Books for almost 4yo

[harmonyhall]

His favourite book is monkey puzzle by Julia Donaldson but apart from that it's relentless reading of the "that's not my teddy" etc type books. Worries they are too young for him or should I just let him enjoy them? Can't get rid of them as they are for his baby brother

We do have other books such as stick Man, grufflalo, tiger who came to tea but he's not interested

Could you take him to the library to choose some? They are generally more keen to read them if they’ve chosen them and it won’t cost you anything to try? X

Is the baby brother new? They usually have a bit of a regression with the books they like when a new sibling arrives.

How about A Mouse in the House?

Posted too soon!

Agree with PP, definitely take him to the library to choose his own books plus it kills half an hour

Libraries quite often do stories and singing sessions so he might be keen on whichever book the librarian reads to them in the group session

The brother is 15 months. Will do a trip to the library soon

But in the meantime does it matter hugely if he's choosing these babyish books?

No. It’s just a case of developing his enjoyment of reading at this age. You just want him to enjoy books. He seems to like the “board books” (thick cardboard books?) you can progress on to more “wordy” ones or those with more of a story - so they’ll look familiar but more of a story for him to listen to? So maybe clip clop, what the ladybird heard/each peach pear plum type stories but in board book format.
Also; if he likes the That’s Not My…books, is it the interactive element of them he likes? Lifting the flaps and the tactile parts of each page? So look out for books with an element of that?

I think it's mostly about them learning to love books at this age. If you want to expand on vocabulary then just find something on the page to talk about. I like the idea above of getting him to pick some out at the library. My 3YO likes the 'theres a ... in my book' series by Tom Fletcher because they're very dynamic and interactive. I'd also recommend The Jolly Postman and Poppy and Sam's bedtime for books which are 'lift the flap' etc. I wouldn't worry though just let him enjoy what he wants x

Does he have any particular interests? Eg vehicles, dinosaurs, sea creatures, unicorns, something else? Can make some recommendations based on those which may help :-)

He loves trains but the Thomas the tank books are a bit long for him

@harmonyhall I can remember DS having a couple of Thomas board books. Would they be worth a try?

Little Red Train books might fit the bill.

@PanicBuyingSprouts possibly although they are a bit long still. I've taken the other suggestion of little red train books and have ordered one called "busy day"

@harmonyhall Pip and Posy books - board books too.

Sometimes reading a bit animated and doing silly voices can work! You feel ridiculous but it sometimes peaks their interest.

Also, if he's not one for sitting still (dw neither is mine haha) then give him a bowl of fruit or something and snuggle together at snack time and make sure you're reading a couple at bedtime. These are the times I find my LO listens best. Also for just a few minutes a day just read to the baby and just read anyway whether he's there or not. Tell him it's story time for the next 10 minutes and praise him if he comes and listens. X

My boys love these ones, there's a train one plus lots of other vehicles:

https://www.amazon.com/Truckload-Collection-TREMENDOUS-SUBMARINES-BRILLIANT/dp/3200329955/ref=mpssa111?qid=1638142567&qsid=139-1267241-1357019&refinements=p_27%3ATony+Mitton%3BAnt+Parker&s=books&sr=1-1&sres=3200329955%2C0753476541%2C0753453053%2C0753475731%2C0753474565%2C0753476797%2C0753472910%2C0753459159%2C0753476517%2C075345307X%2C0753459175%2C0753472074%2C0753474190%2C0753474581