Must-read books for toddlers

Story time brings with it the perfect opportunity to teach while having fun. Here’s a look at some cute creations that’ll have both you and your toddler making merry.

THE GRUFFALO BY JULIA DONALDSON. The Gruffalo is a charming rhyme about a clever mouse navigating the dangers of the forest, outwitting predator after predator – a fox, owl and snake. How? It imagines up the dangerous beast ‘Gruffalo’, with supposedly ‘terrible tusks, terrible claws, terrible teeth in his terrible jaws” as a threat, only to then run into it! How the mouse escapes this last fix is sure to delight your child.

THE WONDERFUL THINGS YOU’LL BE BY EMILY WINFIELD MARTIN. ‘The wonderful things you will be’, by Emily Winfield Martin, highlights the uniqueness of each child and all the potential the tiny tots hold. From being considerate caregivers or gardeners, to creative musicians or storytellers, or bold adventurers, the book is written from the perspective of a guardian talking about all the child can be. The focus, however, is to do all you wish to do, with all your heart and is a great book for both parents and children.

THE GIVING TREE BY SHEL SILVERSTEIN. A touching tale of a selfless tree that loves to play with her human friend, and is willing to sacrifice anything – her fruit, her branches, and trunk - to make his wishes come true. ‘The Giving Tree’ encourages your little one to reflect on the environment and all it gives us, driving home a reminder for gratitude and to not let greed drive us.

HOW TO TRICK THE TOOTH FAIRY BY ERIN DANIELLE RUSSELL. Waiting for the tooth fairy is every child’s delight – with parents participating in secret glee. But what if the coin recipient tricks an unsuspecting tooth fairy? ‘How to Trick the Tooth Fairy’ chronicles the mischievous pranks a little girl and the tooth fairy swap and is guaranteed to excite your child with the refrain, "Now, if you prank the Tooth Fairy with....".

IT WASN’T ME BY OLIVER JEFFERS. ‘The thing about the Hueys was that most of the time they got along’, the story begins. As a comical sketch of a spat where everyone tries to evade blame only to realize that they didn’t know what they were fighting about – it honestly explores the process of falling out and making up with a humourous pen and discerning eye. The book can be beneficial for a tiny tot just getting acquainted with social dynamics.

I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK, BOARD BOOK BY AMELIA HEPWORTH AND TIM WARNES. Follow a mamma bear and her cub as they go about their day, splashing in water, climbing mountains and watching the sky. The lyrical story is one of wonder and love. It’s great for introducing the little one to rhyme – and teaching them to express affection.

ROOM ON THE BROOM BY JULIA DONALDSON. How the cat purred and how the witch grinned, as they sat on their broomstick and flew through the wind. This cute story about quick thinking and friendship is another fun story from the ’Guffalo’ creators.