The Best Children’s and Adults books for 2018 World Book Day!

Books are the saviours of bedtimes, an education in disguise, a window into another world and sometimes our only company during those long, sleepless nights! 

In honour of World Book Day, celebrating these brilliant clumps of paper we all love so much, I wanted to make this week’s blog post about, you guessed it, books! 

Here, I’ll share with you some of my recommendations for your favourite small people, as well as books you can enjoy once they’ve - hopefully but don’t hold your breath - fallen asleep! 

Firstly, let’s start with the best books for Mum and Dad!

This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor by Adam Kay 

Published to rave reviews and scoring a 5/5 on Waterstones online poll, it seems unbelievable that a funny (sometimes, frankly hilarious) book could be written about the often very events that occur in an everyday hospital - but this book is proof of that. This is Going to Hurt is definitely shocking in parts (like its title), especially when exposing the inner workings of hospitals and the pressure staff are constantly under, but Kay admirably never loses his sense of humour when steering us gamely through his experiences. 

For new parents, mums especially, his depictions of the maternity ward where he worked during most of his time at the hospital delivering babies, will be especially enjoyable and eye opening! 

The Dry by Jane Harper

This page turning crime thriller is set in an arid Australian town suffering from a debilitating drought. We follow former resident and policeman Aaron Falk returns to his hometown for a funeral… his high school best friend Luke Hadler appears to have been driven mad by the unforgiving climate and failing crops, murdering his family in their own home and then killing himself. 

But was there more to Hadler’s troubles than it seems at first glance? Could he really have killed his family in cold blood? Can Aaron overcome the reasons he left the town in the first place, and finally uncover the truth?

For anyone who likes a great crime thriller in barren landscapes - this is like the Australian version of the best Nordic crime thrillers, but in the heat!

And Now we Have Everything: On Motherhood Before I Was Ready by Meaghan O’Connell

Ok, a caveat here… I haven’t read this YET, but after the hundreds of reviews singing its praise, I can’t wait to get into it. I just need to find my kindle as the hardcover is rather expensive! I’ll leave you with just one of the glowing reviews whilst I go search under by bed for that infernal digital book! 

"Meaghan O'Connell's writing has meant everything to me as I've navigated the identity-warping maze of early motherhood. She is the most honest, funny, gifted, natural storyteller, and she shares her experiences generously and unsparingly, in a way that I hope will give her readers permission to feel all kinds of different ways about their own experiences, without shame, without self-hate, without regret, and without fear."―Emily Gould, author of Friendship

Now here’s something for the kids...

I’m Not Sleepy by Campbell Books, Illustrated by Marion Cocklico

This is a super cute book specifically designed to help toddlers (and their parents) cope with everyday experiences. Follow Ned and his mum go through their usual bedtime routine, even though Ned is “not a bit sleepy” (sound familiar, I think so!). 

This is a “fun-filled novelty book” with lovely illustrations that has tips endorsed by leading Early Years Consultant Dr Amanda Gummer. A far better endorsement than mine! 

Peek-A-Boo Forest by Lamaze

Every page of this sensory book is made from super strong, durable cloth that withstands all kinds of pulling, chewing and tearing! It’s a great baby’s first book as it pairs big eyed, cute characters with different textured fur. Coupled with the bright colours and engaging themes, it’s a great one to entertain your baby or toddler for any time of the day.