Really good kids books are remarkably few and far between, so as a service to anyone looking to buy such things in the run-up to Christmas - but mostly because I want to make a note of them for myself - here are some of the stories that my daughter has enjoyed, and that I've enjoyed with her.
All have proper plots, proper characters, and are a pleasure to read for the umpteenth time in a row.
The boy who cried ninja by Alex Latimer - This book is responsible for my daughter declaring that she is a ninja, and so is her teddy bear.
Dexter Bexley and the big blue beastie by Joel Stewart - The big blue beastie is bored and thinks he should probably eat Dexter Bexley, but Dexter Bexly (played here by a young Michael Caine) has a much better idea.
The gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler - Massively over-merchandised and all kids probably have it already, but it is a very good book.
The lonely beast by Chris Judge - Big foot heads for the city in search of other beasts. Illustrated more like a graphic novel than most kids books.
Lost and found, Up and down, How to catch a star all by Oliver Jeffers - Popular stories about a boy and (sometimes) a lonely penguin. Again very popular, but for a good reason. See How to draw penguins for an idea of the style.
Moonthief by Roger McGough- A story imagination about love, subtly told and full of humour. Possibly my favourite on this list.
Pop artiste by Alex Sanders and Pierrick Bisinski - A story about artistic dinosaurs, in french (you'd only need to put a few words into Google Translate to get the story).
So much by Trish Cooke - A celebration of family. My daughter loved having this read to her from being quite little.
That rabbit belongs to Emily Brown by Cressida Cowell and Neal Layton- Quite a popular story about a girl and a rabbit called Stanley.
Tyrannosaurus Drip by Julia Donaldson - Charming vegetarian propaganda in verse form.
Honourable mentions
- Blueberry girl by Neil Gaiman - A beautiful illustrated poem, written more for parents than for children.
- Dans les nuages by Cédric Ramadier and Vincent Bourgeau - Not a story book but a lovely french board book. Reading it requires no french once you know that the title means "in the clouds".
- Mister Magnolia (and many others) by Quentin Blake - Classic childrens book about a man who yearns to splash in puddles.
I'd also recommend the CDs of french nursery rhymes from Bristol-based Les Petits Zouzous, especially Chansons pour s'endormir - really beautiful childrens' music.
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