We all remember being read stories as a child. The wonder of sitting with a beautifully illustrated story book and listening to mum or dad’s voice, enjoying wonderful illustration and learning new words to express ourselves. Story books play such a vital role in children’s development and as kids have more screen time these days, tempting them with the right story book is so important.

What are the Best Story Books for Children?

The best story books for children are those that tell a wonderful tale, but also contain an equally wonderful lesson or moral. Some of the best story books can help young children learn how to navigate their way emotionally and through their understanding of the story, learn to express themselves. Reading story books to kids also stimulates their imagination and helps them learn about the world around them.
We love a good children’s story book at Ebb & Flow Kids and one of our favourite authors is Benji Davies whose story books The Storm Whale, Grandma Bird and Tad regularly sell out in our Tenby shop. We also recommend The Go-Away Bird by Julia Donaldson, How to Hide a Lion by Helen Stephens, and the classic seaside tale The Mousehole Cat by Antonia Barber.

When Should You Start Reading Story Books with Children?

It is never too early to start reading story books with children. Some parents start to read children’s story books with their new-born babies, snuggled up all warm and cosy. Others may wait until children are a little older and can sit properly on their lap. Many begin reading story books as part of a bedtime routine and use this special time each evening to bond with their children. We love The Bedtime Bear by Ian Wybrow.
Board story books, with colourful illustrations are a great way to start with younger children. When they are old enough, try asking them to turn the pages, or to explain what they see in the pictures. It is important to involve your child in the story and get them to relate the story to their everyday lives. Also, don’t be afraid to make silly sounds or do funny voices. The more fun you have together, the more they will want to keep reading the story. In time you can progress to longer stories with fewer pictures, perhaps taking it in turn to read a page.
What ever age to you start reading with your child, by establishing a safe and loving environment, your child will come to love story time and develop fond memories, making them more likely to continue reading for pleasure in the future.