Life

What books are best for toddlers?

Q: "There are so many books around for toddlers, I have no idea which ones to choose for my daughter. Have you got any tips?"

A: Guy Merchant, professor of literacy in education at Sheffield Hallam University, says: "Over the last two years, I've been researching a number of book-gifting schemes run by Booktrust, including their flagship scheme for giving books to toddlers, Bookstart (www.bookstart.org.uk). "We used the best research evidence to design a checklist, and I've adapted the list to help you decide which book to choose. "Time for Rhyme: toddlers engage with books that include rhymes, songs and stories that use rhythm and/ or alliteration - or both. "Literacy and Language: engaging books include memorable and repeated phrases. They have strong stories that allow children to predict what will happen next, and more generally invite further discussion. They use counting, humour and have pictures that encourage conversation with adults.

"Social and Emotional Development: toddlers like books that have characters they can relate to, who experience emotions they can understand, and include themes that relate to their own experiences - such as the ever popular Can't you Sleep, Little Bear? by Martin Waddell. "But the most important thing is, don't worry. Go ahead and get the book you're engaged with, or find funny or just want to share. If you're interested and can't wait to get home to read it with your toddler, they'll feel your enthusiasm, and before you know it, they'll want to share it with you."