Favourite Picture Books

Taking time to read to your young children is the best form of quality time possible. It's dedicated time that can be riotously funny as you inject your own personality into the reading in a way that will be remembered for a lifetime.
To quote the final verse of the poem "The Reading Mother" by Strickland Gillilan ...
                                    "You may have tangible wealth untold;
                                     Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
                                     Richer than I you can never be -
                                     I had a mother who read to me."
                                                                                                        Go to "My Favourite Poems" under the Relaxation tab for the full version of this poem.

Story-time with kids will be a delight with this list of fabulous titles. It's a mix of old and new, classic and popular. Buy books that make storytime a memory that lasts and helps them discover the joy of reading.

"Quaky Cat" for Christchurch

This fabulous book by Diana Noonan and Gavin Bishop is about the Christchurch earthquake from the perspective of the city's pets. Beautifully written and illustrated, 50% of the proceeds are going to Christchurch charities and a free copy was also given to each year 1 and 2 child in Christchurch schools. Cathartic, endearing and such a good cause, the book tells the story of Tiger and his friend and owner Emma who are reunited at the end of the book.
     "It was Emma, his Emma. He was back home at last
     And his horrible day was a thing of the past.
     His house was in ruins, the whole city battered
     But with Emma's arms round him, none of it mattered."
Click on the picture for more details.

"Rattletrap Car" by Phyllis Root

My all-time favourite book for young children.
Fun to read with all sorts of sound effects and wordplay as Junie, Jakie, Dad and the baby set off for the lake in their rattletrap car. "It doesn't go fast, and it doesn't go far" but you can be sure when you've got "razzleberry dazzleberry snazzleberry fizz", a beach ball, a surfboard, and baby's three-speed, wind-up, paddle-wheel boat they're sure to get there.
I challenge you not to fall in love with this book - its a giggly good read for everyone involved!

Gruffalo

Walk further into the deep dark wood, and discover what happens when a quick-thinking little mouse comes face to face with an owl, a snake and a hungry gruffalo...
This is a favourite children's book remembered for it's detailed description of the dim-witted Gruffalo. It comes in a variety of formats including a sturdy board book to survive multi-readings to toddlers, a paperback edition and also a sound-book version with10 interactive sound buttons to bring the nation's favourite bedtime storybook vividly to life (click image on right) as well as colouring books and activity books for the ultimate Gruffalo fan!

The Power of Reading

With simple words, Dr Seuss helps children learn the joy of reading for themselves. From recognising letters to recognising words to the realisation that they are actually reading. It's magical being part of the process.
Silly stories, crazy creatures and the start of a life long reading adventure.
My favourite book from Dr Seuss to get children starting to read is "Hop on Pop" followed by "Ten Apples up on Top."

Beyond Hairy MacLary

We've all heard of Hairy MacLary from Donaldsons Dairy but this book, also by Lynley Dodds, has some fabulous stories like "Sniff, Snuff Snap" with African animals being chased away from the watering hold by a wart-hog. Another heart-warming favourite book for children is the "Littlest Turtle" and its efforts to make it "to the sea, to the sea".

Kiwi Icons

The iconic kiwi bloke is not beyond writing a clever little childrens books. Barry Crump has created mischievious little green "Pungapeople" who are invisible to all bar young children unless in reflections. They get up to all sorts of tricks and pranks. There's a series of books including one set on Ninety Mile Beach but my favourite book is set in the bush with Harry Hobnail.

Aesop's Fables Reinterpreted

A striking new look at Aesop's classic animal fables, reinterpreted and illustrated by Alice Shirley. This lavish new edition contains over 100 fables including all of the well-known classics such as 'The Hare and the Tortoise' and 'The Fox and the Sour Grapes'.

How Toys become Real

The story about how if a toy is loved enough it can become real.
There are lots of versions of this popular children's book on the on-line websites and the images can be as engaging as the story. The one shown on the left is the abridged version that my children loved.

Hairy MacLary

Lynley Dodds is New Zealand's own Dr Suess. Her Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy books are classics and this volume brings together four stories about Hairy Maclary and his friends for your children to enjoy.

Dream & Inspire

This Dr Seuss book has become popular more recently due to its use in a bank advert on television. It warns of the mishaps and mayhem that beset us as we pursue life while also letting parents and children dream of all the possibilities open to youth.

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