Admit it: Adults enjoy a good picture book just as much as the children they are sharing it with. Those colourful tales and whimsical illustrations have a way of staying with us — and, if we’re lucky, so too does a love of reading.
If you’re looking for some books to share with the youngsters in your life (and the young-at-heart), here are some titles worth a read.
Kids’ books to curl up with
On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman
Don’t say we didn’t warn you: this sweet story may bring tears to your eyes. The book celebrates a new life and emphasizes to little ones how wanted and loved they are. Indeed, through the poems and illustrations, nature itself stops to welcome the new child with celebrations. While a little young for older children, this title makes a good gift for any new baby in your life.
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret W Brown
“If you run away, I will run after you. For you are my little bunny,” says the mother bunny in this illustrated game of hide and seek. Still popular seven decades after its first publication, Brown’s classic story tells of a little bunny and all the creative ways he thinks of to run away. In the playful dialogue, his mother matches his every attempt with an equally creative response. While available in hard cover and paper back, you’ll often find this title packaged with Brown’s other famous story, Goodnight Moon.
Goodnight Ipad by Ann Droyd
Love when writers include jokes for the adults too? Chances are you’ll love this parody of Goodnight Moon. The book matches its original in terms of text, tone and illustration, but gets a smart update for tech-savvy generations with lines like “Goodnight, Facebook friend” and “Goodnight, MacBook Air.” While adults and older children will understand the jokes and references, this is one parody that’s still appropriate to read to youngsters too. (And yes, it’s available as an e-book too.)
Tumford the Terrible by Nancy Tillman
If the child in your life has a pet, they’ll enjoy some animal mischief. Tumford the cat — or Tummy — gets into all sorts of trouble and has a hard time saying he’s sorry. In the season of “naughty versus nice”, it’s good to know that you’re loved no matter how much trouble you get into.
Along similar lines is Eli, No! by graphic design duo Katie Kirk and Nathan Strandberg. This pup can’t help but get into mischief, but his owners love him anyway. (Besides, it’s fun to scold “Eli, no!” as you read together.)
