Brilliant books for children

Nat Fantastic
Giles Andreae and Katherine McEwen
£3.99
Age 3 -5

Nat Fantastic tells the story of a boy whose big sneezes turn him into a superhero. This is definitely a book for the boisterous boys, and if you have had trouble introducing toddler boys to books then this one just might swing it for you.

Tested out on three, going on four-year -old Nathan, the big bold text, action, adventure and plenty of kabooms kept his attention where previous books had failed. This is perfect for when boys move from genderless pre-school entertainment such as Noddy and Peppa Pig, and suddenly find themselves attracted to the Ben 10. This book will sort the girls from the boys.

We are wearing out the naughty step
Mick Inkpen
£5.99
Age 3-5

This fun book is a big hit with the parents. Coming from the creator of Kipper, it tells the story of a couple of little tykes and their encounters with the naughty step. This really is a laugh out loud book for both the children and the parents, and we love the fact that the lovable family is headed by a single parent mum with ‘Kevin’ popping in at the end.

Tested out on three-year-old Olivia. This was found to be an ideal pre-school book gently introducing the concept of the ‘blended’ family. Nice big pictures dominated the page, and the captured the child’s attention whilst the story was read. This is a nice transition from one line infant story books to going to school age.

Handsome Hog
Mwenye Hadithi
£5.99
Age 3-5

This lovely book tells the story of how the handsome hog lost his looks and because known as the warthog. Set on the African Plain, the brilliant illustrations are both aesthetic and educational. The book gives the young reader an introduction to ethnic folk tales and an early knowledge of animals in their natural habitat.

Four-year old Gwen loved this book. Familiar to these animals from trips to zoos and safari parks, putting them in context surprised her. She loved the illustrations, especially the hog himself.

Jack’s Tractor
Thomas Taylor and John Kelly
£10.99
Age 3 – 5 years

This Beautiful hardback book is a brilliant bedtime read. Little boy Jack, takes a ride on his big red tractor, herding up animals until it gets dark and he gets lost.

The illustrations really are stunning, and the poetic, rhyming text adding plenty of scope for the dynamic storyteller to bring the pages to life.

Tested out on two-year-old Sidney, a boy who usually insists on nothing but a Thomas and Friends story, this book quickly entranced him and he insisted on it being read to him no less than three times in a row each time it is picked up.

Katie and the British Artists
James Mayhew
£5.99
Age 3 – 8

This book incorporates the work of artists displayed in the National Gallery, London, into a gentle adventure story for young children. The book brings static art alive when Katie magically pops in and out of the paintings. The book is a brilliant way of making a connection between fine art and imagination.

Tested out by six-year-old Emily, She was amazed to discover that the pictures in the book were real and actually hanging in a gallery. Upon knowing this, she asked to visit the gallery to see them for real. It is fantastic that a book can motivate a young child in such a way and give them an early thirst to see something that may be viewed as high-brow or dusty.

Class three all at sea
Julia Jarman and Lynne Chapman
£5.99
Age 5 – 8

This shipshape, fun book follows Class Three’s adventures on the high seas. Whilst out on their school trip to the seaside, their ship is captured by pirates and the little sailors must overpower the pirates and find the treasure.

Tested out by six-year-old Elizabeth, She really enjoyed the adventure and loved the names of the pirates – Pirate Bogey Nose. The book didn’t have too many daunting words, and she was able to read through mostly unaided. She loved the use of rhyming language . A really nice book for children just getting to grips with reading on their own.