#Reading: Books are the answer... to every question
Read, read, read. It is impossible to own too many books.
CELEBRATE UBUNTU
We are One by author Refiloe Moahloli and illustrated by Zinelda McDonald is also available in isiZulu and Afrikaans. Like all Moahloli’s books, this one is a story about bringing out the best in the human spirit. Children and the inner child in adults will be able to identify and celebrate themselves. Support local talent and get this uplifting book to read to your children, over and over! R140, Pan Macmillan Children’s Books.
YOU HEARD RIGHT!
This time it isn’t the wheels on the bus going round and round, it’s the whales! And that’s not all... How about cranes on trains? Goats on boats? Dragons on wagons? This robust hardcover book called The Whales on the Bus is packed with things on wheels and a whole lot of crazy creatures. Your little one will love singing along to the tune of the favourite nursery rhyme, with bold, colourful illustrations by the instantly recognisable Nick Sharratt and text by the talented Katrina Charman. R269 loot.co.za, Bloomsbury.
FOR BUSY BABY HANDS
Small fingers will enjoy this shaped novelty book by Salina Yoon. Busy Little Bee has a sturdy handle and interesting textures, encouraging engagement on every busy page. Your baby or tot will enjoy turning the board pages himself and will also enjoy hearing you read the story. It’ll be a favourite for years. R154 loot.co.za, Jonathan Ball Publishers.
BEAUTIFUL BEDTIME STORY
Arlo The Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep is a beautifully illustrated dreamy story with a gentle mindfulness message from awardwinning author Catherine Rayner – ideal for bedtime, and especially helpful for little ones who have trouble going to sleep. Arlo the lion is exhausted. He just can’t drop off, no matter what he tries. It’s either too hot or too cold, too loud or too quiet. Perhaps Owl can teach him some tricks. Perfect for 3- to 7-year-olds. Price not yet available at time of print, so please check Pan Macmillan’s website.
WITH SOUND
From about 4 years, your child will love this type of book. Pete the Cat: Old MacDonald Had a Farm is perfect for handling and singing along. One easy button turns the music on and off.
Pete and his friends meet all the animals in the barnyard. The classic old song really comes alive in these pages, by creators Kimberly and James Dean. R189,99 takealot.com, Jonathan Ball Publishers.
YOU KNOW WHAT A NARWHAL IS, RIGHT?
That’s not my Narwhal is a sweet board book featuring five adorable narwhals (google, people, google!). It has textured patches, smooth bits, fuzzy spots and even some sparkle. The whole book is designed to help develop sensory and language awareness. R175, takealot.com, loot.co.za, Exclusive Books, Reader’s Warehouse, Graffiti Books, Penguin Random House Publishers.
MESSAGE WORTH REPEATING
Each act, big or small, can make a difference. Kindness matters. When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate contemplates how to make her feel better and what it means to be kind. With award-winning author Pat Zietlow Miller’s gentle text and Jen Hill’s irresistible art, Be Kind is an unforgettable story about how simple acts can change the world. Price not yet available at time of print, but check Pan Macmillan’s website.
READ IT WITH GUSTO!
Children love it when you read with loads of enthusiasm, and this book is just screaming for you to roar along. Enjoy the humour, dinosaur silliness, the meerkat and the warthog as you try and figure out if anyone can really roar like a dinosaur.
I Can Roar Like a Dinosaur by Karl Newson is a laugh-out-loud hardback picture book, with an unlikely hero and a delicious build-up sneaking up from behind. Literally. Please check Pan Macmillan’s website for more, as the book is brand new in South Africa, and the price wasn’t yet available when this magazine went to print.
IMPROVE EQ
Children need to learn the names of their emotions from an early age. This little book can help with some of the key emotions, like anger, pride, happiness and sadness. Naming your emotions helps you to understand why you act the way you do. Invest in How Am I Feeling? A Little Guide to my Emotions for your preschooler. R115, takealot.com, loot.co.za, Exclusive Books, Reader’s Warehouse, Graffiti Books, Penguin Random House Publishers.
OFF TO SPACE
In Astro Girl, the stars are the limit for a little girl who acts out her wish to be an astronaut. While her mama is away, Astrid and her papa have fun acting out the challenges an astronaut faces on a space mission – like being in zero gravity, eating food from a kind of tube, and doing science experiments with the help of cookie sheets. Astro Girl by Ken WilsonMax brings space travel up close for young readers and offers an inspiring ending. R120, Jacana.
CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF PEPPA PIG
The world’s most popular pig, for sure! Peppa Pig: At the Aquarium is a lift-the-flap book, and what child can resist those? Peppa’s pet goldfish is sad, so Peppa takes him to the aquarium to find some friends. Discover all the fantastic fish and sea creatures with Miss Rabbit as your guide as you lift the flaps and explore the book. R165, takealot.com, loot.co.za, Exclusive Books, Reader’s Warehouse, Graffiti Books, Penguin Random House Publishers. ●