The Joy of Storytime: Books That Spark Language, Laughter & Imagination

As a parent, one of my absolute favourite things to do is sit down with my children and a good book, especially when it’s one they’ve chosen (for the hundredth time!) and can’t wait to dive into again.

Some books become part of the fabric of family life. In our house, the You Choose series, Oi Frog! books and I Say Oh, You Say No are firm favourites. They’ve been read, re-read, acted out, giggled over, and even quietly explored alone or with each other. It’s those moments, when I find them deep in their own imaginary world or rolling around laughing over a silly page, that remind me just how powerful books can be for young children.

And the best part? While they’re having fun, they’re also learning to express themselves, grow their vocabulary, build confidence and spark creativity.

Here’s why these books are so special (and why we keep coming back to them):

You Choose by Pippa Goodhart & Nick Sharratt

These books are pure imagination fuel. Every page is packed with colourful choices “Where would you live?”, “What would you wear?”, “Who would you take with you?” inviting your child to create their own story.

Why we love it:

• It gives children ownership of the story. There’s no “right” answer.

• It opens up so much conversation: we talk, explain, imagine, and often end up acting out whole adventures after reading.

• It’s different every time. My kids love picking something new each time we look at it.

After reading you could ask your child to draw or build part of the world they created. Or let them “read” the book to you, their version will be delightfully unique!

Oi Frog! by Kes Gray & Jim Field

This rhyming series is clever, funny, and packed with playful language. Animals sit on objects that rhyme with them.... frogs on logs, cats on mats. Until the whole thing unravels in the silliest way possible.

Why we love it:

• The rhymes are irresistible, great for early phonics and predicting sounds.

• It’s so funny! The rhythm and wordplay get big laughs. This is one of my husband's favourites too and I often hear them all giggling at it together!

• It encourages kids to make up their own silly rhymes ......“What would a yak sit on?”

Why not try and pause before the rhyme word and see if your child can guess it? Even better, let them make up their own “Oi!” book at home.

I Say Oh, You Say No by John Kane

This one is pure joy. It’s silly, interactive, and designed to be read with your child, not just to them. There are rules: “When I say OH, you say NO” and the results are hilarious.

Why we love it:

• It turns reading into a game, with shouts, laughter and full-body engagement.

• It’s brilliant for building turn-taking, listening and language.

• Honestly? The giggle from my little boy when we read this is one of my favourite sounds in the world!! Silly humour hooks them instantly!

When you read it again, let your child take the lead. They’ll love being the one who “knows the rules” and watching you follow along.

Why books like these matter

Aside from being fun (which is reason enough), books like these help children:

• Build language: through new words, repetition, and conversation

• Grow imagination: by creating their own characters, adventures, and outcomes

• Express themselves: through choices, predictions, and storytelling

• Connect: not just to the story, but to you. The shared joy of reading is powerful.

  
  

If I could give one piece of advice to any parent of a little one, it would be this: read together often. Not because you should, but because it is FUN! Let your child lead. Be silly. Ask questions. Make up endings. Follow their imagination wherever it goes.

These moments, the ones filled with laughter, wide eyes, and “Again! Again!”, are where language grows, confidence blossoms, and lifelong readers are born.