It’s World Book Day on 4th March and it’s our first time getting involved! Needless to say, I’m very excited.
I’ve always associated bedtime with stories since I was a little girl. I loved drifting off whilst listening to my dad read about my favourite characters. I loved that time we spent together at the end of the day when all was quiet. He’d always get really into character and make me laugh as well as encourage me to join in. I’d watch him in awe, reading the same stories night after night just as excited as when I heard him read them the first time. I guess it’s not surprising that now as a parent, I approach bedtime with the same enthusiasm. As a result, my daughter’s love for make-believe and books is something I love to witness every day. Naturally, I think World Book Day will definitely be our thing for many years to come.
It was not easy putting this Top 10 together -probably because there’s way more than 10 book that we can’t put down. But hopefully it might kickstart some inspiration for a World Book Day costume if that’s lacking this year (which, with home schooling and working from home, I’d say it is completely acceptable.) Alternatively, it could be great for the future reference or to introduce some new reads to your little one’s bookshelf. Because let’s be honest, it’s not just about the kids – us parents need to mix it up every now and again too.
1. Please Baby Please by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee
A bit of repetition and rhyme and you can’t go wrong! This story is the perfect set up for bedtime for the littler ones. A firm favourite in our house.
2. My Pet Star by Corrinne Averiss
Personally my favourite one to read at the moment: a little girl finds a fallen star in her garden. And although she looks after it and it makes for great company, she soon learns that the star belongs in the sky. Dressing up as Star or the little girl (I couldn’t resist!) makes for a great costume.
3. Nuts by Lou Peacock
Funny story, we got this one from a Christmas lucky dip and initiall,y I was a little disappointed. But when you see just how much your little one can really get into it, and how hard they giggle at the many different ways you ultimately say “my nuts” then it’s totally worth it. Also a great one for introducing and encouraging the concept of sharing. The squirrels would make another awesome costume.
4. The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
A literary classic loved amongst many generations. Not sure this one really even needs a synopsis, but would make a brilliant costume: simple and effective as everyone will know exactly which Tiger your little one is and that they’ve probably got a pot of tea at the ready.
5. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
My little girl loves to dance, so I wanted to get a book which encourages confidence, expression and essentially: dancing like no one is watching. This book ticks all the boxes. Gerald is known to have two left feet, until he starts listening to the sound of a different beat and forgets what people might think of him.
6. Paddington Bear by Michael Bond
I’m not sure there is a bear more famous than this guy. Not only are his books super popular in our house, but the film (which is available on Amazon Prime) gets a hefty number of views on a weekly basis. Fantastic costume potential, I had a little go myself.
7. Baby Goes to Market by Atinuke
Everyone loves baby at this bustling Nigerian market. So much so that he gets given all kinds of treats from the vendors whilst Mama is busy shopping. My little one actually knows this one by heart now. Great for counting and exploring colours through the vibrant illustrations.
8. Elmer the Patchwork Elephant by David McKee
Another classic! Elmer looks different and he starts to wonder what it would be like to look like all the other elephants. I would love to see the creativity that would come with bringing this costume to life!
9. Magical Hair Adventures by Chanel Kennedy and Telena Longmore
With a fizzy whizzy whizz and a curly wurly whoo! Join Ava and Hairy Fairy on a magical adventure to learn about Ava’s uniquely beautiful hair. This book is all about teaching and empowering young people to love and embrace what makes them different.
10. Look Up! By Nathan Byron
Rocket is quite the character with a passion for outer space. She is going to be an astronaut and change the world, but first she has to get her big brother to stop looking at his phone and to look up at the stars.
Honestly, bedtime takes a whole lot longer around here because of how much we love our stories, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. (Well, maybe if we could pick the books we’re going to read beforehand and stick to just those ones we’ve picked, but I’ll keep trying).
Let’s keep the magic of imagination in our little ones alive! How will you be embracing World Book Day this year?
