington Bear by Michael Bond

“A bear on Paddington Station?” said Mrs Brown in amazement. “Don’t be silly – there can’t be.”

A Bear Called Paddington is the original story of Paddington, the classic bear from Darkest Peru. The Browns first meet Paddington on a railway station – Paddington station, in fact.

He has travelled all the way from Darkest Peru with only a jar of marmalade, a suitcase and his hat. The Browns soon find that Paddington is a very unusual bear. Ordinary things – like having a bath, travelling underground or going to the seaside become quite extraordinary, if a bear called Paddington is involved.

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#63. Pants by Giles Andrae

Small children (and lots of adults!) love pants. They love talking about pants. They giggle whenever pants are mentioned. Let’s face it – pants are VERY FUNNY!

Pants is a picture book with a brilliant rhyming text by Giles Andreae and lots of hilarious pictures by Nick Sharratt.

As we go through the book we meet lots of different animals, people and sometimes inanimate objects each wearing a different kind of pants – every shape, pattern, colour, size and style that you can think of – and lots more besides! This book will make children laugh and they will ask for it again and again.

#64. PEEPO! by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

PEEPO! is the much-loved picture book classic by Janet and Allan Ahlberg, and a classic that continues to delight generations of babies and toddlers and their parents.

Look through the holes to spot details from the wonderful illustrations. Here’s a little baby One, two three Standing in his cot. What does he see?

“Peepo!” has become a classic for babies and toddlers. It follows a baby through the day in a style full of wit, charm and ingenuity. A series of holes peeping through to the next page leads the child on to the next stage in the day, giving a hint of what is to come.

#65. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Peter Pan and Tinkerbell lead the three Darling children over the rooftops of London and away to Neverland – the island where the lost boys play.

Magic and mischief is in the air but if villainous Captain Hook has his way, before long someone will be swimming with the crocodiles.

#66. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Pippi Longstocking is the beloved story of a spunky young girl and her hilarious escapades.

Tommy and his sister Annika have a new neighbour, and her name is Pippi Longstocking. She has crazy red pigtails, no parents to tell her what to do, a horse that lives on her porch, and a flair for the outrageous that seems to lead to one adventure after another!

#67. Please Be Quiet! by Mary Murphy

Little Penguin makes noise no matter what he does, until he cleverly finds some woolly socks to muffle the sound. He can now keep Big Penguin happy while he still has fun! And the reason he needs to be so quiet? It’s a teeny-tiny brand new baby penguin.

Please Be Quiet! shows just how ingenious a lively little penguin can be when Mum needs peace and quiet.

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#68. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

Room on the Broom is a fun read-aloud that is a great way to celebrate all sorts of friendships.

The witch and her cat fly happily over forests, rivers and mountains on their broomstick until a stormy wind blows away the witch’s hat, bow and wand. They are retrieved by a dog, a bird and a frog, and each animal asks for a ride on the broom.

They climb on, one after the next, until the broom is so heavy that it snaps in two! What will happen next as they tumble into a bog and meet a greedy dragon?

#69. Rumble in the Jungle by Giles Andrae

“There’s a rumble in the jungle, there’s a whisper in the trees; the animals are waking up and rustling the leaves!”

Rumble in the Jungle is a rhyming safari – meet everyone from the elphing elephant to the gangly giraffe, and maybe even the terrible tiger!

#70. Sally and the Limpet by Simon James

Sally and the Limpet is a heartwarming story about a little girl who learns an important environmental lesson.When Sally pulls a limpet off a rock at the beach, it sticks to her finger – and nothing she, her family or her friends do can unstick it.

Sally’s teacher says that limpets live on the same rock for twenty years. So will Sally ever get the limpet off her finger?

#71. Slinky Malinki by Lynley Dodd

Slinky Malinki steals anything from a clothes peg, to a slipper, to a string of sausages, to a clock! Our hero is a BAD cat!

This story is told in wonderful rhyme and through pictures full of life and movement.

