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Books are for sharing, for becoming engrossed in, for sneaking a look at by torchlight under the duvet when your parents think you're asleep. They're for educating, amusing, discussing, fending off boredom on long journeys and for sparking imaginations. You can have all the games consoles in the world but there's nothing like a good old-fashioned (or indeed thoroughly modern) book.
So we've come up with a Parentdish list of favourite reads for three to five-year-olds, to help take your child from picture books shared with you, through their first steps of reading alone, and onto, hopefully, becoming lifelong readers.
Choosing just 10 books was challenging, so forgive us if sometimes we've cheated and included a series as one, or if we've missed off your son or daughter's most beloved bedtime tale. The list includes both classics and more contemporary reads, many of which are particularly good at dragging reluctant children into the book habit.
If you've got an older book worm, don't miss our top reads for five to eight year olds, eight to 11 year olds and teen boys and girls.