Rosie Reads: Top Four Books For Tiny People

One of my closest friends recently had a baby shower, and instead of gifts she requested that we bring copies of our favourite children's books to fill her new baby's bookcase.  I thought this was a lovely idea, and spent what was probably a disproportionate amount of time thinking about which books to give.  Many of the most popular options (The Hungry Caterpillar, The Tale of Peter Rabbit) were immediately snaffled by more organised attendees than me, but I wanted to pass on some books that my children loved to hear, that I loved to read, and that would stand the test of time.  

In case you find yourself in a similar situation, here are my picks for very tiny children.  

Clockwise from top left:

One Ted Falls Out of Bed - Julia Donaldson

You can't go wrong with anything by Julia Donaldson, but this lovely, straightforward story is one of my favourites.  The illustrations (by Anna Currey) are gorgeous and there's a counting scheme throughout which makes it a rhythmic and soothing choice for a bedtime read.

Orange Pear Apple Bear - Emily Gravett

I shamelessly enlist my four-year-old Rosie to read this book to her younger brother.  It's very simple, with no storyline to speak of - but both children love it.  The pictures are thoughtfully done, using muted colours against white pages - which gives the whole book a timeless feel.  

Clip-Clop - Nicola Smee

We were given this book in a Booktrust bag when the baby was born, and it's excellent.  (I find that Booktrust can always be relied on for smart choices.)  It's a nice way of introducing animals to little ones (and common, farmyard animals at that), and it's a good length for short attention spans.  

Each Peach Pear Plum - Janet & Allan Ahlberg

I know that Peepo is the Ahlbergs' most well-known work, and rightly so - but Each Peach Pear Plum still gets my vote.  It's peopled with characters that your children will start to recognise as they get older (Jack and Jill, Robin Hood), along with a familiar I spy structure.  It's a classic, and my much-loved copy has been heavily used for both my children. 

It's hard work to pick only a few books when there are so many wonderful choices out there for children - which ones did I miss, and which would you recommend?