If you know me, you know I have a major addiction to BOOKS. For myself, for my family, for my daughter. I just love books. I've tried the Kindle thing and it was a bit unrequited, sorry Kindle. For me, nothing can compare to the feeling and the smell of a new (or second hand) book.
Books are wonderful. They promote language, communication, emotional development, social skills, imagination and can provide endless inspiration for play. Even young babies will enjoy listening to your voice, watching the pictures in the books and investigating the pages.
When my daughter was a young baby, I used to read her everything. From the newspaper, to flip flap books and even recipes. My favourite thing to read, however, was poetry. I had a few easy-to read poetry books myself and when I got bored at home as many new stay-at-home parents do, we would just lie on the bed together and I would read poetry out loud. Now she has more independence and choice available, she often still chooses some traditional classics like the Nutcracker or goes for chunky, baby style flip flap books.
I've compiled a short list of my favourite books for babies, toddlers and older children for Winter. (Psssttt...Click here for some of my Winter sensory play ideas!) The books can be adapted for each age too! And they make wonderful introductions to small world and imaginary play.
My Winter Favourites
A festive take on the classic Dear Zoo, this version is sure to delight babies and beyond! Look out for the sweet surprise at the end!
This is a short and sweet version of the classic, beloved ballet. The story flows really well and the images will delight parent and child. There is a stunning pop-up scene at
the end too! This one is often pulled off our bookshelf for storytime at any time of year!
I personally adore this book. The tale is so sweet and you can really run wild in your imagination. The detail of nature and the earth around us will guarantee you take a little bit longer on your next walk trying to spot similar things! Get lost in the woods with the snow children and you will never feel alone.
This book is great for solo reading for babies and toddlers. It is interactive with several different page manipulations that work on hand-eye coordination, coupled with delightful and colourful pages that are sure to get you in the festive mood. My 3.5 year old loves this one!
"I'm Stick Man, I'm Stick Man, I'm Stick Man, that's me!"
Would any children's book list be complete without a Julia Donaldson? Stick man is clever, flows really well and hilarious and heartwarming for young and old! This is a stand out on our Winter book shelf!
Sometimes you just need a little reminder of the simple things that make Christmas so magical. The excitement, leaving out carrots for the reindeer and crafting Christmas cards all make those magic moments that we remember at Christmas. This one is short and sweet with gentle rhyming text.
Lastly, it's one of the collection of Flower Fairies. This Winter edition has wonderful imagery that will enchant babies, toddlers and older children. Each poem is written about the natural fairies we might see in Winter and can be an amazing introduction to so many play activities such as walks and scavenger hunts, ice flowers and small world play like this one.
There are soooo many amazing books for Winter out there, but for me, Winter is also about the seasons changes, wishes coming true and of course, Christmas! Let me know what you think in the comments, and tell me your favourite Christmas books!