With the usual mid-winter bugs in our midst, we have two sick boys on our hands. But fortunately a guest post from Lisa is filling a breach left by our current irregular posting… Thanks Lisa!
A guest post by Lisa, mum to Finnan aged 3 years, and Daisy, 9 months
After watching my other mum friends go back for a second swing at the parenting thing, it’s now our turn. It’s been a fascinating, challenging and surprising experience already. We are suddenly recalling the forgotten peculiarities of our first child at certain stages of his babyhood, whilst learning everything all over again with the preferences of our new baby.
Thinking about this, I was wondering which books we’ve read to Finn will captivate Daisy? She already idolises her big brother – will she go so far as to want to sit and listen to readings from his extensive collection of digger books?! In honouring the wonder of sharing books with little people, I’ve compiled a list, in no particular order, of the books that have captivated my boy in the past year or so. I wonder which of these will make Daisy’s list in a few years’ time?
1. Duck in the Truck (Jez Alborough – see Katie’s previous post)
Finnan is known among our family and friends for his fixation with ducks. Add rhymes, great illustrations and a truck to the mix and this one’s a no-brainer for a long-term favourite.
2. The Big Busy Book of Richard Scarry
Even the most energetic toddler can be quelled into at least 10 minutes of quiet reflection 
when reading about the animal inhabitants of Busytown. This omnibus has had a hypnotic effect on Finn at very key times: on aeroplanes, long and short car rides and while waiting impatiently for Banana Milks and Ham Sangas in cafes. As a consequence, I will offer up thanks for the genius of Mr Scarry for many years to come…
3. First 100 Machines (Bright Baby)
This sturdy hardback (from Priddy Books’ wonderful 
First 100 series) has every truck, emergency and earthmoving machine a vehicle-mad toddler needs to know about. It’s been carted EVERYWHERE by Finn and still looks great. It has saved my life and sanity on numerous occasions, diverting imminent tantrums, preventing boredom at cafes so I can finish my coffee, and proving a salve at teary times.
4. Green Eggs and Ham (Dr Seuss)
This has edged out Seuss’ other classic, One Fish, Two Fish, as the night-time favourite for our rhyme-crazy toddler. Great fun to read, and endlessly amusing when Finn’s favourite trucks and cars repeat the rhymes to each other when he thinks no one’s listening.
5. Anything Thomas
Before becoming a mum, I vowed I’d always be available to read my children any requested book (which puts me in mind of a fun book for mums I found recently, 
called I Was A Really Good Mom Until I Had Kids!). When Finnan became yet another Thomas the Tank Engine devotee, I quickly renounced my vow and refused to read more than one Thomas story a day. Cruel I know, but there’s really only so much I can take of these little paperbacks. They’re small and cheap ($2.95), 
but I find the text clunky and TOO LONG for repeated readings. The Thomas and Friends series from the latest TV episodes are shorter and much easier to read. They’re sturdier little hardbacks, only marginally dearer ($4.95), with less text and very clear photographs. Finn’s dad Aidan is happy to read more than one a day, but I just can’t bring myself to go there, despite my pre-motherhood vows…
I am amazed at how similar our book list is to this – the only one that hasn’t made our top ten – YET – is Green Eggs & Ham. I feel I should remedy that.
And I am embarassed to say – I too have banned the Thomas books. I can’t stand reading about all those grumpy engines, and NEVER do repeat readings. My husband’s the director of that ship!