8 Books That Won’t Make You Nuts After 500 Reads

What’s the first book that you ever read to your child? And how many times have you read it together since? Once your little bookworm settles on a favourite story, it won’t be long until you can recite it more easily than your own phone number. And as it turns out, all that repetition is a good thing. A 2011 study from the University of Sussex found that reading the same book to your child over and over again can actually have a positive impact on their ability to learn and retain new words. If your go-to tales have gotten a bit stale, we’ve rounded up some fabulous children’s books that you’re sure to love — even after you’ve read them 500 times.

Everywhere Babies (Susan Meyers, Illustrated by Marla Frazee)

(Recommended for ages 0 to 3)

Did you know that more than 350,000 babies are born in Canada every year? And more than 130 million babies are born each year, worldwide! So many babies, and no two are exactly alike. With rhyming text and sweet illustrations, Everywhere Babies celebrates the many different ways that babies are born and cared for, as well as the one thing they all have in common — how much they’re loved.

I’ll See You In the Morning (Mike Jolley, Illustrated by Mique Mariuchi)

(Recommended for ages 0 to 3)

This sweet little book will surely become your child’s new go-to bedtime story. With its gentle text and dreamy illustrations, I’ll See You in the Morning reassures little ones that nighttime is nothing to fear and that their loved ones are always close by.

The Goodnight Train (June Sobel, Illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith)

(Recommended for ages 0 to 3)

Little train enthusiasts will love this bedtime book that welcomes them aboard a magical train that’s heading for dreamland. The Goodnight Train pairs simple rhyming text with whimsical illustrations and plenty of silly sound effects. If your kiddo can’t get enough of all things train related, Steam Train, Dream Train is another must-read!

LMNO Peas (Keith Baker)

(Recommended for ages 2 to 5)

Your kiddo will develop a whole new appreciation for peas after reading this fun and colourful tale. LMNO Peas takes kids through the alphabet by exploring the many jobs of these mighty green veggies, from artists to zoologists.

Jack and the Flumflum Tree (Julia Donaldson, Illustrated by David Roberts)

(Recommended for ages 3 to 5)

Fans of The Gruffalo will love this epic adventure from author Julia Donaldson. When Jack’s granny comes down with a case of the “moozles,” he sets sail with two friends for a faraway island to find a cure, and faces lots of silly, entertaining obstacles along the way. Expertly illustrated by David Roberts (whose work you might recognize from Iggy Peck, Architect and Ada Twist, Scientist), Jack and the Flumflum Tree is truly a delight.

The Paper Bag Princess (Robert Munsch, Illustrated by Michael Martchenko)

(Recommended for ages 4 to 7)

If you grew up in the '80s, The Paper Bag Princess is likely one of the first stories you can remember from your childhood that featured a strong female character challenging gender stereotypes. Now, 35 years after it was first published, the book’s non-traditional take on the classic princess story is still a huge hit with kids and adults alike (and Ronald is still a bum).

Bubble Trouble (Margaret Mahy, Illustrated by Polly Dunbar)

(Recommended for ages 4 to 7)

Uh oh! Little Mabel blew a bubble and now her baby brother has flown away! As he bobbles high above, the whole town comes together to save the day. Bubble Trouble is a tongue twister of a tale that will put your storytelling skills to the test — much to the delight of your audience.

The Wonderful Things You Will Be (Emily Winfield Martin)

(Recommended for ages 3 to 7)

Paired with classic illustrations, Emily Winfield Martin’s poem about growing up is as much for parents as it is for children. The Wonderful Things You Will Be celebrates a parent’s love for their child and their hope for the future. (You may want to keep tissues handy for this one!)