Book Week Wrap-Up: Our Favourite Books for Little Ones

Book Week just finished and what a magical week it was! There is something so special about watching little ones light up as they discover new stories, dress up as their favourite characters, and share their own book adventures with friends. At Bear and Cub Play Centre, we loved seeing all the creative costumes and hearing about the books that have captured your children’s imaginations.

As a mum of two, I understand the importance of finding books that not only entertain but also comfort, inspire, and help our little ones make sense of the world. Sensory books, especially those with touch and feel textures or flaps to lift, are absolute lifesavers for keeping small children focused even for just a few minutes. So I thought I would share some of our top picks from Book Week, perfect for children aged zero to five, all tried, tested, and loved by our community.

This month at Bear and Cub, we are celebrating all things Bugs and Critters. We have sourced our favourite bugs and critters themed books for you to enjoy with your little one. Come in for a play and check out our new theme. It is a great way to explore and learn together through stories and play.

Our Top Book Picks for Little Ones

1. “That’s Not My…” series by Fiona Watt

These touch and feel books are always a favourite. Each page offers a new texture for little hands to explore which is perfect for sensory play and learning new words.

2. Felt lift the flap books by Ingela P Arrhenius

We adore these. The felt flaps are sturdy for little fingers and the peekaboo element never gets old. They are great for building anticipation and fine motor skills.

3. “Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell

A classic lift the flap adventure. Kids love discovering which animal is hiding and making all the animal noises together.

4. “Where’s Spot?” by Eric Hill

Another timeless lift the flap story that keeps little ones guessing and engaged from start to finish.

5. “Where is the Green Sheep?” by Mem Fox

Simple, engaging, and interactive. Toddlers love helping to find the green sheep on each page.

6. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle

With its cut out holes and bright artwork, this classic is a sensory treat and a great introduction to counting and the days of the week.

7. “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen

Perfect for reading aloud and acting out together. The repetitive text and sound effects make it a sensory experience in itself.

Why We Love These Books

These stories are more than just fun. They help our little ones build language, develop imagination, and feel safe and connected. Sensory elements like textures and flaps make reading interactive, helping children stay engaged and making storytime extra special. Whether you are snuggled up at bedtime or reading together in our play space, sharing a favourite book is a beautiful way to bond.

If you are looking for new reads, these are a great place to start. And if your child has a current favourite, especially if it has a fun sensory twist, I would love to hear about it. Pop it in the comments or let me know next time you visit.

Here is to many more stories, costumes, and magical moments together.