**Parents Pass Down Beloved Childhood Books to Next Generation**
Parents across the country are embracing nostalgia by reintroducing their favourite childhood books to their own children. Classics such as *The Very Hungry Caterpillar* by Eric Carle, *Dear Zoo* by Rod Campbell, and *Elmer* by David McKee are making a comeback, with parents making sure that their little ones get to experience the stories that once captured their imaginations.
A recent survey of 2,000 parents with preschool-aged children revealed that 58 per cent of them have a curated list of books they are eager for their children to explore, including the tales that held a special place in their hearts during their own childhood. The findings reflect a strong desire among parents to share the joy and magic of these timeless stories with their young ones.
Childcare organisation Busy Bees has taken note of this trend and compiled a ‘top 40 books’ list to assist parents in choosing engaging and enriching reading material for their children. This initiative aligns with the launch of Busy Bees’ innovative ‘Bee Curious’ curriculum, designed to foster a passion for learning in children through interactive play and storytelling methods.
Gill Jones MBE, the group chief quality officer at Busy Bees, emphasised the significance of storytelling in children’s development, underscoring its role in expanding their worldviews and enhancing communication skills. She highlighted the research findings as a testament to the pivotal role storytelling plays in children’s formative years and beyond, with parents recognising its invaluable contribution to early learning.
Bedtime remains a popular time for parents to engage in reading sessions with their children, with four in 10 parents reading to their youngsters both during the day and before bedtime. On average, parents dedicate 21 minutes per day to reading to their children, an activity cherished by 97 per cent of respondents for its educational value and its role in strengthening the parent-child bond.
The survey also unveiled that 72 per cent of parents observe their children developing a fondness for particular books, often requesting repeated readings of their favourites. While this repetition aids in language development, it can evoke mixed feelings among parents, with 27 percent enjoying the ritual while nearly half admit to occasionally skipping sections to expedite the reading process.
For parents seeking fresh storytelling options, 35 per cent find it a challenge to discover new stories for their children. To address this hurdle, Busy Bees has introduced a ‘book-u-lator’ tool to help parents in selecting diverse reading material beyond the traditional classics. Gill expressed hope that this resource would offer inspiration to parents seeking to broaden their children’s literary horizons.
In conclusion, the resurgence of beloved childhood books exemplifies the enduring appeal of timeless stories and the enduring tradition of passing down literary treasures from one generation to the next. As parents continue to cultivate a love for reading in their children, these cherished books serve as a bridge connecting the past with the present, creating moments of joy, learning, and shared experiences that will last a lifetime.