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Three Books for my Babies...

One that helped them learn to read...

Not Now, Bernard by David MacKee.














One that helped them not to be afraid...

The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson with illustrations by Paul Howard.













One that made us feel cosy...

The High Hills (Brambly Hedge) by Jill Barklem

Comments

Pondside said…
None of those is known to me - I'm always looking for books for the grands' library and I'll add these to the list.
3 March 2011 at 06:51
Frances said…
Chris, I've not heard of these books either...and wish I knew some little folks to read them to. Hey, maybe I will look into reading them to myself! xo
3 March 2011 at 07:45
Maggie Christie said…
I love Not Now, Bernard. We didn't have a copy of it but there was a brilliant Jackanory-style version of it on CBeebies which we adored.

My two still listen to The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark as an audibook superbly read by Maureen Lipman (Screech!)

Brambly Hedge is a favourite too- we haven't read that one though but they're all such marvellous tales.

You've inspired me to do a similar blog...
4 March 2011 at 02:00
Pat Posner said…
What a great idea, Chris.

I love the Brambly Hedge books.
Have you seen the newish series by Emily Bearn - Tumtum and Nutmeg?
I think you'd like them, too.
xxPat
4 March 2011 at 03:22
Lins' lleisio said…
The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark is one of our favourites. I LOVE The Jolly Postman by the Ahlbergs, a great way to learn about different forms of writing and so cute to have notes, postcards, letters etc to unfold and put back. Peepo! (Board Book) also by the Ahlbergs kept G9 giggling for hours when she was tiny. So much to discover in the brilliant pictures too. Another amazing book was Kipper's A to Z by Mick Inkpen - just a clever story using the letters of the alphabet. It follows Kipper and Arnold while they search for creatures to put in their alphabetical box. Brilliant. First book G9 ever bought was Eat Your Peas by Kes Gray and Nick Sharratt - great way to discuss food likes and dislikes, being fussy. Also love Edwina the Emu by Sheena Knowles, love this book. Fantastic rhymes, great story, lovely pictures. We read it night after night for months. I could go on… I love books so much and hope I pass my enthusiasm on to G9.
4 March 2011 at 08:20
Fennie said…
Must look them out for Theo, especially the Owl who was afraid of the dark. Especially if read by Maureen - you got an ology! - Lipman.
4 March 2011 at 10:20
Chris Stovell said…
Pondside, Frances thank you both. 'Not Now Bernard' is actually really dark with poor Bernard shamefully neglected by his parents, but the gripping story, not to mention the repetition, really captivated my girls and got them reading. I think all of these books have lessons for readers of all ages!

Mags, you've made brilliant choices, (do pop over and have a look, visitors). There are lots more I could have added but these three really summed it up for us.

Pat, I'll definitely have a look at Emily's books (and do see Pat's blog, visitors, for more great children's titles).

Lins, we know those titles too, more happy memories! I bet G9 has inherited your enthusiasm since it really comes through in your comment. Thanks for recommending some more wonderful stories.

Fennie, The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark, really helped Eldest in particular to see that night was not as black and scary as it might seem when you are very small!
5 March 2011 at 03:57
Fran Hill said…
I absolutely LOVE 'Not now, Bernard'. I often use children's books like this to teach secondary school children, eg 'Rewrite for an older audience and analyse the changes you made' etc. It's such a good excuse to tell them a story and show them pictures. All for my benefit, of course, not theirs.
6 March 2011 at 12:51
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