Reading with my little grandson

I kept most of my boys' childhood books. A favourite of my 3 year old granddaughter's is "Bad Mood Bear" about a bear who gets out of his bed and plays with his toys when he should be asleep and is in a bad mood all the next day because he wakes up tired and then has tantrums through the day until he has one final one and finally falls asleep after being sent to his room. When he wakes up he smiles his first smile of the day. A story that resonates! She also likes Peace at Last, Mrs Large the Elephant books, The Gruffalo, Gruffalo's Child, Room on the Broom, some of the Alfie books. I did get rid of their ghastly Thomas the Tank Engine books because I knew I couldn't face ever having to read them again they were so tedious.

My DS had 'Bear Hunt' on a CD and it was a prime favourite with the boys on car journeys. I got to know it off by heart too.

My three year old grandaughter loves 'Going on a bear hunt' too. She has loved the Mog books (as did her mother at that age) so much so that she renamed their own cat 'Mog' over a year ago. It is the only name the cat goes by now.

'Dear Zoo' is an oldie but goodie. My twin grandsons would shout in stereo 'send it back' as I read each page that revealed yet another unsuitable pet had been sent to the child. Now my grandaughters have a copy.

Going on a Bear Hunt is lovely for three year olds and it comes with its own song.
He'll probably tell you if he wants to stop the story and look at something. I'm sure he'll want to look at the pictures for a while.

The Singing Mermaid, which I received as a freebie fron Gransnet, is a lovely book, nicely illustrated, and all in rhyme. My little grandson loves it.

Thank you all - I feel very reassured and will be spending a happy afternoon at the bookshop looking through all your suggestions

Miffy Books are good for the very young simple tales about a baby rabbit. DD loved the Little Gingerbread man for the repetition in it.

For a three yr old. Judith Kerr's. Mog the cat books (now the late Mog who gently died peacefully in her sleep in the book as pets do.) and The Tiger who came to Tea. totally surreal but fun.
I would love to sit and read but DGs is at the stage of just wanting to chew any books that come near.

Sit close enough to have a cuddle at the same time and also then you will be able to both see the book. A book without too much reading on each page - a couple of lines and also interesting pictures with details. One I loved both with DGC s but also went down well with the reception class was 'The Owl Babies' repeated lines which they can join in with. If they really enjoy the story be prepared to have to read it again.
I am sure you will both enjoy the experience immensely.

Oh thank you Gillybob I will.

I am very out of practice but I realise that actually he is probably old enough to tell me if he wants me to do it differently

I think it is simply a case of choosing the right books, kalinka. There are some fantastic ones around at the minute, some brand new and some classics that have delighted children through generations. At three your grandson will be able to follow a simple story and even ask questions about it too. My grandchildren love me to "do the voices" which I think helps make the book come to life for them, but I really don't think there is a right way or wrong way to do it. Just try to enjoy it yourself and he will too I am sure.

You should look out on Gransnet for some children's book "freebies". I have been lucky to get two over the past few months and they have both proved very popular with my three.