RELEASE THE BOOKWORM WITHIN! (children's books)

With modern motherhood comes great joy, and even greater guilt.


Am I spending enough time with my kids? Am I spending too much time with my kids? Did I really need to yell so loudly? Was it wrong of me to throw out that toy, just because the music was DRIVING ME FREAKIN' NUTS?!


One thing I do genuinely feel bad about is not reading enough to the girls.


I was a total bookworm as a child. I'd only have to open a Roald Dahl, or Enid Blyton book to be whisked away to a magical world of giant peaches, chocolate factories and faraway trees. I'd go round to my friends' houses only to spend the entire afternoon reading their Jackie magazines, and totally ignoring them.


I know there are huge benefits to reading to children - not only is it a lovely bonding time, it's a huge boost to the child's level of reading and comprehension too. Yet I let excuses get in the way; I'm too tired, the kids need to get to sleep, I don't have time...


So one of my New Year's Resolutions was to make the time to read to Big and Lil Sis. Very conveniently, my vow timed nicely with the arrival of a package of picture books from Macmillan Children's Books. Squeeeeee!


We received these three fab titles:
Not on a School Night (£10.99 hardback, £5.99 softback) by Rebecca Patterson
Zoe and Beans, the Magic Hoop! (£5.99) by Chloe and Mick Inkpen
Dogs (£5.99) Emily Gravett


So, for the last few nights I've been gathering the girls after their bath to read them the book of their choice.  And, do you know what? I've really enjoyed it! It only takes 10 minutes, and the girls really love it too. I know I'm helping with their reading skills, and hopefully instilling a life-long passion for books.


I alleviate some of my 'Busy-Modern-Mum' guilt, and, best of all, I get the nicest cuddles while I'm reading. It's a win-win!




• the Macmillan Children's Books titles were provided for the purpose of review