Whenever I go shopping for a gift for a new baby, I head straight to the bookstore. Babies tend to get dozens of toys, and they soon grow out of a tiny outfit, but babies do not grow out of books, and they make fantastic value for money as a gift for a newborn. The sooner babies are introduced to books, the better, and the sooner they discover beloved favourites, the richer their lives will be.
New Zealand bookseller and children’s book specialist Dorothy Butler wrote a wonderful book on the topic – Babies Need Books, published in 1982. She argues that children need books from birth, and that through books you lay a foundation with your child of discussing ideas and stories, enjoying physical closeness, and taking memorable imaginative journeys together. She provides helpful suggestions for books that suit certain ages. I met Dorothy Butler, at a time when she ran her bookshop in her own home, and I’ll never forget that visit. She kindly gave me proof copies of some books she had lying around, recommended books, and encouraged me as a reader (not that I needed much encouragement). We left her shop with Mum’s purse somewhat lighter, but I had a memory that has lasted my lifetime.
So next time you need to buy a present for a new baby, forget the babygros and the soft toys and get something that will encourage a new reader in this world. I gave little Zoe The Tiger Who Came to Tea, which is a gorgeous story (except for the last page), but I often purchase The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Dear Zoo, Where is Spot?, Milly-Molly-Mandy, or Hairy Maclary. Authors and book shops need your support. No baby is going to remember one amongst many outfits, but some of us remember, and love, first books for ever!
What is your favourite children’s book? Let me know in a comment.
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Dictionary of NZ: Dorothy Butler
Babies Need Books by Dorothy Butler
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
Where’s Spot by Eric Hill
Milly-Molly-Mandy Stories by Joyce Lankester Brisley
Hairy Maclary From Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd
Phyllis Ferguson
While living in rural New South Wales, I bought “Babies Need Books” in 1984. I still have my cherished copy which I read, re-read and made notes in constantly while our two children were young.
Yes, anything by Shirley Hughes is delightful. Lucy and Tom plus Alfie and Annie Rose have been extra children in our household for two generations now.
My favourite gift for babies for a number of years has been Jim Ainsworth’s “The Completed Hickory Dickory Dock.”
Susannah Fullerton
I don’t know the Jim Ainsworth book, so thanks for telling me about that one. So glad you also treasure Dorothy’s book. She was a wonderful woman who did so much for children’s reading.
Jenny Falkiner
I have just given a great niece (three weeks old today) a set of 21 Beatrix Potter’s – Mrs Tiggy Winkle, Jeremy Fisher, Peter Rabbit etc. I was lucky enough to come across this set in really good condition in a charity shop!
John
It would not suit the youngest of children, but I think an Australian child’s bookcase should surely include Seven Little Australians.
Annaleise Byrd
I too am a book-gifter for all possible occasions! I like supporting newer/local authors and illustrators, a bonus of which is that people are less likely to already own their books. I always have plenty of ideas as an author myself, but for those who aren’t involved in the industry I recommend asking a bookseller at your local brick and mortar bookstore – they’re great at providing recommendations to suit the interests of the child recipient (or their parents, in the case of babies!). Some of my personal favourite picture books include Bang by Leo Timmers (great for kids who like vehicles or noise), Oi Dog/ Oi Cat etc by Kes Gray and Jim Field (great for those who enjoy funny arguments), Three by Stephen Michael King (a warm and fuzzy read about a three-legged dog finding a home), Violin & Cello by Catherine Greer and Joanna Bartel (perfect for musical families) and A Beginner’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Pet by Ali Rutstein and Tommy Doyle (a subversive new Aussie picture book perfect for animal-loving kids). Picture books are wonderful… we should never grow out of them!
Susannah Fullerton
Thanks for so many fabulous suggestions. I obviously need to buy some of these for my granddaughters. Picture books these days are so imaginative and fun. And children need them in their lives!
Malvina
Always, always buy a book for babies! ‘Dogger’ by Shirley Hughes is a beloved old favourite, and some gorgeous others are:
The Little Yellow Digger by Betty & Alan Gilderdale;
Crusher is Coming by Bob Graham;
Blow Me A Kiss by Karen Collum – the illustrations by Serena Geddes are outstanding as the child reader can ‘trace’ the kisses across the pages;
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen;
Duck’s Stuck by Kyle Mewburn;
Bears on Chairs by Shirley Parenteau.
So many good ones to choose!
Susannah Fullerton
A few new ones for me there, Malvina, and also some much loved ones. Anything by Shirley Hughes is fabulous. My granddaughters adore ‘Room on the Broom’.
Tricia Koffel
I’m the same, Susannah – I always give books to a new baby. I continue including a book or two among the birthday present each year to children in our family or to the children of close friends. For my own grandchildren I have told them that is my legacy, a living library of irreplaceable memories. They have all kept the many books I have given them over the years (stored away) to read to their own children – whenever that happens! That means I’ll still be ‘there’ as the family grows. My favourite author – Alison Lester. I’ve been in love with her books since I first discovered them!
Peter Windeyer
Susannah, thank you. The Rotary Club I belong to had the local librarian as a guest speaker. She emphasized all children should have 2000 books read to them before they go to school. Break that down – it is one a day. Kindergarten teachers are appalled at the number of children that do not know the architecture of a book when they get to school!
My daughter is now a grandmother and she reads a book to her grand daughter on face time. they both have the book in front of them and turn the pages at the same time. Technology has good uses too.
How do you choose a favourite book from your youth? ‘Just so stories”, ‘Enid Blyton’ ‘The Magic Pudding’. Our children loved them too