Book Week 2009: Board Books for Littlies

This is my top 10 pick for Board Books for littlies (in no particular order). All are much loved books from my own childhood and are among my children's favourites. All these books can be found at Fishpond.com.au

Curious George Story Book Collection Boxed Set

There isn't anything I don't love about Curious George! Although originally he got off to a rocky start what with being kidnapped from the jungle by the man in the yellow hat and all, but his adventures are just so charming and make me smile. The TV show and movie are all big hits in our house as well!

The beguiling little monkey is featured in four books in this boxed set: "Curious George and the Bunny, Curious George and the Rocket, Curious George Goes Fishing" and "Curious George Rides". Includes a sturdy, reusable, carry-along box.


A Child's First ABC Alphabet

We call this the "crack book" because of the way the illustrations have that old cracked painting look. But there is so much detail on each page and a hint to the next letter in every picture. I credit this book to my daughters extensive knowledge of the ABC!


The Very Hungry Caterpillar

What child or adult for that matter doesn't love this story? And can you believe it was first published over 40 years ago? I particularly love this adorable story of the glutenous caterpillar who ate too much in the board book version as it withstands many explorations by little fingers and lives to tell the tale again another day.

That's Not My Puppy

I've lost count how many of these books we have. I started reading them to them when they were first reaching out to touch new things and our collection has grown and grown. Now at 4 and 2 1/2 they will still choose these off the bookself. Titles in the USBORNE TOUCHY FEELY BOOKS series encourage interactive play for babies and toddlers. On each page there is a different texture waiting to be discovered. The bright illustrations and the simple text develop sensory and language awareness.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt
"We're going on a bear hunt. / We're going to catch a big one. / What a beautiful day! / We're not scared"

I love to read stories that have a rhythm and require a bit of theatrics. Michael Rosen has written so many books I love, but this is my favourite. Do you know the song?

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes

I always think that this is such a lovely gift for a new baby and parents. Such a sweet simple story from Mem Fox, she really does have a way with words!

"There was one little baby/who was born far away./And another who was born/on the very next day./And both of these babies,/as everyone knows,/had ten little fingers/and ten little toes."

The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew it Was None of His Business

This appeals to my sense of humour, and everyone knows that little kids think toilet humour is both disgusting and hilarious. The first book I ever bought my nephew was a gift pack including a little mole with a poo on his head :) This is the tale of a little mole who wakes up one morning only to have one of the other animals 'do its business' on his head. The Little Mole then sets out to track down the culprit to exact his revenge in his own little way.

Guess How Much I Love You

This is the much-loved classic that children will simply cherish."I love you right up to the moon - and back." The story of Little and Big Nutbrown Hares' efforts to express their love for each other has become a publishing phenomenon, selling more than 18 million copies worldwide. First published over 15 years ago, this lovely new edition is one that children will ask for time and again.

Down at the Station

Another of those great rhyming sing a long stories that are great to get the little ones involved in. They'll be singing along with you in no time. It's a Play School favourite too, so chances are if your not familiar with it, they are!



On the Day You Were Born

"On the eve of your birth ... the Earth and her creatures with the Sun and the Moon all moved in their places, each ready to greet you the very first moment of the very first day you arrived."

Every child loves to hear the story of how he or she came into the world, but usually very little attention is paid to how the world was in that magical moment. The book has simple, bright pictures and each illustration and theme in the book (migrating animals, gravity, glowing moon, rising tide, etc.) is explained in simple and direct language that can be used to teach older children how nature works on our planet, and how Earth works in the universe.