Critics’ Choice – Our Families’ Favourite Children’s Books

This month, we spoke to three members of fantastic members on our Parent Panel; a diverse community of Bright Horizons parents sharing their experiences of raising happy, thriving and confident children. In this article, we ask a few of our parents what their children’s favourite books are.

“The Tiger Who Came to Tea has quickly become a favourite in our house, with our 2-year-old. My son loves the colourful pictures, particularly the big, friendly tiger, and he is completely engaged with the story. Whether it’s turning the pages, pointing at the pictures, or asking questions like, “Why is the tiger drinking all the water?” the book encourages curiosity and interaction. We often add silly voices and sounds, which makes the story even more fun and keeps him laughing as we try to imitate the tiger’s slurping and gulping.

Our favourite time to read this book is before bed, as it’s the perfect length to wind down the day. It’s wonderful to see my son so engaged by the story, and it’s become a special bonding activity that encourages imagination and playful conversations”.

Dina, mother to a 2-year-old boy

“My almost 2-year-old adores What the Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks. It never fails to disappoint (and often her 4-year-old sister chooses to listen in too). I love the themes around friendship, everyone having their role - even the quiet ones like the ladybird, and the animals working together as a team to defeat Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len! My daughter loves identifying each animal, pointing them out, naming them and making the animal noises. She helps me tell the story in her own way, turning the pages and pointing out what's happening.

She always asks, and reaches for "ladybird book" at nap time, bedtime, on planes, trains and when we're chilling on the sofa. It's a good job I like it too, as I could read it in my sleep by this point!”

Nicole, mother to a 1-year-old and 3-year-old

“A firm bedtime favourite in our house is Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker. My son Henry loves hearing about all the exciting construction vehicles, like dump trucks and cranes, in the context of a soothing bedtime story. We both enjoy the rhythmic and repetitive pace of the book, and I always lower my voice to a near-whisper for the lines when we bid goodnight to each vehicle ("Shhh... Goodnight bulldozer, goodnight!"), which Henry loves. It's always been a bedtime book for us but could also be useful for any winding down moments where a bit of calm is needed!”

Laura, mother to a 2-year-old and newborn

“Pip and Posy the Balloon is one of my son’s favourite books. He loves the colourful illustrations and finds the moments when Pip's balloon floats away really funny due to the noises I make when reading it to him. When we read, he often asks why Pip is crying, which prompts great conversations about feelings and sharing. It also opens up discussions about losing things or when a toy is broken. This book is especially fun when we're blowing bubbles, connecting to the idea of things that float. I enjoy reading it at bedtime because it helps us explore emotions and friendship in a gentle way”.

Rajpreet, mother to her 3-year-old son