What would you recommend to read to a baby (8m) and a toddler (2.5) together?

[stripeybumpsmum]

With DS, we usually read a bit of a longer-running story each night and then a short story followed by a one of the favourite night time stories. DD is kind of missing out - at the momment we are reading first with DS and then with her, by which time she is totally zonked anyway. Any suggestions for either a longer story or shorter story that we could all enjoy?

I have this problem. My DD (14 mos) js just not interested in being read to. She loves flicking through books herself.

DS (3 yo) is fascinated by books and loves being read to.

The Apple Tree Farm series held her attention for a few minutes mind. And DS still loves them.

Dear zoo
The hungry caterpillar
Pants
The usbourne touch and feel books are good too

Hmmm..not sure if this will help but my DDs are two years apart and what we have always done is chose a book and sort of tailored it to each child.

For example we used to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar and DD2 would tell us what the caterpillar had eaten and DD1 would count how many of them had been eaten, then we might discuss life cycles with DD1 and the colour of strawberies with DD2 IYSWIM.

If we read a longer book we kept DD2s interest by discussing the pictures at her level while reading the story - we tended to chose books in hardback and with good illustrations so that DD2 could hold the book and join in.

This worked out very well for us as it encouraged DD1 to start 'reading' to DD2 - she knew all the things to ask DD2 to point out and DD2 loved it.

hth (although not sure it does!)

Spot lift the flap books so they can both have a go

Hairy Maclary books are great, the rhythm of how they sound read aloud seems to hold even small babies' attention, and older ones will probably love getting to know the characters.

They work well for my 3.5 & 1.5, and have done for months.

Thanks for suggestions everyone. DS very keen to 'read' by himself so I think encouraging him to 'read' to DD is a great idea.