We love to read with the children. We start early (especially with Alec – we read to him every day almost from birth) and we read first thing in the morning and then again before bed (and any other time we’re asked!).
The kids all have their own favourite books, but some books have been loved by all of them (and by Sumit and me!). They’re worn and torn and can be found all over our flat, sometimes in the strangest places. These are our very first favourite books, the ones we know off by heart and love to read over and over again:
Goodnight Moon. A classic that has a given place in every child’s first library. I know it off by heart now and it’s such a soothing read before bed.
Little Blue Truck. Such a great book. It has such an innocent feel to it. I’ll never forget the first time I read it to Alec (he was nine months old) and how much he immediately liked it. It has a great rhyme and rhythm to it – it’s really country – and such a sweet story. The children love the animal sounds and the scenery. Truly one of my very very favourite children’s books ever.
Bear Snores On. There are a bunch of books about Bear and his friends but this is the good one. The rhyme is adorable and the children love the part where the bear sneezes. The illustrations are also so cozy and nice in all the bear books. (My only pet peeve with these books is that it becomes clear in the series that all of the animals are boys – why oh why couldn’t some of bear’s friends be girls?)
Tubby. This book is simple with just a few words and clean easy illustrations. I think the children love it because they can relate so well – it really takes them to their happy place: bath time. Very cute.
A Book of Sleep. A great bedtime story book with interesting illustrations and a lulling tone. This was Sumit’s favourite book to read when Alec was a baby.
The Runaway Bunny. Love love love the runaway bunny. It’s such a great story for mums to read with babies (and kids). The pictures are lovely and the story is beautiful.
Goodnight Gorilla. Actually not my favourite to read, but the kiddos love it. It’s an easy read for us since Sumit only reads in Hindi to the children (even though we don’t really have any storybooks in Hindi) and since they’re aren’t really any words in it, it’s easy to elaborate in any language. When we get to the part where all the animals go to sleep in the bedroom and the gorilla sits on the edge of the bed and yawns, both Alec and Louis do their own big yawns and it is so so adorable. That alone makes it a favourite!
That’s Not My… Alec was given That’s Not My Truck when he was a baby and Louis managed to demolish it pretty quickly when he started “reading”. But he loved that book so much so we bought him That’s Not My Pony for his first birthday. It is still very loved.
On the Night You were Born. This isn’t actually a favourite since I’ve only read it a handful of times, and only really to Alec. It is really lovely but it makes me cry so I just stopped reading it.
What are your favourite first books to read with your babies and to give away as gifts?
Also: our reading nook, and 50 great picture books.