#72. Snug as a Hug by Marcia Vaughan

Join all the animals as they settle down to rest. Echidnas, spiders, dolphins and more …this is a book full of quintessential Australian animals in lots of different Australian environments.

The gently rhyming text in Snug as a Hug is enhanced by Pamela Loft’s beautiful pencil illustrations which are at times bright and colourful, and at others soothing and sweet, and at all times creating a warm and loving atmosphere.

#73. Sophie’s Adventures by Dick King-Smith

Sophie is small, but very determined. She loves animals – snails and cats and rabbits and dogs and pigs – and she wants to be a farmer when she grows up.

Her best friend is Great-great-aunt Al from Scotland, who looks a bit like a bird, and her worst enemy is a girl called Dawn. Sophie’s Adventures includes three lively, fun-filled stories: Sophie’s Snail, Sophie’s Tom and Sophie Hits Six.

#74. Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton

Meet Splat the Cat, an irresistible new character from best-selling author Rob Scotton.

It’s Splat the Cat’s first day of school and he’s worried. What if he doesn’t make any new friends? Just in case, Splat decides to bring along his pet mouse, Seymour, and hides him in his lunch box. The teacher, Mrs Wimpydimple, introduces Splat to the class and he soon starts learning all his important cat lessons.

But when Seymour escapes and the cats do what cats do (they chase mice!), Splat’s worried again. Maybe now he’ll lose all his friends, old and new! Just in time, wise Mrs Wimpydimple takes charge and teaches everyone an important new lesson…Maybe Cat School is going to be ok after all!

#75. Stick Man by Julia Donaldson

‘Stick Man lives in the family tree with his stick lady love and their stick children three’. But it’s dangerous being a Stick Man. A dog wants to play with him, a swan builds her nest with him. He even ends up on a fire!

Join Stick Man on his troublesome journey back to the family tree.

Stick Man is a heartwarming tale of family, courage and adventure from the creators of The Gruffalo.

#76. Tabby McTat by Julia Donaldson

Tabby McTat is purr-fectly happy, singing along all day with Fred the busker. But when Fred gives chase to a thief, the two are separated. Will they ever find each other again?

Tabby McTat is a heart-warming story of friendship, loyalty – and kittens!

#77. The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton

The Enchanted Wood is the first magical story in the Faraway Tree series by the world’s best-loved children’s author, Enid Blyton.

When Joe, Beth and Frannie move to a new home, an Enchanted Wood is on their doorstep. And when they discover the Faraway Tree, that is the beginning of many magical adventures!

Join them and their friends Moonface, Saucepan Man and Silky the fairy as they discover which new land is at the top of the Faraway Tree. Will it be the Land of Spells, the Land of Treats, or the Land of Do-As-You-Please?

#78. The Fearsome Beastie by Giles Paley-Phillips

The Fearsome Beastie is searching for something to eat, and the children are at the top of the menu. The fearsome beastie is hungry, so he leaves his cave in search of something to eat. The children of the town are fooled by the beastie’s sly tricks and end up getting eaten!

But don’t fear, little Pete escapes and gets the one person who can save the day. His granny! Granny takes up her axe and chops beastie in half! All the children come out unharmed and they celebrate with a yummy beastie stew!

#79. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

The Gruffalo is one of the most popular picture books in recent times!

“A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood. A fox saw the mouse and the mouse looked good.”

Walk further into the deep dark wood, and discover what happens when the quick-thinking mouse comes face to face with an owl, a snake and a hungry gruffalo …

#80. The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler team up again to create The Gruffalo’s Child, a funny and adorable sequel to The Gruffalo.

One night, the Gruffalo’s child wanders into the woods to search for the Big Bad Mouse. But instead, she comes upon a small mouse in the woods . . . and decides to eat him! But wait, what is that? A shadow of a very large, scary creature falls on the ground. Could it be the Big Bad Mouse after all?

#81. The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson

‘Give me your buns and your biscuits! Give me your chocolate eclairs! For I am the Rat of the highway, and the Rat Thief never shares!’

