I absolutely love reading.  A comfy chair, hot chocolate and a good book is my idea of heaven.  Entering teaching and having children returned me to children’s literature, it was like the return of a long forgotten friend.  I got a tremendous amount of pleasure sharing my favourite books and finding new books.  

I’ve decided to share my top 10 books for the age ranges that my book, First Day of the New School Year, is aimed at.  This task has taken me much longer than I thought it would!  I think its going to get worse!

The books I’ve finally chosen are my personal choices and in no particular order.  I hope you enjoy them and remember it only a start to an amazing adventure through children’s literature.

(*book descriptions from the relevant publishers)

First Day of the New School Year by Amy Redfern

I’m sorry got to get it out there! This book tells the story of Louise’s first day of the new school year.  It explores her feelings and ends with an unexpected twist.  There are questions in one of my blogs about questions you can use with this book and they can be adapted to all the books you choose to read with your child.

Chocolate Cake by Michael Rosen

A young boy sneaks downstairs at night, his plan to just look at the chocolate cake turns into a full-blown midnight feast. But, nothing goes as planned!

Hairy Maclary by Lynley Dodd

Hairy Maclary is off for a walk in town, and on the way he's joined by many furry friends of all shops and sizes, from Bottomley Potts (covered in spots) to Schnitzel von Krumm (with a very low tum). But when they suddenly find themselves face-to-face with Scarface Claw - the toughest Tom in town - it's time to run all the way back home!

The Tiger who came to Tea by Judith Kerr

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don't expect to see at the door is a big furry, stripy tiger!

Cops and Robbers by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

The robbers of London town plan a desperate crime one Christmas Eve - to steal all the toys they can lay their hands on! Fortunately, the robbers meet their match in brave office Pugh who leaps into action and arrests the villains - all except …

Dinosaurs in the Supermarket by Timothy Knapman & Sarah Warburton

Going to the supermarket can be SO BORING. But do you know what makes it fun? DINOSAURS, that's what! There's a T. rex gobbling sausages, a Stegosaurus spilling beans! A Diplodocus in the frozen peas fills the aisles with greens!

Cinnamon by Neil Gaiman

In a hot, hot country, ringed with mountains on one side and jungle on the other, lives a princess called Cinnamon. Her eyes are made of pearls, which means that she is blind. And, for reasons her parents the Rajah and Rani cannot fathom, she will not talk. So they offer a reward to anyone who can teach Cinnamon to speak. People travel from far and wide to attempt it, but nothing works. Until a mighty tiger, huge and fierce, prowls into their palace and announces that he is here to teach the girl-cub to talk ...

W’re going on a Bear Hunt By Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury

A family walks through the countryside on an unlikely search for a bear. But there’s a surprise on the other side the forest.

How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth by Michelle Robinson & Kate Hindley

A funny guide with step-by-step instructions for cleaning this unusual pet. But beware, very strange things can happen if the instructions are not followed carefully!

My Friend Bear by Jez Alborough

Eddy is feeling sad and so is the Bear. They both wish they had a friend to talk to. All they’ve got are their teddies, and teddies can’t talk. Or can they?