Dad reads 500 children’s books to his kids and shares 10 they always return to

Reading with young children is packed with benefits. It’s a crucial activity for language, cognitive and emotional development, whilst also fostering imagination and creativity.

Books can enhance social skills and cultural awareness, as well as honing concentration and focus. But, just as importantly, reading with kids is a joyous experience.

I’ve always read with my eight-year-old son and five-year-old daughter at bedtime, as part of our nightly routine. Over the years, I reckon I’ve read at least 500 children’s books.

Some have lodged in my memory more than others – most likely because I’ve had to read them over and over again.

These days, my little lad is content reading chapter books on his own and his sister needs my help less and less, too. Sometimes, though, they still relish revisiting an old favourite.

Via the Mirror US, here are the 10 books, suitable for children under seven, that we’ve enjoyed the most…

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1. Monkey Puzzle by Julia Donaldson (2000). Known as Where’s My Mom? in the US

The undisputed queen of authors for younger children, Julia Donaldson has gifted us classics such as The Gruffalo, Stick Man and Superworm.

Penned in Donaldson’s signature rhyming style, the tale follows a young monkey who gets lost from her mother in the jungle. A well-meaning butterfly attempts to assist, but mistakenly leads her to various other creatures, including an elephant, snake and spider, frog and bat after repeatedly misinterpreting her descriptions.

It’s enjoyable to read, educational, has a cheerful conclusion and is vividly brought to life by Axel Scheffler’s distinctive illustrations. I’ve read it so many times that I can recite it from memory.

Buy Where’s My Mum? by Julia Donaldson on Amazon.

2. Meltdown! by Jill Murphy (2016)

Without being overly dramatic, taking a toddler to the supermarket is almost certainly akin to stepping into the Seventh Circle of Hell.

The late, esteemed Jill Murphy, presumably drawing from personal experiences, perfectly encapsulates this ordeal in Meltdown!

In the story, Ruby the rabbit accompanies her mum to the shop. Initially, she’s resolved to be helpful, but in typical toddler fashion, she quickly becomes overexcited, throws a massive tantrum over a ‘piggy cake’, embarrasses her mum at the till, and screams all the way home before eventually saying sorry and becoming incredibly sweet again.

My children adore it because they absolutely recognise that Ruby is them. I love it because I recognise that I have been Ruby’s mum on more than one dreadful occasion.

Buy Meltdown! by Jill Murphy on Amazon here.

3. The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith (2009)

Children’s books often come with life lessons, yet ‘The Wonky Donkey‘ is a glorious exception that revels in sheer silliness, much to our delight.

Originally a song by New Zealander Smith born from a joke – “What do you call a donkey with three legs? A wonky donkey!” – the book became a sensation.

In 2018, it shot to fame when a video of a Scottish grandmother tickled pink as she reads ‘The Wonky Donkey’ to her grandson went viral, leading to a sharp rise in demand.

This rhyming tongue twister is an absolute joy to read aloud.

Buy The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith on Amazon.

4. You’re Called What? by Kes Gray (2018)

This book is a barrel of laughs for both cheeky kids and grown-ups who’ve yet to outgrow their childish wit.

Celebrated author Kes Gray’s best known book Oi Frog! and the entire Oi series are household favourites, You’re Called What? is unmatched in comedic value, taking readers to the Ministry of Silly Animal Names, a clear nod to Monty Python’s famed sketch, and introduces them to animals with bizarre names that are educational yet hysterical.

These quirky creatures, such as the monkeyface prickleback, bone-eating snot flower worm, and pink fairy armadillo, will leave you in stitches – who says learning about animals can’t be a hoot?

And, of course, the blue-footed booby, whose name is always a giggle-inducer.

Buy You’re Called What? by Kes Gray on Amazon.

5. The Trouble With Moum by Babette Cole (1983)

Babette Cole’s The Trouble With Mum, the classic from 1983, has been passed down from a cousin, a testament to its enduring charm.

It is the oldest book in the list, but it absolutely stands the test of time. The story is narrated by a little girl whose mum is always transforming people into toads, donning peculiar hats and doing other embarrassing things.

Her friends find her mum’s antics amusing, but their parents are less impressed – until she becomes the hero, dashing to extinguish a fire at the school.

Our version of the book is a ‘four for the price of one’ deal, with Dad, Gran and Grandad all given the same treatment.

The late Babette Cole’s illustrations are every bit as brilliant as her words.

Buy The Trouble With Mom by Babette Cole on Amazon.

6. There’s A Pig Up My Nose by John Dougherty (2017)

There was a period of around a month – which felt more like a year – when my daughter requested to read There’s A Pig Up My Nose every night, often more than once.

To make matters even more monotonous, every read came with a barrage of questions, mainly about the likelihood of animals becoming lodged up children’s noses.

Thankfully, though, there’s plenty to appreciate about the book, which follows Natalie, who enlists the help of her schoolmates to remove the little animal.

Very loud, dramatic animal noises are a mandatory requirement.

Buy There’s A Pig Up My Nose by John Dougherty on Amazon.

7. Poo In The Zoo by Steve Smallman (2015)

If there’s one thing guaranteed to make kids chuckle, it’s poop.

And in Steve Smallman’s book, there’s an abundance of it – including a variety that glows green.

The story revolves around zookeeper Bob McGrew, who adores his job, except when it comes to cleaning the animals’ enclosures.

When an iguana excretes a radioactive-looking substance, it attracts hordes of people, including a poo museum owner who forever alters Bob’s life.

The book even includes a pictorial glossary of various animals’ faeces, all of which I can now confidently identify unaided.

Buy Poo In The Zoo by Steve Smallman on Amazon.

8. The Disgusting Sandwich by Gareth Edwards (2013)

Twists aren’t typically found in children’s books – but this one has one.

Granted, it’s not on par with The Sixth Sense or The Usual Suspects, but it’s an unexpected ending nonetheless.

Even after the initial read, when children are fully aware of what will happen, they seem to enjoy it just as much.

The narrative follows a hungry badger eyeing a sandwich dropped by a young lad in the park.

It gets squashed, ridden over and slithered on before the badger finally reaches it.

Buy The Disgusting Sandwich by Gareth Edwards on Amazon.

9. Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth by Jarvis (2016)

Jarvis skilfully narrates the tale of an alligator who loses his intimidation factor when the other animals discover he has dentures.

But it’s not just the author’s sharp wit and understated, matter-of-fact tone that impresses – his illustrations are equally captivating.

Alan’s Big Scary Teeth by Jarvis is a delightful read that perfectly balances humour and warmth, much like many other children’s books. It carries an important message about the significance of friendship, honesty and kindness.

Buy Alan’s Big Scary Teeth by Jarvis on Amazon.

10. There’s A Snake in My School by David Walliams (2016)

WARNING, SPOILER ALERT: This book by David Walliams contains a plot twist where the unpleasant headmistress Miss Bloat is devoured by a student’s pet snake, leading to jubilation among the pupils.

Given the slightly macabre nature of the conclusion, it’s no surprise that I’ve had to answer several queries about snakes consuming humans and teachers meeting their demise.

Despite this, the book remains a firm favourite with my children. Walliams has a unique talent for crafting stories and using language that leaves children in stitches.