Art

The book’s art plays a major role in the child’s attraction to, and enjoyment of it. Art for children should be created with just as much care and love as art for adults – if not more. Look for illustrations and book art that is truly beautiful and impressive to your eyes, and your child will likely feel the same.

Books are powerful – but that can be both for good and for mischief. And the young child takes in, quite literally, everything they see and experience. We might not be able to shield them from all the negative things in the real world, but we can certainly choose to omit them from their books. There will be plenty of time for difficult, challenging or disturbing stories later in life.

Of course, there are exceptions: books that are aimed at helping children cope with negative situations, even devastating trauma, such as a death in the family. Such books can provide priceless assistance and support to a child.

A few examples:

Gerda Mueller: The Seasons
These sweet, beautifully illustrated books contain no words – just idyllic scenes of family life that you can explore and talk about with your toddler.

Eric Carle: From Head to Toe
Eric Carle’s beautiful, unique illustrations will guide a three-year-old in moving their whole body more.

Anna Mibourne: The Sunny, Windy, Rainy and Snowy Day
These books also explore season through the eyes of a group of children, but this time with an emphasis on the science of weather, in a perfect form for a four-year-old to understand and learn.

A wonderful example of a science book, simply and clearly introducing your five-year-old to zoological knowledge through beautiful photography.

Kate DePalma: The Barefoot Books Children of the World
A six-year-old child will be fascinated by this introduction to children and their lives around the globe.

Sharing books is time well spent – can you recall a favourite book from your childhood? Why not help your child to build precious memories.