Whether it was nabbing some extra quality time with the parents, winding down after a big day of being a kid, or using that once innocent, youthful imagination to transport ourselves into a fun, fictional world, we can all collectively agree that story time still stands as one of our favourite childhood memories. A few of us now get to make new memories with children of our own and it’s reassuring to see the novelty of a good book is still alive and well with the current generation.
We all know the importance of reading to kids, but education aside, the nostalgia of story time is enough to keep our spirits high, especially now as we try to navigate these wild waters of parenting through a pandemic. So, we thought, while we are feeling all the feels (lockdown will do that to a person!), we would share some of our favourite childhood books – which may show our age – as well as the books our kids are loving in 2021! If you’ve exhausted all your current reading content, these may be a few to add to the list and help you through another week of pandemic parenting!
Starting off with Incy founder and mum to Oscar and Polly, Kristy.
“Timeless classics and an all-time favourite growing up was The Berenstain Bears books. We had quite the collection, so it was a different adventure every night!”
About the books:
The Berenstain Bears started with husband-and-wife duo, Stan and Jan Berenstain. Their first Berenstain Bears book – The Big Honey Hunt – was released in 1962. Today, there are over 300 titles in the series! To really tug on those heart strings, the legacy of the Berenstain name has been carried on by Stan and Jan’s son Mike who is continuing to teach kids moral and safety related lessons through the lovable characters.
For the kids:
“Where is the Green Sheep? By Mem Fox was a go to in my household while the kids were growing up. It seems so long ago now, but this was their pick almost every night”
About the book:
It’s hard to go wrong with a story by Mem Fox! This beautifully written, cleverly illustrated book follows the adventures of various coloured sheep and their various escapades. After pages of searching, the main character, the illustrious Green Sheep, finally comes to play towards the end of the book.
Jacqui
“There’s a Hippopotamus on our Roof Eating Cake is the one that sticks in my mind. I think it was probably more a favourite of my sisters’ but as the youngest child, I didn’t get a say come story time. I guess this involuntarily became a childhood favourite but looking back today, I definitely have some wonderful memories of it!”
About the book:
In this book by Hazel Edwards, the star of the show, the imaginary hippo, spends his time on the roof doing all the things a little girl wishes she could. When she takes a bath, the hippo takes a shower; when she goes to bed, the hippo watches TV. So where does the cake come in? You’ll have to read it to find out!
Tom
“The books I remember most vividly are Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy. I used to love getting a night time story before bed as a kid. It was a special moment between me and my parents or being the youngest, my older sisters - who ever was lucky enough to land the job that night!”
About the books:
A series of picture books by the clever Dame Lynley Dodd detailing the adventures of ‘a small dog of mixed pedigree’, Hairy Maclary. Along with his friends, Schnitzel von Krumm, Bottomley Potts, Bitzer Maloney, Hercules Morse, Muffin McLay, the crew often ran into a bit of trouble with their formidable opponent, a tomcat named Scarface Claw. The memorable illustrations (also by Dame Lynley Dodd) are accompanied by simple plots written with simple rhymes which make them perfect for story time.
Tea
“Hands down, my all-time favourite books growing up were the Clifford the Big Red Dog books. I think I had the whole collection!”
About the books:
We all know Clifford! If not from our childhood, then maybe from the kids Scholastic’s Fairs, where Clifford is the official mascot! Clifford the Big Red Dog was a series written by Norman Bridwell and first published in 1963. Another testament to some of the best books being old classics.
For Iva:
“I can’t be sure if this was actually Iva’s favourite, or if it was my favourite to read to her, but either way, Dr Suess’ Oh The Places You’ll Go was number one in our household. I read it to her so often the book just became a prop – I knew all the words off by heart!”
About the book:
A classis Dr Suess, and can we just say, some of his best work! This book is so sweet, with some beautiful, underlying messages centering around the importance of seizing new opportunities, keeping an open-mind, and trying new things. It’s one for the kids, but the idea behind it makes it a great read for any age.
Megan
“The Three Little Pigs was a go to growing up. It was actually my Mums favourite book to read to my brother and I, so we used to read it quite a bit!”
About the book:
This story needs no introduction. A timeless classic that has be adapted and recreated in almost every which way imaginable. From a humble fairy tale to comedic cameos in movies like Shrek, the fable of the Three Little Pigs has always followed a similar trajectory. Three houses made from different materials and a huffing, puffing, big bad wolf. Printed versions of the story date back to the 1840’s, but it’s believed the tale is much older.
For Kanoa:
“There are currently two we go between of an evening with Kanoa. Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers and Kissed by the Moon by Alison Lester. He really loves both so it’s hard to pick his favourite!”
About the books:
Here We Are – a recipient of some of the most prestigious children’s books awards, it’s no surprises this story by Oliver Jeffers is a modern-day favourite for kids (and their parents!) New dad, Jeffers wrote this book as somewhat of a manual to life, for his baby son. A talented illustrator as well, Jeffers simply yet powerfully communicates concepts of kindness, tolerance and environmental responsibility. Even if it’s just the detailed illustrations that capture the kids now, the subtle messaging about taking care of our planet is a bonus that will certainly serve the next generation well.
Kissed by the Moon – be careful this one doesn’t send you off to snoozeville as well! This part poem, part lullaby is a gentle read that celebrates a baby's wonder at our beautiful world. From one of Australia’s best-selling creators of children’s books, Alison Lester has put together another fabulous story for the whole family to enjoy come bed time.
Plezi
“One of our family favourites, that has been passed down along all five of the siblings and now to the younger generation was none other than The Very Hungry Caterpillar. As an older child, I also have lots of fond memories of reading The Lion, White Witch and the Wardrobe or the Tomorrow When the War Began series”
About the book:
Described as one of the ‘greatest childhood classics of all time’, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a favourite among many – both young and old. The book which was
designed, illustrated, and written by Eric Carle, was first published in 1969 and may be best known for its use of distinctive collage illustrations – very before it’s time! The book is cleverly educational with its inclusion of numbers, days of the week, foods, and the process of a loveable hungry caterpillar turning into a beautiful butterfly. Definitely a good classic for the home bookshelf!
Maricar
“My favourite book growing up was Sideways Stories from Wayside School – just an awesome book! My sister loved them too and we would often joke about the stories together”
About the book:
The majority of the story is set on the top floor of the Wayside School building, in Mrs. Jewls' classroom, with each chapter focusing on a different student or teacher at Wayside and their sideways story. Just to give you some context around the quirky nature of the novel, Wayside School was meant to be a one story building, boasting thirty classrooms. Instead, it was mistakenly built thirty stories high with one classroom on each floor. At Wayside School, being a little whacky is part of the curriculum! The book was first published in 1978 and was later adapted into a TV series on Nickelodeon.
And that’s a wrap from team Incy and our favourite childhood books. Thanks for letting us take a little trip down memory lane! We know there’s a good chance some of these classics may cross over into your childhood memories too and if so, here’s your sign to get them back out and queue all those nostalgic feels that are oh so good for the soul. The kids will love it and you’ll get to tap back into that youthful mind. That’s the beauty of a good book, it can still transport you to a happy place, no matter your age!
Enjoy!
Love, Team Incy x