Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 30 Apr 2026

Two more of my all time favourite read aloud picture books

When I taught students who were hoping to work with young children, I always used to recommend putting together a box of favourite books. I know from long experience that, if an adult enjoys reading a well loved picture book, the children are much more likely to respond with enthusiasm. For example I recently shared ‘So Much’ by Tricia Cooke, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury and ‘ A Squash and a Squeeze’ by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler with Nursery and Reception classes at Northleigh C of E Primary School in Malvern.

I am pleased to say that both were as successful as ever and that the children loved joining in with the various refrains and anticipated the simple plots in both books. ‘A Squash and a Squeeze’ was more familiar to many of the children but they leaned in and concentrated nevertheless. Both of these tried and tested stories are rightly regarded as picture book classics precisely because they provide such evident satisfaction over and over again – I certainly never tire of sharing them.

Children, their parents and teachers should be very proud of their artistic skills shown below – more talented illustrators in the making.

 

Karen Argent

May 2026