It’s night and time for sleep; the routine of dinner, bath time, clean your teeth and story is thrust upon you. Phew! What a BIG day. Non-stop work mingled with playing and feeding the toddler results in preparation for bed time. I follow the instructions from my daughter-in-law – a thoughtful and helpful hint on what to do and when. It’s good to have a plan of action. Apart from meal time manners and bath time bubbles, this post is about what to read at bed time with your grand child and how to make the most of this intimate sharing experience.

As a teacher and reader of wonderful picture books for children, my collection has grown. I am proud of the rich and beautiful illustrations, words, stories and poetry that are stacked up on my book shelves. Covers that burst with colour and vitality, themes of family, friendship and love. Flap books, alphabet and counting books and touch and feel books. Sharing the joy of reading is essential for a growing relationship between me and my grand children. The rhythm and rhyme, imagery and playful repetition dances along as you read the story. So get close and cosy. Know your child an. Snuggle up under the covers. Lap sitting or floor time, it doesn’t matter as long as you grab a book and READ. Let them turn the pages. Say the words. Look at the pictures. I hope you can choose some of the following great titles.

Who Sank the Boat? – Pamela Allen

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes – Mem Fox

Mr McGee Goes to Sea – Pamela Allen

A Nice Walk in the Jungle – Nan Bodsworth

Hello Baby – Mem Fox

Willy the Champ – Anthony Browne

Guess Who? Sounds – Jeanette Rowe

Hattie and the Fox – Mem Fox

Dr Seuss, Alison Lester, Margaret Wild, Bob Graham are also top authors.