Looking for a great bed-time story for your kids? Perhaps you are buying books as a present and need some ideas? Look no further – here’s 10 great stories for kids you should have in your home and all of them would make fabulous Christmas gifts or birthday presents too.
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Each one of these books has something special, whether it’s stunning illustrations that the kids will love or a heart-warming, original take on life.
Some of them have an element of comedy or rhyming verses, all of which go far in making the bed-time routine more fun for everyone!
I have read these stories to my kids over & over, and I still love them!
(NB If you buy through our links we get a small commission)
10 Great Stories For Kids You Should Have In Your Home
#1. Dogs Don’t Do Ballet by Anna Kemp
Biff isn’t like other dogs, he likes moonlight, music & walking on his tip-toes! Biff thinks he’s a ballerina but dogs don’t do ballet… or do they? A hilarious story of a little dog with big dreams, full of bright, fun illustrations!
Buy Dogs Do Ballet
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#2. A Squash & a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson
This brilliantly funny story of a frustrated old woman is the first picture book written and illustrated by the award-winning team of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, authors of “The Gruffalo.” A beautiful rhyming story that reminds us to be happy with what we have!
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#3. The Bugliest Bug by Carol Diggory Shields
The insects & bugs who are all buzzing with news of a big contest! Little Damselfly Dilly has no thoughts of winning, but she’s curious to see who will. A rousing read-aloud with a clever rhyming verse & a light-hearted introduction to how varied the insect world is!
Buy The Bugliest Bug
#4. I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child
We are big fans of all the Charlie & Lola books in our house & this one is particularly fun! Lola will not eat peas or carrots or a host of other foods… and she will absolutely not eat a tomato!
But when big brother, Charlie explains that peas are actually green drops from Greenland, and that carrots are orange twiglets from Jupiter, even Lola is tempted to clear her plate! This book deals with fussy-eating in an entertaining way and with beautiful illustrations.
Buy I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato
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#5. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
This book is just crazy and original!! There isn’t a lot of text but it prompts a great deal of interaction from the reader who is told ‘Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!!’
When the driver leaves the bus for a minute, the pigeon tries every trick in the book to get into the driving seat: he whines, wheedles, fibs and flatters. Will you let him drive? No way!!
Buy Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus
#6. How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers
Wonderful illustrations and a little inspirational tale about a boy who loves stars so much, he decides to catch one of his own. But how?!
Oliver Jeffers offers a simple, childlike tale of reaching for the stars, and emerging with a friend – a story about wishing, persevering, and reaching for the stars.
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#7. Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
Gerald Giraffe would love to join in with the other animals at the Jungle Dance, but everyone knows that giraffes can’t dance …what can he do?
A funny, touching story with bright images that explores the theme that everyone is different and sometimes all we need is a different song to dance to.
#8. I’m Sorry by Sam McBratney
From the author of the international bestseller ‘Guess How Much I Love You,’ this warm tale explains the highs and lows of a childhood friendship with absolutely stunning, life-like illustrations by Jennifer Eachus.
Just a beautiful book.
Buy I’m Sorry
#9. Bringing Down the Moon by Jonathan Emmet
Mole catches sight of the moon one night and thinks it’s the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen so he sets about trying to pull it down. When all of his efforts fail, he suddenly notices the moon is in a puddle at his feet and he reaches to pick it up…and breaks it!
Poor Mole is so upset until he is shown that the moon is not broken at all, but just as beautiful as ever and hanging in the sky. A gentle bed-time tale with pretty illustrations.
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#10. It’s A Book by Lane Smith
Can it text? Blog? Scroll? Wi-Fi? Tweet? How do you explain the joy of a book to someone who has only ever used electronic devices? This playful books aims to do just, with funny text and cool illustrations.
Buy It’s a Book
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Have your say! Are any of these 10 great stories for kids favourites in your house? Please let me know your favourites below.
About the Author: Sharon Tighe
