Parenting: I always think it’s nice when Santa brings the kids something to read

It’s November, so that means that the Christmas shopping is underway.

Yes, I know it’s too early for some, but when you’ve got young kids, it’s wise to be organised in good time and also to spread the cost.

The old adage that Santa likes to bring four things at Christmas can be helpful: Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read.

I firmly believe that every child should get something to read from Santa.

Reluctant readers can be more likely to engage with books brought by Santa, as they don’t want to displease him for next year.

Furthermore, Santa tends to bring very good books, which always helps.

That man really knows the score.

The best advice you’ll receive will be from the staff at your local bookshop; they’ll tell you what’s selling well and what might interest your child if you give them a quick lowdown on their preferences.

There are some beautiful baby and toddler books on the market. Board books are definitely more durable and ideal for little hands.

The ‘That’s not my…’ range of books is an ever popular option for babies; they are sensory books that babies can touch and enjoy.

Not all books are as wonderful (or perhaps as suitable) as they might appear though; When Lucy was born, one of my friends kindly gifted her a clothbound copy of Tales of the Brothers Grimm.

It sat on the shelf for a while, but when she was a toddler, I eventually got around to reading some to her. Despite the alluring illustrations, the contents of that book came as quite a shock.

In the story The Three Little Men in the Wood, a character suggested that someone should be punished by being “put into a barrel stuck full of nails, and then rolled downhill into the water.”

Lucy was too young to understand (thank God) but I felt like Morticia Addams reading such a macabre tale to an infant.

The Brothers Grimm have a deserved reputation as some of the greatest storytellers of all time…but their stories really are grim!

Julia Donaldson books, such as The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, are always a surefire winner, although I suppose there’s a chance the child has them already.

My kids loved the Oi Dog, Oi Cat series as preschoolers.

There are quite a few to choose from too.

For emergent readers who are just starting to read independently, there are some brilliant comic book style options out there.

Dogman by Dav Pilkey reigns supreme in this house. Investigators, Bunny V Monkey and Bad Guys are also worth a look.

My son enjoyed the Rabbit and Bear series by Julian Gough too.

A series of books called Rainbow Magic made a reader of my daughter when she was very young.

They’re about two girls who go on adventures with fairies.

There are well over one hundred books in the series and they are excruciatingly repetitive from an adult’s perspective, but that is very much part of the appeal for a young reader; consistency and predictability can help them feel more confident as they begin to read independently.

Now aged ten, Lucy loves Lottie Brooks and also Milly McCarthy books, written by Irish author, Leona Forde.

Of course then, there are the lesser known titles that Santa very kindly sneaks into stockings.

I couldn’t very well let the opportunity pass without mentioning my own series of books, Dragonterra, Return to Dragonterra and Dream Beasts, all available in bookshops across Donegal.

Supporting lesser known authors is such a kind thing to do; let’s face it – David Walliams doesn’t need a penny of your hard earned money!

Whatever Santa opts for, I really hope he loads the sleigh with a wonderful selection of children’s books this year.

Louise Flanagan is an admin of Letterkenny Babies Facebook page and the author of the children’s book series Dragonterra and Dream Beasts. www.dragonterra.ie

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