Ruth Ennis chooses board books for budding readers
It can be a bit intimidating introducing books to the infant in your life. ‘They can’t read themselves, they don’t understand the story, it doesn’t count, so what’s the point in getting books for them when they’re that tiny?’ But there are so many benefits to reading to babies: language development, improving listening skills, in some cases it helps to build fine motor skills, and it can be a bonding opportunity between you and the child. Board books are one of the best starting points for young readers. There are so many iconic board books that have made their way into homes (The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon, Dear Zoo), but if you are looking for something new or a bit different, I suggest you check out these excellent books.
First up is Peekaboo Zoo by Camilla Reid, illustrated by Ingela Arrhenius (Nosy Crow). A new instalment in a sixteen-part series, this follows a familiar and comforting formula of characters playing peekaboo. Being set in a zoo, you’ll find giraffes, hippos, and flamingos hiding in the book until they pop out at you. With the sliding and pull-out mechanisms, little hands will have great fun making the animals appear and disappear and reappear time and time again – and we all know how much repetition plays a role in an infant’s reading experience!
little hands will have great fun making the animals appear and disappear and reappear time and time again
Also, a surprise hiding at the end of the final slide is a (remarkably high quality) mirror accompanied with the phrase ‘peekaboo you.’ This is a lovely book that will undoubtedly become a regular favourite for any story time.
Another volume in a multipart series is Our World: Ireland by Muireann Ní Chíobháin, illustrated by Fuchsia MacAree (Barefoot Books). In this brightly illustrated book, we go through a day in the life in Ireland. Navigating recognisably Irish settings, both rural and urban, you’ll spend a day experiencing typical Irish weather (four seasons in a day), playing hurling, and enjoying a warm dinner.
A hugely welcome element is the inclusion of a cúpla focal as Gaeilge
A hugely welcome element is the inclusion of a cúpla focal as Gaeilge woven throughout the book. Supported with small pronunciation guides and information at the back of the book to contextualise the words, readers of any Irish language level can appreciate this inclusion. A hugely enjoyable book for anyone who wants to have a little slice of Ireland to hand.
Usborne Sound Books’ recent addition Baby Animal Sounds by Sam Taplin, illustrated by Frederica Iossa explores the world of young animals and the fun sounds they make. From deep within jungles, to farmyards, to Australian landscapes, and African grasslands, there’s a wide range of animal noises for you to learn. A donkey’s neigh is unfailingly entertaining and a hippo’s squeak is simply adorable.
A donkey’s neigh is unfailingly entertaining
The book cleverly uses cut outs between scenes, peeking onto the upcoming page for a smooth transition. The illustrations are delightful, the spread of Antarctica and its seals and penguins being particularly beautiful. A perfect book for any budding animal lover and readers who love any books that make fun sounds.
Next is a slightly older publication but worth sharing, as its one of my go-to favourites. Goodnight Ocean by Becky Davies, illustrated by Carmen Saldaña (Little Tiger). Dive down into the ocean and meet all of its sea creatures, from the shallow shorelines to the deep ocean floor. Led by rhyming verse, the book helps the reader say goodnight to starfish, seahorses, manatees, and many more.
A brilliant bedtime book
The cut-out features are expertly done, revealing from the beginning what awaits the reader at the bottom of the sea. Fun facts are scattered across each page, perfect for the budding non-fiction reader. The illustrations are stunningly colourful, with sparkling bubbles to be enjoyed on the last page. A brilliant bedtime book.
Look Out! Hungry Lion is illustrated by Paul Delaney (Kumusha Books) and says it all on the cover. There’s a hungry lion on the hunt, so all the prey animals better watch out for him. Readers can enjoy a short guessing game following prompts: ‘Hungry Lion spies something stripey. Look out… zebra!’ The prey animals are hiding behind rocks, bushes, and more – it’s up to the reader to pull back the flaps and warn them of the lion in time.
The blocky and vibrant illustrations are effortlessly charming
The blocky and vibrant illustrations are effortlessly charming. There are a few instances of great visual humour; the lion bites off more than he can chew with an angry buffalo and gets a surprise when the elephant sprays him with water. A solid read, and for those who seek more similar books, they can check out Look Out: Hungry Snake.
Something a little closer to home is the adorable Bearradh Gruaige d’Eoinín by Muireann Ní Chíobháin, illustrated by Róisín Hahessy (Futa Fata). Written as Gaeilge, Eoinín the sheep needs a haircut – it’s so big you’d mistake it for a cloud! Eoinín goes to the hairdresser, and even though he’s a bit nervous about the experience, he is very brave and walks out looking fabulous.
A gem of a book, highly recommended
Hairdressing appointments can be a tough first experience, and this book is a lovely way to introduce it and address fears ahead of time. There are clever interactive opportunities that are simply and effectively executed without any fuss; you can press the (flat) button on the hairdryer, and hold Eoinín’s hand when he’s worried. The illustrations are warm and comforting throughout. A gem of a book, highly recommended.
Lastly, I want to share Five Little Trains by Camilla Reid, illustrated by Jill Howarth (Macmillan). Daddy train is leading five little trains along the tracks across various landscapes: a construction site, a forest, the desert, and a village. But with each new destination, they lose one more little train. Just when you think there are no more little trains, they all come together for the finale.
This is a short and sweet book, building counting and dexterity skills
This is a short and sweet book, building counting and dexterity skills. The little trains are small circle cut-out you can slide along the track – even under bridges for an extra challenge. An impressive interactive book that no doubt will be visited again and again by any reader.
And there you have it, seven new books you can use to start building your littlest library. And of course, by virtue of being board books and high-quality productions, all of these titles come with a sturdiness guarantee to withstand even the drooliest and chewiest of teething babies.
