At Purple Bees Childcare, some of our happiest moments are spent curled up together in our cosy reading corners, turning pages and watching imaginations take flight. Storytime is more than a quiet break in the day—it’s a warm invitation into new worlds, a chance to build language and confidence, and a way for children to feel seen, soothed, and inspired. Children books aren’t just entertaining; they nurture early learning, spark curiosity, and lay the foundations for strong reading habits. Below, we’re sharing five of our absolute favourite children books—timeless stories that delight little readers and create meaningful moments for families and educators alike. 📚
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How We Choose Childreen Books at Purple Bees
When we add a story to our shelves, we look for a few important ingredients: rhythmic language and repetition (perfect for memory and early speech), rich illustrations that invite conversation, characters who help children explore feelings safely, and plots that encourage problem-solving and resilience. We also balance beloved UK classics with fresh, inclusive voices, and we make sure the format suits little hands—board books for toddlers, picture books with slightly longer text for preschool, and tales that can be acted out, sung, and retold during play. 🐝
Our Top 5 Favourite Children Books
- The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
The Gruffalo is a modern classic about a small but clever mouse who outwits the creatures of the deep, dark wood—only to meet the very monster he invented. Children love the rhyme and rhythm; parents and educators love the gentle message about using your wits and staying brave. At Purple Bees, we turn this story into a mini woodland adventure—children “tiptoe” past the fox and owl, practise describing the Gruffalo, and even create their own “deep, dark wood” from blocks and natural materials. It’s wonderful for vocabulary, sequencing, and imaginative role-play.
Reference: https://www.gruffalo.com/ - The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
This iconic picture book follows a tiny caterpillar through days of the week, tasty foods, and a beautiful transformation. It’s simple, tactile, and endlessly educational. We count together, name colours, and talk about the life cycle from egg to butterfly. The die-cut holes are irresistible to little fingers, and we often pair the story with tasting fruit, making paper caterpillars, or spotting butterflies in the garden when the weather allows. A perfect foundation for early numeracy, science, and turn-taking.
Reference: https://eric-carle.com/ - Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Max sails to an island of Wild Things, becomes their king, and returns to find his supper waiting—still hot. This beautiful, slightly wild tale helps children explore big feelings (especially anger) and the comfort of coming home. In our rooms, we “let the wild rumpus start” with drum beats, mask-making, and feelings check-ins—What does your face do when you’re cross? What helps you feel calm again? The book opens kind, age-appropriate chats about self-regulation and empathy. 🧠
Reference: https://www.mauricesendak.com/ - Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
Pooh and friends in the Hundred Acre Wood model gentle friendship, kindness, and simple joys. The language is warm and soothing, perfect for winding down after a busy session. At Purple Bees, we lean into the themes of helping friends and noticing nature—counting honey pots, measuring “very blustery days,” and writing little notes to say “thank you” or “I’m thinking of you.” These classic tales invite slow, thoughtful reading and lovely discussions about feelings and belonging.
Reference: https://winniethepooh.disney.com/ - The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
A polite, very hungry tiger pops in and eats everything in the house—what a delightful surprise! Children adore the silliness and the gentle chaos, while adults appreciate the calm storytelling and clear sequence of events. We turn this into a dramatic-play tea party, practising please and thank you, setting places, and “problem-solving” what to have for supper when the cupboards are bare. It’s brilliant for language, manners, and imaginative thinking. 🌟
Reference: https://www.tigermogandfriends.com/
Simple Ways to Make Storytime Sparkle at Home
- Keep it short and sweet: ten minutes a day builds a powerful habit.
- Point, pause, and predict: name pictures, pause after a rhyme, and ask, “What do you think happens next?”
- Act it out: use simple props (a spoon for tea, a blanket for a forest) to bring stories to life.
- Build vocabulary: pick one “sparkly” word per reading (like “terrific” or “blustery”) and use it again later.
- Read in any language you love: bilingual storytime strengthens identity and language skills.
- Visit our book corner: ask our Purple Bees educators for a recommendation matched to your child’s interests.
- Share the joy: if your child has a favourite page, take a photo (no faces needed) and tell us why they love it—we’ll celebrate it on our parent noticeboard.
The Lasting Impact of Reading Together
Reading children books aloud is one of the most joyful, impactful gifts you can give your child. These classic tales invite curiosity, comfort, and connection while growing essential skills—language, focus, empathy, memory, and more. At Purple Bees Childcare, we see the difference every day: a shy child joining in for the first rhyme, a curious mind asking “why,” a friendship sparked over a favourite character. Make storytime a simple, consistent ritual at home, and let us know what your child is loving—we’re always happy to suggest the next brilliant read. Here’s to many more cosy pages, big ideas, and little voices saying, “Again, please!”
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