Life is not safe for the other animals, as the villainous Highway Rat gallops along the highway, stealing their food. Clover from a rabbit; nuts from a squirrel – he even steals his own horse’s hay. Will he finally meet his comeuppance, in the form of a cunning duck?

The Highway Rat is a fabulous, rollicking rhyme, in the style of the famous Alfred Noyes poem, ‘The Highwayman’, from the authors of The Gruffalo.

#82. The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm by Norman Hunter

The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm has amused generations of young readers!

The wonderfully nutty, fabulously entertaining mishaps of Professor Branestawm. He’s madly sane and cleverly dotty.

Professor Branestawm is the most absent-minded inventor you’ll ever meet and no matter how hard he tries his brilliant ideas never seem to keep him out of crazy scrapes.

#83. The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

The Jungle Book is a classic story of friendship between man and beast. Saved from the jaws of the evil tiger Shere Khan, young Mowgli is adopted by a wolf pack and taught the law of the jungle by lovable old Baloo the bear and Bhageera the panther.

The adventures of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi the snake-fighting mongoose, little Toomai and the elephant’s secret dance, and Kotick the white seal are all part of Mowgli’s extraordinary journey with his animal friends.

#84. The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton

The Magic Faraway Tree is the second story in the Faraway Tree series by the world’s best-loved children’s author, Enid Blyton.

When Joe, Beth and Frannie move to a new home, an Enchanted Wood is on their doorstep. And when they discover the Faraway Tree, it proves to be the beginning of many magical adventures!

Join them and their friends Moonface, Saucepan Man and Silky the fairy as they discover which new land is at the top of the Faraway Tree. Will it be the Land of Spells, the Land of Treats, or the Land of Do-As-You-Please?

#85. The Moon in My Room by Annette Morris

The Moon in My Room offers a comforting and reassuring transition from daytime play to bedtime sleep.

With a special night light in easy reach, lights-out for sleep is soothed with the friendly face of a gently dimming moon. The press-on night-light gradually dims in 4-5 minutes.

#86. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Secret Garden is one of the most popular classic tales, enjoyed by generations of families.

After losing her parents, young Mary Lennox is sent from India to live in her uncle’s gloomy mansion on the wild English moors. She is lonely and has no one to play with, but one day she learns of a secret garden somewhere in the grounds that no one is allowed to enter.

Then Mary uncovers an old key in a flowerbed – and a gust of magic leads her to the hidden door. Slowly she turns the key and enters a world she could never have imagined.

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#87. The Supermarket Zoo by Caryl Hart

Every little boy knows that going shopping with Mum is the most boring thing in the world. But for little Albie, one trip to the supermarket opens a whole new world of fun!

Because this isn’t just any supermarket – it’s the supermarket zoo – and with a whole trolley full of animals on his list, Albie will never see shopping the same way again.

Children and parents will enjoy Supermarket Zoo and the hilarity that ensues.

#88. The Tear Thief by Carol Ann Duffy

Each night, in the hours between supper and bedtime the Tear Thief carries her waterproof, silvery sack over her shoulder as she soundlessly steals the tears of every child who cries. But what does she do with all of those tears?

The Tear Thief is a modern tale that illustrates a classic message which teaches children to value true feelings.

#89. The Three Little Pigs by Stephen Tucker, illustrated by Nick Sharratt

“To build a house,” the third pig said, “I know the thing to choose. Not straw or sticks, but solid bricks. Yes, they’re the things to use.” It’s the three little pigs, but not as you know it!

Parents and children alike will love this charming retelling of the classic The Three Little Pigs tale, complete with lots of creative lift-the-flap surprises.

#90. The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr

The Tiger Who Came to Tea, the classic story of Sophie and her extraordinary tea-time guest, has been loved by millions of children since it was first published. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be?

What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big furry, stripy tiger! This modern classic picture book is perfect for reading aloud, or for small children to read to themselves time and again.

