Traditional Picture Books
At zulily, we think bedtime is one of the most important times of the day, so much so it’s even been suggested we have a pyjama day at work. For little ones it’s a time for cuddles, being tucked safely in and a bedtime story. We asked the lovely Laura for her top picks on classic children’s picture books.
Classic picture books. We all have our favourites. Those ones that our parents read us that we are all dying to read our own children. Here are a few of mine!
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.
This is a timeless classic. One that every child and adult alike loves. The journey of a caterpillar munching his way quite literally with holes in the book, into a beautiful butterfly is such a simple yet gorgeous story that you can’t fail to pick up. The great thing is that it also teaches you’re children about nature, food and even counting! What a bonus. Nowadays you can pick it up in so many different versions (paperback, pop up, buggy book and even cuddly toy!) that everyone from 2 months to 20 years and beyond will enjoy it.
Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.
This is my all time favourite book, so much so that I named my son after it. A beautifully illustrated book of imagination and creativity. To the world of the wild things, where children can do the wild rumpus and sail away in a wolf costume. It’s a book that adults themselves will find themselves sucked into as much as their children. This book has had a film revival in the past few years. Not the same as the book but definitely a great accompaniment and something that puts the imagination into moving image. “And now,” cried Max, “let the wild rumpus start!”
The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr
What would you do if a tiger turned up at your door? Would you run away or invite him in for tea? Well this book shows you that if invited inside, the tiger won’t just eat what was supposed to be for dinner, but he will wolf through the fridge and the cupboards and be a rather naughty animal with bad table manners! How will Sophie and her mum ever eat their dinner? What will dad say about it all!
This classic has just been made into a fantastic play in London, which I definitely recommend for any young tigers and their parents.
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
When you love someone very, very much and you want to show them how much you love them it can get quite tricky. As little nutbrown hare and big nutbrown hare find out, love can’t be measured in normal way’s as it’s something rather special.
This is a firm favourite on our bookshelves, not only because it’s a great bedtime book but also because it’s a classic that never get’s old and lets you tell your child how much they mean to you, no matter what age they are. And let’s you sneak in extra cuddles and kisses from your sometimes reluctant child.
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
“We’re going on a bear hunt, we’re going to catch a big one, what a beautiful day, we’re not scared” A trip of a dad and his three children exploring through different scenarios to find a bear. But what will happen when they find one? I remember my mum reading me this story when I was younger and I cherish the moments that I can almost sing this story to Max. Most definitely one of his favourites.
You can find more of Laura’s work at Goodnight Book and Max and Mummy