#91. The Ugliest Dog in the World by Bruce Whatley

Everyone thinks The Ugliest Dog in the World is ‘ugly’, but in different ways. Mum thinks she’s ugly in a cute sort of way, the lady next door thinks she’s pretty, but you haven’t seen the lady next door.

My best friend even screams when she sees her…But I think she’s beautiful, in a sloppy kind of way!

#92. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

Still as poignant today as it has ever been, Margery Williams’ The Velveteen Rabbit is one of the best-loved children’s books of all time.

In the nursery, only the toys that are old and wise truly understand what it means to be Real. The Velveteen Rabbit, a newcomer to the nursery, asks one of the most knowledgeable toys, the Skin Horse, what being real means.

“Real isn’t how you’re made,” says the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become real. It doesn’t happen all at once. You become…” And so begins the Velveteen Rabbit’s journey towards becoming real – through the love of a child…

#93. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

A much-loved classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar has won over millions of readers with its vivid and colourful collage illustrations and its deceptively simply, hopeful story.

With its die-cut pages and finger-sized holes to explore, this is a richly satisfying book for children.

#94. The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers

The Way Back Home is the award-winning international bestselling picture book from the creator of Lost and Found, Oliver Jeffers. Once there as a boy, and one day, he found an aeroplane in his cupboard…He didn’t remember leaving it in there, but he thought he’d take it out for a go right away.

At first, all went well and the plane flew higher and higher and higher until…suddenly, with a splutter, it ran out of petrol. The boy was stuck on the moon…and he was not alone…

#95. The Whales’ Song by Dyan Sheldon

Her grandmother’s tales of the beautiful, enchanting whales’ song that once filled the ocean leads Lily on a wondrous journey of imagination…

The Whales’ Song is an award-winning picture book to treasure for years to come.

#96. Time For Bed by Mem Fox

Day is done. Darkness is falling everywhere, and little ones are getting sleepy.

Time For Bed is a gentle book, with rhythmic verse and peaceful, loving illustrations, that will lull toddlers whether it’s bedtime, nap time, or simply time for a snuggle.

#97. Tops & Bottoms by Janet Stevens

Hare solves his family’s problems by tricking rich and lazy Bear in this funny, energetic version of an old slave story.

With roots in American slave tales, Tops & Bottoms celebrates the trickster tradition of using one’s wits to overcome hardship.

#98. We’re Going On a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

“We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one.” Will you come too?

For 20 years, readers have been swishy swashing and splash sploshing through We’re Going On a Bear Hunt, the award-winning favourite for children and adults alike.

#99. Where Are You, Blue Kangaroo? by Emma Chichester Clark

Where Are You, Blue Kangaroo? is a heartwarming story featuring Lily and her much-loved toy, Blue Kangaroo, from award-winning, renowned illustrator, Emma Chichester Clark.

Lily loves Blue Kangaroo, but sometimes he disappears and Lily says, “Where are you, Blue Kangaroo?” And Blue Kangaroo waits for Lily to find him…When Lily goes to the park, she has a great time, but forgets to hold on tight to Blue Kangaroo and nearly loses him.

And when Lily goes shopping with Aunt Jemima, she leaves poor Blue Kangaroo on the bus! Luckily he is returned to her, but by now Blue Kangaroo is feeling very anxious.

Then one day, Lily goes to the zoo with Uncle George and again Blue Kangaroo is nearly lost, but the trip gives him an idea that will mean he never be lost again. But where, oh where is Blue Kangaroo the very next morning?

#100. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Maurice Sendak’s Caldecott Medal-winning picture book Where the Wild Things Are has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children’s books of all time.

One night Max puts on his wolf suit and makes mischief of one kind and another, so his mother calls him ‘Wild Thing’ and sends him to bed without his supper. That night a forest begins to grow in Max’s room and an ocean rushes by with a boat to take Max to the place where the wild things are.

Max tames the wild things and crowns himself as their king, and then the wild rumpus begins. But when Max has sent the monsters to bed, and everything is quiet, he starts to feel lonely and realises it is time to sail home to the place where someone loves him best of all.

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